Looking Ahead....

Important Dates:

• September 12 - Parent Club Meeting 
• September 15 - Early Release - Dismissal at 12:15 
• September 15 - Wear "Be Awesome" Shirt
• September 20 - Picture Day
• September 22 - Walk-a-Thon 

Reading:

We have spent the beginning of the year building our reading stamina. Our goal is to be able to read for 30 uninterrupted minutes. By the end of this week I will have all reading tests completed for each student. They will be given a range of levels that are considered "good fit books." Students will be expected to read appropriate level books both in the classroom and checked out in the library. Please be sure your child is reading at home each night for 20-30 minutes.  

Writing:

We are ready to dive into our first writing unit - personal narrative. Students will generate a list of ideas and choose a story they would like to develop. 

Math:

We are well into our first unit, and dove right into multiplication. We will spend weeks learning concepts of multiplication and division. Right now you will your your child counting on his/her fingers. That is encouraged as they are learning. You will be seeing bright orange practice sheets come home each time we learn a new fact. Please take a few minutes each night to help your child practice these facts. It is expected that students have their facts memorized by the end of 3rd grade. 

Social Studies:

I'm excited for our first social studies unit. We will study the geography of Michigan. Our entire social studies curriculum revolves around our incredible state. 

Other News:

• Early Release - This Friday is our first early release day. School is dismissed at 12:15. Lunch will not be served, however if students need to, they can order a sack lunch. Please let them know whether or not they need to order a lunch. ALSO - Please have your child wear their "Be Awesome" 
• The first Scholastic Book Order is coming home today. You will find an online code attached to one of the flyers. Ordering online gives you many more options of books. You may also turn in your child's order to me, with a check made out to Scholastic. Please have all orders placed by Monday, September 18. 
• Bauer Elementary has a new Facebook group!  We look forward to using this group to create community and connections and to keep parents informed about all the happenings at Bauer Elementary.  This group is intended for parents/guardians of current Bauer students and is maintained by the Bauer Parent Club.  If you are not already a member, please go to www.facebook.com/groups/bauerelementary and click "Join Group" and an admin will approve your request.  If you are not on Facebook, please email Katie Terpstra at katie.terpstra@gmail.com, and she'll add you to an email list.  We're looking forward to a great year!