Why Independent Reading is Necessary

Dear Parents,

Decades of Internationally based research shows that students that read more read better. They develop more expansive vocabularies and achieve higher levels of reading and writing development. This is particularly true for students that have daily opportunities to read, year after year.

Daily time to read in school is not a frill or waste of classroom time; on the contrary, it is one of the best ways for a child to:

• Learn new vocabulary and information.
• Increase speed and fluency (that is, read smoothly and accurately).
• Improve comprehension.
• Notice authors’ writing styles (which in turn helps their own writing).
• Develop a greater interest in reading and learning.
• Develop a love of reading.

Therefore, a major part of our reading program will be daily quiet time during which students read books of their own choosing. During that time, I will be monitoring your child’s reading development through individual reading conferences. Your child will also be expected to maintain a reading record and to read at home each evening. Our reading program will also include whole-class and small-group work.

Your child is expected to have a book at school everyday, one he or she has selected from our classroom library. Our main goal is for your child to enjoy reading for pleasure and information, and to become a stronger, more flexible reader. Please join me in helping create an environment in which our children can enjoy books for a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Lara Norton & Michelle Goethe

Labor Day

Dear Parents,

We had a very busy week back after the storm. Here's what's happening:

• Your child is taking a diagnostic test in Math.
• We're starting our unit in science on Space.
• Students have taken their first Daily Math Practice Quiz and have done quite well. Please sign and return all tests that are stamped "sign and return".
• We had an exciting "LIFT OFF" rocket launch yesterday! All of the children pledged to read one million words (25 books+).
• Next week we will begin our intensive study/review of multiplication facts. Your child will have a fact drill every other Friday on the facts assigned. Have them practice their facts by counting by each number (3, 6, 9, 12, ...). They can also visit http://www.mathfactcafe.com/. Have them practice their facts through the 12's.
• We will be sending home the Code of Conduct next week. Please review the dress code. We will put a label on the front cover to remind you what pages to sign and return.
• District Benchmark Testing for Grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th will begin September 8th.
• Our first WildCat Chat went home yesterday. Did you get your copy? Check your child's Daily Folder in the Notes Home pocket. A copy of the Chat is also on-line at www.duvalschools.org/tlae.
• Please return all White Cards, Blue Cards, Health Questionnaires, and PE/Health Screening Forms by Tuesday, September 2. We need this information to assist us in the clinic and for early dismissal of students.
• Important Dates to Remember:
  September 1 – Labor Day (no school)
  September 4 – Open House Grades 3-5
  September 5 – Flag Raising
  September 8 – District Benchmark Testing begins
  September 10 – Early Dismissal
  September 11 – Open House Grades K-2
• OPEN HOUSE IS THIS COMING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th @ 7PM.
• Please sign your child's planner daily.
• We are short 30 composition books. Every child was suppose to bring in 4. Please add them to your shopping list.

We hope you enjoy your long weekend. We look forward to another great week of learning!

Your partners in education,
Michelle Goethe
Lara Norton

Dear Parents,

Thank you for getting your child to school today prepared after our unexpected vacation. We were able to assemble our spheres in class today. They look just awesome hung in the classroom.

Your child has math homework this week. They will be writing a short (three paragraph) biography of themselves. I'm attaching a copy for you in case they can't find it. The Mathography is due this Thursday. Your child will also have their first math test this week. This test will include the content that we've covered in our Daily Math Practice work. They will bring the first two weeks home on Thursday. Please study the problems from these first two weeks with them. I will give them a ten question quiz.

We are on an EARLY RELEASE schedule this Wednesday. Car Riders and Extended are released at 1:30. Bus riders are released by 2pm. Our lunch is also a half hour earlier (12:00). Although these days are shorter we still have a full schedule and expect your child to attend.

A reminder from Mrs. Robertson to use the paper plates to identify your car rider. Place your child's name and grade level on the paper plate and place it in your front right window.

Our Million Word Reading Kickoff is this Friday. Your child will be expected to read at least 25 books this year. 125 pages is considered one book. Readers are Leaders.

Mrs. Norton would like your child to read for at least 20 minutes each evening. They should be reading from the chapter book that was assigned in class. Have them read to you!

Your child should have all of their paperwork and supplies in at this time. I'm so impressed with how together they all are so early in the year.

Your partners in education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton

Fay is In the Way

Dear Parents,

Mrs. Norton and I are so excited about the coming school year. We have been working hard to make this first week a very special one for your child. Please use this e-mail address as your contact with both of us. Mrs. Norton should be up and running shortly then I'll forward you her e-mail address.

Thank you all so much for coming to orientation. We appreciate your time and can tell from your attendance and attention that we're going to have a great year. We'll take good care of your child. We're here if you need us, don't hesitate to call or e-mail.

Thank you Mrs. Houpert and Mrs. Mendez for volunteering to be room-parents for my class. Please let me or Mrs. Norton know if you are willing to fill that most prestigious position.

Remember that school starts at 8:30. I always suggest to my student's parents to drop them off at 8am. They can come upstairs at 8am and you miss all of the traffic that starts after 8:10. Lunch is $1.50. Feel free to send in a snack for them. Our snack time is around 10:30.

Your child is getting a really neat project this week. They may need your assistance in cutting out the circles and answering the questions. This project will help us get to know each other better. Do not have them construct the sphere. We will do that in class.

I'm so excited about seeing all the kids tomorrow. I always have a tough time sleeping before the first day. Let your child know that Mrs. Norton and I can't wait to see them.

Your partners in education,

Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton

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