May 22, 2019
One of the class traditions the students and I have enjoyed together is Musical Message. Poetry and music are the best ways I know to express ideas and emotions. So, as a parting gift, I put together a private YouTube playlist (I'm not super tech, so this was a big step for me!) of songs/videos we've watched in class. I don't quite remember every single one from the past 3 years, but the ones included made an impact on our classroom family in some way. Here is the link. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvqnf_imrs1N4IGHNSRX9euN-ISGUvKQs
These last days of school have been a roller coaster ride of all the feels. It has been so hard, but also quite beautiful. My students, your children, are beings of unimaginable grace and light. Thank you for sharing them with me, trusting them to my care and guidance. Thank you for the outpouring of gifts, tangible and intangible. Thank you for everything.
Peace, Light and Love,
Willa
One of the class traditions the students and I have enjoyed together is Musical Message. Poetry and music are the best ways I know to express ideas and emotions. So, as a parting gift, I put together a private YouTube playlist (I'm not super tech, so this was a big step for me!) of songs/videos we've watched in class. I don't quite remember every single one from the past 3 years, but the ones included made an impact on our classroom family in some way. Here is the link. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvqnf_imrs1N4IGHNSRX9euN-ISGUvKQs
These last days of school have been a roller coaster ride of all the feels. It has been so hard, but also quite beautiful. My students, your children, are beings of unimaginable grace and light. Thank you for sharing them with me, trusting them to my care and guidance. Thank you for the outpouring of gifts, tangible and intangible. Thank you for everything.
Peace, Light and Love,
Willa
May 17, 2019
We're in the home stretch for the final days of school!
Monday, May 20 - Preview Day for Primary & Elementary - The incoming 4th graders will be joining our classroom in the morning. They will be community building with our current 4th and 5th graders, while the current 6th graders are doing activities outside of class. Afternoon will be spent organizing the classroom, putting next year's work and materials on the shelves, and students taking their work home.
Tuesday, May 21 - Pool Party at Hilton Griffin's House - We will walk as a class to the Griffin Casa (4421 N 29th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016); it's about a 10-15 minute walk. Their home is located near our Villa Middle School. Please sign up to provide a snack for the party: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-willas10
We will walk back to Villa campus in time for carline.
Wednesday, May 22 - Last Day of School - Early release at 11:30am. Fort building, mini in-class barter/trade (school appropriate, parent-approved items only), watching movie ( The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind [rated PG]).
Summer Homework - Letters have been sent home describing the summer homework expectations. Please read the letter and discuss expectations with your child. Book report options and math homework (packets or Saxon textbooks) have also been sent home. Your child can begin the homework as soon as they wish; they do not have to wait until school is out for summer.
We're in the home stretch for the final days of school!
Monday, May 20 - Preview Day for Primary & Elementary - The incoming 4th graders will be joining our classroom in the morning. They will be community building with our current 4th and 5th graders, while the current 6th graders are doing activities outside of class. Afternoon will be spent organizing the classroom, putting next year's work and materials on the shelves, and students taking their work home.
Tuesday, May 21 - Pool Party at Hilton Griffin's House - We will walk as a class to the Griffin Casa (4421 N 29th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016); it's about a 10-15 minute walk. Their home is located near our Villa Middle School. Please sign up to provide a snack for the party: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-willas10
We will walk back to Villa campus in time for carline.
Wednesday, May 22 - Last Day of School - Early release at 11:30am. Fort building, mini in-class barter/trade (school appropriate, parent-approved items only), watching movie ( The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind [rated PG]).
Summer Homework - Letters have been sent home describing the summer homework expectations. Please read the letter and discuss expectations with your child. Book report options and math homework (packets or Saxon textbooks) have also been sent home. Your child can begin the homework as soon as they wish; they do not have to wait until school is out for summer.
April 26, 2019
Thank you for being proactive and patient with conference sign-ups. The Science Fair got us all super focused....on just that one thing! Back to remembering about the rest of school/work/life.
If you would like to meet for a May conference, please go to our SignUp Genius page:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-willas9
Villa Choir Concert - Tues, May 7th, 6pm-8pm To get more information, RSVP, and donate dessert and/or drinks, please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-2019
Thank you for being proactive and patient with conference sign-ups. The Science Fair got us all super focused....on just that one thing! Back to remembering about the rest of school/work/life.
If you would like to meet for a May conference, please go to our SignUp Genius page:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-willas9
Villa Choir Concert - Tues, May 7th, 6pm-8pm To get more information, RSVP, and donate dessert and/or drinks, please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-2019
April 22, 2019
Welcome to Science Fair Week! Students may bring their Science project items to school this week. They will present their Live Demonstrations on either Tues, Wed, or Thurs (rubrics with more info were sent home last week). Students will give their Oral Presentations on Thursday, either during the classroom rotations in the afternoon or at the Science Fair that night. Written Report Final Drafts and Trifold Presentation Boards must be finished and ready to display by Thursday afternoon, at the latest.
Students are expected to attend the Science Fair on Thursday, April 25, 6:30pm-8pm. They must stay at their boards for at least 45 minutes. They may visit with friends in other classrooms after their own presentation has been scored by a teacher (Ms. Kathreen, Mr. Beto, or myself). Students may take their boards and other Science Fair items home that night.
We are looking forward to a fun evening celebrating your child's scientific endeavors! See you Thursday!
Peace, Love and Light,
Willa
Welcome to Science Fair Week! Students may bring their Science project items to school this week. They will present their Live Demonstrations on either Tues, Wed, or Thurs (rubrics with more info were sent home last week). Students will give their Oral Presentations on Thursday, either during the classroom rotations in the afternoon or at the Science Fair that night. Written Report Final Drafts and Trifold Presentation Boards must be finished and ready to display by Thursday afternoon, at the latest.
Students are expected to attend the Science Fair on Thursday, April 25, 6:30pm-8pm. They must stay at their boards for at least 45 minutes. They may visit with friends in other classrooms after their own presentation has been scored by a teacher (Ms. Kathreen, Mr. Beto, or myself). Students may take their boards and other Science Fair items home that night.
We are looking forward to a fun evening celebrating your child's scientific endeavors! See you Thursday!
Peace, Love and Light,
Willa
April 15, 2019
As we return to our regular school schedule and our attention shifts away from state testing, we can again refocus on the upcoming Science Fair. The students' next due dates are:
1. Wednesday, April 17 - Project Work Plan - We will do this in school.
2. Monday, April 22 - Written Report Final Draft - Students who turned in the Rough Draft by 4/12 will receive them back, with edits and feedback, by this Wednesday, 4/17. Late reports will be returned as I complete edits.
The Written Report rubric and sample report were sent home with each student. If your student needs another copy, please encourage them to ask us. We are happy to print one out for them. Due to licensing laws, I am unable to post the sample report on the website.
Villa Auction - Ms. Kathreen and I will be attending the auction at the Valley Ho. We hope to see you there!
Conferences (Optional) - We will have early dismissal on May 3 & 10, for conferences. Please email me if you have concerns you'd like to discuss or if you would like to follow up on our January conference, and we can schedule a day/time to meet, even if it falls outside of the conference dates.
6th Grade Graduation - Here's all the info I know of/can remember from last year. If anything changes, I will send out an email.
1. Memory Boards - In late April or early May, we arrange a casual get together in the evening to make the 6th grade memory boards. This is usually at a 6th grade parent's house, but if we have no volunteers, I can host it in the classroom. Parents bring pictures of their child (birth - 6th gr) and decorating embellishments. I bring boards, glue sticks, and other decorating embellishments. Sometimes we have snacks and other yummy things. We walk down memory lane together and share all the feels. If boards don't get finished that night, parents bring them home to complete. Parents who cannot attend do the project at home - I send the undecorated board home with your child. Finished boards must be returned to me by Thursday, May 16, 3pm. Please cover the board so your child (and your child's friends) cannot see it, with a plastic bag or gift wrap. I will share examples of past boards, if you'd like ideas and inspiration.
2. [tentative] Schedule for Friday, May 17 - Morning will be deep cleaning the classroom to prepare for the incoming 4th graders' Preview Day on the following Monday. We will have Pizza Friday. 6th graders should bring a set of nice clothes, which they will change into after lunch.
~ 12 - 12:30pm ~ All 6th graders will walk to the Campbell Community Church (adjacent to the Villa Middle School) to practice some ceremony logistics. Those who know they are leaving with their family after the event can bring their backpacks and depart from Campbell Community Church.
~ 1pm ~ Families start to arrive. Assistant Teachers arrive with 4th and 5th graders.
~1:30 - 2:30pm ~ 6th grade ceremony in the church Sanctuary, followed by refreshments, board viewing, and pictures in the Reception Hall.
~2:30 - 3pm ~ 6th graders leave Campbell Community Church with their family or walk back to Villa Main Campus with one of the teachers. 4th & 5th graders walk back to Villa Main Campus.
Times above are tentative. I will update info if there are any changes. Please email me if you have questions I didn't address.
Peace, Light & Love,
Willa
As we return to our regular school schedule and our attention shifts away from state testing, we can again refocus on the upcoming Science Fair. The students' next due dates are:
1. Wednesday, April 17 - Project Work Plan - We will do this in school.
2. Monday, April 22 - Written Report Final Draft - Students who turned in the Rough Draft by 4/12 will receive them back, with edits and feedback, by this Wednesday, 4/17. Late reports will be returned as I complete edits.
The Written Report rubric and sample report were sent home with each student. If your student needs another copy, please encourage them to ask us. We are happy to print one out for them. Due to licensing laws, I am unable to post the sample report on the website.
Villa Auction - Ms. Kathreen and I will be attending the auction at the Valley Ho. We hope to see you there!
Conferences (Optional) - We will have early dismissal on May 3 & 10, for conferences. Please email me if you have concerns you'd like to discuss or if you would like to follow up on our January conference, and we can schedule a day/time to meet, even if it falls outside of the conference dates.
6th Grade Graduation - Here's all the info I know of/can remember from last year. If anything changes, I will send out an email.
1. Memory Boards - In late April or early May, we arrange a casual get together in the evening to make the 6th grade memory boards. This is usually at a 6th grade parent's house, but if we have no volunteers, I can host it in the classroom. Parents bring pictures of their child (birth - 6th gr) and decorating embellishments. I bring boards, glue sticks, and other decorating embellishments. Sometimes we have snacks and other yummy things. We walk down memory lane together and share all the feels. If boards don't get finished that night, parents bring them home to complete. Parents who cannot attend do the project at home - I send the undecorated board home with your child. Finished boards must be returned to me by Thursday, May 16, 3pm. Please cover the board so your child (and your child's friends) cannot see it, with a plastic bag or gift wrap. I will share examples of past boards, if you'd like ideas and inspiration.
2. [tentative] Schedule for Friday, May 17 - Morning will be deep cleaning the classroom to prepare for the incoming 4th graders' Preview Day on the following Monday. We will have Pizza Friday. 6th graders should bring a set of nice clothes, which they will change into after lunch.
~ 12 - 12:30pm ~ All 6th graders will walk to the Campbell Community Church (adjacent to the Villa Middle School) to practice some ceremony logistics. Those who know they are leaving with their family after the event can bring their backpacks and depart from Campbell Community Church.
~ 1pm ~ Families start to arrive. Assistant Teachers arrive with 4th and 5th graders.
~1:30 - 2:30pm ~ 6th grade ceremony in the church Sanctuary, followed by refreshments, board viewing, and pictures in the Reception Hall.
~2:30 - 3pm ~ 6th graders leave Campbell Community Church with their family or walk back to Villa Main Campus with one of the teachers. 4th & 5th graders walk back to Villa Main Campus.
Times above are tentative. I will update info if there are any changes. Please email me if you have questions I didn't address.
Peace, Light & Love,
Willa
April 1, 2019
With the warmer weather comes a few changes to keep the students comfortable and safe.
1. The air conditioning is turned on in the classroom more often. If your child is getting chilly, please remind them to bring a sweater/sweatshirt to school.
2. Water bottles are a must. The students don't realize how dehydrated they are getting since it's not that hot outside, but they're reporting headaches and fatigue more often, which are signs of dehydration. They usually drink more water when they have their own water bottle, rather than drinking from the water fountain.
3. Students may want to wear hats or bring sunscreen to reapply before recess. It's a healthy habit to get into before the sun becomes unbearable.
Homework during AzMerit testing
Students will not have homework on the following dates:
1. Tuesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 3
2. Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11
With the warmer weather comes a few changes to keep the students comfortable and safe.
1. The air conditioning is turned on in the classroom more often. If your child is getting chilly, please remind them to bring a sweater/sweatshirt to school.
2. Water bottles are a must. The students don't realize how dehydrated they are getting since it's not that hot outside, but they're reporting headaches and fatigue more often, which are signs of dehydration. They usually drink more water when they have their own water bottle, rather than drinking from the water fountain.
3. Students may want to wear hats or bring sunscreen to reapply before recess. It's a healthy habit to get into before the sun becomes unbearable.
Homework during AzMerit testing
Students will not have homework on the following dates:
1. Tuesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 3
2. Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11
The first Journal Check due date is Friday, March 22. Students are expected to turn in the journals they made at school. Some reminders about work expectations (these details have been shared with the students many times):
1. Their science journal should contain all the information outlined in the blank template of the Scientific Method Form (glued in the first few pages of the journal).
2. They should not write on the template - it's basically a graphic organizer to help them format and develop their information.
3. At least 3 trials of their experiment need to be recorded in the journals (a minimum of 5 total trials are to be completed by the final journal check).
4. All research, observations, variables, analysis, charts, graphs, etc. must be in the journal - no loose papers. Students can add pages to their journals if needed.
5. Students must keep track of their research resources and the specific facts/info they used from those sources. This will be essential in their Written Report (RD due 4/12).
The final journal check will be on Friday, March 29. Planning Guide pages 10-11 are due with the journal.
Peace, Light and Love,
Willa
1. Their science journal should contain all the information outlined in the blank template of the Scientific Method Form (glued in the first few pages of the journal).
2. They should not write on the template - it's basically a graphic organizer to help them format and develop their information.
3. At least 3 trials of their experiment need to be recorded in the journals (a minimum of 5 total trials are to be completed by the final journal check).
4. All research, observations, variables, analysis, charts, graphs, etc. must be in the journal - no loose papers. Students can add pages to their journals if needed.
5. Students must keep track of their research resources and the specific facts/info they used from those sources. This will be essential in their Written Report (RD due 4/12).
The final journal check will be on Friday, March 29. Planning Guide pages 10-11 are due with the journal.
Peace, Light and Love,
Willa
March 20 2019
Testing dates for AzMerit (grades 3-8) and AIMS Science (grades 4 & 8) can be found in the file below. It is especially helpful if families have children attending multiple grades/campuses.
Testing dates for AzMerit (grades 3-8) and AIMS Science (grades 4 & 8) can be found in the file below. It is especially helpful if families have children attending multiple grades/campuses.
spring_2019_testing_email_dates_to_parents.docx |
Reminders for the testing days:
1. Snack sign up will be posted on Sign Up Genius. Quick, healthy, non-messy snacks are ideal.
2. Students may bring a small bag of candy and/or gum, to consume during test times only. Some ideas: ginger candy to calm stomach aches, peppermint for headaches or nausea, chewing gum for calming nervous or excess energy, hard candies for hiccups, etc. Please avoid sugarless candy or gum, as they often contain sugar substitutes that cause indigestion and/or diarrhea.
3. Students who are late or absent on test days will do make-up tests in April. Please do not schedule appointments or vacations over the testing dates. During the testing dates, please reschedule any off-campus tutoring that takes place during the school day.
4. Students may read once they are finished with their computer test, before the test session ends and the whole class is dismissed. Please have your child bring a reading book (or two).
1. Snack sign up will be posted on Sign Up Genius. Quick, healthy, non-messy snacks are ideal.
2. Students may bring a small bag of candy and/or gum, to consume during test times only. Some ideas: ginger candy to calm stomach aches, peppermint for headaches or nausea, chewing gum for calming nervous or excess energy, hard candies for hiccups, etc. Please avoid sugarless candy or gum, as they often contain sugar substitutes that cause indigestion and/or diarrhea.
3. Students who are late or absent on test days will do make-up tests in April. Please do not schedule appointments or vacations over the testing dates. During the testing dates, please reschedule any off-campus tutoring that takes place during the school day.
4. Students may read once they are finished with their computer test, before the test session ends and the whole class is dismissed. Please have your child bring a reading book (or two).
March 14, 2019
Scholarships for the E2 overnight trips are available. Please submit the cost waiver form below to the Main Office asap to be considered for a scholarship.
e2_overnight_scholarship_form_2019.docx |
Reading HW over Spring Break - I asked the students to focus their daily reading on research for their science project. This can be recorded on the Basic Reading Log found below.
February 26, 2019
Homework Adjustments - as we get more involved in the Science Fair and approach state testing, there are some changes to be made to our usual homework routine in order to support our children for success. Please read about the following changes below:
1. Reading - reading logs will be a fill in form that tracks/records basic information like time (20 minutes), number of pages read, title, author, genre. Parent initials are to acknowledge that you have seen your child doing their reading hw. Reading can be science project research. Here is a copy of the reading log:
Homework Adjustments - as we get more involved in the Science Fair and approach state testing, there are some changes to be made to our usual homework routine in order to support our children for success. Please read about the following changes below:
1. Reading - reading logs will be a fill in form that tracks/records basic information like time (20 minutes), number of pages read, title, author, genre. Parent initials are to acknowledge that you have seen your child doing their reading hw. Reading can be science project research. Here is a copy of the reading log:
basic_reading_log_template.docx |
2. Science Fair - students are to continue researching their topic of interest and begin performing trials of their experiment. They record observations and data in the Science Journals they made at school and brought home. They are always welcome to ask for support from Ms. Kathreen, Mr. Beto, and myself - if things get confusing, they need other ideas, or they just want to check that they're on the right track. Here is a copy of the Science Fair packet:
villa-science-fair-packet-2019.docx |
3. This year, our school will be taking the AzMerit on computers. To support our students with their typing skills, we provide a Computer Science class and also Chromebooks with student accounts for access to a word processor, data sheets, slideshows, etc. Though the majority of our students are tech savvy, they still need additional practice with proper typing form and technique outside of school. I have created student accounts for our class on Typing.com, which the students can begin using right away. They will be provided with a hard copy of their login information and can also use the following pdf:
typingdotcom_login_info.pdf |
4. The thought of standardized tests can bring up feelings of anxiety in our children. It is often the unfamiliarity of them that causes the students to become overwrought, in addition to the disruption of our regular routine. I encourage your family to become more familiar with the tests by trying out the sample tests in the various subjects. You do not have to create an account or register at all, simply sign on as a guest. Here is the link to the AzMerit Portal website: azmeritportal.org/sample-tests.stml
Many thanks for all that you do to support our classroom family, Villa community, and your child's educational experience!
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
Many thanks for all that you do to support our classroom family, Villa community, and your child's educational experience!
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
February 4, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and your child for a conference. We make a great team and our children feel so encouraged and supported to be their best selves and achieve their goals!
Big Deals in February:
1. Science Fair - packets were given to students Friday, Feb 1. It can also be printed from the Resources section of this website. First due date is Friday, Feb 8 (read packet with your child, go over expectations, sign & return Signature Page).
2. Valentine Grams - 6th graders in our class will start on-campus sales of Valentine Grams on Thursday, Feb 7 at 8am. We will be located at E1/E2 carline and Primary carline. Please email me if you are available to help supervise (I need two parents, from 7:45am-8:35am).
3. Valentine's Day - Our class will be focusing on community building, character education, and classroom family on Thursday, Feb 14th. We will be writing notes of recognition and appreciation in class, so making Valentines at home is optional. If your child wishes, s/he may bring in a treat, but please make sure it is nut-free. Non-edible treats are an option also.
4. Anti-bullying Awareness Week - Begins Monday, Feb 25th. Special events and themes will be shared soon!
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and your child for a conference. We make a great team and our children feel so encouraged and supported to be their best selves and achieve their goals!
Big Deals in February:
1. Science Fair - packets were given to students Friday, Feb 1. It can also be printed from the Resources section of this website. First due date is Friday, Feb 8 (read packet with your child, go over expectations, sign & return Signature Page).
2. Valentine Grams - 6th graders in our class will start on-campus sales of Valentine Grams on Thursday, Feb 7 at 8am. We will be located at E1/E2 carline and Primary carline. Please email me if you are available to help supervise (I need two parents, from 7:45am-8:35am).
3. Valentine's Day - Our class will be focusing on community building, character education, and classroom family on Thursday, Feb 14th. We will be writing notes of recognition and appreciation in class, so making Valentines at home is optional. If your child wishes, s/he may bring in a treat, but please make sure it is nut-free. Non-edible treats are an option also.
4. Anti-bullying Awareness Week - Begins Monday, Feb 25th. Special events and themes will be shared soon!
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
Thank You Haiku
by Willa Flynn
Gratitude. My heart
overflows with gifts given.
A brief ugly cry.
by Willa Flynn
Gratitude. My heart
overflows with gifts given.
A brief ugly cry.
Winter Break Homework
Reading - All students should take Accelerated Reader quizzes on books they have completed this academic year. Here is the link: https://hosted110.renlearn.com/306110/
Usernames are typically the first initial of the student's first name and the last name. All passwords are password (not case sensitive). If you have trouble logging in or your student is locked, please email me. I will be checking [email protected] over break.
Math - 5th and 6th graders are to complete one Saxon lesson. 4th graders are to look through their December HW folders and do all highlighted sections (those problems left incomplete or uncorrected).
That's all for now. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
Reading - All students should take Accelerated Reader quizzes on books they have completed this academic year. Here is the link: https://hosted110.renlearn.com/306110/
Usernames are typically the first initial of the student's first name and the last name. All passwords are password (not case sensitive). If you have trouble logging in or your student is locked, please email me. I will be checking [email protected] over break.
Math - 5th and 6th graders are to complete one Saxon lesson. 4th graders are to look through their December HW folders and do all highlighted sections (those problems left incomplete or uncorrected).
That's all for now. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
December 17, 2018
This last week of school can be hectic. I'm hoping that this communication will help us all feel a bit more organized (apologies that I cannot do anything about the rest of December)! Here's our schedule (it's not all party party party):
Monday - Cultural work day, meeting with students for portfolios, Cultural presentations, Specials classes in afternoon
Tuesday - Grammar work day, meeting with students for portfolios, Gingerbread Creation design & surface area calculations, gingerbread building in afternoon.
Wednesday - Math work day, meeting with students for portfolios, Gingerbread Creation completion.
Thursday - Cleaning classroom, cooking, watching Food Network's Holiday Gingerbread Showdown.
*Students are welcome to wear their winter finery (pajamas or other winter wonderland vestments).
**Parents are welcome to join us in the afternoons Tues & Wed. We especially need helpers for wrapping up the gingerbread creations.
Winter Break Homework
Reading - All students should take Accelerated Reader quizzes on books they have completed this academic year. Here is the link: https://hosted110.renlearn.com/306110/
Usernames are typically the first initial of the student's first name and the last name. All passwords are password (not case sensitive). If you have trouble logging in or your student is locked, please email me. I will be checking [email protected] over break.
Math - 5th and 6th graders are to complete one Saxon lesson. 4th graders are to look through their December HW folders and do all highlighted sections (those problems left incomplete or uncorrected).
That's all for now. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
December 7, 2018
We are trying new providers for Pizza Friday. Costco wasn't working out with scheduling. This Friday, we got delivery from Pizza Hut. We also made organic pasta with marinara sauce in the classroom, in case the students didn't enjoy Pizza Hut. The pasta was a hit, but PH not so much - so we're still open to trying out pizza places. Please email me if you have an affordable suggestion (less than $10 for a large 1-topping pizza); it's preferred that they're able to deliver, but we can make it work if not.
Life moves fast this time of year. There's a lot going on, in school and out, and I so appreciate all of the support and classroom donations you give, as well as the compassion, celebration, and patience you show.
Thank you for all you do; thank you for your time and trust. We couldn't do it without each other!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
We are trying new providers for Pizza Friday. Costco wasn't working out with scheduling. This Friday, we got delivery from Pizza Hut. We also made organic pasta with marinara sauce in the classroom, in case the students didn't enjoy Pizza Hut. The pasta was a hit, but PH not so much - so we're still open to trying out pizza places. Please email me if you have an affordable suggestion (less than $10 for a large 1-topping pizza); it's preferred that they're able to deliver, but we can make it work if not.
Life moves fast this time of year. There's a lot going on, in school and out, and I so appreciate all of the support and classroom donations you give, as well as the compassion, celebration, and patience you show.
Thank you for all you do; thank you for your time and trust. We couldn't do it without each other!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
November 2, 2018
Fourth graders received new math homework packets for the start of November. It includes Lessons 11-15. It did not include a Solutions Manual, which can be expected next week. There was a mistake with the making of the packets; please note that the double-sided pages are a bit out of order. So the first page of problems you see is page 31 followed by page 30, then page 33 followed by 32, etc. This puts the Lessons, Practice Sets and Problem Sets out of order, which can be confusing. If the students complete the packet in the order of the page numbers, they'll be all set. I didn't get the chance to show them this, as I discovered this mistake after dismissal. The packets they receive next week will be more complete and in order.
Kindly,
Willa
Fourth graders received new math homework packets for the start of November. It includes Lessons 11-15. It did not include a Solutions Manual, which can be expected next week. There was a mistake with the making of the packets; please note that the double-sided pages are a bit out of order. So the first page of problems you see is page 31 followed by page 30, then page 33 followed by 32, etc. This puts the Lessons, Practice Sets and Problem Sets out of order, which can be confusing. If the students complete the packet in the order of the page numbers, they'll be all set. I didn't get the chance to show them this, as I discovered this mistake after dismissal. The packets they receive next week will be more complete and in order.
Kindly,
Willa
October 22, 2018
Sixth grade project due date reminders:
10/22 - Volunteer Service Log - The paperwork is due today so students can get credit for the service they have performed thus far. Students may continue to volunteer and earn extra credit points towards their final points total.
10/29 - Reflection Essay Rough Draft - This is part personal narrative and part informational essay. The rubric and guide can be found in the packet.
11/5 - Reflection Essay Final Draft - Students will receive feedback and make revisions to the rough draft. Final drafts must be typed. Rubric can be found in the packet.
Sixth grade project due date reminders:
10/22 - Volunteer Service Log - The paperwork is due today so students can get credit for the service they have performed thus far. Students may continue to volunteer and earn extra credit points towards their final points total.
10/29 - Reflection Essay Rough Draft - This is part personal narrative and part informational essay. The rubric and guide can be found in the packet.
11/5 - Reflection Essay Final Draft - Students will receive feedback and make revisions to the rough draft. Final drafts must be typed. Rubric can be found in the packet.
October 19, 2018
We are excited to introduce a new math homework program for all 4th graders, which supports both Montessori and Arizona state standards by providing a bridge to abstraction. This program will replace the 4th graders' current Saxon math homework, so please have your child return the Saxon texbook and Solution Manual given to them at the beginning of the year. Your deposit will be refunded.
Today, all 4th graders will receive their new math homework packet to take home. The packet includes a letter from the school, table of contents, record sheet for concept understanding, ten lessons, and a solutions manual. The letter includes instructions for both students and parents; please read it together at home. We will share the letter with the students in school as well.
Our commitment to continuous improvement inspired us to collaborate as a community to create this homework program. We have high hopes for it supporting our 4th graders during their transition year to grow their confidence, independence, knowledge, and greatness.
I thank you in advance for your support and flexibility. As always, please email me if you have questions.
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
We are excited to introduce a new math homework program for all 4th graders, which supports both Montessori and Arizona state standards by providing a bridge to abstraction. This program will replace the 4th graders' current Saxon math homework, so please have your child return the Saxon texbook and Solution Manual given to them at the beginning of the year. Your deposit will be refunded.
Today, all 4th graders will receive their new math homework packet to take home. The packet includes a letter from the school, table of contents, record sheet for concept understanding, ten lessons, and a solutions manual. The letter includes instructions for both students and parents; please read it together at home. We will share the letter with the students in school as well.
Our commitment to continuous improvement inspired us to collaborate as a community to create this homework program. We have high hopes for it supporting our 4th graders during their transition year to grow their confidence, independence, knowledge, and greatness.
I thank you in advance for your support and flexibility. As always, please email me if you have questions.
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
September 20, 2018
Goal-setting conferences start tomorrow. Please email me if you need an alternative day/time than what is provided on the Sign-up Genius. Here's the link: www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-goal2. If you need another copy of the parent form for the goal-setting conferences, the file is included at the end of this message. The students and I have met about their various goals and the measurable action steps they will be taking towards achievement. We will be sharing these at the meeting, which is the best time to share ideas and solutions as a parent-student-teacher team. I'm excited to forge a plan of success with you and your child!
In an effort to streamline the billing for specific E2 fees, such as overnight trips and Saxon textbooks + solution manuals, Villa's Accounts Receivable Coordinator, B Martin, has included these fees in E2 families' monthly invoice. If your child will not be attending the overnight trip or is not using the Saxon text + manual (and has returned both items to me), please let B know via email so she can update your account. She can be reached at [email protected].
Due to our Early Release days the last two Fridays of September, we are delaying our next Fancy Friday until Oct 5th. The carrot cake muffins were a hit! We will whip up another batch on Oct 5th so more students can participate in cooking.
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
elementary_2_goal_setting_conference_parent_form_2016-2017_web_version.pdf |
August 31, 2018
Labor Day Weekend HW Update - Students are expected to turn in two math lessons when we return from a three day weekend, the lesson they would have turned in on Monday and the lesson they complete for Tuesday. The majority of students will be turning in Lessons 14 & 15. One reading log will also be due. Students may use a notebook or fill out the reading log form sent in Communication Folders earlier this month. It is also available to download here.
Enjoy your long weekend. May your adventures be absurd and your rest, deep.
Peace, Light and Love,
Ms. Willa
reading_log_blank.docx |
August 27, 2018
Math HW - The majority of the 5th and 6th graders re-start their Saxon homework tonight. Investigation 1 is due for them tomorrow. Graph paper homework notebooks were handed out - 6th graders must do their math homework in the graph paper notebook. 5th graders may use the graph paper notebook or the Saxon paper packet.
Reading HW - All students have at least 20 minutes of reading per night. No reading logs are due until after Labor Day weekend.
Picture Day - Sept 4
Picture Day make-ups for absent students - Sept 12
Pizza Friday - First one will be this Friday, Aug 31. If you are dropping off an alternative lunch for your child, please bring it to the Main Office. They will make sure your child gets it at lunch time.
Goal Setting Conferences - Sept 21 and Sept 28 (both Fridays) - These will be Early Release days. The Sign-up Genius will be emailed out soon.
Culture of Achievement and Growth Mindset - Today we finished our Classroom Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Afterwards, we started to dive more deeply into what achievement means to us (as individuals and as a classroom family) and what a growth mindset is. These conversations at school and at home help the students tremendously, to reframe their perspective on learning, challenges, struggle, goals, failing, being good/bad at things, etc.
In addition to setting individual goals, we will also be identifying a classroom goal for the semester or year. It will take some time to come up with together, and it will definitely take a lot of thought. This would be a great conversation starter at home and your child might (hopefully) share their ideas about what we're doing in class.
Peace, Light and Love,
Ms. Willa
August 24, 2018
This year we will be getting pizza from Costco. Since this requires pick-up, I thought it would be great practice for the real-life skill of budgeting to have the students also purchase their Pizza Friday snacks at the time we pick up the pizza. Hopefully, this will make snack donation easier for parents. You would only have to provide the funds, rather than the snacks themselves. Depending on that week’s budget, we will try to purchase organic snacks as much as possible. Luckily, Costco has a wonderful variety of organic produce at affordable prices.
Most of the time, students will be riding to Costco with me. If there are parents who can volunteer to do pizza pick-up and snack shopping with students, please let me know on the permission slip below.
Leftover snack funds will be returned. If you would like to donate the remaining funds to the classroom, please let me know beforehand and I will deposit it in the classroom account.
I hope this activity will be both educational and fun! I think it will truly be informative for the students to shop within a budget, calculating the subtotal and then sales tax. The children will likely not be able to get everything they want to purchase – a valuable life lesson I’m sure every parent can relate to!
Kindly,
Ms. Willa
This year we will be getting pizza from Costco. Since this requires pick-up, I thought it would be great practice for the real-life skill of budgeting to have the students also purchase their Pizza Friday snacks at the time we pick up the pizza. Hopefully, this will make snack donation easier for parents. You would only have to provide the funds, rather than the snacks themselves. Depending on that week’s budget, we will try to purchase organic snacks as much as possible. Luckily, Costco has a wonderful variety of organic produce at affordable prices.
Most of the time, students will be riding to Costco with me. If there are parents who can volunteer to do pizza pick-up and snack shopping with students, please let me know on the permission slip below.
Leftover snack funds will be returned. If you would like to donate the remaining funds to the classroom, please let me know beforehand and I will deposit it in the classroom account.
I hope this activity will be both educational and fun! I think it will truly be informative for the students to shop within a budget, calculating the subtotal and then sales tax. The children will likely not be able to get everything they want to purchase – a valuable life lesson I’m sure every parent can relate to!
Kindly,
Ms. Willa
pizza_friday_costco_permission_slip.docx |
August 10, 2018
Welcome back to school! I hope your child enjoyed the first week and shared many stories and experiences with you. Next week will be filled with more community building, academic assessments, and the start of lessons.
Thank you to everyone who attended Parent Orientation. We had a nice mix of new and veteran parents; it was great to hear parents supporting each other and sharing their perspectives and successes as Villa E2 parents. Our Classroom Coordinator, Lorraine Rhoads ([email protected]) is also a wonderful resource to answer your questions. Look for an update email from her soon, with links to signing up for volunteer tasks, Pizza Friday snacks, Halloween Carnival, and more.
If you weren't able to attend Parent Orientation, I completely understand (life can get very full). A folder with the various forms was sent home with your child today. Please take a close look at the colored sheets of paper, as those need to be returned to me (Pizza Friday Fundraiser, Chaperone Request, Field Trip Permission Slip). Parent Volunteer packets were also included and can be turned into the Main Office once filled out.
Ms. Kathreen, Beto and I thoroughly enjoyed the first week of school! We hope that your child did as well, and that they're excited about the learning adventures we will have in the classroom together this year!
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
June 21, 2018
Below are copies of the Welcome Letter and Supply List. They were sent to all of my classroom families by the Main Office. If you didn't receive it, please check that emails from our school are going to your Inbox rather than Junk Mail and make sure the Main Office has your correct email address.
Below are copies of the Welcome Letter and Supply List. They were sent to all of my classroom families by the Main Office. If you didn't receive it, please check that emails from our school are going to your Inbox rather than Junk Mail and make sure the Main Office has your correct email address.
willa_welcome_letter_and_supply_list_2018-19.docx |
May 30, 2018
The last day of school is always bittersweet. It seems so far away at the start of school in August and there seems to be so much time to get everything done - but the last day always comes too soon for me. I will miss our classroom family over the summer and I already look forward to seeing their smiles on the first day of school. I wish each of my students and their families a respite from routine, lazy days, exciting adventures, eye-opening travels, engrossing books, and epic together time.
Summer homework is probably the last thing on everyone's mind; when your child gets started, here are some resources for support. The students and I met by grade level on Shadow Day (Preview Day) to discuss summer hw expectations and options. If they have questions, I encouraged them to email me (using their own email or their parents'). I'll be traveling a fair bit, but will do my best to respond within 48 hours.
There are no words to express the depth of my gratitude for you and your children. Thank you for a beautiful year of growth and greatness.
Peace, Love and Light,
Willa
For 3rd graders promoted to 4th grade:
incoming_4th_grade_summer_hw_letter_from_christy_cantu.docx |
incoming_4th_grade_summer_homework_choices_2018.docx |
reading_log_blank_for_5th_and_incoming_4th_grades.docx |
reading_log_example_for_5th_and_incoming_4th_grades.pdf |
incoming_4th_graders_summer_math_homework.pdf |
incoming_4th_graders_summer_math_homework_answer_key.pdf |
For 4th graders promoted to 5th grade:
4th_promoted_to_5th_grade_summer_homework_choices_2018.docx |
reading_log_blank_for_5th_and_incoming_4th_grades.docx |
reading_log_example_for_5th_and_incoming_4th_grades.pdf |
For 5th graders promoted to 6th grade:
5th_promoted_to_6th_grade_summer_homework_choices_2018.docx |
template_senior_project_2018-2019.doc |
volunteer_opportunity_list.docx |
volunteer_places_and_ideas.docx |
May 4th, 2018
May the Fourth be with you! May brings so many end of the year activities. Here are some reminders:
1. Classroom conferences will be held May 7-May 11th for our class (other teachers may have a different schedule). Conferences are optional and will focus on your child's portfolio and assessments completed thus far. Progress Reports will be sent home separately by May 25th. Thank you for your patience with this - I am working diligently to finish them, but have been out of the classroom quite a bit because I am chaperoning two overnight trips (CIMI and AstroCamp).
- Link to conference sign up: www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-willas9
2. As of right now, the 6th grade trip to Wet 'n Wild is still on May 17th. Lunch will be provided. Please email me or Ms. Stefanie ([email protected]) if your 6th grader has food allergies so we can notify Wet 'n Wild to adjust their lunch. Students should bring money for snacks, water bottle, sunscreen, flip flops/sandals/water shoes, beach towel, dry clothes. Students can wear: board shorts or swim trunks (no tight Speedo-like swimwear), one piece or two piece bathing suits (must fully cover torso), long/short sleeve rash guards (swim shirts).
We need parent drivers to drop off/pick up. Drivers do not need to stay to chaperone. Please sign up if you are available to drive:
- Link to volunteer as parent driver: www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-field5
3. As of right now, our class pool party will still be on May 22nd. Pizza lunch will be provided and we need additional snacks/drinks to round out the meal. Please sign up below to provide a lunch snack. We also need parent drivers to transport students between Villa and the pool party location (Brianna Quall's house in Arcadia neighborhood, about 10 minutes away). Pool party clothing guide: Students can wear: board shorts or swim trunks (no tight Speedo-like swimwear), one piece or two piece bathing suits (must fully cover torso), long/short sleeve rash guards (swim shirts - these are great for preventing sunburn!).
- Link to provide a pool party snack: www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-willas10
- Link to volunteer as a parent driver: www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-field5
4. The updated school calendar was sent out to parents and staff yesterday. The revised calendar with dates listed can be printed here:
walkout_over__revised_calendar_dates.docx |
April 16, 2018
Great Lives - Projects are moving right along and the big night will be next Wednesday, April 25th! Today, students were given an update (paper handout in Communication Folder) on the Great Lives assignments they have turned in and those I haven't yet received. I asked them to turn in late or missing assignments as soon as possible.
- Reminder that All Note Cards Due on 3/19 was changed to Research & Inquiry Packet Due (posted on Newsflash Feb 23rd).
- Students may bring in tri-fold boards to work on during class. We don't have a color printer, so I recommend printing items at home and bringing them into class to arrange on the board. Students may also bring in decorations, additional art supplies (we have some in class), pictures & captions, alphabet letters for the title, and all manner of items with which they would like to decorate their boards.
- I will be meeting with students this week to go over biography rough drafts. Writing conferences are often a long process, so I am pushing back the Final Draft due date. The students and I will look at the calendar, figure out a due date that works, and communicate to parents.
- The work that I've seen so far has been fantastic! I can tell the students are taking their time to create quality work. I hope they are enjoying researching all about their person and taking pride in how they will present all that they've learned.
Peace, Love and Light,
Ms. Willa
April 2, 2018
April showers bring May flowers, but what if you live in the Sonoran Desert? Then April and May bring State testing, temperatures reaching one hundred degrees, sunscreen, the Great Lives Fair, school overnight trips, Shadow Day, Ms. Willa's birthday (Yes, that is a shameless promotion. FYI, Ms. Kathreen's is in October, Mr. Beto's in March, and Mr. Gabe's in December), optional year-end conferences and year-end celebrations! Whew! That's not even an all-inclusive list - so you can imagine that these next two months are a whirlwind of activity and emotions (especially for 6th graders).
The best way to keep sane and organized is to take things day by day, week by week, so here's some info about this week:
1. E2 takes AzMerit on Tuesday (writing), Wednesday (reading and math), Thursday (reading and math).
2. Friday, April 6 is an Early Release Day at 11:30am.
3. Please make every effort to put your kiddos to bed early, feed them a healthy and balanced breakfast, and celebrate how incredibly impressive and intelligent they are, above and beyond their test results.
Math HW - Please follow the updated, individualized Saxon calendars sent home in Communication Folders. Students who are ahead of the lessons due on their calendar do not have to do homework during testing, but should not fall behind the calendar due dates.
Reading HW - With the exception of Great Lives research, there is no reading homework due over testing week.
Great Lives projects - Please follow the project timeline in the packet. Written Project Rough Drafts are due April 13. Students should turn in parts 1-4 of the Written Report (see packet for details). Research note cards do not need to be turned in again.
Students can use the Writing a Biography handout to help them write and organize their rough drafts. It was included in the outlining packet; also included was an example biography of Nelson Mandela. Students who need another copy can request one from the teachers.
April showers bring May flowers, but what if you live in the Sonoran Desert? Then April and May bring State testing, temperatures reaching one hundred degrees, sunscreen, the Great Lives Fair, school overnight trips, Shadow Day, Ms. Willa's birthday (Yes, that is a shameless promotion. FYI, Ms. Kathreen's is in October, Mr. Beto's in March, and Mr. Gabe's in December), optional year-end conferences and year-end celebrations! Whew! That's not even an all-inclusive list - so you can imagine that these next two months are a whirlwind of activity and emotions (especially for 6th graders).
The best way to keep sane and organized is to take things day by day, week by week, so here's some info about this week:
1. E2 takes AzMerit on Tuesday (writing), Wednesday (reading and math), Thursday (reading and math).
2. Friday, April 6 is an Early Release Day at 11:30am.
3. Please make every effort to put your kiddos to bed early, feed them a healthy and balanced breakfast, and celebrate how incredibly impressive and intelligent they are, above and beyond their test results.
Math HW - Please follow the updated, individualized Saxon calendars sent home in Communication Folders. Students who are ahead of the lessons due on their calendar do not have to do homework during testing, but should not fall behind the calendar due dates.
Reading HW - With the exception of Great Lives research, there is no reading homework due over testing week.
Great Lives projects - Please follow the project timeline in the packet. Written Project Rough Drafts are due April 13. Students should turn in parts 1-4 of the Written Report (see packet for details). Research note cards do not need to be turned in again.
Students can use the Writing a Biography handout to help them write and organize their rough drafts. It was included in the outlining packet; also included was an example biography of Nelson Mandela. Students who need another copy can request one from the teachers.
Students can use the following website link to help them write and organize their bibliography: http://www.easybib.com/
Students can use the Research and Inquiry packet to help them write and organize their bibliography (pages 17-18)
researchandinquirygraphicorganizersforanysubject.pdf |
March 26, 2018
Please look on the Resources page for handouts given to support the Great Lives project. Downloads for Outlines and Biography Rough Drafts are available. For Project Proposals (referring to the 3D Project), I asked students to write 1-2 paragraphs identifying which 3D project they plan to do and describing how it shows their person's positive contributions, great achievements, etc.
March 19, 2018
Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break. The last two weeks of March and first week of April are going to be focused on Great Lives and state testing. Here are some important dates to be aware of, as well as updates to homework:
Monday, March 19 - Great Lives Research & Inquiry packet due
Tuesday, March 27 - 4th graders take the AIMS Science test
Thursday, March 29 - Parent Education Night: Language Lessons
Friday, March 30 - Written Project Outline & 3D Project Proposal due
Mon, April 2 - Fri, April 6 - 4th through 6th graders take the AzMerit ELA & Math tests
Friday, April 13 - Written Project Rough Draft due
Homework updates
Reading - Students should continue to read about/research their Great Lives person. Rather than turning in a daily reading log, they can work on different parts of the Great Lives project. They should also finish reading their Ancient Civilization novel or stories if they haven't already done so. There is no daily check for the reading homework, so my classroom's teaching team will check in with students verbally and occasionally collect items as we get closer to due dates.
Math - Students who are finished with the Saxon review pages (test B versions) can return to completing regular Saxon lessons from the textbook.
Please feel free to email me if you have specific questions or if I forgot to cover something.
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break. The last two weeks of March and first week of April are going to be focused on Great Lives and state testing. Here are some important dates to be aware of, as well as updates to homework:
Monday, March 19 - Great Lives Research & Inquiry packet due
Tuesday, March 27 - 4th graders take the AIMS Science test
Thursday, March 29 - Parent Education Night: Language Lessons
Friday, March 30 - Written Project Outline & 3D Project Proposal due
Mon, April 2 - Fri, April 6 - 4th through 6th graders take the AzMerit ELA & Math tests
Friday, April 13 - Written Project Rough Draft due
Homework updates
Reading - Students should continue to read about/research their Great Lives person. Rather than turning in a daily reading log, they can work on different parts of the Great Lives project. They should also finish reading their Ancient Civilization novel or stories if they haven't already done so. There is no daily check for the reading homework, so my classroom's teaching team will check in with students verbally and occasionally collect items as we get closer to due dates.
Math - Students who are finished with the Saxon review pages (test B versions) can return to completing regular Saxon lessons from the textbook.
Please feel free to email me if you have specific questions or if I forgot to cover something.
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
March 2, 2018
The students and I looked at the calendar yesterday and basically said, "Oh. Hello, March. How weird that you're already here." None of us expected the school year to fly by so fast, and I can see we're a mixed up jumble of emotions about it. Onward and upward!
There have been some unforeseen staffing changes to our classroom, so we no longer have Ms. Amy. We wish her the best of luck, health, and happiness in the next phase of her journey!
Ms. Kathreen is scheduled to return to our class after Spring Break. Until then, we will do our best to stay on top of things. Please be patient and forgiving if things are forgotten or a bit in disorder. Our ship will right itself in the coming weeks.
Saxon - Students were sent home with a Saxon review packet or page, to be completed as homework this weekend. Answer keys were not sent home. If you check your child's work, please sign the homework. If the work needs to be checked at school, please leave it unsigned. Thank you!
Reading - Students do not have Figurative Language reading logs to do over the weekend. Please remind them to read their Ancient Civilization novels (if they brought them home) as well as their Great Lives person, and to continue filling out their Research & Inquiry packets, which are due March 19.
The students and I looked at the calendar yesterday and basically said, "Oh. Hello, March. How weird that you're already here." None of us expected the school year to fly by so fast, and I can see we're a mixed up jumble of emotions about it. Onward and upward!
There have been some unforeseen staffing changes to our classroom, so we no longer have Ms. Amy. We wish her the best of luck, health, and happiness in the next phase of her journey!
Ms. Kathreen is scheduled to return to our class after Spring Break. Until then, we will do our best to stay on top of things. Please be patient and forgiving if things are forgotten or a bit in disorder. Our ship will right itself in the coming weeks.
Saxon - Students were sent home with a Saxon review packet or page, to be completed as homework this weekend. Answer keys were not sent home. If you check your child's work, please sign the homework. If the work needs to be checked at school, please leave it unsigned. Thank you!
Reading - Students do not have Figurative Language reading logs to do over the weekend. Please remind them to read their Ancient Civilization novels (if they brought them home) as well as their Great Lives person, and to continue filling out their Research & Inquiry packets, which are due March 19.
Feb 23, 2018
Great Lives Project - Students have been turning in note cards to receive credit for reading homework (to support the goal of reading about the person they are researching). Because we've been doing daily check-ins for the note cards, two assignments on the Great Lives Timeline are slightly different for our class.
Monday 2/26 - Research & Inquiry packet check-in (packets were sent home in Communication Folders. Students who need another may ask me in class. Packets are also available to print from the Resources page.
Monday 3/19 - Research & Inquiry packets due, fully filled in. This will help students to write their outlines and biography rough drafts.
Party time - Students have earned a class party and have planned activities for Friday, March 2. The party planners are writing a letter to go home that has more details. Please look for it to come home in Communication Folders early next week.
Pink Shirt Day - All students will receive a pink shirt to design/decorate for Anti-bullying Day. Students formed groups and brainstormed ideas for themed skits, which we will perform for Ms. Stefanie's class on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb 28.
Parent Education Night - Wed, Feb 28th, 6:30pm-7:30pm - Villa's next Parent Education night will focus on giving Montessori lessons to parents so they can see a bit of what their child experiences at school. It's a wonderful way to see how seeds are planted at this time, even though the students may not realize it!
Great Lives Project - Students have been turning in note cards to receive credit for reading homework (to support the goal of reading about the person they are researching). Because we've been doing daily check-ins for the note cards, two assignments on the Great Lives Timeline are slightly different for our class.
Monday 2/26 - Research & Inquiry packet check-in (packets were sent home in Communication Folders. Students who need another may ask me in class. Packets are also available to print from the Resources page.
Monday 3/19 - Research & Inquiry packets due, fully filled in. This will help students to write their outlines and biography rough drafts.
Party time - Students have earned a class party and have planned activities for Friday, March 2. The party planners are writing a letter to go home that has more details. Please look for it to come home in Communication Folders early next week.
Pink Shirt Day - All students will receive a pink shirt to design/decorate for Anti-bullying Day. Students formed groups and brainstormed ideas for themed skits, which we will perform for Ms. Stefanie's class on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb 28.
Parent Education Night - Wed, Feb 28th, 6:30pm-7:30pm - Villa's next Parent Education night will focus on giving Montessori lessons to parents so they can see a bit of what their child experiences at school. It's a wonderful way to see how seeds are planted at this time, even though the students may not realize it!
Feb 11, 2018
Typing.com - All students' passwords have been reset to their last name. Though their typing progress isn't checked daily, I encourage the students to learn and practice their typing skills on this program. It's a fun way to introduce basic skills that they'll need to further develop as they grow older.
What we're doing in class:
Human Body - Exploring different body systems in collaborative groups. Each group member is researching a specific part of their assigned system. Together, they are writing a research paper (graphic organizer handout to support), creating a visual aid (high tech or low tech), and preparing a presentation. Projects due this week, Feb 15th.
French - For the past few Fridays, I've been giving introductory French lessons on alphabet (for pronunciation), numbers (counting to ten), subject pronouns, and verb conjugation (to be, present tense). Students are practicing how to say Hello, my name is..., I would like..., please, thank you, etc.
Geography - Students got more practice reading atlases and maps with our geography scavenger hunt.
Core Lessons - Individual, small group, and whole class lessons in Language Arts, Math, and Community continue, based on observation, assessment, and student needs. Daily practice is expected, with specific subjects due Mon-Fri (this is something new that I implemented when I observed a lack of practice, and therefore proficiency, with new skills and even old skills of which the students had shown previous mastery.)
The year is flying by, so it's a great time to reset, recommit, and relearn!
With respect and gratitude,
Ms. Willa
Typing.com - All students' passwords have been reset to their last name. Though their typing progress isn't checked daily, I encourage the students to learn and practice their typing skills on this program. It's a fun way to introduce basic skills that they'll need to further develop as they grow older.
What we're doing in class:
Human Body - Exploring different body systems in collaborative groups. Each group member is researching a specific part of their assigned system. Together, they are writing a research paper (graphic organizer handout to support), creating a visual aid (high tech or low tech), and preparing a presentation. Projects due this week, Feb 15th.
French - For the past few Fridays, I've been giving introductory French lessons on alphabet (for pronunciation), numbers (counting to ten), subject pronouns, and verb conjugation (to be, present tense). Students are practicing how to say Hello, my name is..., I would like..., please, thank you, etc.
Geography - Students got more practice reading atlases and maps with our geography scavenger hunt.
Core Lessons - Individual, small group, and whole class lessons in Language Arts, Math, and Community continue, based on observation, assessment, and student needs. Daily practice is expected, with specific subjects due Mon-Fri (this is something new that I implemented when I observed a lack of practice, and therefore proficiency, with new skills and even old skills of which the students had shown previous mastery.)
The year is flying by, so it's a great time to reset, recommit, and relearn!
With respect and gratitude,
Ms. Willa
Feb 2, 2018
Thank you to our overnight chaperone parent volunteers! We so appreciate you dedicating your time and energy to our community while we're out and about.
Pinerock 4th grade AstroCamp 5th grade CIMI 6th grade
Tom Trush Sam Espinosa Dennis Shaw
Noe Peralta Jerome Haven Michael Groves
Lizett Mejia Tommy Smith Kyle Clark
Cristen Pennington Rebecca Johnson Elizabeth Meyer - Van Wie
Jaycie Gottell Erica Gonzalez-Melendez Tricia Hartenfeld
Naomi Valadez Jill Zimmerman
Rebecca Runnels Patty Waxman
Nikolee Turner
Elisa Reyes
Jon Staats
Erika Huyuk
Matt Thesing
Sage Dillon
Danielle O’ Connell
Jason Weiss
Phillip Marcy
Candice Hurley
Chuck Root
Fantastic February
Fun Run - Saturday, Feb 3 at Camelback High School, 9am-11am - Thank you so much to the PTO for organizing this great even and fundraiser. We've been having so much fun with it in class. I signed up to wog (walk-jog) and look forward to seeing your families there!
Valentine Grams - Please send in a bag of plain Hershey Kisses - These fun treats are now for sale. There are even more options to send to your sweetheart! (Funds raised go towards overnight trip scholarships and classroom needs.)
Feb 2 - French Friday (French lesson, cooking & eating crepes), AZ Animal Welfare League visits to educate students about how to handle/care for different animals (snakes, lizards, rabbits, ferrets, etc)
Feb 5 - Visiting Ms. Starr's class to watch their Four Winds presenation
Feb 7 - Southwest Shakespeare Co. will present Twelfth Night
Feb 14 - Last day of Vgram sales. Distribution in the afternoon.
Feb 16 - Early Dismissal (including Circle students) for professional development
Feb 28 - Pink Shirt Day for Anti-Bullying
January 16, 2018
Welcome back to school! I trust everyone had a festive, as well as restful, Winter Break. I missed each and every one of my students over the holidays, and regaled my family with anecdotes of our classroom adventures.
Classroom Conferences - Friday, Jan 19 and Friday, Jan 26 - All E2 conferences will be held in my room (218) during the morning. After lunch, some teachers prefer to return to their own classrooms. Please communicate with your child's teacher about the location of your conference if (a) you have an E2 teacher other than me, and (b) you have an afternoon conference. Spaces are filling up fast, so please sign up if you haven't yet: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-goal2
Valentine Grams - I honestly don't have all my Christmas decorations packed away yet, but the stores are filled with hearts and hugs, so it must be time to start collecting kisses for Valentine Grams! Please send in a bag of Hershey Kisses and consider volunteering to make bags, deliver Grams, or hang out with the 6th graders while they sell Grams!
At home volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-valentine
On campus volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-valentine1
I look forward to seeing you at conferences!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
Welcome back to school! I trust everyone had a festive, as well as restful, Winter Break. I missed each and every one of my students over the holidays, and regaled my family with anecdotes of our classroom adventures.
Classroom Conferences - Friday, Jan 19 and Friday, Jan 26 - All E2 conferences will be held in my room (218) during the morning. After lunch, some teachers prefer to return to their own classrooms. Please communicate with your child's teacher about the location of your conference if (a) you have an E2 teacher other than me, and (b) you have an afternoon conference. Spaces are filling up fast, so please sign up if you haven't yet: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-goal2
Valentine Grams - I honestly don't have all my Christmas decorations packed away yet, but the stores are filled with hearts and hugs, so it must be time to start collecting kisses for Valentine Grams! Please send in a bag of Hershey Kisses and consider volunteering to make bags, deliver Grams, or hang out with the 6th graders while they sell Grams!
At home volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-valentine
On campus volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-valentine1
I look forward to seeing you at conferences!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
December 20, 2017
With hearts full, Ms. Kathreen, Mr. Gabe, Mr. Beto, and I thank you for all you have given. Generous gifts. Time and energy to our classroom and community. Trust as we guide your precious child each day. Support at home and within your social circles. Perhaps this poem communicates our gratitude best:
When Giving Is All We Have
by Albert Rios (Poet Laureate of Arizona)
One river gives
Its journey to the next.
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it--
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
Together we are simple green. You gave me
What you did not have, and I gave you
What I had to give—together, we made
Something greater from the difference.
Copyright © 2014 by Alberto Ríos.
With hearts full, Ms. Kathreen, Mr. Gabe, Mr. Beto, and I thank you for all you have given. Generous gifts. Time and energy to our classroom and community. Trust as we guide your precious child each day. Support at home and within your social circles. Perhaps this poem communicates our gratitude best:
When Giving Is All We Have
by Albert Rios (Poet Laureate of Arizona)
One river gives
Its journey to the next.
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it--
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
Together we are simple green. You gave me
What you did not have, and I gave you
What I had to give—together, we made
Something greater from the difference.
Copyright © 2014 by Alberto Ríos.
December 4, 2017
There's so much going on at school, and in life - this month passes by super quickly! Feel free to send me an email if you have questions about everything going on at school/in class.
First, a quick clarification: Today, while updating the class on the December calendar events, I told students about St. Nicholas Day on Wed, Dec 6th. Children would set their shoes outside their homes and parents, family, and/or friends would fill the shoes with treats like candy and chocolate. Unfortunately, some students misheard or misinterpreted my words, and you can imagine the calamity. Please remind and reassure them, as I did in class, that I was simply sharing an old European tradition that might be fun to celebrate with their families, as we do in mine. Thank you for your support!
Reading homework - Book project packets were sent home today. For the month of December (a little less than three weeks of school), students will be making a Glossary and either a Setting Map or Main Character 3D Model. Details and scoring rubrics can be found in the packets sent home. Students are expected to turn in their progress on the Glossary each day (it does not need a parent signature). We are checking for two Glossary entries per day that include the three requirements listed on the Glossary and Word Search Book Project page. Word Searches will be turned in after the students complete their Glossaries, as they include all the Glossary words.
Saxon homework - We are continuing apace, unless an adjusted homework plan has been sent home via the Communication Folder. I call these a Saxon Rewind. For a variety of reasons, students might need to rewind to do more practice and take more time to become proficient in certain math skills. This often results in students feeling more solid with their foundation skills, so they can build on those skills more successfully.
Dates to remember:
*This event has been rescheduled for January 9th.* Wed, Dec 6th - The Arizona Science Center will be visiting our E2 classroom and holding demonstrations, activities, etc.
Fri, Dec 8th - Pajama Day & Read-a-thon. The E2 classrooms raised more than $250 for the Scholastic Coin Drive, which they matched in book donations to communities in need. We're celebrating by spending our Friday afternoon immersed in one of our favorite activities - reading!
Tues, Dec 12th - Hannukah begins and we will celebrate by adding six-pointed stars to our Kindness Tree, in addition to the Christmas ornaments already decorating it.
Fri, Dec 15th - (Regular Pizza Friday). 6th grade research paper rough drafts are due. These were started with a lesson in class. Students will work on these at home for the majority of the time, though we will also have in-class research and writing sessions throughout December.
Mon, Dec 18th - Guest speaker Calvin Terrell presents "Cowards to Warriors" to E2 community.
Wed, Dec 20th - Build and decorate gingerbread creations. Please look for an email from Tessa Ringo with a Sign-up Genius link asking for building and decorating donations, as well as parent helpers for making Royal Icing, party clean-up, and wrapping creations.
Thurs, Dec 21st - Last day of school. Please bring a packed lunch as usual. School will resume Monday, Jan 8, 2018!
May your days be merry and bright,
Ms. Willa
There's so much going on at school, and in life - this month passes by super quickly! Feel free to send me an email if you have questions about everything going on at school/in class.
First, a quick clarification: Today, while updating the class on the December calendar events, I told students about St. Nicholas Day on Wed, Dec 6th. Children would set their shoes outside their homes and parents, family, and/or friends would fill the shoes with treats like candy and chocolate. Unfortunately, some students misheard or misinterpreted my words, and you can imagine the calamity. Please remind and reassure them, as I did in class, that I was simply sharing an old European tradition that might be fun to celebrate with their families, as we do in mine. Thank you for your support!
Reading homework - Book project packets were sent home today. For the month of December (a little less than three weeks of school), students will be making a Glossary and either a Setting Map or Main Character 3D Model. Details and scoring rubrics can be found in the packets sent home. Students are expected to turn in their progress on the Glossary each day (it does not need a parent signature). We are checking for two Glossary entries per day that include the three requirements listed on the Glossary and Word Search Book Project page. Word Searches will be turned in after the students complete their Glossaries, as they include all the Glossary words.
Saxon homework - We are continuing apace, unless an adjusted homework plan has been sent home via the Communication Folder. I call these a Saxon Rewind. For a variety of reasons, students might need to rewind to do more practice and take more time to become proficient in certain math skills. This often results in students feeling more solid with their foundation skills, so they can build on those skills more successfully.
Dates to remember:
*This event has been rescheduled for January 9th.* Wed, Dec 6th - The Arizona Science Center will be visiting our E2 classroom and holding demonstrations, activities, etc.
Fri, Dec 8th - Pajama Day & Read-a-thon. The E2 classrooms raised more than $250 for the Scholastic Coin Drive, which they matched in book donations to communities in need. We're celebrating by spending our Friday afternoon immersed in one of our favorite activities - reading!
Tues, Dec 12th - Hannukah begins and we will celebrate by adding six-pointed stars to our Kindness Tree, in addition to the Christmas ornaments already decorating it.
Fri, Dec 15th - (Regular Pizza Friday). 6th grade research paper rough drafts are due. These were started with a lesson in class. Students will work on these at home for the majority of the time, though we will also have in-class research and writing sessions throughout December.
Mon, Dec 18th - Guest speaker Calvin Terrell presents "Cowards to Warriors" to E2 community.
Wed, Dec 20th - Build and decorate gingerbread creations. Please look for an email from Tessa Ringo with a Sign-up Genius link asking for building and decorating donations, as well as parent helpers for making Royal Icing, party clean-up, and wrapping creations.
Thurs, Dec 21st - Last day of school. Please bring a packed lunch as usual. School will resume Monday, Jan 8, 2018!
May your days be merry and bright,
Ms. Willa
November 22, 2017
Homework over the holiday weekend:
Math - one Saxon math lesson is due on Monday, Nov 27th. According to the Saxon calendar, Lesson 54 will be due.
Reading - Book report presentations will start Monday, Nov 27th. Students chose their projects and brought home the instructions in the beginning of November.
The students shared some things for which they are thankful:
I am thankful for...
all of my friends in this class.
all the materials we have.
my life.
having a roof over my head and my family.
for my family and my classroom family.
all of my amazing friends.
all of my family and friends, because they help out my family a lot.
to have a good school to go to every day and a home to go to after school.
my sister whipping up a huge batch of key lime pie and my grandma because she's been working really hard taking care of my grandpa.
for my family and basketball.
my house and my family and my friends.
living in a free country.
that I have a family and that I have a sister.
my family, my friends, my teachers, and this school.
my friends, family, and the turkey.
this classroom, and my family and dogs.
our classroom family, my family, the classroom materials.
bees and honey.
I am thankful for our kind and supportive community, and especially for the laughter and joy that fills our classroom on a daily basis. May you have a lovely, family-filled holiday weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
Homework over the holiday weekend:
Math - one Saxon math lesson is due on Monday, Nov 27th. According to the Saxon calendar, Lesson 54 will be due.
Reading - Book report presentations will start Monday, Nov 27th. Students chose their projects and brought home the instructions in the beginning of November.
The students shared some things for which they are thankful:
I am thankful for...
all of my friends in this class.
all the materials we have.
my life.
having a roof over my head and my family.
for my family and my classroom family.
all of my amazing friends.
all of my family and friends, because they help out my family a lot.
to have a good school to go to every day and a home to go to after school.
my sister whipping up a huge batch of key lime pie and my grandma because she's been working really hard taking care of my grandpa.
for my family and basketball.
my house and my family and my friends.
living in a free country.
that I have a family and that I have a sister.
my family, my friends, my teachers, and this school.
my friends, family, and the turkey.
this classroom, and my family and dogs.
our classroom family, my family, the classroom materials.
bees and honey.
I am thankful for our kind and supportive community, and especially for the laughter and joy that fills our classroom on a daily basis. May you have a lovely, family-filled holiday weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
November 12, 2017
The classroom photo album has been updated! Please have a look through it. There are some wonderful snapshots of the children in the classroom, during Drama class, doing work, giving lessons to each other, playing educational games, and more. Their joy with class and school shines through, and totally fills my bucket!
Wednesday, Nov 22nd - Two of our most anticipated E2 events occur in November - the Cultural Feast and Barter Day. This year, in keeping with our History studies of Ancient Civilizations, our classroom will be enjoying an Ancient Feast. Feel free to bring a dish that was eaten in an ancient civilization or has ancient roots. Please keep in mind that some of our classroom family members have food allergies, so a list of ingredients is super helpful with keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Friday, Nov 17th - Class Party and In-Class pre-Barter Day - Same guidelines for Barter Day apply. The students earned the class party by being punctual for car line. Each day we are on-time for dismissal, we earn a rock fish. Once all the rock fish are transferred from one holding tank to the other, we celebrate! We will be watching the movie Coraline, eating popcorn that Ms. Kathreen pops over the stove with the students, building forts, and generally having a grand time.
Book report projects - Students will present their book reports the last week of November. Project assignments were sent home in Communication Folders at the beginning of November. We're looking forward to learning about what the students have been reading!
I am thankful for your trust, support, and positivity. It is such a privilege be your child's teacher, to know them and love them in this mindful setting. Speaking for myself and my teaching team, thank you for sharing your children with us. They are beautiful, brilliant souls.
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
The classroom photo album has been updated! Please have a look through it. There are some wonderful snapshots of the children in the classroom, during Drama class, doing work, giving lessons to each other, playing educational games, and more. Their joy with class and school shines through, and totally fills my bucket!
Wednesday, Nov 22nd - Two of our most anticipated E2 events occur in November - the Cultural Feast and Barter Day. This year, in keeping with our History studies of Ancient Civilizations, our classroom will be enjoying an Ancient Feast. Feel free to bring a dish that was eaten in an ancient civilization or has ancient roots. Please keep in mind that some of our classroom family members have food allergies, so a list of ingredients is super helpful with keeping everyone safe and healthy.
- Cultural Feast - Willa, Kaitlyn, Stefanie's classes - 11:30am-12:30pm
- Barter Day - all E2 classes - 1pm
Friday, Nov 17th - Class Party and In-Class pre-Barter Day - Same guidelines for Barter Day apply. The students earned the class party by being punctual for car line. Each day we are on-time for dismissal, we earn a rock fish. Once all the rock fish are transferred from one holding tank to the other, we celebrate! We will be watching the movie Coraline, eating popcorn that Ms. Kathreen pops over the stove with the students, building forts, and generally having a grand time.
Book report projects - Students will present their book reports the last week of November. Project assignments were sent home in Communication Folders at the beginning of November. We're looking forward to learning about what the students have been reading!
I am thankful for your trust, support, and positivity. It is such a privilege be your child's teacher, to know them and love them in this mindful setting. Speaking for myself and my teaching team, thank you for sharing your children with us. They are beautiful, brilliant souls.
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
October 31, 2017
For their first Trick or Treat of Halloween, I shared this poem with the children (who had asked for a spoooky poem and I read them this instead - that was the trick!)
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)
by e.e. cummings
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my
true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always
meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the
bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which
grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars
apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
For their first Trick or Treat of Halloween, I shared this poem with the children (who had asked for a spoooky poem and I read them this instead - that was the trick!)
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)
by e.e. cummings
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my
true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always
meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the
bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which
grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars
apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
October 30, 2017
Important information about events tomorrow and homework (starting tonight).
Saxon math - Students and their families have celebrations on Halloween night, so we will not expect them to do homework that evening. However, students should be current through Lesson 41 by Friday (due that day). They can do the Halloween night lesson on a different night or over several different nights.
Reading - Starting tonight, students will be reading to complete a book report project, which they will present to the class during the last week of November. They no longer have to fill in the nightly reading log for November, though they are still expected to read most nights.
Halloween Day (tomorrow) - Students who have researched their costume and connected it to an ancient civilization may present their research tomorrow dressed in their costume. However, it is a school rule that students may not dress in costume on Halloween, so please have them bring a change of clothes. They will change into school clothes after presentations.
In the afternoon, we will be reading aloud our Spooky Stories and/or Dark Fairytales at our publishing party. This doesn't involve food, just sharing our written work. Students choose whether or not they will read aloud, and there is no pressure to do so, though many are inspired to share once they see their peers reading aloud.
It was such a pleasure to see most of you at the Halloween Carnival. Thank you for supporting that great annual event, that is a favorite among our students and staff. Students who found me and were able to guess my costume, received a No Reading Homework Pass. They may use it for any night and the passes are good until the end of the year.
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
Important information about events tomorrow and homework (starting tonight).
Saxon math - Students and their families have celebrations on Halloween night, so we will not expect them to do homework that evening. However, students should be current through Lesson 41 by Friday (due that day). They can do the Halloween night lesson on a different night or over several different nights.
Reading - Starting tonight, students will be reading to complete a book report project, which they will present to the class during the last week of November. They no longer have to fill in the nightly reading log for November, though they are still expected to read most nights.
Halloween Day (tomorrow) - Students who have researched their costume and connected it to an ancient civilization may present their research tomorrow dressed in their costume. However, it is a school rule that students may not dress in costume on Halloween, so please have them bring a change of clothes. They will change into school clothes after presentations.
In the afternoon, we will be reading aloud our Spooky Stories and/or Dark Fairytales at our publishing party. This doesn't involve food, just sharing our written work. Students choose whether or not they will read aloud, and there is no pressure to do so, though many are inspired to share once they see their peers reading aloud.
It was such a pleasure to see most of you at the Halloween Carnival. Thank you for supporting that great annual event, that is a favorite among our students and staff. Students who found me and were able to guess my costume, received a No Reading Homework Pass. They may use it for any night and the passes are good until the end of the year.
Warmly,
Ms. Willa
October 24, 2017
Picture proofs were sent home yesterday. Please send them back by this Thursday, October 26th, with your preferred pose marked.
Our classroom is full of activity! We have been enjoying lessons and practicing a variety of skills. Here's a glimpse of some of our meaningful work:
French language - Kate gave a few classmates an introduction to French vocabulary. Ms. Kathreen writes the date in French for our daily agenda. Quin and Amelia M. cooked crepes and wrote notes in French to Ms. Margo, Ms. Christy, and others in the Main Office.
Coding - Fiona, Dominick, and friends, put together a coding machine (Raspberry Pi computer and monitor) so our classroom family can learn programming language, build games, etc.
Geometry - (All lessons include both hands-on and abstract exploration) Sixth graders used materials and the Transitive Property to derive the formula for Area of a Circle from their knowledge of the Area of a Rectangle. Fifth graders explored different methods to calculate the Area of a Trapezoid. Fourth graders explored different types of angles (right, acute, obtuse, straight) and their properties (adjacent, complementary), and learned to use simple protractors.
Writing - Students are writing Spooky Stories to share at our publishing party on Halloween Day. This is an informal affair that gives the children a choice to read aloud their stories and written work.
Picture proofs were sent home yesterday. Please send them back by this Thursday, October 26th, with your preferred pose marked.
Our classroom is full of activity! We have been enjoying lessons and practicing a variety of skills. Here's a glimpse of some of our meaningful work:
French language - Kate gave a few classmates an introduction to French vocabulary. Ms. Kathreen writes the date in French for our daily agenda. Quin and Amelia M. cooked crepes and wrote notes in French to Ms. Margo, Ms. Christy, and others in the Main Office.
Coding - Fiona, Dominick, and friends, put together a coding machine (Raspberry Pi computer and monitor) so our classroom family can learn programming language, build games, etc.
Geometry - (All lessons include both hands-on and abstract exploration) Sixth graders used materials and the Transitive Property to derive the formula for Area of a Circle from their knowledge of the Area of a Rectangle. Fifth graders explored different methods to calculate the Area of a Trapezoid. Fourth graders explored different types of angles (right, acute, obtuse, straight) and their properties (adjacent, complementary), and learned to use simple protractors.
Writing - Students are writing Spooky Stories to share at our publishing party on Halloween Day. This is an informal affair that gives the children a choice to read aloud their stories and written work.
October 16, 2017
Welcome back to school! We were all so pleased to see each other again. I'm glad everyone enjoyed their Fall Break.
Homework reminder: This week is review for Saxon homework. Packets of Saxon test B versions will be sent home in Communication Folders. Students have already taken the test A versions in class. Please refer to the Saxon calendar to see specifics. If you need another copy, please email me.
Picture Day Make-up Session: Tuesday, Oct 17th will be for students who were absent for our first picture day. Pictures will be taken in the morning.
Welcome back to school! We were all so pleased to see each other again. I'm glad everyone enjoyed their Fall Break.
Homework reminder: This week is review for Saxon homework. Packets of Saxon test B versions will be sent home in Communication Folders. Students have already taken the test A versions in class. Please refer to the Saxon calendar to see specifics. If you need another copy, please email me.
Picture Day Make-up Session: Tuesday, Oct 17th will be for students who were absent for our first picture day. Pictures will be taken in the morning.
October 9, 2017
There are no reading logs or Saxon lessons due over Fall Break. Some students, with whom I spoke last week, will need to complete overdue assignments involving research and writing. Sixth graders are expected to turn in their Service Logs for their Sixth Grade Project on Monday, October 16th (if they haven't already done so).
Enjoy a restful Fall Break! If you need to contact me, please reach out via email ([email protected]).
There are no reading logs or Saxon lessons due over Fall Break. Some students, with whom I spoke last week, will need to complete overdue assignments involving research and writing. Sixth graders are expected to turn in their Service Logs for their Sixth Grade Project on Monday, October 16th (if they haven't already done so).
Enjoy a restful Fall Break! If you need to contact me, please reach out via email ([email protected]).
October 1, 2017
This month brings such joy - we enjoy cooler temperatures, start in-class presentations of student work, look forward to the Halloween Carnival, and anticipate many more learning adventures to come. We've had many lessons in class - too many to list here - and you are always welcome to come into the classroom to check out our Lesson Board or the Lesson Binder (both resources to support the students in goal planning). Some highlights include:
Reminders -
Saxon textbook and solutions manual deposit - $30 per E2 child will be charged to families' accounts. This will be refunded at the end of the year, when students return the items.
Book Fair - On campus Oct 2-6, online Sept 25-Oct 13 http://www.scholastic.com/bf/villamontessori1
Our class will have a Wish List. Please visit our book fair to support your child's love of reading and to purchase a book that would benefit our classroom.
This month brings such joy - we enjoy cooler temperatures, start in-class presentations of student work, look forward to the Halloween Carnival, and anticipate many more learning adventures to come. We've had many lessons in class - too many to list here - and you are always welcome to come into the classroom to check out our Lesson Board or the Lesson Binder (both resources to support the students in goal planning). Some highlights include:
- Recipe Math - This is the students' ticket to cook (they LOVE cooking in the classroom). They turn the numbers in their recipe into fraction/decimal math practice. We've already had some students make a yummy pineapple upside down cake!
- Biology - We started our Human Body studies with Parts of a Cell and Reproduction! The students have signed up to research certain organelles and reproduction parts/systems. Chat with them about what they've chosen to study; it's a great way to start a conversation that may lead to bigger topics.
- Novel Study - We are reading aloud The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (she also wrote The Witch of Blackbird Pond).
Reminders -
Saxon textbook and solutions manual deposit - $30 per E2 child will be charged to families' accounts. This will be refunded at the end of the year, when students return the items.
Book Fair - On campus Oct 2-6, online Sept 25-Oct 13 http://www.scholastic.com/bf/villamontessori1
Our class will have a Wish List. Please visit our book fair to support your child's love of reading and to purchase a book that would benefit our classroom.
Sept 26, 2017
Students received a new nightly reading log today and a lesson on how to fill it out. They are to complete the information table on the front and answer one daily question on the back. The very last page of the packet is an example sheet, if they need further guidance. We will be using these reading logs for this last week of September and the month of October (except for Fall Break). More information on the new reading logs can be found on the Homework page.
Students received a new nightly reading log today and a lesson on how to fill it out. They are to complete the information table on the front and answer one daily question on the back. The very last page of the packet is an example sheet, if they need further guidance. We will be using these reading logs for this last week of September and the month of October (except for Fall Break). More information on the new reading logs can be found on the Homework page.
September 20, 2017
Picture Day - Tuesday, Sept 26th - We are scheduled to have our pictures taken at 11am. We will all have the same blue, brushstroke background. If your child is absent, the make-up day is Oct 17th. An email went out to all parents from the school.
Scholastic Book Fair - October 2nd –October 6th - Go to http://www.scholastic.com/bf/villamontessori1 for more information on the Book Fair. If you would like to volunteer at the Book Fair click the previous link and click the button labeled Volunteer. You can also purchase books online or download the Scholastic app from the previous link.
If you have spare coins jangling around in your car, purse, or pockets, send them in with your child! Each coin collected will be used to purchase books from the fair, fulfill book requests from the students, and provide books for impoverished areas. The Scholastic Possible Fund will match every donation to distribute books to children in need; they are focusing much of their efforts to the areas hit hard by the recent hurricanes. Our goal is to raise $250. If we reach our goal, we will have an afternoon read-a-thon. We will be collecting coins September 18th - September 28th.
For those of you who love poetry, we are doing a close reading of the poem "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver. Read the complete poem here: wordsfortheyear.com/2015/06/21/the-summer-day-by-mary-oliver/
Picture Day - Tuesday, Sept 26th - We are scheduled to have our pictures taken at 11am. We will all have the same blue, brushstroke background. If your child is absent, the make-up day is Oct 17th. An email went out to all parents from the school.
Scholastic Book Fair - October 2nd –October 6th - Go to http://www.scholastic.com/bf/villamontessori1 for more information on the Book Fair. If you would like to volunteer at the Book Fair click the previous link and click the button labeled Volunteer. You can also purchase books online or download the Scholastic app from the previous link.
If you have spare coins jangling around in your car, purse, or pockets, send them in with your child! Each coin collected will be used to purchase books from the fair, fulfill book requests from the students, and provide books for impoverished areas. The Scholastic Possible Fund will match every donation to distribute books to children in need; they are focusing much of their efforts to the areas hit hard by the recent hurricanes. Our goal is to raise $250. If we reach our goal, we will have an afternoon read-a-thon. We will be collecting coins September 18th - September 28th.
For those of you who love poetry, we are doing a close reading of the poem "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver. Read the complete poem here: wordsfortheyear.com/2015/06/21/the-summer-day-by-mary-oliver/
September 18, 2017
Welcome to our new class website! Please be patient as new additions and adjustments occur. Information from the previous website will be integrated as we progress. Some pages, like the Photo Album, need a site password for access. Please email me for that information (there are no pictures up yet). Thank you for your continued support!
Welcome to our new class website! Please be patient as new additions and adjustments occur. Information from the previous website will be integrated as we progress. Some pages, like the Photo Album, need a site password for access. Please email me for that information (there are no pictures up yet). Thank you for your continued support!