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September 14th Newsflash

Hello Families!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! We have another busy week ahead with Goal Setting Conferences and a few important reminders. Please take a moment to check out what's happening this week. 

Early Dismissal 

Friday, September 18th 

Please remember that we will have Early Dismissal this Friday at 11:30 for Goal Setting Conferences.

Goal Setting Conferences

Goal Setting Conferences are happening this week and next week! I look forward to meeting with everyone and having the opportunity to talk about your child's goals and how we can work together to support their success this school year.

Here is the link in case you have not signed up yet. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-65338340-msjulias

Homework

Math: Students will complete Math Review Packet Days 16–20 this week.

IXL Math Homework will officially begin Monday, September 21st!
Details about IXL and our new homework routine will be emailed to families and sent home with students this week, so please be on the lookout!

Reading: Students should continue reading for 20 minutes each day.

Spelling: Please practice and study spelling words with your child throughout the week so they are prepared for their spelling test on Friday.

Seesaw

Don't forget to check out the Seesaw app! Throughout the week, you can find fun pictures of your child working, learning, and participating in activities around the classroom. 

Click on the link below if you have not already signed up for Seesaw. https://app.seesaw.me/s/035-987-462 

Thank You!

A HUGE thank you to the Lim and Cooper families for helping get our class garden set up last week! We greatly appreciate your generosity! 

 

That's all I have for now! Have a lovely week!!! 

September 8th Newsflash

Happy Tuesday, Families!

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend! We have a few important reminders and updates for this week. Please take a moment to read through our Newsflash. 

Early Dismissal – Friday, September 11th

We will have Early Dismissal this Friday, September 11th, 11:30am for Staff Professional Development. There will be NO CIRCLE. 

 

Pizza Friday Snack

A BIG thank you to the Pappas Family for providing our Pizza Friday snacks last week! We really appreciate you! 

 

Math Homework

Lessons 12 is due Wednesday.

Students should also complete Review Days 11–15 this week.

Math Answer Keys

IXL Math Homework is Coming!
We will begin our new online math homework using IXL the week of September 21st. Please be on the lookout for more information within the next week. I will send all of the details by email and as a hard copy so everyone knows exactly what to expect.

Reading

Students should continue reading for at least 20 minutes each day.

Once your child finishes their Free Choice book, please remind them to let me know so they can sign up to give their Book Talk. There is no project required for Book Talks. Students just need to be prepared to share and talk about the book they read.

Spelling

Please continue practicing spelling words with your child throughout the week so they are prepared for their Spelling Test on Friday.

 

Goal Setting Conferences

Goal Setting Conferences are set to begin next week, September 15th. 

Link to Sign Up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-65338340-msjulias

 

Seesaw

This week you will receive an invitation to join Seesaw! Once you do, please accept the invitation so you will have access to view your child's work. I am so excited to start using this as a way to share special moments of your child throughout their day in our classroom.

Only you will be able to see the pictures that your child are in; this is not a public sharing platform.

Click on the link below if you have not already signed up for Seesaw. 

 

That's all I have for now! 

Have a lovely week!

August 31st Newsflash

Hello Families, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I wanted to just give you a look into this week's Class Happenings!!!

Catch-Up Week

This week will be a Catch-Up Week for our class!  I like to use this time to give students the opportunity to complete any unfinished work from the previous weeks and make sure they are feeling caught up and on track.

Students who are current with their work will have the opportunity to choose projects or topics they would like to dive a little deeper into, enjoy cooking/baking and/or art activities, as well as find ways to help and volunteer around our campus. These are great times to explore their interests and find fun but meaningful ways to contribute to our school community.

Students will still be receiving lessons throughout the week, but we will also be using this time to get caught up so that we can start fresh after Labor Day!!

Weekend Work

Any students still behind on work by the end of this school week will be sent home with work to be completed and returned following the Labor Day Weekend. Missing work and any needed notes or instructions will be brought home through their communication folder, along with the current homework folder. If your child brought work home, they will also given a small slip that will need to be signed and returned. 

 Please keep in mind that some of the work they brought home may look a little different from the exact assignment they were working on in class. Because we use a variety of hands-on materials in our classroom, I will sometimes need to send home a different version that allows them to practice or complete the same skill at home.

I encourage students who are a little behind to bring some work home so they can get caught up without feeling overwhelmed the next week. Although this week is our Catch-Up Week, students are still receiving lessons and working on some larger projects in class. My goal is for Catch-Up Week to help students feel more organized and successful, not to make them feel like they have an overwhelming amount of work to complete.

Labor Day

No School, Monday, September 7th 

Homework

  • Math: Review Packet, Days 6-10
  • Reading: 20 minutes of daily reading. Our August genre is Free Choice. Once your child has completed their book, please let me know so that they may give a 5–10 minute book talk to the class. No project is necessary.
  • Spelling: Please practice with your child so that they are ready for their spelling test by Friday.
 
Math Answer Keys
 

Pizza Friday + Field Trips

Pizza Friday starts this Friday, September 4th.

If you have not paid yet and would like for your child to participate in Pizza Friday, please make sure a half or full payment is made ASAP. I am still missing payment from nearly half the class. 

You may pay by:

  • Cash
  • Venmo: @Jschamko
  • Check made payable to Julia Schamko 

I am also missing over half of the class's signed field trip permission slips. Even if you are unable to chaperone, you must still return the signed slip for your child to participate in any field trips this year. I still have several copies of the form if needed. Simply email myself or have your child request one during the school day to be sent home. Our first field trip is November 11th - please do your best to get their signed slip to me prior to this date. 

 
 

Goal Setting Conferences

Please click on the link below to sign up for the Goal setting conference, if you haven't done so already. 
 
 
This is all I have for now!! Have a lovely week!!!

August 24th Newsflash

Hello Parents!

I hope everyone is doing well! Here is our news for the week.

Homework

  • Math: Review Packet, Days 1–5
  • Reading: 20 minutes of daily reading. Our August genre is Free Choice. Once your child has completed their book, please let me know so that they may give a 5–10 minute book talk to the class. No project is necessary.
  • Spelling: Please practice with your child so that they are ready for their spelling test by Friday.
Math Answer Keys
 

Pizza Friday

If you would like for your child to participate in Pizza Friday, please make sure a half or full payment is made by Friday, August 28th.

You may pay by:

  • Cash
  • Venmo: @Jschamko
  • Check made payable to Julia Schamko

Pizza Friday will begin Friday, September 4th.

 

Permission Slips

A permission slip was included in the Parent Orientation folder. It includes the field trips we have planned so far for this school year.

Please make sure to sign the permission slip and return it in your child’s homework folder.

If you are able to chaperone any of our planned field trips, please make sure to indicate that on the permission slip and let me know how many students you are able to drive.

Any additional field trips that we organize throughout the school year will have a separate permission slip.

Q&A

I read all the Parent Questionnaires that were turned into me and I took the questions parents asked and decided to make a Q&A form that will hopefully answer any questions that parents may have in regard to their child and/or the classroom. Please click on the link to read the responses to those questions. 
 

Goal Setting Conferences

I have sent out the sign-up for Goal Setting Conferences, that will be taking place mid-September. Please click on the link below to sign up for the Goal setting conference, if you haven't done so already. 
 

August Lessons 

Language/Grammar

  • Prefixes and suffixes
  • Commas
  • Personification
  • Types of sentences
  • Simple and compound sentences
  • 4th Grade: Sentence analysis — subjects, predicates, direct objects, and indirect objects
  • 5th & 6th Grade: Sentence analysis and prepositional phrases

Reading

  • Novel Study Read-Aloud: Giver

Writing

  • Editing and proofreading
  • Introductions and topic sentences

Math

  • 4th Grade: Checkerboard — multiplication with a 1-digit multiplier
  • 5th Grade: Factors — prime and composite numbers
  • 6th Grade: Factor Trees — greatest common factors

Geometry

  • All: Types of lines
  • 4th Grade: Angles
  • 5th Grade: Measuring angles
  • 6th Grade: Sum of angles — triangles

Science

  • The Big Bang
  • Lava to Life
  • Beginning study of the human body

Geography

  • Types of maps — basic introduction

Thank you for reading - have a lovely week!!!

August 19th Newsflash

It was such a pleasure seeing the work each of the students put into their Book Talks last week. I want to thank each and every one of my parents who helped their child keep up with homework over the summer! I'm already impressed by the students' eagerness to get back to work and be involved in lessons. 

Thank you, also, to all my parents who attended Parent Orientation last week. If you were unable to make it, please let me know and I can send home the parent packet with your child. Inside is important info regarding Villa, the classroom, and our curriculum plan for this year. It also includes permission slips and Pizza Friday forms. 

For those of you who have sent back Parent Surveys, I will be including a Q&A portion in my next Newsflash answering any questions you may have listed on that form. (If it is an individual question concerning your child, please expect an email within the next week of my response.) If you haven’t had a chance to turn in your survey yet, please do so when you can. Your responses help me get to know your child better and understand how I can best support them throughout the school year.

Class Happenings

Students are off to a great start!  Last week, we focused on learning our classroom routines, procedures, and expectations, along with a few mini-lessons and assessments. This week, we will begin more lessons while finishing up assessments so I can make sure each student is placed in appropriate groups for weekly lessons. 

 

Homework

Math: Review Packet (Mon-Fri will be due DAILY this week). Students should be completing 1 lesson a night and turning it in daily.

I was informed that the QR code was not working so I have the answer key links posted below.  

4th Grade Answer Key:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kVJ-7qrfOdRLGrfsT-ZiSmC93f6NHCbR/view?usp=sharing

5th Grade Answer Key: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k3Qy7a_yn0BRTioBACVaAve0kVELrrGK/view?usp=sharing

6th Grade Answer Key: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1amYJsVshutiQz0aJKwH76iFQL53zuV1N/view?usp=sharing

Reading: 20min daily reading. When your child completes their book, I ask that they inform me so that they may give a book talk. 

August Genre: Free Choice

Spelling: Spelling will begin NEXT week! Your child will bring home a spelling list to practice throughout the week. Please encourage your child to spend a little time each day reviewing their words, so they feel confident and prepared for their weekly spelling test that will be given every Friday.

Developing strong study habits and learning to complete and turn in assignments on time are important skills we want to help our students build. I have already begun Study Hall for students who have not completed their homework, giving them additional time and support to get caught up and stay on track.

If you would prefer for your child to opt out of Study Hall for missed homework, please email Christy Cantu at [email protected] with your reason for opting out and the plan you will have in place at home to help your child stay on track with their daily homework.

Our goal is always to work together to help students develop responsibility and positive habits that will support their success throughout the school year.

Enrichments

You will be receiving an email with a link to sign-up for the classes. E2 Enrichment Registration opens this Wednesday, August 19th at 7pm.  All registration forms need to be completed online.

Pizza Friday

Pizza Friday will start Friday, September 4th. If your child is interested in participating in pizza Friday, please make sure that either a half or full payment is turned in by Friday, August 28th. 

This is all I have for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!!

August 12th Newsflash

What an amazing start to the school year! I was so impressed with the students' participation, positive attitudes, and note taking skills as we have eased into the daily work cycle. I am incredibly excited for the year ahead and can't wait to see all that we will learn and accomplish together!
 
Below are a few reminders for the week. 

Please make sure your child brings the following daily...

  • Water bottle
  • Lunchbox / Snack
  • Communication Folder

Homework

Math - Students will receive their first homework packet this Friday, August 14. Student should complete one lesson each night. Students will begin with the Basic Math Facts & Calculation Review packet located in the side pocket of their homework folder. Once that packet is finished, they will move on to the Rev-Up packet.
 
Reading- 20 min Daily reading
Book Genre for August is Free choice 
(A book talk will be required once your child completes their August free choice book - these will continue monthly as we rotate through genres)
 

Parent Orientation- Thursday, August 13th 6:30-7:30pm

Parents, it is important that you attend the parent orientation so that you can get to know me a little better along with the expectations for this year. This is the one night where I will go over procedures, expectations and is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this meeting.
 
*I have emailed each of you a copy of the orientation packet with my last newsletter, however I will have physical copies available at orientation as well. Please bring any signed permission slips/Pizza Friday forms with you if they have been filled out!
 

Enrichment Fair- Friday, August 14th

Your child will participate in an enrichment fair on Friday, where they will get to hear about any cool and fun after school enrichments, they can sign up for. Please be on the lookout for details on the different enrichments that will be available for you to sign your child up for.
 
That's all for now. Cheers to the first week of school almost wrapped up!!!

August 6th Newsflash

Hello Everyone!!! We are so excited to start this new school year and I just wanted to send a few reminders to get us off to a good start...

 

Open House- Tomorrow, Friday, August 7th 

Please attend our Open House tomorrow any time between 1-2pm. This is a great way to mingle with fellow classmates while getting a head start on organizing your school supplies. 
 

First Day of School- Monday, August 10th

When students arrive they can set their items either on a hook or on the front ODE table and then they can go play until 8:30am
 

Homework- Monday, August 10th

Summer homework will be collected first thing on the morning of the first day of school. If any portion of the assignment is incomplete, students will be expected to continue working on it at home or during study hall until it is finished.
 
Math- Summer Math Folder
 
Reading- Complete 1 Book report project (Be ready to give a book talk the first day of school) Click on the link below for the Book Talk Rubric
 
Book Talk Rubric
 
 
Writing- Complete 2 Writing Topics of your choice from the writing packet ( No specific length requirement, focus on having a strong beginning/middle/end)
 

Parent Orientation- Thursday, August 13th 6:30-7:30pm

Parents, it is important that you attend the parent orientation so that you can get to know me a little better along with the expectations for this year. This is the one night where I will go over procedures, expectations and is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this meeting.

 

Enrichment Fair- Friday, August 14th

Your child will participate in an enrichment fair on Friday, where they will get to hear about any cool and fun after school enrichments, they can sign up for. Please be on the lookout for details on the different enrichments that will be available for you to sign your child up for.
 

Classroom Links - Ways to Help

Below are links available to sign up for Volunteering - any way you are able to contribute help to our classroom is greatly appreciated! 
 

 

I am beyond excited to see each of you!! This is going to be a wonderful school year filled with learning, laughter, growth and new adventures. Together, we'll encourage one another, challenge ourselves, and create a classroom community where everyone feels supported, valued, and inspired. See you all very soon :)

July 22nd Newsflash

Welcome Back to a New School Year!

Hello, Class 207 families!

I hope you have all had a fun, relaxing, and memorable summer! I can't believe the new school year is almost here, and I am so excited to welcome everyone back. I have been busy in Boston at training preparing for the year ahead, and I can't wait to see all of my returning students and meet my new ones!

As we get ready for the first day of school, I wanted to send a quick newsflash with a few reminders and important dates to help your child feel confident and prepared for a fantastic start to the year.

Summer Homework

I hope your child has been able to set aside a little time this summer to work on their summer assignments.

Math:
Summer math packets will be collected on the first day of school.

Writing:
Students should choose two writing prompts from the summer writing packet. I'm not focusing on a specific length; instead, I'd like students to concentrate on writing with a strong beginning, middle, and end. These assignments are simply meant to encourage creativity and help students organize and express their thoughts through writing.

Reading:
Your child may have read several books over the summer, but they only need to complete one book report project. The book report packet includes several project ideas, but if your child would like to create their own project that's not listed, they are absolutely welcome to do so!

During the first week of school, each student will give a Book Talk to the class, on the book they chose to do their book report project on. This is a fun way for students to share a book they truly enjoyed reading over summer break with their classmates.

Their Book Talk should be approximately 5–10 minutes and include:

  • A brief introduction to the main characters and setting.

  • A summary of the story, including about three important events (without giving away the ending!).

  • A favorite passage from the book (just a few sentences or up to one short paragraph) along with an explanation of why they chose it.

  • A recommendation of who they think would enjoy the book.

  • A fun book rating (5 out of 5 stars, 10/10, two thumbs up, etc.)

Please set your child up for success with making sure they complete their summer homework by the first day of school. If any summer assignments are not finished by the first day of school, students will continue working on them during the first week of school at home or possibly in study hall until they are completed.
 

Parent Survey

It is important to me that I am able to support your child the best way possible throughout this school year. Please fill out the following Parent Survey and return it to me by the first week of school. Knowing any important information or expectations you may have this year regarding your child will be extremely helpful to me in helping to make your child's school year as successful as possible.
 

 Important Dates

The first couple of weeks of school can be busy, here are some important dates for the month of August to put on your calendar. 
 

Friday, August 7th -1:00–2:00 PM – Open House
Everyone is welcome! This is a wonderful opportunity to:

  • Meet my new assistant and myself.

  • Visit with classmates and families.

  • Bring in and organize school supplies.

  • Get comfortable with the classroom before the first day of school.

Monday, August 10th- First Day of School!

We are so excited to welcome everyone back!

Thursday, August 13- 6:30–7:30 PM – Parent Orientation

This is an important evening where we'll share everything you can expect throughout the school year, including classroom routines, curriculum, communication, volunteer opportunities, and ways we can partner together to help your child have a successful year.

Friday, August 28th- Pizza Friday Payment Due

Your option of a full payment of $150 or half payment of $75

 Helpful Links

I've included the following links for:

Pizza Friday Letter
 

Pizza Friday Snack 

Classroom Wish List

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-64843998-julias

Volunteer Opportunities

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-64848496-volunteer

Parent Volunteer Waivers & Forms

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FORMS

 
If you're interested in helping out in any way, please feel free to sign up for anything that works for your family. Your support helps make our classroom such a special place, and I truly appreciate it!

Thank you for all you do to support our classroom community. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of your child's educational journey, and I look forward to a new year filled with learning, laughter, growth, and wonderful memories together.

Enjoy these last few days of summer, and I'll see you all very soon!

May 22nd Newsflash

Hello Parents, as the beginning of summer break is among us please make sure your child takes time to complete their summer homework as it will be due the first day of school. 
 
Summer homework packets for this year's current 4th and 5th graders were passed out at school but if your child needs an additional copy, please find the summer homework link attached. 
 
As the middle school completes math placements, your 6th grader's summer math practice work will be emailed to you within the next week, so please keep a look out for an email from the middle school.
 
 
I will be updating this newsflash periodically throughout the summer with any reminders and/or information you might need. 
 
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need anything at [email protected].
Please enjoy your summer break and I will see you all in August.