News for the Week of September 14, 2015

Life Skill:  Cooperation

Quote:  Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.

Captain's Table of Star Students

(STAR = Stop, Think, Act Responsibly)

                                                   Student                     Life Skill                           

1st Grade LA                          Emmersynn               Responsibility
1st Grade Math                            Kylee                          Effort
                             

2nd Grade LA                             Zachary                  Perseverance
2nd Grade Math                           Jany                           Effort       

3rd Grade LA                            Samantha                Perseverance
                                                     Alaina                    Perseverance
3rd Grade Math                         Isabella                   Responsibility 

4th Grade LA                             Olivia C.                     Curiosity
4th Grade Math                           Owen                     Responsibility 

This Week In HA...

On Monday, all of the grades began completing the LA pre-assessments.  Please reassure your child that grades are not being taken on this assessment.  This assessment allows me to determine what your child currently knows and will be utilized as a part of planning the lessons to be taught during HA LA this school year, as the curriculum is specifically designed for high ability learners.  Each grade has a separate focus and aligns with the following ideas:

      1st - Signs and Symbols:  Connections for Making Meaning
      
      2nd - Connections of the Heart

      3rd - The Changing Faces of Story

      4th - Change:  Making a Difference

On Tuesday, this week in all of the grades, the students completed "Getting to Know You" activities. We were able to work on our presentation skills by compiling a list of information about ourselves and then getting up in front of the class to talk about ourselves.  Through these activities, we were able to get to know each other better and learned about the differences and commonalities we share with each other. 

I have also introduced the "Word of the Day" to the students.  The words of the day for this week were ponder and collaborate.  Ask your child to define these words for you.  If he/she is unable to do so, have your child look them up in the dictionary.      

                                                    

On Wednesday in HA math, all of the grades began completing a pre-assessment measure.  Please reassure your child that grades are not being taken on this assessment.  The assessment allows me to determine what your child currently knows and will be utilized as a part of planning the lessons to be taught during HA Math this school year.  

On Thursday, all of the grades completed "Getting to Know You" activities.  Therefore, we played Getting to Know You BINGO and Fact or Fib.  These were fun ways to get to know each other.  

I hope everyone has time to relax and enjoy whatever comes your way this weekend as we have worked very hard this week!

Melissa Valtierra
High Ability Aide
Bailly Elementary School