Welcome to mid-February!!

I don't know about you, but time is flying by quickly and so many wonderful things are happening that my head, and the children's heads, are often spinning. But we're working hard on getting organized and motivated - with a little tough love added for free :)

BIG, BIG THANK YOU TO MY STUDENTS: I have to send out a HUGE thank you to the kids because they have been instrumental in helping me find my way in determining the best ways that we can all be successful. We had a wonderful conversation Monday that has helped shape the way lessons and projects are planned. As you  may know, I spent the last 22 years teaching middle school math, so this is a brand new endeavor. Your children are the most amazing kids and they have taught me so much - and remind me, on a daily basis, why I am a teacher.

On that note, here's what's going on this week:
Tuesday & Wednesday: English Language Arts lessons and work periods. We will be focusing on two primary topics: dialogue and point of view.
Thursday & Friday: Social Studies: We will start Chapter 9 this week (South America). Instead of answering questions for the sections, we are going to practice outlining and will do most of the work together as a class.

Ms. Gloria: I am more than happy to share with you that my mom-in-law, Ms. Gloria, has been volunteering 3 afternoons a week in our classroom. She has had a lot of Ellis experience, having worked in the library for years w/ Ms. Rebecca and helping out with the Book Fairs. Her experience is invaluable and is allowing more children to get the individual or small group help that they need for optimum success.

PowerSchool: Parents and families, PLEASE go by the front office to get your log-in for PowerSchool if you have not done so yet. It is the easiest way for you and your child to keep up with what is going on in class. For the many parents that are connected, THANK YOU! And an even bigger THANK YOU for those of you who have shared your password with your child so they can check on themselves! Way to go!!
**Students that have zeroes in PowerSchool are responsible for completing that work on their own time. They will have the option of staying after school on Thursday until 4:15 if they need assistance.

FRIDAY:

• Class pictures ($10) - free dress down for the students 
• Father - Daughter Dance (see Ellis webpage for details)