Dear Parents,

Happy New Year! Thank you to all who contributed materials to make the gingerbread houses. The children seemed to enjoy making them. We used that time to write a "how-to" story and now we have to revisit that writing when they are not consuming so much sugar!

The class came back from vacation relaxed and ready to work hard in this second trimester of the school year. This is usually a productive time of year when the days are shorter and the children aren't so excited about being outside.

Next week our student teacher, Lauren Ferreira, will be starting her classroom training with me. She will be here until the second week in May. During that time she will do some solo teaching, but most of the time she will be helping me. The extra pair of hands will ensure that your son/daughter will receive more help in the classroom.

Lauren and I are excited about piloting a new reading program called Imagine It. One teacher from each grade level will be using this program for all our language arts instruction. Therefore, there will be a new spelling and writing procedure starting soon.

In recognition of Martin Luther King Day, we will begin discussions about the Civil Rights Era. This is always an eye opening time for the children. I have lots of good books to spark discussions. You may want to have some discussion at home, also.

We have started Chapter 6 in Math which involves division, map reference frames and measures of angles. The children will learn the Partial Quotient method which I know will be new to you. Therefore, I will send home a letter to explain it. When we finish this, we will be taking the mid-year test.

Keep warm!