Holiday Bingo

This holiday BINGO card was sent home with students today. It is optional to complete this over the Winter Break. Enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2017!

3D Dioramas of First Nation Villages

After lots of research, cooperation, and team work here are the final products! Students learned about how a specific group of Indigenous peoples lived during the 1700's. Then they worked together to recreate a village that showed different aspects of life at this time.

    This is a Huron Village.

This is an Anishinaabe Village 

 This is the Metis Village

 This is the Inuit Village

This is an Ojibwa Village

Math Update

We have been having fun learning about money in real life situations. Today our classroom became a variety store! Students took turns being customers and cashiers. Tomorrow we will continue learning about money in a similar way. Many students need lots of practise making change. Over the holidays any opportunity to use money in real and play situations is beneficial!

On the December newsletter I wrote that we would be learning about probability this month. I have decided to change that and continue learning about money this week. When school begins in January again we will learn about probability for the first week and then move into learning about linear measurement.

3D Diorama of a First Nation Village!

Today we began an exciting new project in social studies! Students are working in groups to research about what life was like for a particular First Nation group living in Upper Canada during the 1700's. Each student has a special responsibility in their group. Some students are readers, some students are writers, and some students are sketchers. I was impressed with how well each group worked to gather information today. Tomorrow we will continue to research and our next step will be to begin creating these villages in pizza boxes.

The First Nations groups that we are focusing on are:

Inuit
Huron
Ojibwa
Metis
Anishinaabe

Students are becoming "experts" about their particular group by learning about what every day like was like, transportation, food, clothing, location, and other facts.

After the research time today as a class we met on the carpet and discussed where we could get materials to create the dioramas. I am hoping that students can bring some items from home ( not bought from the store).

Some really useful items for our dioramas are:

-toothpicks
-Popsicle sticks
-recycled materials (cleaned out)
-paper items
-cloth

Thank you so much for your support!

Math Update

This week we are learning about money in math class! We have been learning about how coins and bills are related: For example students have been using play money and trying out strategies to solve problems like this:

4 quarters= ______dimes

1 toonie=_______nickels

Two 5 dollar bills=______toonies

We have also been learning about strategies that help us estimate and count money.

Estimating Money:
-look for big coins or bills first (loonies, toonies)
-look for quarters and think about if there are about 4, more than 4, more than 8
-look for dimes and think about if there are more than ten

Counting Money:
-begin with the larger amounts (bills, toonies, loonies)
-make piles of one dollar
-count the smallest coins last

Today we discussed ways to write money amounts. We learned about the meaning of the decimal and talked about how the dollar amount is written on the left side of the decimal and the cents amount is written on the right side of the decimal.

Two Ways to Write Money Amounts

1 cent   $0.01

5 cents $0.05

10 cents $0.10

25 cents $0.25

1 dollar  $ 1.00

2 dollars $2.00

5 dollars $5.00

6 dollars and seven cents       $6.07

twenty five dollars and fifty cents   $25.50

A Note From Parent Council

The Parent Advisory Council will be selling treats this Thursday at 1:00pm in front of the library. All treats are $1.00 and students can choose between chips, chocolate, candy, and juice. All treats are peanut free and will be sold on a first come first serve basis as quantities last. All proceeds will go toward funding necessary items for technology, music, learning commons, and athletics. Thank you for your support. 

Electives Volunteers Needed!

Dear Parents and Families:

We are in need parent volunteers to help with supervision of our Winter Electives at the Aurora Dome on Tuesday, January 10th, and on Monday, January 16th.  Parents will not be supervising a set group of students.  Instead, parents will be supervising a set station alongside school staff, as our students rotate through.  If you are able to assist on both days, please email Mrs. Vian at lindsay.vian@yrdsb.ca.  

Please note that since volunteers will be working with groups of students, they must have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed through the York Region Police well in advance of the trip.  A Vulnerable Sector Check form can be picked up from our school’s office. We will leave the school after attendance both mornings and return by lunch.

Thank you!

New Social Studies Unit

Today we journeyed into the past and began thinking like historians. Together we looked at this picture and discussed our observations and assumptions. I was impressed with all of the different ideas that the students were sharing! Students may wish to look at this picture again with their families and discuss more observations. 

Math Test Friday

This Friday we will have a unit test about 3 digit addition and subtraction. A practise booklet should have come home on Friday. Students were instructed to complete enough so that they feel confident for the test. The word problems page is important as there will be similar problems in the test. Students have been asked to return the practise booklet this Wednesday so that we can discuss solutions before the test.

*Students are invited to see me for extra help this week during recesses if they would like extra support!

Honesty Assembly

Our Pride Assembly for honesty is this Wednesday, November 30th at 11:30. Families are welcome to attend.

Winter Electives

The primary students have an opportunity to participate in 2 days of winter electives in January this year! A note with this information will be sent home tomorrow!

Science Test

We will have a science test about soil this Friday! Students should have brought their blue science folder home today to review this week and return to school on Friday. On the last page in the blue folder there is a page with study tips. Here is a copy of that page. Students can review the big ideas about soil by:

-talking about the big ideas with a family member
-reading their notes in the science folder
-making pictures and diagrams about the big ideas and labeling them.

Soil Test Study Tips!

The test will be this Friday, December 2^nd.

Use your science folder to review the Big Ideas learned in this unit:

• ·        The Types of Soil (sand, humus, gravel, silt, clay, loam)

       *Tip Think about where you might find the different types of soil

• ·        The Layers of Soil (topsoil, subsoil, parent material, rocks)

• ·        What is composting and why is it important?  (think about the

        letters we wrote Mrs. Lacroix)

• ·        What is “in” soil (dead plants, leaves, rotting wood, animal matter, fertilizers, nutrients, etc.)

       Tip* Think about the day we observed the soil

• Erosion (how it is caused naturally and by humans

Gifted Test

The gifted testing will take place in our classroom on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning this week from 9:20 until 10:00 each day. A note describing the testing procedure was sent home a couple of weeks ago. Please keep in mind that this is not a test that can be studied for.

Report Card Envelope

Please return the report card envelopes to school. We would like to reuse the same envelope for the Term One reports in February. Thank you!

Scholastic Book Fair Information

The book fair will be open tonight during parent teacher conferences. Book sales will begin officially for students on Monday, November 28th.  The book fair will be open from 8:30 to 4:00.  The Learning Commons will be open morning recess and at lunch for students with money to buy books.  Students can also come to the Book Fair during Open Library periods.  

There was a book fair flyer sent home this week. In the flyer is a ballot for students to fill out for the chance to win $25 worth of books for themselves and for their teacher. 

A book trivia contest is taking place as well as the Guess How Many Gold Coins in the Treasure Chest contest set up in the display cabinet in the front foyer. 

Indoor Shoes Reminder

With the weather about to change I want to remind all families that students need to have a separate pair of indoor shoes here at school. There are a few students that are still wearing the same pair of shoe inside and outside and our classroom is beginning to show a lot of dirt on the floor and carpet. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

Remembrance Day Assembly

The students in our class did a FABULOUS job listening respectively at our Remembrance Day Assembly today. I am so proud of the students and wanted to share! Have a wonderful weekend!

Math Update

Next Wednesday, November 16th we will have a math quiz about 3 digit addition. I have sent home some practise pages today. I have told the students that it is not necessary to complete everything. Students are encouraged to practise so that they feel confident adding together 3 digit numbers. I have asked students to bring the practise pages back to school on Tuesday.   

Interview Form

A note went home last week that asked families to choose some options for an interview time (interviews are on the evening of November 24th and the morning of the 25th). These forms are due tomorrow. It is important that this form is sent back to school as I am looking forward to meeting with all families to discuss your child's progress. If you need a new interview form please let me know ASAP! 

Soil Observations

Yesterday afternoon our classroom was transformed into a science lab! Students were learning how to make scientific observations about soil. We realized that there are many different types of soils and that there are similarities and differences among the different types. We also learned that different species of insects live in the soil! Today we will explore different types of soil more deeply. Thank you for helping your child collect a soil sample to bring to school! 

   

Movie Night Tomorrow!

Tomorrow night is movie night! If you have not sent in your rsvp form but would really like to come there is still space! Please let me know tomorrow if you would like to come and I will make sure that your name is on the list! Doors open at 6:00pm and the movie will begin at 6:30pm. Any questions please ask. 

Soil Samples

We are learning all about soil! Today students created "theories" that describe what soil is made of and if soil is alive. We are now going to test our theories!

We need lots of soil samples! I have asked students to bring in a soil sample in a ziploc bag if possible. Students should also be able to describe where the soil was taken from (students may want to write this down to remember and be able to explain to the class). I have also asked students to please bring in a glass jar if possible.

This Week's Spelling Words

Students will choose their own spelling words this week! They should have come home with a blank list glued into their books. Students should include any words that they misspelled on previous spelling tests in their lists. If they do not have enough words then they should choose new, more challenging words to learn that follow the same letter pattern that we have been learning about. *These instructions are on the top of the blank list too*

November Newsletter

November Calendar

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is Monday October 31^st!  

I would like to remind parents of a few safety policies and routines that will be happening on that special day.

Students are being asked to bring their costumes or wear orange and black to celebrate Halloween. Costumes should come to school with students and they will be invited to put them on after lunch recess.

Please note students are not allowed to bring weapons or masks that cover their faces as part of their costume.

Our class will not be accepting any food or snacks.

I am looking forward to this fun day! 

Math Update

We will be having a Place Value Unit Test on Thursday. A practise test is coming home today. Students have been instructed to complete this practise test for homework and bring it back to school on Wednesday as we will discuss it.

After School Opportunity!

In one week, Activate Aurora is launching their first ever After School Multi Sport Play Program at Rick Hansen Public School.  Don't miss out on the opportunity for your children to be part of the fun while building variety of skills from throwing to swimming to skating. Registration closes in two days so please follow the link ( https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/42000 ) to register your children.  If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact Erin Hamilton, Multi Sport Play Program Lead at erinhamilton04@gmail.com or 416-553-1431.

 

Science Update

Dear Families,

Next week we will be working on our summative projects that will show how much we learned about plants! Students will choose a plant that they want to learn more about. They will then conduct some research to create an informative brochure about their plant. Here are some ways that you can support your child’s learning:

-ask your child which plant they will learn more about, you can offer suggestions if needed

-help your child gather books (from home, or the local library) and information found on the internet (that you child can read independently) about their plant of choice.

-send in any brochures that you have at home and do not need any more so that we have some examples!

Please know that students will have the opportunity to gather research at school if they do not bring in information

Thank you for your ongoing support!

From Mrs. Gibbs

Spelling Update

Spelling words are now being sent home in the spelling book on Fridays instead of Mondays. It was communicated to me that some students would prefer to have the new words on Fridays so that they may begin learning over the weekend. Spelling tests will still be every Friday! I have been quite impressed with the efforts being made to learn the new words each week. Keep up the great work! Thank you for your support at home.

Math Update

On Wednesday we will have a "mid-unit check in". This is not a unit test, but rather an assessment to determine how students are doing so far in our place value unit. This quiz will be marked and sent home in the portfolio for parents to see. Students have some homework to prepare for this quiz. They should have brought their blue math workbook home tonight. They are working on pages 12-13, and 22-23. Math books should be returned to school complete on Wednesday. Thank you for your support at home.


We have been working on representing numbers using base ten blocks. Often we have to "regroup" the base ten blocks to determine the number being represented. Here are some examples:

Students have different strategies that they use to solve this type of problem.

Here are some riddles to try at home!

I have 29 tens and 23 ones. What number am I?

I have 34 tens and 15 ones. What number am I?

I have 56 tens and 23 ones. What number am I?

Classroom Economy

I am excited to report that today we started a "Classroom Economy". Here is the letter that I shared with the students today:

Dear Class,

Starting today you will get to earn, lose, and spend play money in our classroom economy.

If you perform your job and responsibilities, you will be paid at the end of each week. If you miss your job due to anything but an absence, you will be docked pay for that day. You may be docked an entire week, depending upon the circumstances.

After balancing your books at the end of each week, students “in the green” will be paid and can purchase items from the rewards list!

If you’ve entered into debt (in the red), you will have to do various activities in the classroom to earn money and get “in the green”.

Good luck!

Mrs. Gibbs

Here are the "Earnings", "Fines", and "Expenses":

Activity                                                   Earning

Arrive to class on time	$1.00
Following lunch rules	$1.00
Reading log complete and at school each day	$1.00
Returned forms next day	$3.00
Classroom job	varies
Spelling Book at school on Fri.	$3.00
Using Kind Words and Treating Others with Respect Each Day	$1.00

Classroom Jobs

Activity                                                   Earning 

Attendance	$5.00/ week
Lunch Helper	$5.00/ week
Hand Out Helpers	$4.00/ week
Pencil Sharpener	$2.00/ week
Calendar	$5.00/ week
Chair Detective	$3.00/ week
Pick a Pizza	$3.00/ week
Board Eraser	$2.00/ week
Clean Up Helper	$3.00/ week
Classroom Library	$3.00/ week
Classroom Supplies	$3.00/ week
Caretaker of Wildlife	$2.00/week
Hallway Police	$5.00/week

 Fines

Activity                                                   Fee

Inappropriate language/behavior/hands on others	$5.00
Not following lunch expectations	$4.00
No name on assignments	$3.00
Calling out during class (not raising hand)	$1.00
Damaging materials	$5.00
Messy desk	$1.50
Not tucking in chair	$1.00
Forgetting materials at home (Agenda, Library books)	$2.oo
Personal belonging found on the floor (except outdoor shoes)	$5.00 each
Not following instructions and routines	$2.00

Expenses

Rent is due at the beginning of each month unless you work out another arrangement with your Teacher. *Our rent will be due on the 17th of each month.

Activity                                                Fee

Desk rental	$5.00
Chair rental	$4.00
Coat hook rental	$2.00
Classroom rent	$8.00
Sharpener rental	$1.00
Extra pencils, pens, erasers	$2.50
Glue stick and scissor rental	$1.00

Every Friday afternoon we will "balance our books". Students will use this chart to determine what they have in their "bank account"

_______________________________________________’s Bank Book

Transactions	Withdrawal	Deposit	Balance

Rewards:

After balancing the books students may wish to purchase a "reward". They will need to ensure that they can still pay their "rent" for the month before they can purchase. It will take some time for students to save their money. Here is an example of some of the rewards and costs. I am always open to new ideas for rewards! 

Rewards

Item                                                         Cost

         

One Week off from Reading Log	$50.00
One Week off from Spelling	$50.00
Write with a pen all day	$40.00
Sit Where-ever you want for a whole day	$35.00
Wear a hat all day	$35.00
Choose the DPA Activity	$30.00
30 min of FREE TIME	$50.00

This program was created by Mrs. Garlow who teaches the Grade 2/3 class across the hall! We have adapted it to meet the needs of our class. I am so excited to try this out because I see so many benefits:

-it helps with classroom management

-teaches real-life financial literacy skills

-extra math practise with addition and subtraction

If you have any questions or comments about our new "Classroom Economy" please do not hesitate to contact me!