February 1, 2012
Dear Parents/Guardians of Sioux Valley Elementary,
Happy February 1 which is the 100th day of school! We are looking forward to many exciting activities this month and with this being leap year, we even have one extra day. Please note that we do not have school on Monday, February 20, 2012 due to President’s Day.
Thank you for attending the presentation on bullying. We did have a contest in order to promote parental participation. We have decided that all students whose parents came that evening and signed up will be able to skate. The elementary students will skate on Friday, February 10 in the morning. Watch for a note with details. Please know that it will not be all students, but rather those whose parents attended the entire presentation.
Plans are underway for a Growth and Development Class for 4th and 5th graders on the evening of February 21 beginning at 6:00 PM. The boys and their parents will meet in the library while the girls and their parents will meet in the elementary computer lab. We appreciate the nurses who will lead this educational opportunity for our students.
We are in the planning stages for Kindergarten Screening which will be held on February 23. We always look forward to that day. We forget how little these 5 year olds look at the screening. We also are happy to have them participate because they are so excited about joining our school. There will be notices in the newspapers, but if you know of a potential kindergarten student, please let them know.
It has been an unusually mild winter. Please remind your students that winter gear is expected to be brought to school in case the weather changes during the day. Also, since it is wet on the playground, please send boots and an extra pair of tennis shoes if your students have more than one pair of tennis shoes.
Grades 3, 4, and 5 have started mini lessons with math concepts and what we call test prep with the students. We have students divided into groups and we work with them on test taking skills such as use of the calculator; looking for key words in story problems; determining the best answer; and using the bubble sheets for answer sheets. All teachers in grades 3-5 are involved in addition to Mrs. Quail, Mrs. McGeough, and Mr. Books who is working as an administrative intern with Mrs. McGeough. You may see some practice tests coming home. These are our practice sessions with our students and you will be able to notice some of the concepts being reviewed.
Our staff continues to work on Core Standards training and assessment. In addition, there are new opportunities with Accelerated Reader. Of course, Valentine Day parties will be on February 14. That is always a special day for elementary students. Watch for notes for grades K-4. The fifth grade teachers have something else planned that is always a treat for the students.
Lastly, the PTO has organized an assembly with Tanya Krevier for this Friday, February 3 at 1:00. Hot chocolate for all students will follow. Parents are certainly welcome.
Sincerely and with smiles,
Mrs. McGeough and Staff