PHONICS/READING
    In phonics we are working on suffixes.  This week we will be completing a test on fables and reading, Gingerbread Baby, and Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving.
    Please have your child read at least 75 minutes a week. Children are to return their reading logs and folders for checking the first day of each week.
    Please continue to work on the Dolch words.  The Dolch words are high frequency words that children need to learn to help them read fluently.
SPELLING
Due to the short week, we will not have a new spelling list this week.  We will note how many words we can create using the letters in Thanksgiving. We will also work on alphabetical order and spelling patterns.
MATH
    In math we will classify shapes; develop readiness for division; tell time using digital and analog notation; count a collection of objects;match the time on a clock face with the digital notation; find the rules for a group of sorted attribute blocks; define, name, and draw line segments; solve number stories using addition facts; connect points in a sequence; and use a straightedge to draw a line segment. We will have a money test on Monday, a facts test on Tuesday, and a clock test on Wednesday. We will have homework on Monday and Tuesday.
PRINTING/ENGLISH
    In printing we are working on proper formation, spacing, and neatness. In English we are working on writing a scene and exact nouns. We will continue to review  sentences and punctuation. Children are required to use proper punctuation in all of their work.
SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES
    In social studies we are discussing Thanksgiving.  In science we are reviewing the solar system.
CLASSROOM PROJECTS
    A special thank you to everyone who has offered to send in items for the Charlie  Brown Dinner. I am sure the children will have a wonderful dinner on Tuesday.
    We are still working on earning money for our Operation USO Packages.  At this point we have one package that was donated by a family and have earned or have had donated $18.63 towards another package. These packages are created and delivered to members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed around the world to show them they have not been forgotten and to provide a ‘touch of home'. These USO Care Packages at minimum, include requested items such as prepaid worldwide phone cards, sunscreen, travel size toiletries, disposable camera and a message from the donor thanking them for their service and sacrifice. The children are earning a penny for every "star" paper or "A" paper. The children may also bring in donations for this project.
    This week we will work on our Ohio Gingerbread Persons  to exchange with 24 other classes. We are going to make a special gingerbread ornament made from scraps of lamination film and stickers of Ohio symbols. The cards need to be mailed by  December 1st.
COMPUTER PROJECTS
    We are still working on our "Magic School Bus Space Program".
    We will continue to practice reading and math skills  at ThinkLink. This week we are working on main idea on Tuesday and clocks on Wednesday. Children may also do these probes from their home computers. Children are not required to do these probes at home, but they are excellent practice for second grade skills. The reading home probe codes are EC0218 and the math home probe code are EF3811. To do these probes go to http://www.thinklinkassessments.com/ Then click on "Student Login".  Next click in the "Practice Probes" graphic.  Type in the code for the practice probe. Then have your child type in his student number.
    Your child may also wish to visit our collection of numerous kid-friendly educational web sites that we use during computer time on Fridays.  The url is http://www.portaportal.com   You may login under guest as class7 to view the various websites.  This page will grow as we add more sites throughout the year.
SPECIAL DATES AND EVENTS
Monday       - Last Applebee Pond
Monday       - Bookmobile
Tuesday       - Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Dinner
Wednesday - Austinburg Library
Wednesday - Report Cards Go Home                        
Nov. 27, 28  - No School
Dec. 1          - No School
Dec. 4          - Market Day Orders Due
Dec. 8          - A.E.S.A. Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 9          - Market Day Pick-Up, 6:30-7:30p.m.
Dec. 10-12   - Santa Shop
Dec. 11        - Winter 5th & 6th Gr. Band & Chorus Concert, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12        - School Store
Dec. 17        - Geneva's Image Christmas Program
Dec. 18        - Grade 2 & 3 Christmas Program
Dec. 19        - Last day of school before Winter Break
Dec. 19        - Winter Party, 2:15-2:45
Jan. 5           - First day back after Winter Break
CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE
    This year we are doing Christmas bags as our gift exchange.  Each child will decorate a white bag. Children who wish to participate will bring in 27 small inexpensive treats/presents to place in the bags. Items could be candy canes, pencils, candy treats, small toys, little notebooks, party favors, etc. Dollar stores are a great resource for little inexpensive presents. Children may bring in whatever they please, but they must bring the same small gift for everyone, or the same small gift for all of the boys and the same small gift for all of the girls. Gifts may be wrapped or unwrapped. This way everyone will have the same wonderful bag full of treats to open and enjoy.   Presents/treats for the bags may be brought in starting December 17th.  
FROM THE TEACHER'S DESK
    The hometask this week will be due next Friday, December 5th.  It involves a story and a craft project.
     When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we will discuss the menu for the Winter Party on December 19th. Notes will be sent home to parents who had offered to help with the items for the party.
    Please remember to send your child's lunch/lunch money in an envelope with his/her name on it and Mrs. Gray. This helps the children move through the line quicker and gives them a little longer to eat.
    Your child should be reading (orally and/or silently) for at least 75 minutes a week. He/she should be able to answer questions about what he/she has read. Your child should  record what he/she reads each day on his/her reading log.  This log should be returned the first day of each school week.  
    Please remember to look at the papers your child brings home in his/her task/work-folder.  Praise your child for good marks and help him/her improve any weak areas. Please keep the graded papers, sign the weekly report sheet in the clear pocket, and return the folder and sheet in the clear pocket to school as soon as possible. Papers marked with an I  or Inc. should be corrected and returned.
    Several children are borrowing pencils, erasers, and crayons from me and other students. Please ask your child if they need pencils, erasers, and crayons. We use pencils, erasers, and crayons every day. A special thank you to parents who have sent in pencils for our "community" pencil cup.
    Please make sure your child dresses for the weather.  On cold, snowy days your child will need a heavy coat, gloves, hat or hood, and boots. Also your child needs to bring shoes to wear in the classroom.

  If you have any ideas, concerns, questions, etc. please write me a note, call (school -466-4831 ext. 169), or e-mail (school - roberta.gray@neomin.org ).