Week of 10/28

This week the Leslie Science and Nature Center will be visiting our classroom for a program on flight adaptations.  Be sure to ask your child about this exciting program!

November 5th--No School for Students

Field Trips
Ms. Faison and I have been working hard to plan a year of exciting field trips.  I think the kids will enjoy them.

November--Leslie Science and Nature Center--Adaptations in Flight (at Mitchell)
December-- Hands on Museum (Math)
                     Leslie Science and Nature Center--Human Impacts (at Mitchell)
January--Planetarium
February--Leslie Science and Nature Center--Biomes (at LSNC)
April--826 Michigan--Poetry
            Native American Presentation (at Mitchell)
May--Scarlett Mitchell Pond
June--3rd grade picnic

Animal Adaptations and Survival

In Science we have begun studying habitats and what each animal needs to survive in their habitat.  We learned that animals need food, water, shelter, and space.  We also have learned that we can make predictions about the kinds of food an animal will eat based on characteristics of their body. 

 Which "beak" works best if your food source is wood grubs?

 A "beak" that rips and tears works best to get the "meat" off the "bone".

 We studied different beak shapes...

 ...and recorded our findings.

 How do hummingbirds get nectar from flowers?

What characteristics will help a bird eat plants and insects in the water?

We'll continue learning about animal adaptations when the Leslie Science and Nature Center visits on Friday with a raptor to teach us about flight adaptations.

Week of October 14th

MEAP
Our final day of MEAP Assessment is this Tuesday 10/15.  Students will complete the math portion of the assessment.  Please help your child do their best by ensuring they have a good night's sleep and a good breakfast that day.  It's also important for students to arrive on time on Tuesday so we can start our assessment promptly.

Mitchell Fun Run
This Friday is the Mitchell Fun Run.  This is a PTO fundraiser to raise money to support your child's field trips.  If you have not yet returned the pledge form please do so promptly.  We will be participating in the Fun Run from 10:20-11.  Parent volunteers are welcome.

Parent Teacher Conferences
The first evening of Parent Teacher Conferences if this Wednesday, 10/16.  If you are unsure of your conference time or are no longer able to make it, please contact me as soon as possible to reschedule.  I look forward to talking with you about your child and value the time we can spend together in conversation around your child's learning.

Parent Teacher Conference Schedule

If, for any reason, you are no longer available during your child’s conference time please call 997-1216 or email padgensa@aaps.k12.mi.us to reschedule.  I look forward to conferences and value the time I am able to talk with you about your child’s learning!

Week of October 7th

We have been preparing for the MEAP over the last few weeks.  We will take the MEAP test for reading on October 8th and 9th and math on October 15th.  To prepare we reviewed test-taking strategies and practiced test questions to help students feel comfortable and familiar with the test.  Please make sure your child is on time during testing days.  If your child is absent for any MEAP test, we will schedule a make-up time during the school day. 

Help your child prepare for the MEAP by making sure they are doing their math homework and reading each night.  Review the practice materials that will be sent home.  Please also talk with your child about the importance of always doing their best to show what they know!  Finally, please make sure they get enough sleep each night and eat a healthy breakfast.