Homework

As your child gets older his/her homework does increase. To help your child succeed in completely the assignments given follow the simple steps listed below.

1. Set up a homework station. Kids don't require a lot of space just make sure the station is away from noise and distraction, is comfortable, and has good lighting
2. Provide the right supplies
In the station area provide paper, scissors, tape, ruler, stapler. Think of it as an extra school box filled with those basic school supplies.
3. Set up a homework routine.
If your kid still has focus problems, try setting a timer – ask your child to work for small chunks at a time, taking a short break between sessions.
4. See what you child is doing but don't do it for them.
Assist your child while they work but resist the urge to just "do it for them."
5. It’s also good to double check in the morning to make sure your child has ALL of their folders. All of that work could be for nothing if it is forgotten.

Very soon your child will be in junior high so consider the possibilities of owning a computer. Often students are expected to write essays using a word processing program-start saving now.

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year

This year I will be working with fifth and sixth graders that need some extra help in communication arts. I am very happy to say that I will be doing inclusion in all six classrooms. This is great for the kids, they do not miss core instruction and they are not singled out for needing help.

As we begin the school year I would ask that you have your child read at least 20 minutes each night. Take your child to the local library and let them explore. When I visit the Missouri River Regional Library I simply walk up to the librarian and ask what's good. I believe the fourth book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid should be coming out very soon if it isn't already in stores. I also read the Alex Rider books this summer-OH the kids will LOVE them and our library at NB has the first seven in the series.

As always, if you have questions or concerns please let me know.
Julie Gerloff

4A Donuts

4A did a great job discussing adjectives on Wednesday. The winner of the donut poetry contest was Nathan.

Donuts,

Donuts,

Donuts,

Blueberry donuts,

Chocolate donuts,

Powdered, white, soft donuts,

Glazed, sticky, messy donuts,

Those are just a few.

Coconut donuts,

Braided donuts,

Chocolate, iced, tasty donuts,

Raspberry, jelly-filled sprinkled donuts,

Sticky donuts, too.

Pudding donuts,

Cake donuts,

Don't forget blueberry donuts.

Last of all, best of all,

I like Sprinkled donuts.

Sixth Grade Stars

Well parents you should be proud. Our sixth graders in Mrs. Benedict's class did a truly wonderful job on their commercials. The task they were presented with was a large one and they pulled through! Great job sixth grade. If you would like to view the commercials please send a note to school for me. Quicktime is necessary to view the videos. Along with the commercials studets were to perform a readers' theater presentation to kindergarten and first grade. Sixth graders, KUDOS to you!

February 2009

The kids have been up to great fun and learning lately. Third graders had an amazing time making Thundercake with Ms. Maddox and playing hangman in the computer lab was a huge success.

I have to say I was totally and completely excited about how hard Ms. Hopsecker's class did on their Biography in a Bag book reports. 5A YOU ROCK!