Thank you!

We would like to thank everyone who was able to come out and support our final product for our first expedition! It was a great success! Please look at prior posts to see our article in the Gazette!
Late last week, we kicked off our second expedition: "Anato-Me!" The students will be investigating the human body and the differences between themselves and others. This is an expedition that requires a lot of maturity and dedication. We have so many cool things planned and ready! Stay tuned.
Please join the FSA tomorrow with our first meeting at the school this school year. You may bring your child to stay and enjoy a movie while you participate at the meeting. Remember that the slips are due tomorrow!
Today we had a visit for NYCSA. Our students continue to shine and represent 115. Great job kiddos!

Homework

ELA

Tues.-ABC order

Wed.-3x each

Thurs.- sentences

Fri-Spelling test

Math

Mon-Decimal review sheet

Tues-No homework due to benchmark

Wed.- 8-1

Thursday-8-2

*Please return progress reports. It is crucial that you do your homework each night in order to maintain a passing average. Thank you for your support.

Reminders

-Snowball Express tomorrow-bring in money to shop for your family

12/13- FSA meeting and movie night

12/16- 1/2 day; dismissal at 12:00

12/23-1/1-Winter Break

Any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at 297-4520 or kristinemcguire@niagaracharter.org

In the News!

STELLAR job to our fifth graders on the culmination of their final product in our first expedition. The students worked very hard and we are so thankful for all the support and sponsors who were able to come out and join us! Thanks again! Check out our highlight  in the Niagara Gazette....

BRADBERRY: Tourism developers smarter than fifth graders?

Niagara Gazette

COLUMN BY BILL BRADBERRY — It felt a little bit like I had been transported back in time and simultaneously whirled into the future; it was one of those déjà vu moments, you know, when you feel like you’ve been someplace, or experienced the exact same thing before, and that it’s happening again; do you know what I mean?


It happens!


And it happened to me twice on the same day; first while I was sitting as part of a panel watching and listening intently to tourist attraction business proposals presentations being made by the Niagara Charter School’s fifth-grade class at the Niagara Falls Conference Center, and then it happened again later in the afternoon as I listened carefully to the pros and cons at a public hearing at City Hall on the issue of whether or not to give tax abatements to a proposed downtown tourist development.


I got that strange, but familiar feeling that I had been there before; it’s the oddest thing…


On average, most 10 to 11-years old fifth-grade students are approaching the height of their developmental potential, growing like weeds, and as I can recall from my own experiences often imbued with an indomitable spirit fueled by raging imagination and a fomenting desire to experiment with ideas, and if given the opportunity to implement them.


At least that’s what my best buddy, Tommy and I were like when we were that age; we were outrageously curious, absolutely fearless, and had every expectation that we would grow up to fulfill our dreams, and if possible, to travel through time and space. OK, we’re still working on things, but for the most part we’ve accomplished much of what we set out to do.


And some of our most amazing ideas were hatched more than 50 years ago on Old Falls Street at the Strand and Cataract movie theaters and other kid-friendly businesses that once lined the streets not far from where I was sitting last Thursday morning being completely and totally overwhelmed by those beautiful fifth graders, their amazing ideas, and their absolutely dedicated teachers, parents, sponsors and cheering supporters who packed the DeVeaux Room at the recently very busy Conference Center.


Co-sponsored by the Cannon Design Group, USA Niagara, and the BiNational Tourism Alliance, the Niagara Charter School’s fifth-grade teachers organized a learning expedition which they appropriately called, “Are We Missing the Boat?” The expedition, a very successful component of the school’s hands–on approach to learning gave the students the opportunity to “diligently” study and understand the problems that our city is facing in trying to design and address a need for building and operating “exciting and engaging tourist attractions” from the students perspective.


As their printed programs distributed to the participants explained, “With an understanding of the problem, our students took charge and began developing ideas for their own tourist attraction … and with the help of USA Niagara, our students generated business plans and wrote proposal letters that detailed their tourist attractions … architects from Cannon Design” helped create blueprints and some very sophisticated computer software to create 3D models for their projects.


The students actually came up with some really brilliant concepts including interactive museums, adaptive re-uses of existing buildings in and around the tourism corridor adjacent to the State Park property as well as some very well thought out ideas for some properties located outside of the “district.”


Equally as impressive as the substance of their proposals, were their presentations themselves; the students were obviously well prepared, they showed no signs of nervousness, trepidations or fear of any sort, and they did not hesitate to answer some tough questions and strong challenges from the very critical audience or the discerning panel.


Most impressive to me was their firm grasp of some of the fundamental issues that led to the city’s decline; they all prefaced their presentations with a clear, but non-judgmental articulation of “the problems.” They laid no blame, took no credit and cast no aspersions. They even willingly and happily accepted criticism and suggestions aimed at making their good ideas better.


They each acknowledged that our neighbors across the river have enjoyed a head start, having begun to take tourism development seriously more than we “forty years ago, while we just got seriously started ten years ago” and that we need to, “do something now because our situation is depressing and is unacceptable.”


Think about that; their perception is that we just “got serious” about this depressing and unacceptable situation ten years ago, since they were born. That is a significantly better perception than those that may be held by the generation who preceded them.


Unlike their grandparents and parents who may have grown up here in this community where they have only witnessed a city in steady decline, these students could be witnessing something else, something better. They appear to be able to see the potential that resides in the premise that “if you build it, they will come” and are still young enough to dream that there may be some possibility that, if their ideas are seriously considered, there could actually be some sliver of hope that this otherwise “depressing and unacceptable situation” will be changed in their lifetime.


I personally found their enthusiasm and their apparent hope for a better future attainable in their lifetime completely infectious, so much so that I hope that it contaminates the rest of us who, if we are as smart as these fifth graders, can make their dreams for a better, healthier, more vibrant community where people will want to come and stay a little longer, happen.


Contact Bill Bradberry at bill.bradberry@yahoo.com

Expedition Week!

Join us this Thursday from 5:30-7:30 to celebrate in your child's learning of their first expedition "Are we Missing the Boat?" We have been focusing on both sides of the border and the importance and effects of tourism on our community. Students will be showcasing their learning over the past few months and chosen docents in the fifth grade will be presenting our expedition to our visitors!
Just a reminder that all candy bar money and unsold candy bars are due tomorrow. Your child is responsible for returning these in an orderly fashion and will be responsible for replacing any lost candy bars. All money will be sent to the company this week so that we can be reimbursed for our hard work!
Please join is supporting NCS for their yearly book fair for Scholastic. Our students will be visiting the fair on Wednesday. It will also be open during Expedition night. All proceeds benefit NCS!

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact the school at 297-4520

Homework

ELA

Tuesday- ABC order

Wednesday- 3x each

Thursday- Sentences

Math

Monday-6-3

Tuesday-6-4

Wednesday-6-5

Thursday-6-6

Reminders

*Expedition Night on Thursday at NCS from 5:30-7:30pm

*Scholastic Book Fair on Thursday and Friday

*Community Circle Friday at 2:30pm in the Gym

*Stop Bullying Walk-10:30 on Saturday at Whirlpool State Park Pavilion #1

11/28 Convention Center Presentation 11:30am for Final Product

STOP Bullying!

This Saturday, NCS will be hosting an anti-bullying walk at Niagara Falls Whirlpool Park pavilion #1. We have reached out to various members in our community as well as local schools to help support this cause and to continue to show that NCS is and remains bully free! The FSA will be selling hot dogs and soda, 5th grade will be selling their candy bars, and 6th grade will be selling hot beverages. Don't forget to pick up your "band to bullying" bracelet. All proceeds benefit NCS. The walk consists of about a mile and a half. Thank you for your support! Remember the walk begins at 10:30. Bring your family and friends! Spread the word! Hope to see you Saturday!

Choral Counting

We are working with Choral Counting! A new math strategy that helps build math skills and patterns! This was the students FIRST time and they did an incredible job! Stay tuned for more choral counting with new math concepts in the future!

Rally Coaching at work!

FUNdraising!

Good evening and Happy November! I hope everyone is enjoying the burst of nice weather this week! We kicked off our week with a Fall Festival with games, a movie and treats! Thanks to all the parents who came out to help out! Your help is greatly appreciated!
This week we  began our first fundraiser. Each child received a box of Niagara chocolate candy bars. The fifth grade team is asking that each child try to sell the forty candy bars to help defer costs for fieldwork and upcoming events related to EL. Report cards were sent home today. Be sure to review the report with your child and return the purple form so we know that you received the report.
 We are doing our second set of benchmarks in ELA as well as in Math. This is an indication of each child's needs and where to continue teaching and what skills we have mastered. The students began working on the portfolios and reflecting on choosing an item that truly reflects their learning in "Are We Missing the Boat?"
As our expedition comes to a close soon, we ask that you stay tuned to look for our final products and join us in our presentation at the end of month as well as at Expedition Night.
Also, thank you for all the participation with recycling! Our class WON! We will be celebrating with a pizza party next week! As always, if there are any questions, feel free to contact me at the school 297-4520.

Homework

ELA

*Read 20 minutes each night

Tuesday-ABC Order

Wednesday-3x each

Thursday-Sentences

Math

Monday-5-2

Tuesday-5-4

Wednesday 5-5

Thursday 5-6

Reminders

*Bring in loose change to support the Book Fair

*Wear jeans on Friday for $1

*Join us at CC Friday at 2:30 in the gym

*Niagara Candy $ due 11/15

*Expedition Night 11/17

*1/2 day 11/18

Final Product Presentation at Convention Center 11/21

*11/23 Half Day-Dismissal at 12:00

*Thanksgiving Break 11/24-11/27

Drug Free!

    

This week, we are celebrating "Drug Free" week at NCS. This is a week dedicated to being a drug free school. We have and will continue to do exciting things the remainder of the week to show the importance of being drug free. Grades 3-6 will partake in a ceremony revolved around the topic this Thursday at 10am in the gymnasium. You are all welcome to attend!
Monday-Wear red to stop drug use
Tuesday-Crazy socks
Wed-Backwards day
Thursday-Slipper day
Friday-Hat day
*Every child must wear their uniform*


Our expedition will be coming to a close in the next three-four weeks. We are starting to brainstorm ideas for our final products and implementing all that we have learned this quarter to make sure that we as citizens can make a difference in our community...one step at a time! We are proposing new business ideas in the Niagara Falls region that will bring tourists to the US that actually stay. Fifth grade has been studying both sides of the border and have been able to see the underdevelopment of our side and the focus we had nearly 10 years ago (Hint: It wasn't tourism)!
I encourage you to allow your child to use Google Sketch Up to help them work on their final blueprint skills. The more practice, the more effective we will be at conducting this final product. Ask your child all about their ideas! We have some great ones floating around! Stay tuned for our presentation at the Niagara Falls Convention Center near the end of November. We are thrilled to share our ideas with developers from Niagara Falls :)

Homework

ELA

Tuesday-ABC Order

Wednesday-3x each

Thursday-Sentences

Math

Monday-Review Sheet

Tuesday-Review Jeopardy

Wednesday-Unit 4 Test

Thursday 5-1

Reminders

- Fall Festival 10/31-No costumes

Students may bring in store bought treats only

-10/31 wear orange and black for $2. Money supports Kindergarten Field Work

Bonus!

Bring in something with a Sabres logo and get 5points on your next test! Gooooo Sabres!

Brrrrr!

This week has started to fly by and it has just begun and fall is setting in! Boy has it been a chilly few days! I hope that your weekend was well.
 We will begin investigating various cities within Canada. Students will be working collaboratively to generate a trifold representing their city of choice! We have been focusing a lot on informational texts and research. There are a lot of cool things to learn about with Canada!
This week we will also be diving into the beginning stages of our final product. Cannon design was here last week and taught us some neat ways to plan and implement prospective businesses to enhance tourism in Niagara Falls! Ask your child all about their business idea and Google Sketch Up! It is a neat program. Our first stage is to start planning our targeted audience and ideas behind our business. We will be learning how the whole sector of building and reaching tourists will work!
We just started doing division. Please  practice multiplication and division problems at home! It is crucial that your child knows his or her facts in order to build on old concepts in mathematics. If they don't know them, it is going to be very difficult for them to learn the new concepts coming up. This week I will be sending home Xtramath.org. It is a free online program that your child can log into and it tracks their progress. I am hoping that once we receive computers in the classroom, this will be a great tool to utilize on a regular basis. Be sure to check your child's communicator for more information on this great resource!

Homework

ELA

Tuesday- ABC Order

Wednesday-3x each

Thursday-Sentences

MATH

Monday-4-4

Tuesday-4-5

Wednesday-4-6

Thursday 4-7

Reminders

*Bring in recycling

*Wear pink Friday to support breast cancer

*Send in child's sports schedule (I like to attend to see the kids involved in sports or other activities, but I can't if I don't have a schedule)

*Red Ribbon Week next week

*1/2 day Friday Dismissal @ 12:00

Go Buffalo!

Miss McGuire is a HUGE sports fan! Bring in an item into class with the Buffalo Bills logo on it and earn 5 extra points on to your math test this week!

Hydro-what?

Last Wednesday, fifth grade took a field visit to the Power Vista. While there, we were able to investigate the source of power right from our own backyard! Miss Kathy took us on a tour of the facility and we learned a lot of new and exciting things! Do you know how an ager crane works? How long did it take to build the power facility? Ask one of our fifth graders! After the tour, we got to partake in some neat activities hands on! The power bike was a huge hit for the children. We even got to see the demonstration of the flow of electricity to seven of our neighboring states. To finish up the tour, the groups were able to watch a Bill Nye the Science Guy video and learn about how static electricity occurs! It sure was a hair raising experience!

Experts in Training!

We have a busy week ahead! We are focusing on the differences between both borders and why Canada is thriving over the US side of Niagara Falls. Students are working hard to finish up their attraction brochures to donate to the local tourist center. They have also recently finished their perspective writing pieces. Ask them what they chose to become! Boy do we have some amazing writers in Room 115!
This week we will be working with various experts in the Niagara Falls area related to our expedition. On Wednesday we will be visiting the Power Vista with the formation of the falls and how we fuel most of the East coast with electricity from right here in our backyard. How cool is that?
On Thursday, we will be working with Chris Schoepflin who is the VP developer of Niagara Falls. He will be coming in to work with the students over the next few months to focus on the development on both sides of the borders, the process of building a business in the area, and facilitating our presentation of our final project to the Board of Developers for Niagara Falls! He is an amazing expert and we look forward to utilizing his expertise throughout this expedition!
On Friday, we will have a special visitor Nels Ross who will be coming in to share his magical skills with the school. This a fun and exciting event for all ages!

Homework

ELA-Read 20 minutes each day

Skill: compare and contrast

Tuesday-3x each

Wednesday-ABC order

Thursday-Sentences

Friday-Spelling Test

Math-Practice multiplication facts

Monday-Review 3-6

Tuesday 3-7

Wednesday-No HW

Thursday 3-8

Friday-Timed multiplication test

Reminders

-Bring in recycling! We did a great job last week!

-Return permission slip for fieldwork by 10/5

-ELA Test Prep form (great opportunity to get extra practice after school; transportation provided)

-Nels Ross Performance Friday @ 10:00 am in the Gym

Thank you for all your support to allow your child to succeed! If you have any questions or concerns; feel free to contact me at school.

Miss McGuire

A trip to the Albright Knox!

We are now able to add photographs to the blog! Stay tuned to your child's interactive learning through our first expedition "Are We Missing the Boat?" Last week we focused on the various daredevils that have done stunts over Niagara Falls. The children investigated a daredevil and created a section to add to the timeline of daredevil starting in 1827 up until 1995! Ask your child who was the first person to go over the falls in a barrel? Hint: It was a woman!
This week we are focusing on the attractions on the United States side of the border. Each child chose their attraction of choice and will be creating a travel brochure that will then be digitally created. The final project will then be donated to the NCCC Culinary Institute Tourism Center for various tourist to use while visiting the Niagara Falls area. Some attractions include the Helicopter Ride, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Discovery Center, Aquarium of Niagara, Whirlpool Jet Boats, Old Fort Niagara, and many more.

Homework

Math

Monday-3-1

Tuesday-3-3

Wednesday-3-4

Thursday-3-5

ELA

*Read 20 minutes

Tuesday- ABC Order (compound words)

Wednesday-3x each

Thursday-Sentences

*Reminder that students only have to complete words that they missed on the pre-test

Reminders

Fieldwork 10/5 to the PowerVista-return permission slip by Monday 10/3

1/2 Day Friday-Dismissal at 12:00pm

Friday-Pay $1 to wear jeans

Albright Knox Art Museum

Last Wednesday, we were able to partake in a great learning experience with Mr. Reynolds our school art teacher. We were led by docents who allowed us to discover and analyze the artwork around us! We even got to experience the new exhibit "VideoSphere!"

Sculpture outside the museum pointing to the sky! Human bodies on top of one another shoulders

VideoSphere exhibit!

Architectural molding done outside of the museum!

Andy Warhol "100 Soup Cans" -Not one can is the same! So neat!

Blinking eyes and mouth moving at the same time! Creepy!

Ask your child about their experience at the Albright Knox Museum! They saw and experienced various forms of art!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at anytime.

Miss McGuire

bullying rap!

Today our class kicked off bullying as a school. We were excited to share the importance of no bullying!

Bully Free Zone!

Since there has been a lot of news this week about a local student and bullying, I wanted to reiterate the importance of bullying both in school, at home, and online. Since a lot of our students use new technology; please talk to them about bullying.  There is a zero tolerance for any such behavior in our class, school, home, or community. We have been talking, reading, and having various activities relating to bullying since day one of school. I have told your child that he/she need to tell an adult immediately if they are or see someone being bullied.  They are aware of the consequences. Thus far, I have to say that our class has been doing a great job at being an "Anti-Bullying" zone. Our school will continue to follow and make the students aware that bullying someone in anyone is unacceptable. Please support us in continuing this movement.
 With that being said; on Thursday 9/22 we will be having our Million Father March and bullying kick-off. Anyone who is an influence in your child's life may bring him or her to school on Thursday. This is to show the importance of males/role-model in your child's life.  We want to show the importance of parenting and making a difference in a child's life one child at a time. Please join us! Our fifth grade class will be presenting a rap on bullying! Starts at 9am!
Our class bullying slogan is "Bullying is Whack; Get on the Right Track!" Look for us!
Homework
 ELA
 Tuesday-  ABC Order
 Wednesday-3x each
 Thursday-Sentences
 Friday-Spelling Test-compound words (flash+light=flashlight)

Math
 Monday-3-7
 Tuesday- 3-8
 Wednesday-Review Sheet
 Friday-Unit 2 Test

Reminders

Wednesday-Fieldwork to the Albright Knox Art Museum with Mr. Reynolds

Thursday-Million Father March and Bullying Kick-Off at  9am

Thursday-Chuckie Cheese Fundraiser 3-9pm Sheridan/Harlem

Friday-1/2 Day Dismissal at 12:00; Pay $1 to wear jeans

Fieldwork!

Good evening! After a beautiful weekend...we are ready to start a new week! Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the WTC. Last Friday, we discussed, reflected, and shared our thoughts about the day and what it means to us as US citizens. I truly feel it is something that should not be overlooked and we were able to get a more "kid friendly" understanding by reading Fireboat. A read aloud focused on the needs of the harbor boat during that time.
This week we will be focusing on spelling words that relate to our first expedition "Our we missing the boat?" We are still waiting for our Words Their Way materials to arrive. We are just finishing up our first read aloud as a class The Best School Year Ever. I really feel it is important to read to children even when they are in 5th grade! We are continuing our scientific drawings on the formation of Niagara Falls. Students broke up into groups to get a closer look at how the falls became what they are today. They absolutely love learning about their area. We will be visiting the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist. Please make sure your child dresses appropriately for the weather and brings a change of clothes.
Our skill of the week is cause and effect. We are learning this through an EL book titled Queen of the Falls. The story focuses on Annie Taylor and introduces the children to the first "daredevil" to go over the falls. Students investigate the text looking for the cause and effects for various events in Annie's life. We have also started talking about the use of "voice" in our writing. We did a neat activity using "Hey Jude" with different versions to introduce the writing trait to the children. This week in math we are continuing to work with adding and subtracting decimals along with rounding and using compatible numbers.
Spelling: Complete only words that were missed
Tuesday-3x each
Wed-ABC order
Thursday-Sentences
ELA: 
Read 20 minutes each night
Math:
Monday-2-3
Tuesday-2-4
Wed- 2-5
Thursday-2-6
*Please continue to practice and review multiplication and division facts

Reminders

*9/13 FSA meeting at the Doris Jones Center @ 6:00

9/15 Fieldwork to Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist-(parents may join if they purchase

tickets at full price-No discounts available through NCS)

9/16 Students can wear jeans for $1

Bring in recycling (newspaper, plastic bottles, cans)

Thank you for all your hard work in supporting your child's education. If you have any questions or concerns; feel free to contact me. 297-4520 ext. 7115

Expedition kick-off!

Good evening! This school year is flying by! Once we have in all the consent forms for photo rights, I will be posting pictures of your child's learning. We just kicked off our first expedition today: "Are we missing the boat? This expedition will focus in the tourism, attractions, and development between the two countries. We have a lot of fun and exciting things planned! Ask your child what they learned today! We are finishing up our first unit in Math and encourage you to use our links posted on the "homepage" for additional resources to help your child at home.
We have kicked off our school recycling program. This year, we will be collecting both paper and recyclables such as soda cans and water bottles. The homeroom who has the most will be rewarded with a pizza party during Fun Friday.
Next week we will be attending our first field work visit to Niagara Falls to take a close look at US and Canada. We will be visiting both the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist. Your child must display positive behavior in school and on the bus. They must also exhibit excellent work habits and turn in any work owed in order to attend. This field work will focus on our first expedition. Proper code of conduct must be adhered to. (see school manual) The cost of field work is $5 per student and lunch will be provided. Make sure that the money is turned in no later than 9/14 in order to attend. Please send in an appropriate change of clothes with your child. Thanks for your cooperation! :)

Math
Tuesday-Study for test using your math notebook (math review)
Wednesday-No homework! Math test today!
Thursday- 2-2 (practice or reteach depending on your child's needs)
Friday-no math homework

ELA

                   *Read 20 minutes every night*

Tuesday-ABC order with missed words (see communicator for words)
Wednesday- 3x each with missed words
Thursday-Sentences with missed words

Reminders

• Cookie dough/magazine orders due no later than Thursday with money
• Bring in recycling
• Wear jeans for $1 on Friday
• Return permission slip and $5 for field work

Thank you for your time and cooperation with a great start to the school year! Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Miss McGuire

8/29-9/2

Thank you to all the parents who have started off the year great! We have had a great response in returned envelopes, library contract, letters, communication, and additional resources to make this year a success. If you have not yet turned those in, please make sure they are in so that your child does not miss out on great opportunities in their learning.
Spelling- Each Monday the students are given a pre-test. They are only required to do the words they missed on the pre-test for 3x, abc, and sentences. On Friday, they will be tested only on the words that they missed. There's no reason to test on words they already know right?
Math-Your child will bring home math practice or re-teach each night depending on his/her abilities. It is required to be completed and returned the following day. Please check the re-teaching side to review the days lesson. This is a great tool for parents who are just learning the math for the first time.
Reading-Please have your child read 20 minutes per day. I strongly believe in reading and that it helps build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Review of the Week

Your child has started math and will be working on place value this week. Please practice with your child using numbers and finding the correct value of each digit. We will be starting a new story called Frindle by Andrew Clements that deals with the beginning of the year and various challenges we may face. We will be working on the plot and character skills within the story. We also have started decorating our writers notebooks and look forward to begin writing and sharing our ideas with authentic audiences! Stay tuned! :)

Homework 8/29-9/2

Spelling- Tues-ABC, Wed-3x each, Thurs.-Sentences

Math- Mon.-1-1, Tues. 1-2, Wed. 1-3, Thurs. 1-4

Reading- Read every night for twenty minutes

Fundraising-Please encourage your child to sell cookie dough/magazines to continue to enhance the resources of the school. All money with orders are due 9/6. The delivery will be on 10/12.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 297-4520 ext. 7115

Miss McGuire

Bus Behavior

                                                                          

Please remind your child that they are to demonstrate great bus behavior on the bus. The following rules apply:

1. Sit seat to seat; back to back
2. No eating food on the bus
3. No yelling or screaming
4. No standing on the bus

It is important that they are followed in order to keep your child safe to and from school. Thank you for your cooperation.

Miss McGuire

First Two Days!

We are off to a great start this year! I am so excited to be working with your child! We truly have an amazing class this year. We have been working hard to get to know one another through various activities these past few days. We did a lot of team building both yesterday and today! Yesterday we had to get our entire class across the gymnasium using only  two jump ropes and three frisbees. The kids worked diligently to create strategies, problem solve, communicate, and encouragement to help one another. Today, we created ramps. The supplies were 25 pieces of paper, tape, and a ball. Students were placed together to create a ramp that had their ball move the slowest within a thirty minute time frame. Each group used the materials and created a  ramp through various trial-and-error until the learning target was met. It was interesting to see how each group created different models. Every group was able to meet the target! :) We have also been working on our classroom norms: respect, cooperation, responsibility, positivity, honesty, and trustworthy. Ask your child about them! Also, please encourage them to be using these norms not only in school, but also at home and around the neighborhood.
Your child is off to a great start this year! I will be posting pictures soon of our learning. We have taken plenty the past few days to share. However, I have to wait until all consent forms for pictures are received. Please remember that WE are a team. Parents+Teachers=Success
I look forward to an amazing year. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Reminders:

• Please return parent letter and reading survey 
• Bring in class supplies
• White envelope with all items filled out
• Any changes in bus pickup/drop off need to be in writing the morning of

Looking Ahead:

• Enrichment begins Monday 8/22
• Bullying implementation with students next week
• Classroom Economy begins (Ask your child all about it)

Thank you for reading our classroom blog! 

Miss McGuire

A Start to a Great Year!

Welcome to Fifth Grade! I am so excited to be with your child this year. My name is Kristine McGuire, and I will be your child’s teacher this year. This will be my fourth academic year at Niagara Charter School.  I have worked intensely to know our EL curriculum and am certain that your child will learn so much this year. I am looking forward to a great learning year and having a lot of fun!

In order for the school year to proceed smoothly, I would like to inform you of the policies that exist in our classroom. Every night your child will be bringing home the communicator.  This is a great communication tool between home and school.  It will tell you the schedule of special classes and field work. Homework and upcoming tests and assessments will also be noted on the communicator. The communicator will also note your child’s behavior while in school. I will mark the folder each day with a blue (great day-follows rules independently), green (fair day-follows rules with reminders), yellow (rough day-unable to follow classroom rules; repeated offenses) or a red (needs improvement-serious violation of school rules; had a write up).  It is your child’s responsibility to bring their communicator to school each day and then take the communicator home for you to sign. Please look over the communicator each night for important notices or papers to be signed. After looking over the communicator and checking the behavior stamp, please sign it every night. If you have anything you would like to communicate to me, you may write a note and place it in the folder. If a child loses their folder, he/she needs to bring $1.00 for a new one.

Homework:

I believe that homework should provide practice, reinforcement, review and enrichment. Homework should encourage the growth of responsibility, involve families in a child’s education, set a pattern of study, and to teach a child to focus and to use school time wisely. Your child will have math and ELA homework every night and perhaps an additional assignment on occasion. The assignments are to be returned the next day. No assignments will be accepted more than one day late except for excused absences (3 days to complete). Each assignment is graded out of 100%.

Food and Snacks:

Because our afternoons are so lengthy, we will have a short period of time set aside each day for a snack. Our school has partnered with Wegmans for a "Healthy Snack" program. Each afternoon, your child is provided with a healthy fruit or vegetable. Please do not send in cake, soda, candy, or other high sugar foods.

 Field Work:

We hope to partake in many field work opportunities that coincide with our Expeditionary Learning. Your child needs to have appropriate behavior and/or be caught up on class work in order to accompany us. If either of these criteria are not met, your child will be asked to remain at school while the rest of the class partakes in field work.  The three expeditions we will be focusing on this year are:

• Are We Missing the Boat?

• Anato-Me

• Coming to America

Birthdays:

You may send in treats to celebrate your child’s birthday. However, please make sure that there are enough for the entire class. Please send in treats in the morning. Do not send in invitations to be passed out in class. Many children who do not receive invitations often become upset. An exception will be made if your child has invitations for the entire class.

Supplies:

Most of you have already received a supply list for the school year. If you did not, I have listed the supplies below. They need to be brought to school by the end of this week. Otherwise your child may fall behind in his/her work.

Communication:

There are several ways that you can contact me and keep updated. If you have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the year, do not hesitate to contact me at school (297-4520 –Ext. 7115), e-mail: kristinemcguire@niagaracharter.org, or write a note to set up an appointment.  I will be happy to meet with you when my schedule permits. We also have a classroom blog www.missmcguirencs.blogspot.com where you can find what we're learning about, news and announcements, and  other fun and exciting things!  Working together, we will have an exciting school year. 

Please sign and return to school so I know that you have received this letter. 

Sincerely,

Kristine McGuire