Just as the wind is swirling outside, the Media Center has been filled with a whirlwind of activity as well during the month of February.  Students in all grade levels have been researching science project ideas to find just the right experiment about which to hypothesize. 

   All classes have been working on lessons to supplement their classroom reading and language arts skills.  Third graders practiced using the thesaurus by looking up Valentine’s Day related words such as love, heart, and sweet.  We learned how to turn a “vanilla paragraph” into a vanilla with hot fudge, sprinkles, nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top paragraph. J  They’ve also been enjoying using our clicker response pads to practice reading questions that cover a variety of skills including comprehension, vocabulary, drawing conclusions, predictions, and alphabetical order. 

   Fourth graders practiced using an almanac by looking up facts about earthquakes, recycling, tornadoes, flu, and tropical rain forests.  We’ve also done some work on learning how to answer questions by inferencing and drawing conclusions.  Fourth graders will close out this month by learning about the three purposes for which authors write: persuade, inform, or entertain.

    Fifth graders have also practiced learning about author’s purpose.  We will be reviewing that skill along with literary elements as February closes (plot, setting, theme, conflict, and resolution).  Additionally, I’d like to encourage you to quiz your child (in all grade levels) on The 12 Powerful Words.  These are the twelve words most often misunderstood by students on test directions and questions.  You can find a list of the words and their definitions on the Parent Information page of our website.

    We will be honoring Dr. Seuss on Friday, March 5.  He was born on March 2, 1904.  Each year millions of children and adults across the United States participate in a celebration of his life and accomplishments in the area of children’s literature.  He contributed significantly over the course of his lifetime to promote the love of reading for young and old alike.  On that day students may wear their tall, striped hats and any other Dr. Seuss related character clothing.  We are calling it “The Seuss Switch,” and it will take place from 1:35 – 3:10.  Each team of grade level teachers will be planning a variety of Seuss activities with assistance from our special programs teachers and support staff.  Students will switch activities every 15-30 minutes and rotate so that every class will enjoy an assortment of fun games, stories, and surprises. 

     I’d like to remind all parents and guardians that we have a Parent Resource section in the Media Center.  It has books, cassette tapes, and videos related to parenting, discipline, and children’s learning styles.  You are welcome to come and check out any of these great resources. 

     As we approach the last nine weeks of school, students should be aware of the school wide AR incentive in which they have the opportunity to participate.  Students that reach their AR goal (with an 85% average or higher on tests) during at least two of the last three nine week periods will qualify to attend an end-of-the-year beach party on May 21.  Please join us in encouraging your child to work for this fun challenge.

     As we approach March, thoughts of spring are floating inside my head…things that seem dead suddenly come to life once again with the promise of new beauty.  Books are much the same way.  I like the way Lawrence Clark Powell put it: “Unless their use by readers bring them to life, books are indeed dead things.”  Make books come to life this spring…read lots of them.  You’ll make them as well as YOU come alive!