April 22nd Newsflash
Pizza Friday
Thank you Marcella Corniel and family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week!
Homework
Math: Lessons 106-110
Reading: 20min of Daily Reading and Reading Log
Art Masterpiece
Thank you, Teale and Antje for volunteering to teach art masterpiece this Friday…they will be focusing on the artist Robert McCall
Heritage Day
Next Tuesday, April 30th we will be having a Heritage Day in class. Students will be able to bring in an item, possibly interview you or family members to learn more about their heritage, share a story, or dish with the class that celebrates their heritage and culture. Students will present their dish, story, or item with class.
Ice Cream Social
It's back! We are hosting the ice cream social on May 2, 2024, for elementary students to eat ice cream out of the ceramic bowls they have made in art. To have your student participate you need to fill out the following online permission slip, Ice Cream Social Donation and Permission Form 2024 | Villa Montessori School. This online form asks for allergy information and has a donation payment feature, allowing you to donate to the art program. We are asking for a $10 donation (per child) to participate in this event. This is an optional donation that will help to build our art program.
To make this event happen, we need parents to donate ice cream, toppings, utensils, etc., and come and volunteer. Sign up HERE to bring items and/or volunteer for E2
Thank you for helping to make the return of this event a success!
Middle School Preview Day
Sixth graders moving into Middle School will have their Preview Day Monday, Amy 6th at the Middle School campus from 9:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Click HERE to sign the permission slip for your child to walk to the middle school.
Optional End of the Year Conferences
End of the year conferences are optional. Everyone will be emailed their student’s second semester progress report the week of May 6th. Students will bring home their completed portfolios with samples of the work they have done in class. I will be having optional conferences the week of April 29th and Friday, May 3rd. but I will reach out to the parents who I feel a conference would be necessary, if you do not hear from me by this Friday and you still would like to sign-up for an optional end of the year conference, please sign up for a conference on our Sign Up Genius. Click the link below if you'd like to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-49266855-optionalmsletici#/
AstroCamp
We will be sending home some forms this week that will need to be filled out for AstroCamp. Our trip will be Wed May 8th and returning Fri May 10th.
Ms. Tammy and I will be holding a chaperone meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:30pm and for any parent who cannot attend that night, the other option is Wednesday, April 24th at 8am. The meeting will be about 30-45min long and will be held in Ms. Tammy's classroom.
The following parents are the chaperones from our class that will be attending AstroCamp: Lisa Moore, Antje Joslin, Thomas Balogh, and Mark Loewenthal.
Class Pool Party and 6th grade Celebration
The 6th Grade Celebration and End of the Year Party will be held on Friday, May 17th. at the Shaham household. Thank you so much Keren for offering to host this class party and celebration.
The 6th Grade Celebration will be held in the morning at 9:30am until approximately 10:15am and our class pool party will follow. 6th grade parents/family are welcome to join us for the 6th grade celebration and can stay for the pool party afterward if you’d like.
*6th grade celebration/end of year party: 9:30-2:00pm
We will need driving chaperones for this party. Chaperones may also stay or just drop off and pick up.
We will have pizza that day and the sign up genius for party snacks such as chips, fruit or veggie platters, water bottles and juice has already been sent out. Please sign up to bring an item if you can.
6th Grade Parents…
You will be asked to create a board for your child. This board is like a collage of pictures of your child…any and all pictures are great! I will text you examples of past boards that parents did for their child so that you can get creative ideas. This is a big part of our 6th grade celebration. The board is a surprise so please do not show it to your child. Once you have completed your board you can put it in a trash bag and drop it off ether in the main office or the classroom for me. I will need your board by Wednesday, May 15th.
I will give your 6th grader their board tomorrow to give to you and if you need glue, tape, or scrapbook decorative paper, or fancy scissors, just let me know.
This is all I have for now. Hope you have a blessed and beautiful week!
April 15, 2024
Pizza Friday
Thank you to Ashley Cobb and family for providing Pizza Friday snack this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 101-105
Reading: Daily 20min Reading and reading log
AstroCamp
We will be sending home some forms that will need to be filled out for AstroCamp. Our trip will be Wed May 8th and returning Fri May 10th.
Ms. Tammy and I will be holding a chaperone meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:30pm and for any parent who cannot attend that night, the other option is Wednesday, April 24th at 8am. The meeting will be about 30-45min long and will be held in Ms. Tammy's classroom.
The following parents are the chaperones from our class that will be attending AstroCamp: Lisa Moore, Antje Joslin, Thomas Balogh, and Mark Loewenthal.
Class Pool Party and 6th grade Celebration
The 6th Grade Celebration and End of the Year Party will be held on Friday, May 17th.
The 6th Grade Celebration will be held in the morning at 9:30am until approximately 10:15am and our class pool party will follow. 6th grade parents/family are welcome to join us for the 6th grade celebration and can stay for the pool party afterward if you’d like.
*6th grade celebration/end of year party: 9:30-2:00pm
We will need driving chaperones for this party, once we find the location. Chaperones may also stay or just drop off and pick up.
We will have pizza that day and there will be a sign up genius for party snacks such as chips, fruit or veggie platters, water bottles and juice that we will ask for students to bring.
6th Grade Parents…
You will be asked to create a board for your child. I will text you examples of past boards that parents did for their child so that you can get creative ideas. This is a big part of our 6th grade celebration. The board is a surprise so please do not show it to your child. Once you have completed your board you can put it in a trash bag and drop it off ether in the main office or the classroom for me. I will need your board by Wednesday, May 15th.
I will provide the boards for you and if you need glue, tape, or scrapbook decorative paper, or fancy scissors, just let me know.
This is all I have for now. Hope you have a blessed and beautiful week!
April 8, 2024
Thank you to the parents who have taken the time to contribute to all the things that we have been asking for…Class Auction Basket and snacks for testing. We are so appreciative! The solar eclipse was exciting for the students and for those that participated, they were able to see it just in the nick of time, with finishing the writing portion of state testing this morning. I'm glad it all worked out and that the kiddos didn't miss out during testing time. On another note, here is what you need to know for this week.
State Testing
Please make sure your student gets plenty of rest the night before testing, arrives on time and has a nice healthy breakfast. We will be providing a nice healthy snack in the morning, thank you to all the wonderful and generous families who donated to bring in items for Testing Snacks. We so greatly appreciate you!
Students may bring in sugar-free gum and hard candy on testing days to have during the testing sessions. Please have the student put their sugar-free gum and hard candy in a plastic bag with their name on it. I will be providing students with one piece of sugar free gum and a mint per testing unit.
Below is our testing schedule for Tue and Wed.
Tue. April 9th: Math Part 1 (AM)/ELA Part 1 (PM)
Wed. April 10th: Math Part 2 (AM)/ELA Part 2 (PM)
Homework
There is no homework this week during testing days. We will get back on track next week. Students should spend the next few days getting a good night’s rest and waking up having a healthy breakfast to feel rested and prepared for testing.
Pizza Friday
Thank you Melissa Loewenthal and family for bring Pizza Friday snack this Friday.
Villa Auction
The Villa Auction will be happening this Saturday, April 13th. Thank you to everyone who contributed an item(s) to our class basket “AZ Sports,” I know that a few families are bringing in items tomorrow (Tuesday), I can’t wait to see our basket in the auction and what it goes for. Our basket will be on the online bidding Wednesday since a few items are still coming in. The online auction is open now! Go here to register to bid on items and see all the great items available, https://app.galabid.com/villa2024auction/register
This is all I have for you now! Have a blessed and beautiful week!!
April 1, 2024
Happy Monday Everyone! Thank you to everyone for your generosity and support with all of the sign ups and donations for everything. I know we are asking a lot and we are appreciative! Here is what you need to know for this week.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Keren Shaham and family or bringing Pizza Friday snack for the class this Friday, April 5th.
Homework
Math: Review Packet. Complete each daily review with parent correction and initials.
Students will be getting new homework folders this Friday, April 5th.
Lesson 101 is due Monday, April 8th.
Reading: Daily 20min with initialed reading log
Auction Basket Items
Auction basket items are due Monday, April 8th. If you would like to donate an item to our class basket with the theme AZ Sports please do so this week. Thank you to everyone who has already donated!
State Testing Tips and Info:
Please make sure your student gets plenty of rest the night before testing, arrives on time and has a nice healthy breakfast. We will be providing a nice healthy snack in the morning, thank you to all the wonderful and generous families who donated to bring in items for Testing Snacks. We so greatly appreciate you!
Students may bring in sugar-free gum and hard candy on testing days to have during the testing sessions. Please have the student put their sugar-free gum and hard candy in a plastic bag with their name on it. I will be providing students with one piece of sugar free gum and a mint per testing unit.
Here is our class testing schedule:
Monday, April 8th: Writing
Tuesday, April 9th: Math Part 1 (AM) ELA Part 1 (PM)
Wednesday, April 10th: Math Part 2 (AM) ELA Part 2 (PM)
Solar Eclipse
We have been informed that for safety reasons students need to bring their own glasses, with your permission, to view the eclipse on Monday, April 8th.
If you would like your student to view the eclipse, please make sure you sign this permission form and send a note with the provided glasses that they are acceptable for your student to use. We are not allowed to let students use other peoples glasses the day of the eclipse. Solar Eclipse Permission Slip | Villa Montessori School
Lessons Given in March
- Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Egypt & Greece
- Grammar: Conjunctions and Pronouns
- Language: Figurative language, Capitalization, Punctuation
- Human Body: Digestive System
- Math: 4th-Review of Fractions, Decimal Numeration 5th- Review of +,-,x,/ fractions, +,-,x,/ Decimals 6th: Box Plots, Mean/Mode/Median/Range, Inequalities, Graphing
- Geometry:4th Area/Perimeter/ Metric and Customary Measurement/ Symmetry/ Translations, Review of Lines, Angles
6th Surface Area, Area of Polygons, Naming 3d solids, Metric and Customary Measurement
That is all I have for now! Thank you and have a blessed week!
March 25, 2024
Pizza Friday Snack
We need a family that would be willing to bring in a pizza Friday snack and juice for the class this week. Here is the link for the SignUp Genius if you are able to help us out. Thank you!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias19
AstroCamp
Tammy and I are in the process of organizing all of the details for our overnight trip this year. Within the coming up week or two, students will be sent home with AstroCamp forms that will need to be filled out.
Dates:
Wednesday, May 8th-Friday, May 10th
For any parent who is a chaperone for this trip, you would have been contacted already by either Barbi or Christy, we will be holding a chaperone meeting in mid April to go over details of chaperone duties. I will let you know the date of the meeting sometime this week.
Class Auction Basket
Our class will be putting together a class donation basket to be sold at this year's annual fundraiser, happening Saturday, April 13th, and the kids chose AZ Sports!
I will attach a link for Amazon and Sign Up Genius for anyone who is able to donate toward our class auction basket. I apologize that this is not giving a ton of notice (about 2 weeks) but the auction is much earlier than usual. Thank you to those who are able to donate, we greatly appreciate it!
You can give stuff to your student to bring to class or ship directly to the school Items are due by Monday, April 8th.
2802 E. Meadowbrook Ave Rm. 204
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Here is a lovely message from Lisa in regard to the auction basket and needing help putting it together.
Hello, all!
Leticia is looking for a few people who can help round up items for, and assemble, the classroom auction basket! Like last year, the theme of this year's basket will be sports.
1. Is this in your wheelhouse? If so, you can reply to this email to let Leticia know that you can take the lead on (or join a small group of people who can help pull together) this important fundraising project.
2. Are you able to donate an item? We've started an Amazon wishlist.
I *think* you can send items in with your kiddo, but I am not sure? Let's see what the lead basket parent and Leticia decide is the best time/place to collect the items.
3. Do you have the ability to get your hands on any sporty specialty items? Tickets to a game, a signed jersey, hat, or ball, sport-themed cookies... ??? If so, reply to let Leticia and the auction team know what tricks you can pull out of your hat!
Stay tuned for more info!
Thanks,
Homework
Math: Lessons 97-100
Reading: Daily reading of 20min with initialed reading log
State Testing Schedule
Here is our class testing schedule:
Monday, April 8th : Writing
Tuesday, April 9th : 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Math Part 1 (AM)/ ELA Part 1 (PM)
Wednesday, April 10th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Math Part 2 (AM)/ELA Part 2 (PM)
We will be doing test practice in class the next couple of weeks, but you can also have your student practice at home by going to this website, https://www.azed.gov/assessment/aasa
Tutor/Babysitting
If anyone is looking for a tutor or a babysitter Kaila (librarian) is available. You may reach out to her at (602)832-9724. Kaila has babysat and tutored for both current and past students/families and she does a great job!
Ms.Clare's daughter is a former student from Villa and was in my class, she is now in college and she is open and available to tutor ONLINE because she is going to school in CA. MaryClare is a great young lady who is patient and has a strength of being able to explain concepts easily. She is someone you can trust and count on. Please email me if you are interested in Mary Clare tutoring you and I can forward your contact info to Ms. Clare.
This is all I have for now! Have a beautiful week!!
March 18, 2024
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Spring Break! I hope everyone was able to get out and have a little fun and relaxation! I want to thank ALL of my students and families for the sweet, kind and generous Birthday Wishes.! It truly made my day. I can’t believe I have turned 25. LOL!!! Well, here is what we have for the week.
Parent Chaperones
Thank you to all the parent chaperones who helped with the Ostrich Farm fieldtrip. It was a success and I think everyone had a blast! It would not have been a success without you, parents and your support!!!!
State Testing:
Tomorrow, March 19th - 5th grade ONLY will be taking the AZSCI-Science Test. This will be an all day test because there are 3 units.
Please have your 5th grader eat a healthy breakfast and get good rest and I will also provide a snack for them. Testing will begin at 9am so please make sure to have your 5th grader to school before then.
All other testing will take place in a few weeks.
Here is our class testing schedule:
Monday, April 8th : Writing
Tuesday, April 9th : 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Math Part 1 (AM)/ ELA Part 1 (PM)
Wednesday, April 10th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Math Part 2 (AM)/ELA Part 2 (PM)
We will be doing test practice in class the next couple of weeks, but you can also have your student practice at home by going to this website, https://www.azed.gov/assessment/aasa
Pizza Friday: Thank you Teale and family for Pizza Friday Snack this Friday.
Auction Basket: Our class will be putting together a class donation basket to be sold at this year's annual School Auction, happening Saturday, April 13th. Our basket theme is AZ Team Sports . I will provide a link on Sign Up Genius for families to sign up to donate any AZ sport item that you would like to give to our class basket. Either myself or another parent will put together a wish list from Amazon that might be of some help too. Please be on the lookout for those links within the next day or two.
You can give stuff to your student to bring to class or ship directly to the school under my name Room 204. Items are due by Monday, April 8th.
Homework
Math: Lessons 91-95 checked and initialed by parent
Reading: Daily 20min reading and reading log initialed.
That is all I have for now, have a blessed and beautiful week!
March 4,2024
Homework
Math: Lessons 86-90 (If your child is behind on their homework, they should be completing 1 lesson from past homework and 1 current lesson.) Any student who is still behind will be given a math packet of specific lessons to complete during spring break
Reading: Book Talks are happening this week. Read 20min. Daily and complete and initial reading log
Fieldtrip
Thank you to the following parents who are able to be a driving chaperone for our fieldtrip the the Ostrich Ranch this Thursday.
Chelsea McLaughlin, Nancy Salinas, Lory Muirhead, Travis Bloom, Michele Scott, Tamara Kemper, Meghan Smart
A SignUp genius email was sent out this morning as a permission slip for the trip. Please make sure to sign up giving your child permission to go. $7 is the cost of this field trip, please make sure your child brings the $7 by Wednesday and if there is any financial hardship, please let me know.
Pizza Friday Snack
We are still in need of someone bringing in Pizza Friday snacks and juice for this Friday. If you are able to bring in a snack and juice for 29 students please sign up on our SignUp Genius. Thank you
Art Masterpiece
Thank you to Antje Joslin and Teale Bloom for leading an amazing art masterpiece class lesson on Ansel Adams.
Art History Fair
The Art History Fair is this, Tuesday, March 5th. We will be having the fair in the Davis building outdoor area next to the library. Parents and families are welcome to come and view the fair from 10 am – 11 am.
Pajama Day
We will be having our next Pajama Day this Friday, March 8th. Students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school and bring a pillow and a blanket. If students have all of their classwork completed for the week, they will be able to play games, read books and watch movies.
Spring Break is next week, Monday, March 11th – Friday, March 15th.
One math lesson, lesson 91, and 20 minutes of reading are due when we come back from break on Monday, March 18th.
State Testing
Here are our class testing days, please put them on the calendar and make sure your student will be here the days of testing.
Tuesday, March 19th: 5th graders only, AZSCI-Science Test
Monday, April 8th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Writing test
Tuesday, April 9th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, Math Part 1 (AM)/ELA Part 1 (PM)
Wednesday, April 10th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, Math Part 2 (AM)/ELA Part 2 (PM)
Each day of testing we are asking for a healthy morning snack for the students. I will put up a sign up genius for snacks sometime next week.
You can have your student practice the AASA test at home by going to this website, AASA | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
We will be practicing in class after Spring Break.
Whole Class Lessons Given in February
Science: Human Body: Muscular & Digestive Systems
History: Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Black History research, projects, read aloud
Greek Mythology, Cause and Effect
Writing: Outlines, Informative writing, Expository writing, Mythology
Language: Analogies, Similes & Metaphors, Euphemisms
Grammar: Adverbs and Sentence Analysis
Math:
- 4th: Decimals: numeration, ordering, comparing, adding, Written expressions using input/output tables
- 5th: Dividing fractions and decimals, Dividing and multiplying decimals by powers of 10, Written expressions and equations
- 6th: Percent, Simplifying and solving exponents, Scientific notation, Box Plots, Histograms, Linear Equations & graphing
Graphing: 4th: Area/Perimeter 5th: Area and Volume 6th: Surface Area and Volume -
February 26, 2024
Spirit, and Anti-Bullying Week
This week we will be focusing on safety drills and anti-bullying. Each day, students can enjoy a theme each day, we will also be going over the different safety drills (fire and evacuation), and having daily talks about anti-bullying.
Tuesday, February 27th: Crazy Sock Day, wear your craziest socks
Wednesday, February 28th: Pink Shirt Day, wear pink in support of anti-bullying
Thursday, February 29th: Fancy Pants Day, wear your fanciest clothing
Friday, March 1st: Free Day, with an hour of game time
Make sure to follow the school dress code, no visible under garments or offensive pictures or words.
Drills
We will be doing a fire drill tomorrow morning and an off-campus evacuation drill Thursday morning, February 29th. I sent home a hard copy of a permission slip today.
Pizza Friday
Thank you Karen Wentworth and family for bringing Pizza Friday Snack this Friday.
Homework
Math: Students had received the next homework packet on Friday, Lessons 81-85. Lesson 81 was due today. Parents, please make sure to check your child’s work and initial each night.
Reading: Read 20min. Daily and please initial and sign your child’s reading log.
Great Lives: Students will be working on their final draft, bibliography, and timeline in class. It is taking some time for me to meet with each student about their rough draft. At home, please have your child work on their tri-fold board and project. Everything is Due Monday, March 4th.
Great Lives History Fair
The Great Lives Fair is next week! Parents and family are welcome to come to the fair on Tuesday, March 5th from 10 am-11am. We will be set-up in the Davis ODE area by the library.
Students may bring in their tri-fold boards and other work to work on in class this week.
Fieldtrip
Our next field trip will be to the Ostrich Ranch on Thursday, March 7th. This will be an all day field trip and we still need a few more parent chaperone drivers. We have enough drivers for 20 students. We need a few more chaperones for 9 more students. Please go onto our Sign Up Genius if you are able to chaperone.
We will leave campus at 9am and return to campus by 2:30pm. We will have lunch there and there is a $7 charge for students to be able to feed all the animals including the Stingray. Students will need to bring in $7 by next Tuesday, March 5th. I will send out a Sign up Genius permission slip this week.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
February 20, 2024
Happy Tuesday Everyone!! Here is what you need to know for this week.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you to Vandana Singh for Pizza Friday snack for this Friday
Homework
Math: Two lessons were due today and students should be completing one lesson review page a day. The entire packet is due Friday and a new homework packet will be handed out on Friday.
Reading: 20min. of reading due daily with a reading log with parent initials due daily.
Great Lives Fair: I am meeting with students about their rough drafts and will be going over the requirements for tri-fold boards tomorrow but in mean time, at home, students should be working on their tri-fold boards and project. The Great Lives Fair is two weeks away and I want students to feel prepared and not scrambling to complete this project last minute. Students are aware that this project is mandatory to complete. This Friday and next week, I will allow students to work on any part of their project or board that they still need to complete, at school. If they choose to work on any part of their project at school, they will need to make sure to bring their own supplies.
Everything is due Monday, March 4th.
We will be having the Art History Fair Tuesday, March 7th between 10-11 am parents and family are welcome to come.
Spirit Week
Next week is spirit and safety week. The students earned these fun themed days from the PTO Fun Run. We will also be going over our safety drills and procedures, as well as, celebrating Pink Shirt Day.
Below are the themes for next week
- Monday, February 26th: Mismatch Day, wear mismatched clothing, different socks, t-shirts backwards or inside out
- Tuesday, February 27th: Crazy Sock Day, wear your craziest socks
- Wednesday, February 28th: Pink Shirt Day, wear pink in support of anti-bullying
- Thursday, February 29th: Fancy Pants Day, wear your fanciest clothing
- Friday, March 1st: Free Day, with an hour of game time
Fieldtrip
Our next field trip will be to the Ostrich Ranch on Thursday, March 7th. This will be an all day field trip and we will need parent chaperone drivers. We will leave campus at 9am and return to campus by 2:30pm. We will have lunch there and there is a $7 charge for students to be able to feed all the animals including the Stingray. I will send out a Sign up Genius permission slip and driver chaperone for anyone who is able to help that day.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
Newsflash for February 12th
Thank you to all the parent chaperones that stepped up to help Ms. Shawn manage the field trip to the Phoenix Symphony since I had horrible timing of getting sick that day. I heard the students were well behaved, the field trip was short but sweet and everyone survived. LOL!
Our next field trip will be to the Ostrich Ranch on Thursday, March 7th. This will be an all day field trip and we will need parent chaperone drivers. We will leave campus at 9am and return to campus by 2:30. We will have lunch there and there is a $7 charge for students to be able to feed all the animals including the Stingray. I will send out a Sign up Genius permission slip and driver chaperone for anyone who is able to help that day.
Valentine Grams
A big thank you to our 6th graders and Michele Scott for helping to sell Valentine Grams last Thursday. This fundraiser is such a fun one that helps with scholarships for our overnight trips. Valentine Grams are still for sale through Wednesday.
Kaila is in need of a few parent volunteers to help put together, organize and deliver V-Grams Wednesday. If you are able to help please sign up in the Sign up Genius below and/or email Kaila at [email protected]
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine4#/.
We will be celebrating Valentines Day in the morning and students are allowed to bring in Valentines to hand out. I sent home a class list today for any student that needed one. We have 29 students. We also will be having a fun Box Decorating contest. Students may decorate a box and we will have different categories to vote for and ALL students should bring a box or bag to collect Valentines. Students may bring in treats if they’d like but it is not necessary.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you to Michele Scott and family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week.
Presenter for Black History Month
We will be having a presenter tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13th, Akua Duku Anokye, PhD, Duku is an Associate Professor and Director of New College International Initiatives in the Office of Interdisciplinary Global Learning and Engagement.
Below is a summary she provided about the presentation.
Ananse is a folk hero from Ghana, W.A. In fact, in Ghana, they say all stories belong to Ananse. If you follow the Atlantic Slave Trade route, you’ll see that folks were taken from the Gold Coast (the name it was known as before their independence in 1957) and dispersed throughout the “new world.” One way that we verify this “journey” is through the folk tales that are told in several Caribbean countries, i.e. – Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and even the southern states of the U.S. This presentation will be an interactive exploration of the stories throughout the region. Participants will help tell the Ananse stories as we travel from one Caribbean country to another.
If you prefer your child not attend this presentation, please feel free to email me.
Homework
Math: Lessons 76-80
Reading: 20min daily reading and reading log filled out and initialed daily.
Great Lives Fair: The rough draft for the Great Lives Fair is due this Friday, February 16th. Students should use their outline as a guide of organizing their paper. I passed out the requirements for the written portion, along with the example template of an outline and the rubric so that they know how they will be graded.
No School, Monday, February 19th in observance of Presidents Day.
Two lessons, Review Lesson 1 and 2, will be due Tuesday, February 21st.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful rest of the week!
Newsflash for February 5th
Field Trip
Tomorrow our class will be going to to the Phoenix Symphony, leaving the campus at 9am and returning by 11:30 . Thank you to all parents who volunteered to drive and chaperone Chaperones, please arrive on campus by 9am.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-47771467-phoenix
Homework
Math: Lessons 71-75 We are giving students 30min daily to start on their homework and ask for help if needed but parents are still required to check your child's homework and initial daily.
Reading Log: Read 20min daily and sign reading log
Great Lives: Written Rough Draft due February 16th
I will go over the requirements for the rough draft in class this week and in the Great Lives Packet there is a rubric that students can follow. Included in the written rough draft should be a title page.
*The Great Lives Fair will be held Tuesday, March 5th from 10-11am for Parents to join. It will be held in our Davis Outdoor Environment
Valentine Grams
Valentine Grams are now for sale this week!
Kisses $3 ~ Smencil $3 ~ Kisses + Smencil $5
Tiny Plush $5 ~ Tiny Plush + Kisses $6
~ Tiny Plush + Kisses + Smencil $8
We still need parent volunteers to help pack, deliver and sell valentine grams. If you would like to help out, please click the tabs below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine4#/.
The Valentine Grams will be passed out Tuesday, February 14th in the afternoon.
Students may also bring in their own valentines to pass out to the class on Tuesday, February 14th. I will send home a class list to all students who would like one. Students should also bring a bag to collect their valentines in or they can choose to participate in the Valentine Box Decorating contest that we have every year. This contest is just for fun and any student is welcome to join.
Half-Day
This Friday, February 9th is a Half-Day, all school is out at 11:30 am for Staff Professional Development.
This is all I have for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!!
Ms. Leticia's Class Newsflash for Week of January 29th
6th Grade Parents
Middle School placements are right around the corner. Although the placement process is one that takes time and a lot is taken into consideration, if you are requesting your child be placed on a certain campus because of sibling already being on a specific campus and/or your child will be carpooling with another family who is already on a specific campus, please make sure to email me your request and reason for the request by this Friday. I will be sending the middle school director student information and data next week.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Marcella and the Corniel family for bringing pizza Friday snack this Friday, Feb.2nd
Fieldtrip
Thank you to all the parents who signed up to drive and chaperone the fieldtrip to the Phoenix Symphony on February 6th. I will be sending home a permission slip tomorrow, Tuesday, January 30th and will need the permission to be returned by Monday, February 5th.
Parent Drivers: Antje Joslin, Nancy Salinas, Meghan Smart, Betsy Balogh, Kiara Howerzyl, and Lory Muirhead
Homework
Math: Lessons 66-70 parent check the work and initial
Reading: 20min daily/complete and initial reading log
Great Lives: Rough draft of written report due Feb.16th. I will hand back outlines by this Friday.
PTO Fun Run
The PTO Fun Run was a huge success! As a class, we raised $92 per lap!
As a school we met our goal and got donations from all 50 states, so the students will be getting an otter pop party and Ms. Margo will be dressing up in a fun costume.
Thank you everyone for your support!
Valentine Grams
If you have not done so already, please send in a bag of Hershey kisses to donate to our E2 Valentine Grams fundraiser.
Valentine's Day is around the corner...time to send your loved ones a little treat - or perhaps show some appreciation for your favorite teacher or administrator?
We will continue to offer the Smencils- delicious smelling pencils.
We’re excited about this fun, eco-friendly treat that we know all kids & adults will love. The Tiny Plush Animals are also available again!
Valentine Grams are on sale February 1st- February 14th
Kisses $3
Smencil $3
Kisses + Smencil $5
Tiny Plush $5
Tiny Plush + Kisses $6
Tiny Plush + Kisses + Smencil $8
Our class 6th graders will be helping to sell Valentine Grams the morning of Thursday, February 8th. I will need one parent to help with that process as the 6th graders who help will need to be at our campus and the Early Childhood Campus from 7:45-8:30am. If you are willing to watch a small group of 6th graders sell
V-grams please email me.
We also need parent volunteers to help make and deliver Grams. If you would like to sign-up click the following link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine3
We will have a little Valentines Party in the afternoon. I will hand out a class list for any student who would like to bring in Valentines for the class.
Whole Class Lessons Given in January
Writing: Outlines, Expository essays, Informative essays, Opinion essays
Human Body: Muscular System
Ancient Civilization: Ancient Egypt
Geography: Mapping of Egypt
Geometry- 4th: Perimeter/Area 5th: Area/Volume 6th: Area/Volume All: Metric Measurement
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
January 22, 2024
Hello Families...here is the class info for this week.
Thank you Lisa Moore and family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this Friday.
Homework:
Math: Lessons 61-65 Lesson 61 was due today and 62 due tomorrow, Tue.
Reading: 20min daily with filled out and initialed reading log
Great Lives Fair: The next due date is this Friday, January 26th the outline and project proposal is due. If your student needs and extra copy, I have some in class.
The Great Lives Fair for our class will be Tuesday, March 5th. Parents and families are welcome to come and view the fair anytime between 10am-11am.
PTO Fun Run: The Fun Run is this Saturday, January 27, 2024, 9 am-noon, at Villa! Registration is open, if you have not done so already register your student here: funrun.com. This fundraiser is a big one that really helps put money back into the classrooms. Even if your child cannot make it to the Fun Run this Saturday, they can still participate in the fundraiser. Every little bit helps. Thank You!!
The times for the races for each group are:
9:00 am: Primary & Kindergarten
9:40 am: E1
10:20 am: E2 and Middle School
This is all I have for you for this week!
January 8, 2024
Conferences: Conferences start this Wednesday, January 10th and will continue next week. This Friday and next Friday will both be half-days for conferences and school will be out at 11:30 am. Your student will need to be present during their conference. Conferences will only be 20min long to respect everyone's busy schedules. If you need to sign up for a conference please click on the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-47044622-msleticias
Pizza Friday: If you did not pay in full the second payment of $90 is due this Friday, January 12th. If payment arrangements need to be made, please feel free to contact me. You may either make a check payable to Leticia Hector, send in cash, or Venmo me @Leticia-Hector
Homework
Math: Lessons 56-60 Checked and initialed by a parent
Reading: Daily 20min and filled out reading log initialed by a parent
Great Lives: Outline and Project Proposal due January 26th a Project Proposal form was sent home Friday and students were given lessons and practice on writing outlines.
Valentine Grams: The E2 Fundraiser for Valentine Grams will be starting soon. We ask that each family bring in a bag of Hershey kisses (no nuts please) to help contribute to the fundraiser.
We also need volunteers to help, if you would like to help, please click the following link to sign-up.
This link is to help assemble Grams at home: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine4#/
Thank you for your support!
No School, Monday, January 16th there is No School in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
That is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week.
January 2, 2024
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope your year is off to a positive and great start. Mine, is...I have exciting news to share and I was able to tell my kiddos today that I am engaged!!! Brian and I are so excited and now the fun planning of a fall wedding can officially begin!! Also, Ms. Shawn and I want to give A big THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the class teacher gift(s), it was much appreciated!
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you to Nancy Salinas Burgett for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this Friday.
Pizza Friday Payment
For any family who chose to do half payment in Aug and half in Jan. please make sure to send the 2nd half payment by Friday, January 12th. If payment arrangements need to be made, please let me know.
Conferences:
Conferences start next week. I will make times available on Wednesday, January 10th and 17th and Friday January 12th and January19th. Both Fridays will be half-days for conferences and school will be out at 11:30 am. The conferences will include teacher, student and parent and will be limited to 20min. A Sign Up Genius for conferences will be going out ASAP.
Homework
Math: Lessons 51-55 are due this week. Lessons 51 & 52 were due today (Tue.) and lesson 53 due tomorrow (Wed.).
Reading: 20min of daily reading with filled out and parent initialed reading log.
Great Lives Project: The next due date for the Great Lives Project, is Friday January, 26th. The outline and project proposal are due. I will go over expectations for both this week.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
December 11, 2023
Overnight Parent Chaperone Lottery
Parents interested in being in the lottery as a parent overnight chaperone for Astro Camp in Idyllwild, CA, need to have your name in the lottery drawing no later than tomorrow, Dec. 12th. Please make sure to fill out the information necessary in the email that was sent out Nov.21st by Barbi. If you miss that cutoff, unfortunately you will not be eligible to chaperone. The lottery drawing will take place this Thursday, Dec. 14th.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Melissa Loewenthal and Family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 46-50. Lesson 46 was due today and 47 is due tomorrow, Tuesday.
Reading: Students should continue to read 20 minutes a night and complete their reading log with parent initials
Great Lives: All Notecards are due this Friday, December 15th for notecard check in. Students should have about half of their needed notecards completed.
4th-50 notecards 5th-75 notecards 6th-75-100 notecards
*The outline and project proposal will be due Friday, January 26th.
Pajama Day and White Elephant Gift Exchange
This Friday, December 15th we will do pajama day and for anyone who is interested, we will do a White Elephant gift exchange game and also a holiday movie. Gifts for the White Elephant exchange should be no more than $5 and can be silly and fun. This is just a fun game for any student who would like to participate.
Gingerbread Houses
Students will be building and decorating gingerbread houses this Thursday, December 14th. They will build their houses around 9:30am and will decorate their houses in the afternoon around 12:45pm. Parents are welcome to come join/watch the fun chaos. A Sign Up Genius was sent out today for anyone who would like to sign up to bring any items.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-46521329-gingerbread
Giving Back
This Wednesday, students will be putting together care packages. We will start at 10am.
Winter Break will be from Monday, December 18th – Tuesday, January 2nd. School Resumes on Tuesday, January 3rd.
During Winter Break Students should be completing two math lessons and reading logs over the break. Lesson 51 and 52 are due when we return from break.
Students should also be working on their Great Lives project. They should be using their research notecards to make an outline for their rough draft. As well as, filling out the project proposal.
I hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed rest of the week and a nice and relaxing Winter Break and a Happy New Year!
December 4, 2023
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Ashley Cobb and Family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 41-45. Lesson 41 was due today and 42 is due tomorrow.
Reading: Students should continue to read 20 minutes a night and complete their reading log with parent initials
Great Lives: Notecards are due this Friday, December 8th for notecard check in. Students should have about half of their needed notecards completed.
4th-25 notecards 5th-37 notecards 6th-50 notecards
(They may not have this exact number of notecards completed by this Friday but I would like to see a good amount started).
*The outline and project proposal will be due Friday, January 26th.
Fall Fundraiser
We are so EXCITED to share that $1796 was the total amount raised for the fall fundraiser for St. Mary's Food Bank. OMG!!! Thank you families because you have just made a tremendous difference for those in need. We raised enough to provide almost 9,000 meals for those in need. We are so appreciative and thankful for the generosity and kindness you all have and continue to show.
Pajama Day and White Elephant Gift Exchange
Next Friday, December 15th we will do pajama day and for anyone who is interested, we will do a White Elephant gift exchange game and also a holiday movie. Gifts for the White Elephant exchange should be no more than $5 and can be silly and fun. This is just a fun game for any student who would like to participate.
Gingerbread Houses
Students will be building and decorating gingerbread houses Thursday, December 14th. They will build their houses around 9:30am and will decorate their houses in the afternoon around 12:45pm. Parents are welcome to come join/watch the fun chaos. A Sign Up Genius was sent out today for anyone who would like to sign up to bring any items.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-46521329-gingerbread
Giving Back
The week of December 11th, students will be putting together care packages. I will be getting all the supplies and materials for this activity and we will turn our classroom into a workshop where students will put the care packages together.
Overnight Parent Chaperone Lottery
Parents interested in being in the lottery as a parent overnight chaperone for Astro Camp in Idyllwild, CA, need to have your name in the lottery drawing no later than Dec. 12th. Please make sure to fill out the information necessary in the email that was sent out Nov.21st by Barbi. If you miss that cutoff, unfortunately you will not be eligible to chaperone.
This is all I have for now. Please have a blessed and beautiful week!
Whole Class Lessons Given in November
- Geometry: 4th:Triangle & Polygon study 5th: Polygons 6th: Polygons and Circles
- Math: 4th: Factors, Multiples, equivalent Fractions
- 5th: + & - Decimals, Multiplying fractions, Dividing Fractions
- 6th: Dividing fractions, Ratios, Rate, +,-,x, / Decimals, Percents
- Grammar: 4th: Types of Adjectives 5th: Verbals and Types of Adjectives 6th: Verbals, review of Adjectives, Types of Adverbs
- Language: All: Prefix, Suffix 4th: Synonyms & Antonyms 5th: Homographs 6th: Roots
- History Ancient Civilization: Map study of civilizations
- Writing Lessons: Compare & Contrast, Outlines, Letter Writing, Note-Cards,
- Science: The Skeletal System
- Geography: US mapping with mapping Native American Tribes
November 27, 2023
Happy Holidays Everyone! I would like to take a moment to say how truly grateful we are to have a a wonderful group of students and families be part of our classroom family. You will never know how much having your support, trust, and help means to us and the success of these amazing students! December is literally right around the corner and it will be a busy 3 weeks before winter break. Please read below to get the details of what is going on this week and future weeks in the class.
Homework
Math: Review Packet. Days Mon-Fri are due this week with Tuesday being due tomorrow.
Reading: 20min daily reading and initialed reading log. Students should be reading a biography during this month of November.
Great Lives: Notecard check in will be happening December 8th. Please make sure your child is working diligently to complete at least half of their notecards by next Friday.
Early Dismissal
This Friday, December 1st 11:30am for Professional Development
Fall Fundraiser
Again, a big thank you to everyone who donated toward our Fall Fundraiser of raising money for St. Mary's Food Bank. It has been so impressive to see the amount of money that has been raised so far and although we reached our goal but we are still going! This is a reminder to all kids and parents that it is not too late to donate and every dollar counts. Each dollar is 7 meals for those in need. The state charitable tax credit link is available when you check out for those that are interested. Our Fall Fundraiser will be ending this Friday, December 1st. For anyone who would like to donate or if you'd like to pass the word to any family members or friends, please click on the link below.
Donate to my page
Gingerbread Houses
Students will be building and decorating gingerbread houses Thursday, December 14th. They will build their houses around 9:30am and will decorate their houses in the afternoon around 12:45pm. Parents are welcome to come join/watch the fun chaos. There will be a sign up for students to bring in items for either the building and/or decorating of the gingerbread houses coming out shortly.
Giving Back
The week of December 11th, students will be putting together care packages. I will be getting all the supplies and materials for this activity and we will turn our classroom into a workshop where students will put the care packages together.
Overnight Parent Chaperone Lottery
On Nov. 21st, all parents should have received an email from administration, giving information about our overnight trip. This year we will be attending AstroCamp with Ms. Tammy's class. Chaperones are limited for this trip, so if you would like to have your name in the lottery drawing, please make sure to fill out the information necessary in the email that was sent out by Barbi. The cutoff date to put your name in the lottery is Dec.12th and if you miss that cutoff, unfortunately you will not be eligible to chaperone.
This is all I have for now. Please have a blessed and beautiful week!
November 20, 2023
A big thank you, to the Weiss family for organizing our class social at Granada Park. It was so much fun and great to hangout and chat with all of the parents. Also, thank you to the families who brought treats for the kiddos and adults to snack on.
PTO Gratitude Breakfast
Join us tomorrow on November 21st for some sunshine and socialization! Bring your own breakfast, and the PTO will provide the hot cocoa. The event will take place from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. on the E2 courtyard, next to the swings.
Barter Day
Tomorrow Tuesday, November 21st E2 will be doing a Barter Day in the afternoon. Students may bring in a pillowcase full of items that they would like to barter/trade. We ask that all items be school appropriate, any games or movies should be rated G or PG, no toy weapons are allowed, and all items should be approved by parents to be bartered.
No School Wednesday, November 22nd- Friday, November 24th for Thanksgiving Break.
Homework
Reading: Students should continue to read 20min daily. Reading log initialed is due tomorrow.
Math: This week, students need to bring in their current math folder and complete any missed problems and/or lessons BEFORE starting the review packet next week.
*Students received Math Homework Review packets last week, the first review lesson will be due Monday, November 27th.
Great Lives: Students should also be working on their research notecards for their Great Lives Fair. I will be checking-off student notecards on Friday, December 8th and students should have at least half of their total amount of note-cards completed by that date. Students have received a lesson on how to take effective and organized notes on note-cards.
- 4th graders will need to do a total of 50 cards
- 5th graders need to do 75 total notecards
- 6th graders a total of 100 notecards
Fall Fundraiser
A BIG thank you to the generous families who have donated to our Fall Fundraiser. Your contribution is making such a big difference for so many people. For anyone who would like to donate or if you'd like to pass the word to any family members or friends, please click on the link below.
Donate to my page
I did find out that there is a tax credit for donating. I have included the information below for anyone who is interested.
Attention Arizona tax payers!
St. Mary's Food Bank is part of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Your donation qualifies for a DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR CREDIT ON YOUR AZ STATE TAXES (up to $841 for couples filing jointly and up to $421 for individuals). Use St. Mary's Food Bank Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) code 20208 on your Arizona State Tax Form.
This is all I have for now. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Please enjoy your time with your family and eat lots!!!
November 13, 2023
Class Fall Fundraiser
I want to give a BIG THANKS to every family who donated toward the St. Mary's Food Bank fundraiser. Your generosity and kindness to support such a good cause is so greatly appreciated. We are excited to let the class know that an amazing $765 has been raised so far. Every dollar donated provides 5 meals for people in need, so your generosity is really going toward a wonderful cause.
I want to give a big shout out to Fletcher Bloom for having the idea to want to give back and putting in the work and effort to get the fundraiser organized. Again, thank you families for the support!!! For anyone who would like to donate or if you'd like to pass the word to any family members or friends, please click on the link below.
Donate to my page
Ruby Bridges Walk
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day will be tomorrow Tuesday, November 14, 2023. All Villa families, campuses, faculty, and staff are invited!
7:00 AM - 7:15 AM
Villa families will park their cars at Los Olivos Park and gather near Devonshire Senior Center (2802 E. Devonshire Ave., Phoenix 85016).
7:15 AM - 7:25 AM
Welcome and presentation by our students and staff.
7:30 AM - 7:45 AM
We will walk to Villa together in celebration of Ruby Bridges and her courageous walk to school on November 14, 1960.
Once students have arrived at school, parents may walk back to Los Olivos Park to retrieve their cars.
Don’t forget to wear a purple shirt!
Homework
Math: Lessons 36-40 with lesson 37 being due tomorrow, Tue.
Reading: 20min of daily reading w/ initialed reading log.
Great Lives: Students should be starting the research process on their Great Lives person. I have started mini lessons on class on how students should complete their note-cards. The first note-card check will be December 8th. At least have of the note-cards will need to have been completed by then.
4th-50 total (25 due by 12/8)
5th-75 total (38 due by 12/8)
6th-100 total (50 due by 12/8)
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Melissa Strang for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week!
Field Trip
able I can't believe that we are already in mid November. Our first class fieldtrip is on Monday and it is going to be a blast. Permission slips will be going home tomorrow and will need to signed and turned in by this Friday. Students will need to bring a sack lunch on Monday along with $7 and any additional $$ for the gift shop. Again, if for some reason your child cannot bring the $7, please let me know.
Where: Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Location: 17599 E. Peak Ln.
Picacho, AZ 85141
When: Monday, November 20th
Time: 9am-2:30pm
Cost: $7 per person (for food to feed the animals)
Students will need to bring a sack lunch.
I still need 1-2 more driving chaperones for 9 more students, so if you are able to possibly be a driving chaperone, please sign up in the sign up genius link. Chaperones will need to make sure Volunteer/Chaperone forms are filled out and turned into the main office at by Friday, November 17th.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-45730666-leticias
A big THANK YOU to the following parents for volunteering to drive. Please arrive to the school by 8:45 and I will send a group text to you all with the address and so that we have a group text line for communication while we are there. Again, please make sure all your volunteer paperwork and a copy of your DL and updated ins card is completed and turned into the office by Friday.
Teale Bloom- 4 students
Sarah Weiss- 4 students
Lory Muirhead- 4 students
Melissa Loewenthal- 3-4
Nancy Salinas Burgett-4
Class Social
We can't wait for our class social taking place this coming up Sunday, November 19th at Granada Park at 3pm. We will have some light treats and drinks and of course a lot of park for the kids to play and parents to mingle. Can't wait to see you there! Please click on the link below for the details and to RSVP. Thank you Weiss family for organizing this fun event.
Evite: Online Invitations, Greeting Cards & Party Ideas
This is all I have for now, have a beautiful and blessed week!!
November 6, 2023
No School this Friday, November 10th in observance of Veterans Day.
Two lessons, lesson 35 and 36, will be due on Monday, November 13th.
Homework
Math: Lessons 31-35 (Lesson 32 due tomorrow, Tuesday) Parents, please check and initial your child's math homework daily.
Reading: 20min of reading daily. Parent initialed reading log due daily.
*November Book Genre: Biography
Hopefully this will be an opportunity for your child to try to find a biography on their Great Lives person of choice.
Great Lives: Note-card check Due Fri. Dec. 8th
Safety Drill
This Wednesday, November 8th, we will be practicing a Soft Lockdown drill in the morning and will be implementing our new safety app, Quick Access.
Ruby Bridges Walk
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day will be next Tuesday, November 14, 2023
All Villa families, campuses, faculty, and staff are invited!
7:00 AM - 7:15 AM
Villa families will park their cars at Los Olivos Park and gather near Devonshire Senior Center (2802 E. Devonshire Ave., Phoenix 85016).
7:15 AM - 7:25 AM
Welcome and presentation by our students and staff.
7:30 AM - 7:45 AM
We will walk to Villa together in celebration of Ruby Bridges and her courageous walk to school on November 14, 1960.
Once students have arrived at school, parents may walk back to Los Olivos Park to retrieve their cars.
Don’t forget to wear a purple shirt!
Field trip
Where: Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Location: 17599 E. Peak Ln.
Picacho, AZ 85141
When: Monday, November 20th
Time: 9am-2:30pm
Cost: $7 per person (for food to feed the animals)
Students will need to bring a sack lunch. A gift shop is also available for those who would like to purchase souvenirs.
I still need 1-2 more driving chaperones for 9 more students, so if you are able to possibly be a driving chaperone, please sign up in the sign up genius link. Chaperones will need to make sure Volunteer/Chaperone forms are filled out and turned into the main office at by Friday, November 17th.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-45730666-leticias
A BIG Thank you to the following parents who have signed up to drive...
Teale Bloom- 4 students
Sarah Weiss- 4 students
Lory Muirhead- 4 students
Melissa Loewenthal- 3-4
Nancy Salinas Burgett-4
Save the Date
Our annual class social will be the held Sunday, Nov. 19th. More details to come within the next few weeks.
This is all I have for now. Hope you all have a blessed and beautiful week!!
October 30, 2023 Newsflash
Fall Activities
Lesson Tomorrow we will do a few fun activities related to fall and we will also be playing the movie Coco rated PG, that is about the holiday that is celebrated in Mexico on Nov. 1st. Dias, de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). If you would prefer your child not watch this movie, please let me know.
Homework
Math: Lesson and practice set 26-30 with parent checking and initialing daily. Lesson 27 is due tomorrow, Tue.
Reading: 20min of daily reading and filled out reading log with parent initials
November Book Genre: Biography
Hopefully this will be an opportunity for your child to try to find a biography on their Great Lives person of choice.
Fieldtrips
We are excited to get field trips and going outs organized and planned for the kiddos. There will be a class meeting where the class will vote on trips that they would like to do as a class or trips they would like to have available for Going Outs. As information is gathered for our field trips and going outs for this year, I will keep you all informed.
The first whole class field trip that we have planned, is a fun one to Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch on Monday, November 20th. This field trip is a little bit of a distance. It will take about an hour and 15min to get there BUT it is so much fun! We will leave the campus at 9am and we will be back to school by 2:30pm, so this will be an all day field trip.
I will need driving chaperones, so if you are able to possibly be a driving chaperone, please sign up in the sign up genius that was sent out today. Chaperones will need to make sure Volunteer/Chaperone forms are filled out and turned into the main office at by Friday, November 17th.
The Ostrich Ranch have added more attractions over the last few years and students will be able to take part in feeding the animals, seeing the attractions, and we will have lunch there. There is a cost for this trip, so we are asking students to bring $7 to pay for the feed to feed all the animals. If your child is unable to bring the $7, no need to worry, we will take care of it. Students will need to bring a sack lunch for this field trip. A permission slip with all the details will go home within the next week.
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
17599 E. Peak Ln.
Picacho, AZ 85141
Thank you to the following parents who have signed up to drive. we still need a few more drivers, enough for 17 more students
Teale Bloom- 4 students
Sarah Weiss- 4 students
Lory Muirhead- 4 students
Healthy Snack/Drink Reminder
With Halloween being tomorrow, this is a reminder that students are not allowed to have candy, gum, soda, or energy drinks at school. We have also noticed students bringing Prime and/or sugary drinks, we ask that students do not bring these items to school since it is hard to distinguish if it is the energy drink or hydration drink.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Joslin Family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week!
Great Lives Fair
Today, I sent home the Great Lives choice your child got approved. If your child did not turn in their signature form please make sure they turn it in ASAP so that they don't lose any further points and don't fall behind.
The next step of the Great Lives process is for students to start the researching process. We suggest taking a trip to a public library to help your student find some resources on their person. They should use at least 3 book resources as well as other resources.
In class, I will be giving the students a lesson on how to take notes using notecards. The next due date will be a notecard check on Friday, December 8th.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Book Fair is this week! Stop by and enjoy all the great books that are available.
BOOKFAIR HOURS:
MONDAY – 7:00 – 2:30
TUESDAY – 8:00 – 5:30
WEDNESDAY – 7:00 – 2:30
THURSDAY – 7:00 – 2:30
FRIDAY – 8:00 – 5:30
Please make sure to go through the front office and get a visitor badge if you will be attending the book fair
Lost and Found
This week will be lost and found viewing. All lost and found items will be put out in the carline area, anything not claimed by the end of the week will be donated.
6th Grade Parents Only
The Middle School Parent Information Meeting will be happening this Thursday, November 2nd from 6:30 pm- 8 pm. This meeting is for parents only and will go over the middle school curriculum and experience. All 6th graders were sent home a flyer last week with the details.
Fall FundraiserWe are always looking for ways to make a difference in our community. Students really enjoy finding opportunities to help our school, neighborhoods, city, etc. and over the next month, our class would like to participate in a way of giving back to raise money for the hungry through St. Mary's Food Bank. Please help our class support St. Mary's Food Bank by making a donation through our team's fundraising page for the Virtual Food Drive. Every little bit will help our class reach our goal. I've included information about St. Mary's Food Bank below.
St. Mary’s Food Bank serves to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy, and education.
Donations provide food and hope to our neighbors in need. Thanks so much for your support.
Ms. Leticia & Ms. Shawn's Class
Donate to my page
Save the Date
Our annual class social will be the held Sunday, Nov. 19th. More details to come within the next few weeks.
This is all I have for now. Hope you all have a blessed and beautiful week!!
October 24th Newsflash
Hello Families...I hope you are having a positive start to the week thus far. I, unfortunately am still trying to heal from the few different illnesses I have, so I apologize for the Newsflash coming out a day late. I am on the mend and I hope to be feeling better within the next week or so...fingers crossed! On a more positive note, the students presented their Hispanic Heritage projects yesterday and they did an absolutely incredible job!!! We were so impressed to see the effort and time and motivation the groups put into the different aspects of their project like dressing in traditional clothing, learning and performing traditional dances, making and sharing yummy food, dessert, and drinks from their given country. The groups worked hard on their beautiful tri-fold boards that were detailed and nicely displayed and each group did an incredible job of presenting the information they learned about their country. This project was an incredible way and opportunity for students to start practicing and learning how to work collaboratively with their group members, and learning the necessary skills of time management, presenting professionally with confidence, and really putting motivation and effort to learn about their topic and be able to present their knowledge in a fun way! Great job kids!!! These skills will come in handy once we officially start the Great Lives research process. Here is what you need to know for this week...
Homework
Math: Lessons 21-25 Lesson 23 Due tomorrow, Wed. Parents please check and initial your child's homework daily
Reading: Read 20min daily at home and complete reading log with parent initial daily
Oct. Book Talks start next week.
Great Lives: Signature page due Friday, Oct. 27th. Please look through the packet and have your child fill out the signature page and please have your child list 3 Great Life possible choices in order to avoid students choosing the same Great Life. I will let students know which of their 3 choices got approved by Monday, Oct. 30th.
Jungle Jill Animal Encounters Presentation
This Thursday we are lucky enough to have an exciting presenter come and bring live animals for the kiddos to see and learn more about. They will educate the kids about the animals, their habitats, and their adaptations. It should be exciting and fun! If you would prefer your child not take part in this presentation, please just let me know before Thursday.
Art Masterpiece
Thank you Teale and Antje for volunteering in our classroom this Friday and teaching the kids about Frieda Kahlo
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be next week, Monday, October 30th – Friday, November 3rd. Parents need to sign-in through the front office and get a visitor badge, if they will be attending the book fair. You may park on Meadowbrook if need be.
BOOKFAIR HOURS:
MONDAY – 7:00 – 2:30
TUESDAY – 8:00 – 5:30
WEDNESDAY – 7:00 – 2:30
THURSDAY – 7:00 – 2:30
FRIDAY – 8:00 – 5:30
You can check out the book fair’s homepage here, https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/villamontessori1
If you would like to help and volunteer at the book fair please sign-up here, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-44700224-2023#/
This year you can provide your student with an eWallet so no need to worry about lost cash or card. You can also contribute to the classroom’s eWallet and I will choose books for the class, if you would like to add funds to the class eWallet click the following link, https://shop.scholastic.com/ewallet/fund?lang=en_US&walletId=511eaa93-94fc-4704-9710-bc42015fd1a1
Early Dismissal
This Friday, October 27th will be a Half-Day for the whole school, no afternoon circle. School will be out at 11:30 am, for staff professional development.
Trunk or Treat
This Saturday, October 28th will be Villa’s Trunk or Treat at the Elementary Field.
Each campus will have a designated walk-through time as follows:
4:00 - 4:45 PM - ECC (Infants, Toddlers, Primary, Kindergarten),
5:00 - 5:45 PM - Elementary I (1st - 3rd grade)
6:00 - 6:45 PM - Elementary II and Middle School (4th - 8th grade)
If your family has students in different program levels, please choose one walk-through time to attend. Each person will get a ticket when they enter to VOTE for their favorite trunk!
There is limited parking available for this event; please park at ECC or Elementary Campus parking lots and enter through the Elementary Carline gates (look for signs/balloons).
We can’t wait to celebrate! Don’t forget to wear a costume!!
You can still sign-up to donate candy or help out at the event, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-44521879-trunk#/
6th Grade Parents Only
The Middle School Parent Information Meeting will be happening next Thursday, November 2nd from 6:30 pm- 8 pm. This meeting is for parents only and will go over the middle school curriculum and experience. A flyer for the event is being sent home as well in your student’s communication folder.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!!
October 17th Newsflash
Welcome back everyone! I hope Fall Break was a fun and/or relaxed this past week. I apologize for sending this a day late but I, unfortunately was sick the last part of break and have doctor orders to not return back to work until tomorrow, Wed. But, having an opportunity to reset and rest has been a blessing. Here is all you will need to know for this week.
Vision and Hearing Screening
This Wednesday, October 18th we will be doing Vision and Hearing Screenings. All 6th grade students, new students to Villa and those with a special education plan will be tested. If your child wears glasses, please make sure they wear them tomorrow.
Great Lives Fair
This year we are doing the Great Lives Fair as our big project. Students will pick someone who made a positive impact on the world and do a report on them. They will be presenting their report and projects at the Great Lives Fair that will be happening the week of March 6th.
The Great Lives Fair packets will be passed out this week in the students’ communication folders. Please review the information and go over it with your student. The first due date is Friday, October 27th which is your student’s pick and signature page.
Homework
Math: Review Packet Days 1-5 are due this week. Day 3 will be due tomorrow, Wednesday. * Parents should use the answer key to check your child's work and initial their homework daily
*A new Math Homework packet will be handed out this Friday.
Reading: Read daily for 20min filling out reading log with parent initials
October Genre: Suspense/Mystery
Class Meet-Up
You will be receiving information about a class social meet up that will take place Sunday, November 19th. This will be an opportunity for the students and parents to get together outside of the school setting. So please save the date. More details will be available in the upcoming weeks
Fieldtrips
I want to give everyone a heads up that fieldtrips and Going Outs are in the process of being planned and organized. Please know that students may reach out to families (who signed up to be chaperones), to ask to chaperone specific going out trips for small groups of students. Going Outs will usually be an email written from the student using my email address and please don't feel obligated if you cannot accommodate the student(s). The students do all of the planning (date, cost, address, etc.) and will share that info to whomever they reach out to. Also, thank you to those who take time to volunteer or support the class. We greatly appreciate you.
6th Grade families
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFO NIGHT: The Middle School Information Night is quickly approaching – Thursday, Nov. 2. Information will be sent out later this week or next week.
ACE OPEN HOUSE: The Middle School students have been working hard to present their interests or future endeavors at their upcoming Open House for their ACE Building at the Middle School Campus October 19th from 7-8:30PM.
This is all I have for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
October 2, 2023
This week is Catch Up week in class. Students will have opportunities to complete any unfinished work from the past 3 weeks. Students who have finished their work will have an opportunity to create their own project proposals of any topic(s) of research or find ways to give back to the Villa Community by volunteering to help in another class. I will also use this week to help any students who might need help/guidance with their homework. If your child is struggling with any specific topic, please make sure they communicate with me. The class is also working on small group projects for Hispanic Heritage month. This project will be an ongoing project that they will work on in class before and after fall break. Please read below for other class info.
Novel Study: We are reading Pay It Forward. This is a fantastic Realistic Fiction book that shows that anyone at any age can make a difference in the world.
Pizza Friday Snack
We will be having Pizza Friday this Friday, October 6th. Thank you to Meghan Smart for bringing in Pizza Friday snack.
Pajama Day
This Friday, October 6th will be Pajama Day. On Pajama Days students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school and bring in one blanket and/or pillow. They also are allowed to bring in any school appropriate games, books, or movies. Movies should be age and school appropriate and rated G or PG. Students need to have all of their past 3 weeks of "Big Picture" work completed in order to participate in Pajama Day activities.
This week is "Catch Up" week in class.
Homework
Math: Lessons 16-20 Parents need to check and sign each homework lesson nightly. We will be handing out review packets on Friday as well.
Reading: Reading daily for 20min. Reading log initialed by parent.
October Book Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Book Talks for September books have started this week.
Next week is Fall Break, October 9th-13th. School resumes on Monday, October 16th and Review Lesson 1 will be due along with 20 minutes of reading.
That is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!!
September 25, 2023
Art Masterpiece
Thank you Teale and Antje for coming into the classroom last Thursday to give a great Dali art masterpiece lesson to the class. The students LOVED it and made wonderful art creations.
Picture Day
Tomorrow Tuesday, September 26th we will be taking school pictures at 10am.
We are excited to invite back Whitney Thatcher - photographer extraordinaire! Her team is amazing, and the photos speak for themselves.
The entire ordering process is done online, which makes getting your photos fast and efficient. Please read the Parent Welcome letter from the photographer HERE.
You can also check out Whitney's professional website HERE
Homework
Math: Lessons 11-15 are due this week. Lesson & Practice Set 11 was due today, Mon. Lesson & Practice Set 12 will be due tomorrow, Tue.
Reading: 20min Daily Reading with initialed Reading Log
*September Book Talks will start this week.
October Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Goal Setting Conferences
We are continuing Goal Setting Conferences this week.
Conferences will be held inside the classroom before school and during & after school I will be in the front Outdoor Environment of the classroom.
During the conference students will be going over their goals they have set for themselves for this school year.
When you arrive for your conference, please park in the north parking lot or in the admin parking lot. Parents that park in the north lot should approach the northwest gate (on the E1 side facing the north lot) and provide their name, teacher, and conference time to the staff member on duty. Parents that park in the admin lot should enter the office and the receptionist will check you in. Please refrain from parking in the carline lane between 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Please plan to have a few minutes to provide the needed information prior to your conference time.
Lost and Found
Lost and found items are collected all month on the elementary campus. This week is a viewing week where parents can retrieve items that belong to your child.
Lost and found items will be available for viewing and retrieval in carline. Any items not retrieved by Friday, September 29, will be donated.
September Lessons Given
Science: The Great River (Over view of Human Body Systems)
History: Building Blocks of Civilizations, Hispanic Heritage Study
Geography: Water forms
Language: Personification, Alliteration
Grammar: Sentence Analysis 4th: Prepositions, Common & Proper Nouns 5th: Prepositional Phrases, Verb Phrases 6th: Prepositional Phrases, Verb Phrases
Writing: Fables, Opinion Writing, Note-taking (Research Process)
Math: 4th Division 1& 2 digit divisors,
5th: GCF/LCM, Reducing fractions, +,- fractions w/unlike denominators, Hands On Equations
6th: +,- Mixed Numbers, Hands On Equations
Geometry: 4th Types of Lines, Angles
5th: Study of Angles, 7 Triangles of Reality
6th: Study of Angles, 7 triangles of Reality, Height of Triangles, Equivalency
Monday, September 18, 2023
Homework
Math: Lessons and Practice Sets 6-10 due this week. Lesson 6 was due today and Lesson 7 due tomorrow. Parents need to check and initial homework daily.
Reading: Daily reading of 20min. Initialed reading log due daily.
September Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Goal Setting Conferences
Goal Setting Conferences begin this week. This Friday, September 22nd is another Half-Day and school will be out at 11:30 am.
Before school, conferences will be in the classroom. During and after school, conferences will be held in my classroom outdoor environment. During the conference students will be going over their goals they have set for themselves for this school year.
Art Masterpiece
Thank you to Teale and Antje who will be volunteering in the classroom giving an art masterpiece lesson this week, featuring Dali.
Picture Day
We will be taking school pictures next Tuesday, September 26th in the morning.
We are excited to invite back Whitney Thatcher - photographer extraordinaire! Her team is amazing, and the photos speak for themselves.
The entire ordering process is done online, which makes getting your photos fast and efficient. Please read the Parent Welcome letter from the photographer HERE.
You can also check out Whitney's professional website HERE
This is all I have for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
September 11, 2023
Thank you families for your patience and understanding with the Hard Lock Down that took place this past Friday. It is always our priority to keep your kiddos safe and with the support from you, we are able to make our "Emergency Response Plan" run smoothly. On another note, here is what you need to know for this week.
Goal Setting Conferences
We will be having Goal Setting Conferences Wednesday, September 20th, Friday, September 22nd, Wednesday, September 27th and Friday, September 29th. Both Fridays, September 22nd & 29th are half-days and school is out at 11:30 am. Goal setting conferences include the student, parents and teacher and are meant for the students to share their goals for this school year.
I have sent out a Sign Up Genius email for parents to sign up for your child's "Goal Setting: conference.
This conference will be approximately 15min long, and will allow for all of us to discuss goals set for your child for this school year.
Homework
Students received new homework packets on Friday. Students should do one lesson per night. It is important that you continue to check and initial your student’s math homework and reading log each night. It allows us to see if your child needs any guidance or individual lessons on concepts they may be struggling with.
Math: Lesson & Practice Sets 1-5 due this week. Lesson & Practice Set 1 was due today, and Lesson & Practice Set 2 due tomorrow.
Reading: 20min Daily Reading. Reading Log with parent initial due daily
September Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
This Friday, September 15th is a Half-Day for the whole school, No Circle. School will be out at 11:30 am.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week.
September 5, 2023 Newsflash
Happy Tuesday!! I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend. We were able to get the through the month of August and cannot believe it is already September. Last Friday was a blast, we organized an E2 student social and got all the students together from E2 to do community building activities, allowing the students to interact with other kiddos. Although it was quite humid that day, the kids had a blast and we hope to do more E2 community building this year.
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Kay Valentine for bringing Pizza Friday Snack last Friday. This week Yelizaveta Pikus and family have signed up for Pizza Friday snack. Thank you Liza.
Goal Setting Conferences
We will be having Goal Setting Conferences Friday, September 22nd and Friday, September 29th, both days are half-days and school is out at 11:30 am. Goal setting conferences include the student, parents and teacher and are meant for the students to share their goals for this school year.
Please expect a Sign Up Genius email for conferences to go out this week.
Homework
Math: Days 16-20 are due this week. Parents, please check and sign your child's math and reading homework daily.
Students will be finishing up their Rev-Up packets this week and will be getting their new homework packet this Friday, September 8th.
Reading: 20min of reading daily. Parent signatures are required For the month of September, students need to find and read a Realistic Fiction. Book talks for for the realistic fiction will start the end of September.
Going Outs
Students are starting to plan their Going out small group fieldtrips this week. Just giving all parents a heads up that if you signed up to be a Going Out chaperone, you might have students reach out to you about setting up a day and time to go on their Going Out trip. Going Outs will always be in small groups of 5 or less students and are student organized.
That is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful rest of your week!!!
August 29, 2023
No School Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day.
Thank you to all the families that have donated to our class wish list. Your generosity is so appreciated and helpful!!!
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday will begin this Friday and the students voted on Barros as our pizza place.
Thank you Kay Valentine for signing up to bring Pizza Friday snack this Friday.
Homework
Math: Days 11-15 will be due this week.
Reading: Please make sure your child reads for at least 20min daily at home and you initial their reading log page.
Every month students will focus on a specific genre in which they should find a book in that genre to read and give a book talk once completed.
*The genre for September will be a Realistic Fiction. Students may check out books in our school library if necessary.
Because of there being NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 4th, two math lessons, lessons 16 & 17 and two reading log entries are due Tuesday, September 5th.
Whole Class Lessons Given in August
- Big Bang
- Fundamental Needs of Humans
- Timeline of Life
- Map of the World
- Country Research
- Natural Disasters
- Writing Process: Proofreading & editing marks
- Narrative Writing: Personal, Just So stories, Folklore-Myths, Legends, Tall Tales, and Fables
- Quotations
- Types of Sentences/phrases/clauses
- Geometry: 4th: Types of Lines 5th & 6th: Angles
- Math: 4th: Multiplication of 1,2,& 3 digit numbers
6th: Factor Tree, Lowest Common Multiples, and Greatest Common Denominators, Multiplying and Dividing by Powers of 10
August 21, 2023
Hello everyone! Well, we are onto week 3 and students are starting to grasp the daily routines and class expectations. The class is doing so well and I'm super proud of everyone! My expectations for the month of Aug. and Sep. is that 6th graders push themselves outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves as learners, mentors, and class leaders. 5th Graders are doing a great job of being available to any 4th grader who needs guidance and I want them to keep up the great work. 4th graders are beginning to see the transition from E1 to E2 with having to prioritize worktime, lessons, and work that is due weekly. This transition does take some time, but with the help of their classmates, the 4ths will get the hang of it and it will be much easier. I'm very proud of the hard work, respectfulness, and motivation that I have seen thus far from the 4th graders.
Families, I want to thank you for trusting and being supportive of our class family. We are all a community that wants to support and foster the best for your child and encourage these wonderful kiddos to continue to strive to be their best self in every aspect. On a different note, here is what you need to know for the week and please check our signup genius Sign Ups for Pizza Friday snack, Parent Volunteer Opportunities, and our class Helping Hands/Wishlist!
Special Classes
Special Classes start this week. We have special classes on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, please make sure your student wears/brings in closed toed shoes during Special days.
Homework
Math: Day 6-10 due this week. Parents please make sure to use the answer key to check your child's work and initial their lesson.
Reading: Please make sure your child reads for at least 20min daily at home and you initial their reading log page.
Every month students will focus on a specific genre in which they should find a book in that genre to read and give a book talk once completed.
*The genre for September will be a Realistic Fiction. Students may check out books in our school library if necessary.
Communication folder: Please make sure your child brings their communication folder home and to school daily.
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday forms are due by this Friday, August 25th. The first Pizza Friday will be next Friday, September 1st.
This is all I have for now!! Have a blessed and beautiful week!
Monday, August 14, 2023
Parent Orientation Packet
Thank you to the parents who were able to attend the parent teacher orientation. For anyone who was not able to attend, hopefully your child brought home a folder with our classroom info and forms. I will have all forms available in the tab "Parent Orientation Forms." Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sign Ups
Parents, I apologize ahead of time for sending out multiple sign ups for this year. Please sign up for anything that might catch your eye/attention. We greatly appreciate it.
Homework
Students got their first homework folder on Friday. The first packet is a “Rev Up” packet which has review material from their previous grade level. Students are expected to complete one math lesson a night and read for at least 20 minutes. We ask that you support your child by checking their homework each night and initial on their reading log as well. We included a calendar for when each lesson is due and a checking key for parents in their folders.
If a student does not complete their homework or reading, they will work on it during their afternoon recess time until it is completed.
Math: Rev Up Days 1-5 (Day 1 was due today and each one due each morning)
Reading: Read daily for 20min. and sign reading log
Communication Folder: Please encourage your child to turn in his/her communication folder daily. This helps bridge all communication that needs to take place between class and home.
Pizza Fridays
We will be starting pizza Fridays on Friday, September 1st. Forms to sign-up were in the Parent Orientation packet. Please return the completed form by Friday, August 25th. Please make Pizza Friday payment out to me: Leticia Hector. If you need support or a different payment plan, please reach out to me by email at lhector@villamontessori.com.
*This week students will be voting on which pizza place they'd like to get the pizza from this year.
* I also put up a Signup Genius for Pizza Friday Snacks. If you are able to, please sign up for at least one Friday.
Thank you
Special Classes
Special classes will be starting next week, please make sure your student brings closed toed shoes for P.E. Our class has P.E. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
This is all I have for now! Have a Blessed and Beautiful Week!!
Monday, August 7, 2023
Hello everyone! Welcome Back! Today went really well and it was so nice to see all of the kiddos again. I can't wait to meet all of you during parent orientation night this Thursday. This will be a time to ask any questions you might have and get valuable information about what to expect this school year. Please know that I will send out a class Newsflash every week so that everyone is aware of what is going on in the classroom or school. Please read below for all of this week's class info.
Homework
This week students do not have any homework UNLESS they did not complete their summer homework assignments. Book talk presentations for one book your child read this summer started today and will go throughout the rest of this week, so please make sure your child feels prepared to give their book talk. A book talk rubric can be found in the tab above that says "Book Talk Rubric."
New homework packets will be passed out this Friday, August 11th. Students are expected to do 1 lesson over the weekend and be ready to turn in that lesson Monday morning.
Parent Orientation
Thursday, August 10th 6:30pm in Rm 204. The orientation will be an hour long and will cover information needed for this year. If you are unable to attend, I will send a folder home with your child on Friday with all necessary forms and info.
Important Forms
I will be sending home Pizza Friday forms and emailing a signup genius for volunteer opportunities, class wishlist, and pizza Friday snack that won't start until the end of August. I will also get any and all info needed for parents who would like to volunteer to chaperone fieldtrips this year. Please be on the lookout for all of these forms and sign ups.
Carline
Your child should have a Dash Board Name Sign that was handed out today. This should be placed in your dashboard or window where Carline Staff can see it clearly. This name tags help carline run more smoothly and effectively. Please know that the first week of carline is usually longer than usual as new and old staff become familiar with names, students, parents, and recognizing cars. Please know this ahead of time and the goal is that by next week, carline will take only 20min.
Water Bottles
Please make sure your child brings a water bottle to school. It is extremely hot and although outdoor recess time is limited to only 15min, it is important that your child stays hydrated.
Last Note
It was so lovely seeing all the kids today. It is a brand new start to a beautiful school year and with your help, I want to encourage the students to really take on the role of being a positive leader within the classroom and I will encourage students to push themselves to always be and do their best. Having a Growth Mindset is the goal that I have for all these wonderful kiddos and doing this together will make it possible.
I hope you all have a beautiful week and this is all I have for you for today.
Monday, July 31, 2023
Hello everyone! I hope you all have had a nice summer and are looking forward to the start of the new school year. Below are just a few reminders for the first week of school and our Open House this Friday.
Open House
We will be having an Open House this Friday, August 4th from 11-12pm in our classroom, Room 204. Students and parents are welcome to stop by and say hello, as well as drop off any school supplies, we will have supply wagons in the carline area to help with bringing supplies in (If you need a copy of this year’s supply list you can find it under the tab above labeled Supply List).
6th Graders
Just a reminder that I would love to have lunch with all 6th graders on the afternoon of Friday, August 4th from 12-2. I will provide lunch and it will be a time for me to sit with the 6th graders and establish leadership goals. If at all possible, I would like for 6th graders to get the book The Four Agreements. I have 5 copies for anyone who is not able to bring their own copy.
First Day of School
The first day of school is Monday, August 7th. Students may arrive for morning recess as early as 7:45 am and school begins at 8:30 am. Dismissal is at 3:00 pm.
For the first day students should bring in an item or picture from over their summer to share with the class.
Water bottles
Because of the extreme heat, students will be limited to how long they will be allowed outside, but please make sure your child brings a water bottle with their name on it so that they stay properly hydrated.
Summer Homework
Summer homework is due the first day of school and anyone who has any unfinished homework will still be required to complete it.
Math- Packet/folder (all students), Prodigy/IXL extra math practice (specific 5th & 6th grade students)
Reading- Read at least 1 chapter book and complete a project and be ready to give a short 5-10min book talk. Book talk rubric should be in summer homework folder and is also available in tab above.
Writing- (5th & 6th Graders) Writing topics from summer homework folder or choose own topics in the following genres: Opinion, Creative, Research
Carline
The first week of school can be a little chaotic for drop off and pick up. This is just a friendly reminder that dropping off and picking up your child might take longer than usual, so please plan accordingly and we will do our best to get kids out to you quickly. As staff becomes familiar with the drop off systems, it should speed up. Expect a colored name tag to be sent home with your child that should be placed in the dash of your car for carline pickup.
Parent Orientation
We will be having our Parent Orientation night on Thursday, August 10th at 6:30 pm in the classroom, Room 204. We ask that at least one parent attends the orientation, please mark your calendars.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Have a blessed and beautiful week!
Friday, July 14, 2023
Hello All Families! Hope everyone is continuing to enjoy your summer break and getting ready for the start of the school year that is right around the corner. This newsflash will be short but sweet and is just a quick reminder for students to be working on their summer homework because it will be due the first day of school, August 7th.
Summer Homework
Math- Packet/folder (all students), Prodigy/IXL extra math practice (specific 5th & 6th grade students)
Reading- Read at least 1 chapter book and complete a project and be ready to give a short 5-10min book talk. Book talk rubric should be in summer homework folder and is also available in tab above.
Writing- (5th & 6th Graders) Writing topics from summer homework folder or choose own topics in the following genres: Opinion, Creative, Research
Fieldtrip Coordinator
I would love to have a parent(s) help with organizing a few fieldtrips this school year. The goal would be for us to have 3-5 whole class fieldtrips and possibly some on campus presenters. I will also be encouraging students to organize their own small group Going Outs throughout the school year. It would be great if the fieldtrips could help enhance the experience and studies of our cultural subjects. We will be studying ancient civilizations, the human body, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. If you have any ideas or are willing to help organize some these fieldtrips please let me know. Thank you ahead of time.
Open House
We will be having an open house on Friday, August 4th. This will be open to everyone and all students who come may also bring their school supplies and get an early start of organizing their belongings. Small treats and drinks will be provided. More details about the Open House will be sent out in my next Newsflash.
6th Graders
I would love to have lunch with all 6th graders on the afternoon of Friday, August 4th. I will provide lunch and it will be a time for me to sit with the 6th graders and establish leadership goals. If at all possible, I would like for 6th graders to get the book The Four Agreements. I have a few copies for anyone who is not able to bring their own copy.
This is all I have for you right now. Have a Beautiful and Blessed Weekend!!
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Hello All Families! I hope that everyone is off to a great summer break thus far. I will not be sending a newsflash weekly during summer break but I will do one now and two more in early and late July. I will be out of town a majority of the summer, but I will do my best to answer any emails if there are any questions or concerns about summer homework and/or the supply list, etc. Please read below for info I have for you for the month of June. Happy Summer!!!
Summer Homework
Any student who missed the last few days of school, their Summer Homework folder is in the main office to be picked up. I know many families will be traveling or kiddos may be in summer camps, so just know that summer homework is meant to keep students fresh on concepts so that they practice, review and retain concepts once the school year starts. As parents, you can gauge how much or little you want your child to do daily or weekly but please make sure they are doing something.
Math- Please make sure your child completes their math folder by the first day of school. The folder will have concepts that should be review for your child but may contain some concepts that may be unfamiliar or more challenging to them but it is important that they complete as much as they can.
*SOME 5th and 6th graders were also assigned online math, (either in Prodigy or IXL) in order to practice necessary concepts that needed more review. If your child was assigned additional online math homework there should be a Prodigy letter, inside the pocket of the folder that gives information on how your child can login and work on the concepts assigned to them.
Prodigy online math is setup where each student is given specific concepts to work on during a specific time period (about a week or two per assignment) and once that assigned period of time is over, it will automatically move onto the next assignment. Parents, please make sure your child works on their Prodigy assignment at least a few times a week.
If your child was assigned an IXL online math, your child is to go to "Recommendation Board" on IXL and work on each concept assigned to them. There is not a set time period that your child has to complete their concept but can just choose the concept and work on it at their own pace.
Reading- Your child should have a reading log and/or a "Summer Reading Challenge" form that keeps track of all the books that they read this summer. Your child can set their own reading goal of reading 1+ books this summer, but please make sure your child reads AT LEAST one chapter book at their reading comprehension level.
In addition to the reading log/book track form, your child might have a sheet that says "Literature Response Projects and Requirements." IF you choose to use this form, it can be used a few different ways, your child can use it as a way to complete 4-5 response assignments as they are reading one of their chapter books OR they can use this form to give them ideas on a book report project, that can be completed once they finish their chapter book. Again, your child does not have to use this form, it is just available if needed.
*Your child will be required to do a book report project and be prepared to give a book talk on ONE of the books they read this summer. A book talk rubric should be in your child's summer homework folder.
Writing- I'd love for students to practice their writing skills a little bit this summer. In your child's summer homework folder, there should be a "Summer Writing Ideas" form. Your child can choose three topics from the "Summer Writing Ideas," form OR your child can do three of their own writing samples from the following writing styles...Opinion/Persuasive, Research, and Creative writing.
Again, please know that the purpose of the summer homework is just to keep your child engaged and practicing concepts in the different subject areas. As a parent, you can choose how you would like your child to complete their math packet, one chapter book (project/book talk), and 3 writing assignments by the first day of school.
Supply List
The Supply List for this coming up school year is available in the "2023 Supply List," tab above. If there are any financial difficulties that make it hard for you to get your child's supplies, please let me know.
Have a beautiful and blessed summer break!!
Monday, May 15, 2023
Hello everyone...I cannot believe this is the last full week of school! Where has the time gone?! Well, I have been tremendously busy and trying to keep up with everything going on the last weeks of school. First, I want to say THANK YOU to all the parents who chaperoned the overnight trip. I felt it was a success and although very tiring, every chaperone pulled through with helping make the trip go smoothly. We were a great team.
6th Grade Celebration/End of Year Pool Party
Our 6th grade celebration and end of year party is this Friday. We would love to have 6th grade parents come join us if you can. The celebration will last no longer than an hour. Below is the link of the sign up genius digital permission slip. Please also include if you are able to drive to and/or from the party because we are still short drivers for about 10 kiddos. Thank you!!
***6th grade parents please make sure to get your child's picture board to me by Thursday. Remember to not show your 6th grader because it is a surprise.***
Party Time!!
Date: Friday, May 19th
Time: Celebration 9:30-10:30 Pool Party 10:30-2pm
Location: Maas Household 13626 S. 34th St. Phoenix, AZ 85044
We will have pizza, snacks, dessert, cake and drinks.
If you'd like to sign up to bring an item, you may bring the item in either Thursday or Friday.
Homework
Reading: Students should continue to read nightly. 6th Graders are to read 50pages nightly of The Alchemist.
Summer Homework: We will be handing out summer homework on Monday. The summer homework will include a math packet, reading goals, and writing topics.
Summer help
I know sometimes over the summer, it can be difficult to find help for your kiddos...if you are in search of someone to do fun activities or take your children to needed places, please reach out. Kaila is looking to work this summer and would love to be doing fun crafts, service projects and/or baking with your kids. Please reach out to me if you are looking for someone to help keep your kids active doing fun things this summer. She will be sending out her info later this week if you are interested.
This is all I have for you for now. I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed week!!
Monday, May 1, 2023
I cannot believe that we only have three and half weeks left of school. The time is flying by way too quickly. With not that much time left in the school year, there is a lot happening over the next 2-3wks. Please read below for all the information you may need to know for this week and the weeks to come.
Homework
Math: Lessons 111-115
Reading: 20min daily reading
Spelling: Week 15 activities are done in class. Week 15 Spelling is available in the Spelling List tab above.
6th Grade Going Out
This Thursday, May 4th, the 6th graders will be going on a going out with Ms. Kaitlyn's 6th graders for a fun day! We will walk to Los Olivos Park and hangout there for about an hour or so, Kaitlyn and I will provide a light breakfast of either bagels or donuts and juice for the 6th graders to have at the park. We will then walk to the Biltmore for students to have lunch and walk around/shop and end the fun by stopping at Frost Gelato Shoppe for a fun and cool treat. We will head back to the campus around 1:30ish with the goal of being back on campus by 2pm. Please make sure your 6th grade child turns in their permission slip for this Going Out by Thursday morning.
Early Dismissal: 11:30 Dismissal
This Friday, May 5th
Next Friday, May 12th
Preview Days
This Friday, May 5th the 6th graders will be having their preview day at the middle school.
Progress Reports
I will email all progress reports to families the week of May 8th. If you would like to sign-up to have an optional end of the year conference please signup on signup genius.
Overnight Trip
Our overnight trip to Grand Canyon Adventure is right around the corner. The company planning the trip had to make a change in the itinerary in order for us to make it to our first destination on time. Instead of departing the school at 8:00am, we will need students to arrive on campus by 7am on Monday, May 8th so that we can depart no later than 7:30am. We will be returning back to Villa about 30min early on Tue May 9th, so instead of 9:45, we should be back around 9:15pm. I sent out another copy of the packing list on last week and again today for anyone who did not have one. Students will need to bring a sack lunch, so please make sure your child doesn't forget. Also, I will be sending home a medication release form, please make sure to check off if your child can take medicines such as Benadryl, Dramamine, Tylenol, etc. because if it is not checked off, I will not be able to administer those medicines if needed. If your child takes regular medication, please make sure you fill out a medication consent form to be turned in with your child’s medication.
Pool Party and 6th Grade Celebration
Our class pool party and 6th grade celebration will be happening Friday, May 19th. Permission slips will be handed out this week, if you would like to sign-up to bring in an item for the pool party or to be a driving chaperone please click the following link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-msleticias6
Here is the all the info pertaining to the 6th grade celebration/pool party
YOU ARE INVITED
Hosted by: Maas Family
Location: 13626 S. 34th St. Phoenix, AZ 85044
Time: 9:30-10:30am: 6th Grade Celebration
11:00am-2:00pm: Pool Party, Snacks & Lunch (Pizza)
2:00/2:15: Head back to campus
*6th Grade Parents: Please make sure to have your child's picture scrap board to me by Thursday, May 18th. This is a surprise so make sure they don't see it. You can put it in a trash bag and either drop off in the main office or get it to me without the 6th graders seeing it. If you need help, ideas, or supplies, please let me know.
This is all I have for you now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
April 24, 2023
European Presentations/Potluck
The European country presentations were excellent! The students did a phenomenal job presenting to their peers. These kiddos are becoming pro presenters! Not to mention, the European dishes were absolutely incredible. I would definitely say the European fair was a great success. A big THANK YOU to the students and of course YOU parents for helping your child with preparing their fun dishes.
Homework
Math: Lessons 107-110
Reading: 20min Daily Reading log
Art Masterpiece
We will have art masterpiece this Friday at 12:45pm.
A big Thank You to Teale Bloom and Antje Joslin for always taking the time to volunteer in the classroom and get the students excited about art.
Overnight Trip
The trip is quickly approaching and although I know we handed out the packing list and itinerary weeks ago, I will send home another copy this week.
*I would also like to host a parent chaperone meeting for the parents who were chosen for the trip, I can do this meeting by ZOOM if that works best for everyone. This meeting should not take long, I'm shooting for 30min., but I will just go over the expectations and try to answer any questions the chaperones might have. I would love to have this Zoom meeting next Thursday, May 4th at 3:30pm. I will email all parent chaperones the Zoom link. If for some reason you are unable to attend the meeting, please let me know and I will set up another time to speak with you before the trip.
Villa Auction: Don't wait one more second to get your tickets for our Villa Live Fundraising Event! The event is this Saturday, April 29th starting at 5 pm at Papago Golf Club! Your ticket includes dinner, two cocktail tickets, and live entertainment. Peruse the online auction items, grab a drink with friends, and enjoy a beautiful evening at the foot of the Papago Mountains with your Villa family and friends. There will be a raffle, a live auction, and so much more!
If you can’t make it to the auction, you can still bid on items through the online auction here Villa Montessori's 2023 Week of Giving - GalaBid
Lost and Found Viewing Week: We will have a lost and found “viewing week”. Lost and found items will be on display near carline and several parking spaces will be reserved for parents to park and peruse those items. We will do the same thing at the end of May. Any items not claimed by the end of the week will be donated to a charity foundation.
End of the Year Conferences: I will be having optional end of the year conferences on Wednesday, May 10th, Thursday, May 11th and Friday, May 12th. The purpose of this conference will be to go over any concerns or questions you may have pertaining to your child and we will go over any goals that should be practiced/worked on over summer break. If you are unable to meet, no need to worry, I will make sure to email progress reports prior to conference dates and the progress report will include the most recent assessment scores, short narrative of strengths and goals to work on, and any summer concepts or subjects that should be practiced.
If you would like to have an optional end of the year conference, I will have a sign-up available by this Friday, April 28th.
6th Grade Going Out
As we wrap up this school year, I'd like to take all the 6th graders on a Going Out, Thursday, May 4th. We will be going with Ms. Kaitlyn's 6th Graders. I will get the details of the going out and will hand out permission slips by this Friday.
End of Year Party/6th Grade Celebration
Friday, May 19th 9:30am-2pm
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed rest of the week!!
April 17, 2023
The time is going by way too fast and there will be many things to do over the next 5+ weeks. The fieldtrip to middle school was so amazing and the students were able to see some absolutely stellar United Nations projects. It is always exciting to see former students and how well they are doing. Here's some other class news for the week.
State Testing
We are officially finished with AASA state testing. I know it's always a stressful time and the anticipation of how your child may perform but please keep in mind that these tests give a small glimpse as to how your child is performing as a student, there are many other aspects that are important when looking at how your child is progressing.
Any student who was absent will have make up tests most likely next week but I will keep you informed once the school has made a final schedule.
Homework
Math- Lessons 4-7 due this week. (Lesson 4 due Tuesday)
Reading- 20min daily reading & reading log.
Spelling- I will post a new list this week of spelling words
European Recipe & Dish- Students are studying European countries and are going to be giving a presentation to their classmates. As part of concluding this geography study, we are asking students to find a recipe from their chosen country and to prepare that dish at home and bring into class on Friday, April 21st for a European potluck. Your child will be sent home with the recipe in which they have chosen. Please let me know if your child needs help gathering any ingredients or supplies for the preparation of their dish.
Auction Dinner
The Villa Auction Dinner will be Saturday, April 29th. Our class basket is coming along and I want to give a big Thank You to Emily Bond, Nicole Curtin, and Lisa Moore for the organizing and communication of trying to get these fun items for our "A Day at the Park" class auction basket. For anyone who would like to or is able to contribute auction basket items, please make sure to bring items into the classroom by this Friday, April 21st. Thank you all for your generosity!
Class Pool Party and 6th grade Celebration
We will be having our Class Pool Party and 6th grade Celebration on Friday, May 19th at the Maas Household
Details related to this day will be sent out soon.
Everyone is welcome to come join, we will do the 6th grade celebration first from 9:30-10:30am and then continue with the pool party.
That's all I have for you now. Have a blessed rest of the week!
April 10, 2023
Homework
*Students will not be expected to complete homework the nights before testing days.
Math: Lessons 101-103
Reading: 20min Daily Reading. Reading log due only on Tue and Wed of this week.
Spelling: New spelling list will be handed out next week.
Fieldtrip
Our class will be walking to the Middle School on Wednesday morning from 9-11:30 to watch their United Nations presentations. Please make sure to sign your child's permission slip by Wednesday morning.
State Testing
Our class will be taking Writing, Reading, and Math State tests this week.
Please make sure your student gets plenty of rest the night before testing, arrives on time to school and has a nice healthy breakfast. We will be providing a nice healthy snack in the morning, a big THANK YOU to the Nancy, Tamara, Sage, Alexandra, Lisa, Angela, Teale, Kay, Emily, Amy, Melissa and Soulie for providing everything needed for class snacks this week!
Students may bring in sugar-free gum and hard candy on testing days to have during the testing sessions. Please have the student put their sugar-free gum and hard candy in a plastic bag with their name on it.
Schedule
Thursday, April 13th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Writing test
Friday, April 14th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading and Math Part 1
Monday, April 17th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading Math Part 2
Each day of testing we are asking for a healthy morning snack for the students, if you would like to bring in a snack please sign-up by clicking the following link,
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias17
Class Auction Basket
This year our class is putting together a themed basket for the auction. Our basket theme is “A Day at the Park”.
We will need items related to the park such as park games, blankets, picnic basket, tickets do different National Parks, etc.. If you would like to donate an item please take a look at our wish list on our Sign Up Genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias18
We will be collecting items through April, with the last day of collection being Friday, April 21st. The Auction Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 29th.
*Thank you again for your support.
This is all I have for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
April 3, 2023
Hello families. Thank you for getting overnight forms back to me asap. I can't believe that the trip is right around the corner. Parent chaperones, I will be contacting you to get your meal order information. On another note, here is what you will need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Review Packet Tuesday review is due tomorrow. A new homework packet will be handed out by Friday.
Reading: Reading packet due Tue. Daily 20min reading log due Wed-Fri
Spelling: Week 12 will be worked on this week
Early Dismissal
This Friday, April 7th is a Half-Day all of school is out at 11:30 am for Staff Professional Development.
State Testing
Our class will be doing state testing next week on Thursday, Friday, and the following Monday.
Please make sure your student gets plenty of rest the night before testing, arrives on time and has a nice healthy breakfast. We will be providing a nice healthy snack in the morning, thank you to the families you volunteered to bring it in.
Students may bring in sugar-free gum and hard candy on testing days to have during the testing sessions. Please have the student put their sugar-free gum and hard candy in a plastic bad with their name on it.
Schedule
Thursday, April 13th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Writing test
Friday, April 14th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading and Math Part 1
Monday, April 17th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading Math Part 2
Each day of testing we are asking for a healthy morning snack for the students, if you would like to bring in a snack please sign-up by clicking the following link,
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias17
Class Auction Basket
This year our class is putting together a themed basket for the auction. Our basket theme is “A Day at the Park”.
We will need items related to the park such as park games, blankets, picnic basket, tickets do different National Parks, etc.. If you would like to donate an item please take a look at our wish list on our Sign Up Genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias18
We will be collecting items through April, with the last day of collection being Wednesday, April 26th. The Auction Dinner is happening, Saturday, April 29th.
*Thank you again for your support.
This is all I have for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
March 27, 2023
Hello, I hope you all had a great weekend. Here is all info you will need to know for this week.
AZSCI Testing:
Tomorrow Tuesday, March 28th only 5th graders will be taking the AZSCI Science test. If you have a 5th grader, please make sure they get a good nights rest and a good breakfast and healthy snack. 5th graders may also bring sugar-free gum and hard candy to have during the testing sessions.
Schedule:
Thursday, April 13th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Writing test
Friday, April 14th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading and Math Part 1
Monday, April 17th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading Math Part 2
Each day of testing we are asking for a healthy morning snack for the students, if you would like to bring in a snack please sign-up by clicking the following link,
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias17
Homework
Math: Lessons 96-100
Reading: Reading 20min. 2x this week, tonight and one day over the weekend. Days Tue-Thu, students will have a packet where they are to do one article and question a night. There will be 3 total articles for the week.
Spelling: We are working on Week 11 words
Overnight Trip
Students will be given a packet tomorrow that will include an Overnight Permission Slip & Meal Order Form that will be due by Friday in addition to a packing list and the trip itinerary. Our trip will be departing school Monday, May 8th returning Tuesday, May 9th
Class Auction Basket
This year our class is putting together a themed basket for the auction. Our basket theme is “A Day at the Park”.
We will need items related to the park such as park games, blankets, picnic basket, tickets do different National Parks, etc.. If you would like to donate an item please take a look at our wish list on our Sign Up Genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias18
We will be collecting items through April, with the last day of collection being Wednesday, April 26th. The Auction Dinner is happening, Saturday, April 29th.
*Thank you again for your support.
Lessons Given in March
Science: Building an Atom
Writing Practice: Peer Editing/giving feedback and scoring, Expository, Opinion writing
Geography: Labeling countries in Europe, Latitude/Longitude of countries in Europe
Measurement: Measuring length metric and US customary
Area: 4th: Area of quadrilaterals and triangles
5th: Area of polygons
6th: Surface area, area of polygons
Grammar: Pronouns & Subject/verb agreement
Math:4th: Equivalent fractions, comparing decimals, Writing decimals
5th: Mean/Mode/Range/Median, Solving algebraic expressions, writing and solving exponents
6th: Box Plots, Scientific Notation, Absolute value, solving expressions with absolute value
March 20, 2023
I hope everyone has an enjoyable Spring Break! Here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 91-95 92 Due tomorrow (Tuesday)
Reading: I will be sending home short reading comprehension worksheets for students to work on at home and we will go over in class the following day. Please expect this packet to go home tomorrow (Tue) and should work on one a night Tue-Fri. This will take the place of 20min of nightly reading BUT if you'd like your child to still read nightly that would be highly encouraged.
Spelling: Week 10 (Posted in Spelling tab above) Students do activities in class but can study words at home.
State Testing
Here are our class testing days, please put them on the calendar and make sure your student will be here the days of testing.
Tuesday, March 28th: 5th graders only, AZSCI-Science Test
Thursday, April 13th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Writing test
Friday, April 14th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading and Math Part 1
Monday, April 17th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading Math Part 2
Each day of testing we are asking for a healthy morning snack for the students, if you would like to bring in a snack please sign-up by clicking the following link,
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias17
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Antje Beth-Joslin
PTO Movie Night
The Villa PTO invites all families to the annual Movie Night, held on the Elementary field. The event will take place Saturday, March 25th, and is FREE for everyone to attend! The movie will begin shortly after sunset at approximately 6:30 p.m. Come watch MINIONS - The Rise of Gru with all your friends!
Middle School Farmers Market
This Sunday, March 26th the Middle School will be doing their Spring Farmers Market from 3-5 pm at the Middle School campus.
This is all I have for now, have a beautiful and blessed week!
March 6, 2023
It was incredible seeing all of the beautiful art pieces and trifold boards today. The students rehearsed their short presentations to feel ready for tomorrows big day. Hope you can make it. On another note, please check out what is happening this week in the classroom.
Homework
Math: Lessons 86-90
Reading: Reading 20min nightly and turning in reading log.
Spelling: This week is catch up week so a new spelling list will go out after spring break
Art History Fair
The Art History Fair is tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7th. We will be having the fair in the Davis building outdoor area next to the library. Parents and families are welcome to come and view the fair from 10 am – 11 am.
Pajama Day
We will be having our next Pajama Day this Friday, March 10th. Students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school and bring a pillow and a blanket. If students have all of their classwork completed from the past 3 weeks, they will be able to play games, read book and watch movies.
Spring Break
Is next week, Monday, March 13th – Friday, March 17th.
One math lesson, lesson 91, and 20 minutes of reading are due when we come back from break on Monday, March 20th.
State Testing
Here are our class testing days, please put them on the calendar and make sure your student will be here the days of testing.
Tuesday, March 28th: 5th graders only, AZSCI-Science Test
Thursday, April 13th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Writing test
Friday, April 14th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading and Math Part 1
Monday, April 17th: 4th, 5th and 6th graders, AASA Reading Math Part 2
Each day of testing we are asking for a healthy morning snack for the students, if you would like to bring in a snack please sign-up by clicking the following link,
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias17
This is all I have for now. Have a beautiful week!
February 27, 2023
Happy Monday to everyone! Here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Lesson 81 was due today. Lessons 81-85
Reading: 20 minutes of reading. Fill out reading log (Genre: Biography) Book talks will begin next week.
Black History Month Community Celebration
A group of parents have organized a community event on Friday, March 3, 4:30-6:30 pm on the Middle School Campus lawn (2927 E. Campbell Ave) celebrating Black Excellence, featuring some of our Villa parents and teachers who will share their journeys as athletes, educators, and leaders.
Experience the Villa Student Art Gallery of Quilts, inspired by Gee's Bend and Faith Ringgold Quilts, and make some art of your own! Our evening will feature performances from Impact Gymnastics, young musicians from the Phoenix Conservatory of Music, and student poetry readings honoring Black poets from the past. It will be a fun-filled evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration!
Art History Fair
The Art History Fair is next week! Parents and family are welcome to come to the fair on Tuesday, March 7th from 10 am-11am. We will be set-up in the Davis ODE area by the library.
Students should be turning in their final drafts, tri-fold boards, art projects on Monday, March 6th.
I heard that it has been quite an adventure looking for trifold boards. A few families had purchased a handful and were nice enough to bring them in for any family that would like to purchase one, anywhere between $5-$8 depending on size. Black trifold boards are still available along with a few smaller white trifold boards. Just let me know if your child needs one and I will supply it for them on behalf of the donating families.
This week students will be working on their final drafts in class and are also allowed to work on their tri-fold board, although a majority of the board should be completed at home. Students need to take time this week to work on their actual art piece so that it is able to be displayed showing effort and quality.
I showed students past student art work so that they can get an idea of the expectations of their art piece. I will include a link to be able to look at a former art history fair gallery that was created in 2020 during online learning.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!
February 20, 2023
Happy Monday! Here is what you need to know for this week!
Spirit Week
Tuesday, February 21st: Crazy Sock Day
Wednesday, February 22nd: PINK SHIRT DAY- everyone wears pink in support of anti-bullying, we will have an outdoor lunch and students will be getting otter pops this day provided by PTO
Thursday, February 23rd: Mismatch Day
Friday, February 24th: Fancy Pants Day, Fun Friday
Homework
Math: Review lessons 1 &2 DUE Tuesday. Review Lessons 1-5 due this week.
Reading: 20min of reading. Reading log
Spelling: Week 8 Spelling list is available in the spelling tab above
Art History: I am continuing conferencing with students on their rough drafts. Final Draft, Art Project, and Trifold Board DUE: Mon. Mar. 6th
*Student currently should be working on their art project, and tri-fold board at home.
This is all I have for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
February 13, 2023
Happy Valentines Day Everyone!!!
Homework
Math: Lessons 76-80 (Lesson 77 due Tue)
Reading: 20 min reading daily with signed reading log
Spelling I will be putting up a new list of spelling words tomorrow.
Art History: Final written draft, art project, trifold board DUE: Mon. Mar. 6th
*I will be meeting with students both this week and next week to go over their rough drafts. Students should be working on their art project diligently at home to create a beautiful piece that they are proud of.
I will give a lesson and post an example of the Tri-fold board expectations.
*Presentations will begin Monday, March 6th and the Art History Fair will take place Tuesday, Mar. 7th from 10-11am for parents.
Valentine Grams
Valentine Grams are still on sale until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 14th. Valentine Grams will be passed out tomorrow afternoon Tuesday, February 14th.
Ms. Shawn needs a few parent volunteers tomorrow. She needs 1 parent from 9am-11am and 2 parents from 12:00-2:30. If you can help her with completing the Valentine grams in the AM and/or delivering the grams in the afternoon, please let me know.
We will have a little Valentines Day shindig tomorrow afternoon from 12:30-2:30. Students may bring in their own valentines to pass out to the class. They should also bring a bag or box to collect their valentines in. We have 28 students.
No School
Next Monday, February 20th in observance of Presidents Day.
Two lessons, Review Lesson 1 and 2, will be due Tuesday, February 21st.
Spirit Week and Anti-Bullying Week
Students will be earning their prizes from the Fun Run next week and we will be doing activities for anti-bullying week.
Tuesday, February 21st: Crazy Sock Day
Wednesday, February 22nd: PINK SHIRT DAY- everyone wears pink in support of anti-bullying, we will have an outdoor lunch and students will be getting otter pops
Thursday, February 23rd: Mismatch Day
Friday, February 24th: Fancy Pants Day, Fun Friday
Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
February 6th, 2023
Thank you to any parent who helped chaperone the fieldtrip to the AZ Science Center. Without you this fieldtrip would not have happened.
Homework
Math: Lessons 71-75 (72 is due tomorrow, Tuesday)
Reading: Daily reading of 20min. (Feb Genre: Biography)
Spelling: Week 6
Hard Lockdown Drill
We will be having a hard lockdown drill this Tuesday, February 7th. If you come to school during a lockdown please leave the campus and wait for further instructions from the school.
Valentine Grams
Valentine Grams is an E2 fundraiser that helps raise money for any student who financially cannot pay for overnight trips. This fundraiser helps provide partial or full scholarships. This fundraiser is also a great way to connect and build community by sending a valentine gram to a friend, staff member, or to your child. It's fun and always a success every year!
Valentine Grams go on sale this week!
Kisses $3 ~ Smencil $3 ~ Kisses + Smencil $5
Tiny Plush $5 ~ Tiny Plush + Kisses $6
Tiny Plush + Kisses + Smencil $8
Our class is scheduled to sell Valentine Grams on Wednesday morning from 7:45-8:30. If any student is available to help please let me know.
The Valentine Grams will be passed out Tuesday, February 14th in the afternoon.
We will have a little Valentines Day shindig Tuesday afternoon from 12:30-2:30. Students may bring in their own valentines to pass out to the class on Tuesday, February 14th. They should also bring a bag or box to collect their valentines in. We have 28 students and I will send home a class list for those that need it.
Art History Fair
The next due date is this Friday, February 10th. Students should be turning in their rough draft of the Biography on their artist. After finishing their rough draft students should start working on their art project, tri-fold board, and presentation.
We will be having the actual fair, Tuesday, March 7th from 10 am – 11am, parents and families are welcome to attend the fair.
Half-Day
This Friday, January 10th is a Half-Day, all school is out at 11:30 am for Staff Professional Development.
January Lessons
Geography: Africa country reports/.projects
Science: Planet Research Group Project
Grammar: Adjectives & Pronouns
Writing: Fictional Narratives, Biographical Narratives, Note-cards, Bibliographies, Types of Poetry
Geometry: 4th & 5th Triangle study, Area of quadrilateral and triangles 6th: Study of a circle, surface volume
Math: 4th Decimal numeration, writing decimals, converting decimals to fractions, adding fractions with like denominators
5th algebraic expressions, multiplying fractions, multiplying mixed numbers, dividing fractions
6th Study of percent
January 30th, 2023
Homework
Math: Lessons 66-70 (Lesson 67 due tomorrow, Tuesday)
Reading: Reading log with 20min of daily reading. Jan/Feb Genre: Biography
Spelling: Week 5 of spelling is what students will be working on this week. If you would like to see the list of your child's words please refer to the Spelling Words tab above.
* Students who get less than an 80% on their weekly spelling test will be asked to study and practice missed words and retake the test on Wed.
Art History: Written rough draft due Feb. 10th. I gave a bibliography lesson today and sent home a template of a bibliography sample for students to use when they turn in their FINAL DRAFT. A cover page and bibliography are not due until the Final Draft is due.
* I will allow students to work on their written rough draft in class this week BUT this is still an "at home" project. I will give as much guidance and help for students that need it and any unfinished portion of their rough draft can be completed at home.
Field Trip
We will be having our field trip to the Arizona Science Center tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31st. We will be leaving the school at 9 am and returning by 2:30 pm. *Students need to bring a sack lunch to have at the center, they may also bring money if they would like to purchase anything from the gift shop.
Please make sure your child has turned in their permission slip to attend. I will attach the permission in the "AZ Science Center Permission Slip" tab above.
Thank you to all parent chaperones and drivers!
Electronic Devices/Chrome Books
Because of the misuse of the Chromebooks, laptops, etc. with students changing the login settings and being involved in group chats during school hours, I have banned all electronic devices until further notice. Students were informed of this on Friday and I expressed my disappointment. I just want to give parents a heads up so that you are aware that your child should not bring their personal laptop, or devices to school for the time being.
* Any student who takes part in group chats during school hours will be written up and will lose chrome book, electronic device privileges for longer periods of time.
PTO Fun Run
The PTO Fun Run was a great success, we raised over $39,827!
The students have earned the following: an otter pop party, Mismatch Day, Crazy Sock Day, Fun Friday, half-day of game time, and donuts for the class!
This is all I have for now. I hope you all have such a beautiful week.
January 23, 2023
Homework
Math: Lessons 61-65
Reading: Read 20min nightly. Jan./Feb. Genre: Biography
Art History Fair: Written rough draft due February 10th
Students are receiving lessons on how to write a biography and will also be receiving a lesson on how to create a bibliography. I will be giving class time next week for students to work on their written rough draft and bibliography.
Spelling: List for weeks 4-6 are posted in spelling tab above
AZ Science Museum Fieldtrip
On Tuesday, January 31st from 9am-2:30pm
I tried to get this fieldtrip for a later date but was unable to do so. We will need parent drivers. If you are able to drive, please sign up on the Sign Up Genius link.
A permission slip will be going home tomorrow.
Here are the details for the field trip:
9:00 am: Leave School
9:15 am: Arrive to Science Center
10:00 am: Planetarium Show
2:15 pm: Leave Science Center
2:30 pm: Return to School
Link to sign up to be a driving chaperone:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias16
PTO Fun Run
We didn’t just meet our goal to raise $3,000 in profit this weekend, we blew it completely out of the water, raising over $5,000 in profit! Elementary students have earned a Fun Friday!
Today’s challenge is for students to log on and create a student star video on mybooster.com to share with family and friends. All students who have previously sent or who send a star video today will be entered in a drawing for a National Parks Pass!
A big shout out to the following students who have gotten pledges for the Fun Run so far: Angelique, Fletcher, Grayson, Harry, Jackson, Keaton, Madelynn, Margot, Tanner, and Tyler! Great job kiddos!!!
Every student will be getting a Fun Run t-shirt this Friday!
The Fun Run will be happening this Saturday, January 28th at Hopi Elementary School, 5110 E Lafayette Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85018.
Primary Students run at 9:00 am, Elementary 1 students run at 9:40 am, E2 and Middle School students run at 10:20 am.
Valentine Grams
We are still in need of bags of Hershey kisses (no nuts please) to help contribute to the E2 fundraiser.
We also need volunteers to help, if you would like to help please click the following links to sign-up.
This link is to bag candy at home: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine4
This link is to help assemble and deliver Grams: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine3
Thank you for your support!
Overnight Chaperones
Parents who made the cut for chaperoning the overnight will be finding out sometime this week. Either myself or administration will contact parents with the details on or before Friday.
That is all I have for you now. Have a beautiful rest of the week!
January 16, 2023
Hello Everyone! Happy Monday...I hope everyone was able to enjoy the long weekend. Here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Review pages (in the back of homework folder)
Reading: Biography
Spelling: Week 3 (posted in tab above)
Conferences
Conferences will continue this Wed and Fri. The conferences will include student and parent to be in attendance. For respect to everyone's busy schedule, conferences are kept to a 20min time frame. If for some reason you are unable to attend a conference, I will send your child's progress report by Friday, January 20th.
Early Dismissal
Friday, January 20th 11:30- Parent/Student/Teacher conferences
Valentine Grams
The E2 Fundraiser for Valentine Grams will be starting soon. To help contribute to this fundraiser, we ask that each family bring in a bag of Hershey kisses (no nuts please). Ms. Shawn Quinley ( E2 library teacher) is in charge of organizing this fundraiser and will need some help. If you would like to volunteer in one of the following ways, please sign up on one of the links below.
This link is to bag candy at home: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine4
This link is to help assemble and deliver Grams: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-valentine3
Thank you for your support!
Pizza Friday Payment
For any family that chose the option of paying for pizza Friday in two installments, please send the second payment of $75 by this week. For any family who is facing financial difficulties please contact me ASAP. I don't want financial reasons to be a reason for your child not participating in Pizza Friday.
Overnight Chaperones
If you'd like to be put in the lottery for our Grand Canyon Adventure overnight, please make sure to complete all necessary volunteer forms that are in the main office, along with making sure you have done the process of getting your fingerprint clearance card. Having your fingerprint clearance card is mandatory to be able to be part of the lottery that will be taking place January 20th.
A link was emailed out to all families this past week from the main office. The link allows you to fill out necessary information required for chaperoning. Please let me know if you did not receive the email with the Overnight Chaperone Link.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
January 2, 2023
Happy New Year Everyone!!! What a fun end and beautiful beginning of a year. I hope everyone had a blessed and lovely winter/holiday break enjoyed with family and friends. I am the first to say I am so extremely grateful and thankful to absolutely everyone who helped make both Kaila's and my holiday so special. We are now well rested and ready to take charge of the second half of the school year and here is what you need to know for this week...
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Maas family for signing up for Pizza Friday snack for this Friday, January 6th
Pizza Friday Payment
For any family that chose the payment plan for Pizza Friday, the second portion of $75 will be due by Friday, January 13th BUT if you there are any financial difficulties please contact me.
Homework
Math: Lessons 51 & 52 due tomorrow. Lessons 51-55 for the week
Reading: Reading log 20min of reading daily and reading log filled out and initialed by parent
Book Talks will begin this week.
Art History: Second check of note-cards (Monday, January 9th) Students should still be researching as much as they can on their artist and style of art in which their artist is known for. Having more than enough information/facts will make the written report much stronger.
Rough Draft Written Report Due Feb.10th
Spelling
I will post 3 weeks worth of spelling each month. Students should focus on one spelling list a week and be prepared for a test on Friday. Students will be given time in class to do spelling activities in class BUT if you'd like to study with your child, please feel free to do so. The list of January words for weeks 1-3 are available in the Spelling List Tab above.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
A sign up genius has been sent out to families to sign up for parent/teacher conferences. Although the school has set aside Fridays Jan. 13th and 20th for conferences, I have made Wed and Fri of next week and the week to follow available for 20min conferences. If you for some reason did not receive the message for conference sign ups please let me know.
Fun Run
PTO Fun Run fundraiser where a majority of the proceeds go toward classroom needs is about to kickoff. Be on the lookout for more information about this easy yet fun fundraiser that will start Jan.19th.
Overnight Chaperones
Please make sure to contact me either by email or text to let me know if you are interested in being in the lottery to be a chaperone for the overnight trip. I will check with the administration office to see who stated they were interest on your child's overnight form, but if you did not check on the form that you'd like to chaperone but now would like to be part of the lottery just let me know by this Friday. Here is what you will need to have in order to be considered for the trip.
If you'd like to be put in the lottery for our Grand Canyon Adventure overnight, please make sure to complete all necessary volunteer forms that are in the main office, along with making sure you have done the process of getting your fingerprint clearance card. Having your fingerprint clearance card is mandatory to be able to be part of the lottery that will be taking place January 20th.
This is all I have for you right now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
December 12,2022
I cannot believe that it is already close to winter break. The time is flying by way too quickly. Thank you to everyone who showed up to our class social this past Sunday at Granada Park. It was fun to catch up with everyone. I also want to say thank you to everyone who has been so generous and kind with all of the charity and class events that have consumed us since November. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you all. Well, this week is going to be a crazy, but fun week for the class with a lot to do. Please read below to get all the details pertaining to this week.
Toy Drive
Ms.Kayla's and our class are participating in a class toy drive to benefit the Phoenix Children's Hospital. Thank you to all the families that have been generous in donating toward it. It is so appreciated! We are collecting up until Thursday, December 15th. Toys should be new and packages not open.
Care Packages
We are in the season of giving and we have purchased items to also put together for care packages. We will be doing this on Thursday afternoon. We are getting items such as deodorant, bar soap, socks, granola bars, toothbrushes and tooth pastes to put in the care boxes. The care packages will be going to Ms.Clare who helps with a homeless outreach program. Thank you to the families who donated toward this cause and if you have any of those items you'd like to donate, please do so by Thursday. Thank you!!
Gingerbread Houses
We are getting ready for the fun chaos of gingerbread houses. We will be building houses the morning of Wed. Dec. 14th and decorating the morning of Thu. Dec. 15th. A sign up genius is available for decorating items. We will need those items by Wed so that I know what items I will still need to get before Thu. A big thank you again for the generosity of all the families that continue to donate toward all of our functions. Parents are welcome to join us during the building and decorating. It will take place 9-11am both days.
White Elephant Gift Exchange
This year the class will be participating in a fun white elephant gift exchange. We will be doing this on Friday afternoon. Students should bring in a silly or fun item, it can be something from your home but please do not spend more than $5 on the gift. Students were told that participating in this game is optional.
Homework
Math: Lessons 46-50
During winter break students should be completing two math lessons and reading logs . Lesson 51 and 52 are due when we return from break.
Students should also be working on their Art History Fair project during break. The completion of their notecards will be due when we come back from winter break.
Winter Break will be from Monday, December 19th – Monday, January 2nd. School Resumes on Tuesday, January 3rd.
**This is all I have for you now. I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed week, winter break and New Year!**
December 5, 2022
Early Dismissal
This Friday, December 9th is a Half-Day for all of the students, school will be out at 11:30 am.
Season of Giving
Both our class and Kayla's class are taking part in a toy drive. Our collection will be going on through Thursday, Dec. 15th There will be boxes set up by carline and in front of the E1 and E2 campuses. We appreciate any donation of toys big or small.
Class Social
Save the date for this year's class social. We would like to have a class social this coming up Sunday, December 11th. Come enjoy hot coco and hanging out with fellow parents and classmates, outside of the school setting.
Date: Sunday, December 11, 2022
Time: 11am-1pm
Place: Granada Park
Address: 6505 N. 20th St. Phoenix, 85016
Care Boxes
The students will be making small care boxes this week with the goal of finding a good cause to give to or for students/families to keep in your car and handout whenever you choose to do so. The boxes will contain travel sized deodorant, socks, bar of soap, tooth brushes/paste, granola bars, etc. If you'd like to donate any items toward the care boxes, we will be collecting through next Wednesday, Dec. 14th
Gingerbread Houses
Our class will be building gingerbread houses the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 14th. from 9-11am and decorating the morning of Thursday, Dec. 15th from 9-11am. You are more than welcome to join us, one or both of these days, if you'd like to hangout and help your child or just be part of the fun but messy chaos. A sign up genius has been sent out for items that are needed for the gingerbread houses. Please feel free to sign up if you'd like to donate any items.
Holiday Celebrations
For fun during this holiday season students will be learning about different cultural celebrations. The afternoon of this Thursday, Dec. 8th, students will do different crafts and learn different facts about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. If you'd like to volunteer to help this Thursday between 12:45-2:15, please contact me. Another activity that we will do Friday, December 16th will be a white elephant gift exchange game, students have the option to participate or not. Gifts should be something fun and silly, anything laying around the house or less than $5.
Homework
Math: Lessons 41-45
Reading: 20min Daily. Fill out reading log
December Genre: Fiction
*Book talks will start this week for November books. Please make sure your child signs up to give a book talk sometime this week. A book talk rubric is available in the "Book Talk Rubric" tab above.
Overnight Chaperones
If you'd like to be put in the lottery for our Grand Canyon Adventure overnight, please make sure to complete all necessary volunteer forms that are in the main office, along with making sure you have done the process of getting your fingerprint clearance card. Having your fingerprint clearance card is mandatory to be able to be part of the lottery that will be taking place January 20th.
This is all I have for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
November 28, 2022
Welcome back and I hope everyone had a beautiful and tasty Thanksgiving! This week I will be putting together different activities that the kids will participate in during the month of December. I will be having students partake in the season of giving by putting together care packages and collecting toys for a toy drive. I will also be organizing a class social which may be a cookie decorating along with some other fun things for the class to take part in. I will have more details by mid- week and will send out information soon. On another note, here is what you need to know for this week...
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Melissa Strang
Art History Fair
The artist questionnaire, notecard check, and rough sketch are due this Friday, December 2nd.
The students are to answer the artist questionnaire that is in the art history packet. Students will also need to show that they started their research notecards. I went over the art history fair packet again with the class and explained that the questions under "Outline forms" in the packet should be used as a guide for their research notecards. I explained how to sort and organize their notecards by subtopic using the outline.
Homework
Math: Students who have not completed their homework folder up to lesson 40 and the review portion need to do so this week.
A new homework packet will be handed out this Friday. I will give review tests for students to do Tue-Thu night for this week.
Reading: Students should be reading 20min nightly and filling out a reading log. Students should be trying to complete their November book this week and be reading for book talks by next week.
Middle School Farmer's Market
Kathreen and the Entrepreneur Parent Committee are busy planning for the middle school’s first-ever farmer’s market this Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on the middle school campus. All Villa families are invited to come check it out and support the students. Middle School Garden - 2927 E. Campbell Ave.
Hard Lockdown Drill
We will be doing a practice Hard Lockdown Drill next Monday, December 5th. Please do not come on campus during the lockdown or if you do, you may be asked to leave until the drill is completed.
Whole Class Lessons Given in November
Science: Study of the Moon and study of the Stars and Constellations, study of the atmosphere (clouds)
Geography: Country research of Africa
History: Our Closest Fossil Relatives, History of Thanksgiving
Writing: Creative Writing, Note-cards, research writing, Poetry
Grammar/Language: Alliterations, Personification, Types of Nouns, Types of Adjectives, Verbs, Compound sentences, Sentence Analysis
Geometry: 4th: Polygons/Perimeter, 5th: Regular and Irregular Polygons, 6th: Study of a circle
Math: 4th: Greatest common factors, Factor tree, Equivalent fractions, +,- Fractions with common denominators, decimal numeration
5th: Order of Operations, Equivalent fractions, +,- fractions with unlike denominators,
6th: Proportions/rations, dividing fractions by fractions and mixed numbers, changing decimals to fractions and percent, percent of numbers
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed week!
November 20th, 2022
Hello Everyone. I'm sending everyone beautiful blessings and positive vibes for this Thanksgiving season. I have been having trouble receiving and sending email messages from my work email, so I apologize if you have not been receiving any messages from me. IT came to try to fix the problem so I'm hoping the email for this week's newsflash is being received by you....fingers crossed. Anywho, because it is a short week, here is what you need to know...
No School
There is no school Wed-Fri as we are off for Thanksgiving break.
Pizza Friday
There is no Pizza Friday this week. Students will need to bring their lunch on Tuesday.
Homework
Math-Students are to complete review pages of their math packet. Monday review is due tomorrow and students should complete review pages for Tue-Fri the remainder of the week.
Reading- Your child should be reading at least 20min a night and completing a reading log. The goal was for students to be reading a historical fiction and to be ready to present their book talk on the historical fiction genre the beginning of Dec. For any student who has not completed their book by the end of November, should set a goal to be ready to present a book talk once they have completed reading their November book.
Moon Journal- Students should still be filling out their moon journal nightly in order to see the phases of the moon. They will be sharing their moon journal with the class and using their moon journal as a guide for their activity of moon phases in class.
Art Masterpiece
Thank you to Teale Bloom and Antje Joslin for volunteering each month, giving extraordinary art lessons to the class. We will be having art masterpiece this Tuesday.
Barter Day
We are doing our annual E2 Barter Day this Tuesday, November 22nd. Students are allowed to bring parent approved items from home that they would like to trade/barter. The items can be brought in a pillow case or back pack. They can can bring a towel to place their items on. All items should be appropriate- so no toy weapons will be allowed. Any item that is considered expensive (such as electronic devices) need to make sure that they have your permission before trading. Students do not have to participate in barter day but can take joy in the fun of all students from E2 being with one another.
Writer's Cafe
So what I would like to do this year is a monthly Writer's Cafe where students will share their published/final drafts of writing of the month with their classmates. This will be an opportunity for students to share the writing they are proud of. To make it more of a fun event, in the past I allowed students to bring in pastries and juice or drinks to enjoy during the Writer's Cafe event, so they could enjoy snacking and sharing in a warm, pleasant, safe classroom environment. We welcome anyone who can bring in any small pastries such as tarts, croissants, Danishes, etc. or juice, hot chocolate, etc. for the class. I will put up a sign up genius for treats sign ups.
Art History
I went over the Art History packet, expectations and the importance of turning in each item on time because they are getting points for it. I encouraged the kids to put the form that has the list of items and due dates in a place they can see it (fridge, hung up in room, or in the front of their homework folder, etc.). I DID NOT go over the actual art work piece expectations yet because this is a step by step process of first learning all they can about their artist and the type of art that they are focused on.
Students were given a lesson on how to put facts on notecards and organizing their facts into subtopics so that the written portion will be easier for them. They were encouraged to also jot down any/all resources/references they use so that it will be easier to complete a bibliography.
The artist questionnaire is a brief page in their packet that gets the research process started. The next page in the packet is an outline of other things they should research that can be put on notecards. The rough sketch is a simple format where students can sketch/draw for me a picture of what I can expect their art piece to look like, and just state the materials they will use, and the type of art it will be (painting, impressionism, cubism, drawing, sculpture, etc.). The rough sketch can be done simply on plain paper.
The next due date is the Artist Questionnaire/Notecard Check and Rough Sketch of the art piece, which is due Friday, December 2nd.
I will put the list of students' artists on the Weebly page just in case your child forgot who their artist is.
Overnight Trip
This year, our class along with Ms.Sarahfina's class will be going on a Grand Canyon Adventure, May 8-9th. This trip will be action packed and a fun learning experience for everyone. Although we are attending this trip with Sarahfina's class our classes will be separated during each event but will be joined together for breakfast, lunch and dinner times. This trip will be $390 per person BUT if financial struggles are an issue, please inform me ASAP so that we can get a scholarship for your child. The goal is to make sure every student has an opportunity to attend.
*There was a payment plan form emailed to everyone from administration, so if you did not receive that form that was sent out about 3weeks to a month ago, please let me know.
We will be need parent chaperones for this trip but because space is limited we will be doing a lottery drawing that will take place in January. The amount of chaperones that will be needed will be determined soon. To be considered to be a chaperone you will need to know and agree to abide by the chaperone expectations and be willing to carefully and closely watch your small group of students, and have a fingerprint clearance card by January.
Here is what I am able to share with you so far about the trip. We will leave our campus morning of Monday, May 8th at approximately 8:30am and return back to campus Tuesday, May 9th at approximately 10pm.
Transportation:
We will be taking a charter bus for just our class, that will include a guide/educator that will keep kids engaged during the travel to designated spots.
Places we will explore: There will be a guide that will lead us through each place
Monday- Montezuma's Well, Meteor Crater National Monument, Bearizona Wildlife Park, Lowell Observatory
Tuesday- Grand Canyon, Imax film, and Yavapai Geological Museum, Tusayan Ruins, and Desert View Watch Tower
Staying- We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express (Night Security will be provided)
Food- Kids will need to bring a SACK lunch for Mon, and dinner for Mon, breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Tue) will all be included in the cost.
Again, As I receive information regarding the trip I will share it with you. Thank you for your patience.
That is all I have for you for this week. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
November 14, 2022
Hello Everyone. Happy Monday!!! It was great to see all of those beautiful, happy faces this morning for the Ruby Bridges walk. A big thank you to all of those who showed up to celebrate a big day. Here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Parents Lessons 36-40
Reading: 20min Nightly reading
Moon Journal: Need to be completed nightly
Art History Fair
Students are receiving lessons on the research process of taking notes on notecards and writing expository essays. I will continue to practice these skills in class. If your child has not picked an artist as of yet, they will need to do so. I did inform students that anyone who doesn't choose an artist by this Wednesday will have the artist chosen for them.
The next due date is the Artist Questionnaire/Notecard Check and Rough Sketch of the art piece, which is due Friday, December 2nd. Students will all be informed on the expectations of these assignments.
School Picture Make-Ups
If your child was absent on picture day make-ups will be this Wednesday, November 16th.
Parents should have received an email from Studio W Portraits last week with your student’s photos and options for purchase.
PTO Gratitude Breakfast
The PTO is hosting a gratitude breakfast this Thursday, November 17th from 7:30-8:30 am. Meet on the E2 slab next to the swings, bring your own breakfast, cups of cocoa will be provided.
PTO Book Exchange
The Villa PTO invites all families to attend their Book Exchange event this Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 2 PM - 5 PM on the Elementary Campus.
BOOK Drop Off will be available starting Wednesday, November 16, and ending Friday, November 18. Collection boxes will be placed at each campus. CHAPTER BOOKS NEEDED
We welcome volunteers for sorting in advance or on the day of the event!
Barter Day
Next Tuesday, November 22nd E2 will be doing a Barter Day in the afternoon. Students may bring in a pillowcase full of items that they would like to barter/trade. We ask that all items be school appropriate, any games or movies should be rated G or PG, and all items should be approved to be bartered.
This is all I have for you now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
November 7, 2022
Hello Everyone, I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend. Unfortunately, I am again having issues with my work email while using my computer, so I cannot receive or send any emails but will hopefully have it fixed ASAP. Here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math lessons: 31-35
Reading: 20 minutes daily
November Genre: Historical Fiction
Moon Journal: The Blood Moon eclipse will happen on Tuesday, November 8th. This will be cool for students to observe and illustrate in their moon journal.
Art History Fair
Students are receiving lessons on the research process of taking notes on notecards and writing expository essays. I will continue to practice these skills in class. If your child has not picked an artist as of yet, they will need to do so. I did inform students that anyone who doesn't choose an artist by this Wednesday will have the artist chosen for them.
The next due date is the Artist Questionnaire/Notecard Check and Rough Sketch of the art piece, which is due Friday, December 2nd. Students will all be informed on the expectations of these assignments.
School Picture Makeup Day
Makeups for school pictures will be on Wednesday, November 16th.
Overnight Trip
This year, our class along with Ms.Sarahfina's class will be going on a Grand Canyon Adventure. I have been having a lot of issues with my work email so I have not been able to retrieve and download the overnight letter BUT once I'm able to, I will email a digital copy along with a hard copy for students to take home. There is a payment form that includes a payment plan for this overnight that has been emailed from administration. The form explains the cost of the overnight in greater detail. If for any reason, you need financial assistance for this overnight, please let myself or billing know because there are scholarships available for anyone who needs it.
Our overnight trip will take place May 8th-9th but there will be more details to come.
No School this Friday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.
There will be two math lessons (15&16) and two reading logs are due Monday, November 14th.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School
We invite you to put on your favorite purple shirt and join us on Monday, November 14th as we walk to school together in celebration of Ruby Bridges and her courageous walk to school on November 14, 1960. Ruby Bridges' story is one of kindness and friendship. Read more about her story here.
At 7 AM on November 14th, Villa families will park their cars at Los Olivos Park and gather near Devonshire Senior Center, located at 2802 E. Devonshire Ave. Phoenix 85016.
At 7:15 AM, there will be a brief presentation by our students, and at 7:30 AM, we will walk to Villa together. Middle School families will turn at Campbell, and Primary and Elementary families will continue to Meadowbrook. Once students have arrived at school, parents may walk back to Los Olivos Park to retrieve their cars.
All Villa families and campuses are invited!
Don’t forget to wear a purple shirt!
You may reach out to Villa parent Sarah Ontiveros Sullivan with any questions regarding this event at - [email protected].
October 31st, 2022
Happy Monday, I hope everyone had an incredible weekend. Friday's Fall Festivities went extremely well and the kids had a lot of fun. They got to participate in 6 fun activities that included relay races, cake walk (without the cake...LOL), arts and crafts, brain puzzlers, carnival games like pumpkin bowling, ring toss, etc, and caramel apple station. Thank you to anyone who donated toward that day of fun. Here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 26-30
Reading: Nightly reading for 20min. Please have your child fill out and you initial your child's reading log each day.
Book Talks: We started giving book talks last week and will continue this week.
Art History
Today I handed out each student's artist choice that was assigned to them. If your child did not read through the Art History packet and choose an artist, please have them do so by tomorrow. The next step is to now gather books and other resources on the artist so that the research process may begin.
Middle School Meeting
6th Gr. Parents ONLY
The Middle School will be having a Parent Information Meeting for Future 2023-2024 Students at the Middle School Campus 2927 E. Campbell Ave. this Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 6:30-8:00 P.M.
They will explain how our middle school program matches your student’s current developmental needs and how they support and empower each student on his or her quest for identity, autonomy, and interdependence. They have planned this presentation to educate current 6th grade parents on our program for the coming school year.
Lockdown Drill
We will be doing a practice soft lockdown drill this Thursday, November 3rd. Parents should not be on campus during a Lockdown Drill in order for all staff to comply with
School Pictures Makeup Day
Wednesday, November 16th
Whole Class Lessons Given in October
Reading: Class Read Aloud: Hello Universe
Science: Study of the Sun, Study of the Moon, Seasons, Climate, and Ocean Currents
History: Our Closest Living Relatives
Geography: Africa, Types of maps (Political, Physical, Resource, Climate)
Writing: Expository Essays, Poetry study
Language: Idioms, Suffixes, Roots
Grammar: Types of nouns, Sentence Analysis
This is all I have for you for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
October 24th, 2022
Hello Everyone, I can't believe that October is almost over! This week will be a busy week for the class. It is Catch Up week so students will be able to work on any unfinished work from the last 3 weeks. There are also some additional Follow up assignments that the students will also be completing. If your child is feeling extremely behind or overwhelmed, they may ask to bring work home to complete. On another note, here is what you need to know for this week...
Early Dismissal:
This Friday, October 28th is an All School Half-Day, all of the school will be out at 11:30 am for staff professional development.
Homework
Math: Lessons 21-25
Reading: Nightly reading for 20min. Please fill out and sign/initial reading logs daily
Moon Journal: This month we are studying the moon. As part of this, the students will be completing Moon Journals in order to learn about the phases of the moon. Please make sure your child takes time daily to fill out their moon journal illustrating what they see and writing a brief description about the moon each night for 30 nights.
Art History Fair
Students should read over the Art History packet and choosing the artist they'd like to research. The signed letter and artist choice is due this Friday. October 28th.
I will be looking and collecting your child's artist choice and approving them this week. Once your child chooses an artist and I have approved thus artist, they should start the research process. . I will be giving a mini lesson on the research process and note-cards so that your child feels more prepared. Students will also be encouraged to organize Going Outs to local museums to help your child learn more and get more excited about their artist.
School Pictures
School Pictures will be happening this Thursday, October 27th. If you haven’t registered your student yet please do so now.
To register visit this link: Register for School Photos, click "Register for school photos," and enter Villa2022. Then click on the button that says "open album." You will be directed to a registration form that will allow you to register your child for school photos. Enter your name (parent name) and the child's name, and then select the appropriate class for the child. Add additional children if needed by clicking the "register another child" button.
Field Day
The morning of this Friday, October 28th the E2 classes will be having a Fall Field Day put on and organized by a group of E2 students. This field day will include various games and activities such as ring toss, sack races, arts and crafts, etc.. We are asking for donations to help with this fun event. If you would like to bring in some supplies, click the following link and Thank You! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-fall1
Trunk or Treat
Villa’s free Trunk or Treat event will be happening this Saturday, October 29th on the Elementary field.
We still need LOTS of candy donations! Click the following Sign Up Genius Link to sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faead29a6f58-trunk
Each campus will have a designated walk-through time as follows:
4:00 - 4:45 PM - ECC (Infants, Toddlers, Primary),
5:00 - 5:45 PM - Elementary 1
6:00 - 6:45 PM - Elementary 2 and Middle School.
For families attending the event, please park at ECC or Elementary Campus parking lots and enter through the Elementary Carline gates (look for signs/balloons). There is limited parking available for this event - each campus will have a designated walk-through time as follows: 4-4:45 PM ECC (Infants, Toddlers, Primary), 5-5:45 PM Elementary 1, and 6-6:45 PM Elementary 2 and Middle School. If your family has students in different program levels, please choose one walk-through time to attend. Each person will get a ticket when they enter to VOTE for their favorite trunk!
Class Activities
Monday afternoon, we will have a few fall activities for the class. Students may also bring in treats NOT CANDY for the class if they wish to do so. Please be mindful of dairy, nut, or any other allergies if your child chooses to bring in a treat.
This is all I have for you for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week.
October 17, 2022
Welcome back!!!I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing Fall Break and although the time is going by so quick, it is now time to get back in the groove of things.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
There will be vision and hearing screenings this Wednesday, October 19th for all 6th graders, new students and those in special education. If your student wears glasses, please make sure they wear them on Wednesday.
Art History Fair
This week students will be getting their Art History Fair packets. The Art History Fair will not take place until the week of March 6th-10th. Between now and then, the project will be broken up into chunks with due dates, so that it is not too overwhelming for students. Students are to choose an artist to research, write a biography, make an art project, and do a presentation. Please review the packet with your student and the due dates.
The first due date is Friday, October 28th and it is the signed letter and artist choice.
School Pictures
School Pictures will be happening next Thursday, October 27th. Everyone needs to register their student before picture day.
To register visit this link: Register for School Photos, click "Register for school photos," and enter Villa2022. Then click on the button that says "open album." You will be directed to a registration form that will allow you to register your child for school photos. Enter your name (parent name) and the child's name, and then select the appropriate class for the child. Add additional children if needed by clicking the "register another child" button.
Middle School ACE Building Open House
6th grader families are welcome to the ACE building Open House this Wednesday, October 19th from 7-8:30 pm.
Homework
Math- Review packet (If your child did not complete their review packet, they need to do so this week. For students who did complete their review packet, a new homework packet will be handed out this week and their will be review practice tests that students can complete nightly for homework.
Reading- Read nightly and complete reading log daily
October Genre: Mystery
Villa’s Trunk or Treat
Villa will be hosting a “Trunk or Treat” event free of charge on Saturday, October 29, happening at the Villa Elementary Field!
For families attending the event, please park at ECC or Elementary Campus parking lots and enter through the Elementary Carline gates (look for signs/balloons). There is limited parking available for this event - each campus will have a designated walk-through time as follows: 4-4:45 PM ECC (Infants, Toddlers, Primary)
5-5:45 PM (Elementary 1)
6-6:45 PM (Elementary 2 and Middle School).
If your family has students in different program levels, please choose one walk-thru time to attend. Each person will get a ticket when they enter to VOTE for their favorite trunk!
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
Monday, October 3, 2022
Sorry I was unable to post anything last week but I am back at it now. This week is the last week before fall break. I know some students might be feeling a little overwhelmed with their work but there will be a catch up week when we return from fall break. I want all families to understand that these first 3 months are a time of transition and students figuring out ways to manage their time and prioritize their work. I recommend students strive to complete 3-5 works daily. If students are feeling behind and would like to bring work home, they may do so. Again, this is all a learning experience for all students and it will get much easier with time and as systems are continuously practiced.
Fieldtrip
We would love to go to the Natural History Museum this Thursday from 9-noon. We would leave the campus at 9am and return in time for lunch at school by noon. We will need driver/chaperones. A sign up genius for drivers is available. Future fieldtrips will be given more advance notice.
Homework
Math:16-20
Reading: 20 minutes daily. Please fill out daily reading log
*Book talks for September books start this week. Your child should be prepared to give a 5-10minute book talk sometime this week. A project or slideshow is acceptable but not necessary. A book talk rubric is available in the tabs above.
October book: Mystery
Pajama Day
Pajama and movie day. Students may wear their pajamas and we will vote on a movie to watch in the afternoon. Students will also be allowed to play board games in addition or replace of the movie.
Cooking/:Baking
This week some students would like to cook different dishes for Hispanic Heritage month. They have organized the day and dishes in which they would like to prepare for class and during class this week.
Garden
A big thank you to Brian Torry (Audrey's grandfather) for helping to get our garden going. Students were allowed to help with the digging of old soil and prepping and planting of new soil and seeds.
September Lessons
History: Hispanic Heritage, Humans Closest Relatives (Classification)
Science: Magnetism, Layers of the Earth, Plate Tectonics, Mapping the Solar System, Parts of the Sun
Geography: Political, Physical and Resource map of Africa
Geometry: Types of Angles, Measuring angles, 7 Triangles of Reality
Writing: Opinion Writing, Poetry, Hyperboles, Idioms
Language: Commas, Synonyms, Antonyms, Roots, Abbreviations
Grammar: Sentence Structure, Prepositional Phrases, Types of nouns, Sentence Analysis
Novel Read Aloud: Hello Universe
Thank you to everyone who supported the Scholastic Book Fair this year and a big thank you to the families that donated books from the Teacher Book Wish List. We are truly grateful!
This is all I have for this week. Have a blessed and beautiful week.
Monday, September 19, 2022
Hello everyone! Happy Monday. Week one of parent/student/teacher goal setting conferences has been accomplished and will continue through this week. It was nice to see families and discuss goals that your child would like to set for themselves this school year.
Also, the first art masterpiece lesson from Teale Bloom and Antje Joslin went well and the art work completed by the students was so creative and beautiful. Thank you so much Teale and Antje for volunteering your time with the class.
Students last week began planning their Going Out fieldtrips that they would like to take. These Going Outs should start happening within the next week or two. Students do all the research, planning, and organizing of the field trips so they may reach out to you to be a Going Out chaperone. Going Outs are small group fieldtrips of no more than 5 students that go to a place that they are passionate about or a topic being studied in class that they would like to explore more of. If you are interested in being a Going Out chaperone, please let me know. I do already have a few parents who have already signed up to do so.
We will also be starting our class garden this week. Students will have the opportunity to help dig out the old soil and prep the garden for planting. We may need students to bring in a shovel or two if allowed by you, to help with the digging. We plan on doing this Thursday morning.
As for all the rest of what is going on this week, please read below.
Early Dismissal
Friday, September 23rd at 11:30 (Goal Setting Conferences)
Homework
Math: Lessons 6-10
Reading: 20min of reading daily and fill out reading log
September Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Pizza Friday Snack
No Pizza Friday snack this week due to early dismissal
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be coming to the Villa Library next week, September 26th – September 30th! Check out more info here, Book Fair Homepage (scholastic.com)
We also need parent volunteers to help out at the book fair. If you are interested in volunteering, sign-up here Book Fair Volunteers: Villa Montessori School (signupgenius.com)
Class Scholastic Book Orders
If your child would like to order books from Scholastic Books, the class link is listed below. Book orders for this month are due by Friday, September 23rd.
Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/J8PBK
Please share the Class Page link to extended family and friends. All orders also earn FREE Books for our class.
With a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 Book (use code: READS).
Thank you for your support!
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
Monday, September 12, 2022
Happy Monday. I hope everyone had a fun and/or relaxing weekend. Looking forward to seeing your friendly faces during goal setting conferences...on another note, here is what you need to know for this week.
Early Dismissal
Friday, September 16th AND Friday, September 23rd at 11:30am- Goal Setting Conferences
Goal Setting Conferences
Please look at dates and times on our Sign Up Genius that will work for you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-msleticias4
The purpose of this conference is to set goals for this school year and your child, you and myself will all be apart of the conference. Out of courtesy for everyone's busy schedule, each conference should not be longer than 20min long. If an additional meeting needs to be set for any additional questions or concerns we can make a plan to meet again on another day and time.
Goal Setting conferences will be In-Person and will be held either in my classroom (Rm. 204) or in our Outdoor Environment on the Davis ODE.
Pizza Friday Snack
No Pizza Friday snack this week due to early dismissal
Homework
Math: Lessons 1-5 are due this week. Please check and sign your child's math homework daily.
Reading: Read for 20min. daily and initial your child's reading log daily.
September Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
* If you find that your child is struggling with any specific concept in their homework, please leave a note either on their homework lesson or a separate note in their communication folder. I will then make sure either myself or a staff member can help guide them with that particular concept or lesson.
Art Masterpiece
Our first art masterpiece lesson will be given this Thursday, September 15th. The students will be studying Matisse. I can't wait to see the extraordinary art pieces that the students create and will take home.
Please save and have your child bring in any magazines you are willing to donate to the class for a collage style project. This will be for a future art masterpiece project.
This is all I have for you this week but I will send out any additional info if needed. Have a beautiful and blessed week.
Monday, September 5, 2022
Happy Labor Day!! Thank you to the families that donated the ingredients for cookie making. The chocolate chip cookies turned out so yummy! Thank you Kaila for organizing and running baking time so beautifully AND sharing the delicious cookies with main office, E1 and E2 staff. Doing practical life activities is something that we will be doing more often. On another note...here is what we have going on this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 16-20 due this week
Lessons 16 & 17 due tomorrow (Tuesday)
Reading: 20min of daily reading with signed reading log
September Reading Genre: Science fiction or Fantasy
Pizza Friday Snack
Thank you Teale Bloom and Family for volunteering to bring in Pizza Friday snack this week.
Art Masterpiece
Please save and have your child bring in any magazines you are willing to donate to the class for a collage style project.
Our first masterpiece lesson will be on Thursday, September 15th
Goal Setting Conferences
Friday, September 16th and Friday, September 23rd are early dismissal days for Goal Setting conferences. Please look at dates and times on our Sign Up Genius that will work for you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-msleticias4
The purpose of this conference is to set goals for this school year and your child, you and myself will all be apart of the conference. Out of courtesy for everyone's busy schedule, each conference should not be longer than 20min long. If an additional meeting needs to be set for any additional questions or concerns we can make a plan to meet again on another day and time.
Goal Setting conferences will be In-Person and will be held either in my classroom (Rm. 204) or in our Outdoor Environment on the Davis ODE.
August Lessons
Language/Grammar: Parts of Speech review, Prepositions (phrases), Types of nouns (6th Gr.), Compound/complex sentence structure, Analogies, Synonyms (4th), Assonance/Consonance (5th), Roots (6th)
Writing: Prewriting (Webs/Outlines), Opinion Writing
Reading: Myths
Math: 2-3 digit Multiplication review (4th), 1 & 2 digit division (5th), Equivalent Fractions, Prime Factorization (6th)
Geometry: Types of Lines (4th), Types of angles (4th), Review of Quadrilaterals (5th), Measuring angles (5th). Similarity/Congruency/Equivalency (6th)
History: Big Bang, Timeline of Life
Science: Microscopes, Magnetism
Geography: World Map, Pangaea, Layers of the Earth, Plate Tectonics
Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
Monday, August 29, 2022
Hello everyone!! Happy Monday!! Thank you to the families who have sent in items/donations from our class wish list and thank you to the volunteers who are putting together days and times for the class garden and art masterpiece. Below is what you will need to know for this week.
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday starts this Friday. I will send out one last Pizza Friday form for anyone who would still like to participate in Pizza Friday. Payment of $150 can be paid in full or broken into 2 partial payments of $75 (Now & in Jan).
Thank you to the McLaughlin family for signing up to bring Pizza Friday snack.
The kids took a silent vote and Hungry Howie's won. For any student who has food allergies or does not prefer Hungry Howie's, they are allowed to bring in their own pizza to heat up in our toaster, if they choose to do so.
Homework
Math: Lessons 11-15
Reading: 20 minutes of reading daily (fill out and initial reading log daily)
*September Genre: Science Fiction or Fantasy
Art Masterpiece
We have two parents who will be volunteering their time in the classroom monthly to teach and engage students in an artist study and project. They will cover a little history about a specific artist and then students can take part in completing an art project replicating and/or practicing that particular style of art. For the first lesson, students will study Matisse.
For another future project we will need magazines for a collage style project. Please save and have your child bring in any magazines you are willing to donate to the class.
Goal Setting Conferences
Friday, September 16th and Friday, September 23rd are early dismissal days for Goal Setting conferences. I will be sending out a Sign Up Genius for conference days and times...I will include an additional day and times throughout the week for those who can't make it to a Friday conference.
The purpose of this conference is to set goals for this school year and your child, you and myself will all be apart of the conference. Out of courtesy for everyone's busy schedule, each conference should not be longer than 20min long. If an additional meeting needs to be set for any additional questions or concerns we can make a plan to meet again on another day and time.
Goal Setting conferences will be In-Person and will be held either in my classroom (Rm. 204) or in our Outdoor Environment on the Davis ODE.
No School
There is No School Monday, September 5th-Labor Day
That is all I have for you. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
Monday, August 22, 2022
Happy Monday!!
This past week was the first week of kids getting to work on a Big Picture (weekly classwork) and started learning how to prioritize, set daily work goals, manage their time, etc. The class as whole was able to successfully complete 80+% of their weekly classroom work. We were so proud!
I just want parents to know that I will be pushing your child to be their best self. We are wrapping up assessments and students will be placed into their lesson groups either by grade or level by this week. Students will be expected to complete their weekly work and I am continuing to set up strategies for them to successfully do so. This is a work in progress and can take time for some. Students do understand that if they are not focusing on their work and find themselves falling behind they might need to take work home, utilize study hall, or both. The goal for each student is to complete 3-4 works a day. Mentor groups are in place to help students navigate and support one another.
I also explained to the class that homework completion is extremely important and that they need to get in the regular habit of turning it in daily. Missed homework or homework not turned in will lead to study hall. So far, a majority of the students seem to be handling homework smoothly. The ultimate goal is for all of the expectations and routines to become habit and eventually just a smooth process for all students.
On another note, here is what I have in store for you for this week...
Pizza Friday
We still need to vote on a pizza place but will do so for sure this week. Pizza Friday will start next Friday, September 2nd. Please make sure your Pizza Friday form & payments are made by this Friday, August 26th. If you need additional payment arrangements please reach out to me. I don't want financial difficulty to impact your child joining us for Pizza Friday.
Homework
Math- Rev up packet Day 6-10 is due this week (Parents need to check and initial math homework daily)
Reading- Free choice for August. Students should read 20min daily and have parents sign the reading log. Once a book is complete, your child will need to sign up to give a book talk.
*September book genre: Science Fiction or Fantasy
Early Dismissal
This Friday, August 26th 11:30am- Professional Development (All School/No Circle)
Class Wishlist/Volunteering Opportunities
Thank you again to all the generous families who continue to donate items, time, etc. to our class. You are so appreciated. We are already lining up volunteer opportunities for families to come help students with our class garden and parents are also putting together a class art masterpiece (art lessons/activities) that will take place monthly in the class.
Field trips for this year are being planned by all the E2 teachers so we are looking forward to class and E2 level fieldtrips and on-campus presentations along with training students to organize their own small group Going Outs. I'll keep all of you informed and can't wait for all the cool and fun activities, trips, experiments, and fun Giving Back opportunities that we are putting into place for the kids and that the kids are putting into place for themselves.
Lesson Topics
So far this month we are covering the following topics just in case your child would like to do further exploration, research, or activities from home to bring back and share with the class...
Geography: World Map, Pangaea, Layers of the Earth, Plate Tectonics
Science: Microscopes, Big Bang
Writing: Myths, Opinion essays
Reading: Mythology stories
This is all I have for you for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
Monday, August 15, 2022
Monday, August 15, 2022
Last week was a great start to the beginning of the school year! We did some community building, class meetings on setting systems in place for everyone to have a successful school year, and we started our beginning of the year assessments. It was extremely nice seeing new and familiar faces during parent orientation and for those who were unable to make it, I have sent home the Parent Orientation packet with your child today. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Enrichments
We had an enrichment fair this past Friday, where enrichment teachers were able to share the details of their class and entice students to join. You should have received an email on Friday as well with instructions on how to sign-up. Sign-ups start today Monday, August 15th.
Volunteer Opportunities & Class Wish List
I'm so grateful and thankful to each and every person who is so generous to donate their time, service, and donations to help our class. Thank You! If you would like to sign up to volunteer and/or donate to our class wish list please check out our Signup Genius sign ups. I will reach out to those who signed up to volunteer sometime within the next week to get the details about volunteering. Thanks again!!
Class Wish List: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias12
Volunteering Opportunities: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-volunteer1
Homework
Students received their first math homework folder and reading log on Friday. The first packet is a “Rev Up” packet which is considered review of concepts from their previous grade level. Students are expected to complete one math lesson a night and read for at least 20 minutes. We ask that you support your child by checking their homework each night and initial on their reading log as well. We included a checking key for parents in the math folders.
If a student does not complete their homework or reading log they will work on it during their afternoon recess time until it is completed. Parents will be notified if your child misses 2 consecutive homework assignments. Study hall for missed homework will begin this Tuesday, August 16th.
Math Rev Up Packet- Lessons 1-5 due this week (1 lesson a day)
Reading- 20min daily reading and filling out reading log August Book Genre: Free Choice
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday will begin Friday, September 2nd, forms and payments are due Friday, August 26th. A Pizza Friday form can be found in the parent orientation packet or in the Pizza Friday tab listed above. Students will vote on the pizza restaurant we will use. It is important that as a class we find a place that is affordable due to having to purchase 9-10 pizzas for our hungry kiddos. So please know that we might have to sacrifice quality for quantity but this Friday the class will vote on it since they are the ones that will be eating it. Some of the choices so far that they will vote on will be Little Caesars, Dominos, Hungry Howies, and Whole Foods. I will let you know which pizza place the kids choose. A Pizza Friday Snack Sign Up is also available on Signup Genius.
Pizza Friday Snack: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias11
Parent Meetings
If you have any questions related to the class or school and/or your child personally, please contact me via email at [email protected]. If you need to speak to me in person, please set up a time to meet because typically I am extremely busy throughout the day especially first thing in the mornings and I will not do "pop up" meetings. I promise to always make time to meet but you will need to schedule a meeting ahead of time. If there is something related to a question or concern your child might be having, I ask that you please encourage your child to reach out to me either by email or they may write me a letter, or they can ask to speak to me in person. During your child's 4th-6th grade academic years with me, I am fostering a class where kids advocate for themselves. Again, you can be part of the process of helping your child to be successful with the communication of their needs or concerns but please support your child being the one to reach out to me.
This is all the info I have for now. Have a beautiful and blessed week! Thank you!
Sunday, August 7, 2022
Tomorrow is the first day of school and we are so excited! It was so nice to see all the new and familiar faces on Friday and can't wait to see everyone tomorrow. Here is what you will need to know for tomorrow and the rest of the week.
Arrival/Dismissal
Students may arrive to school as early as 7:45 and can drop their supply items off on the front table outside the classroom, hang up their backpack & lunch box and go to the playground and play and have fun with their peers.
Dismissal will be at 3pm BUT carline may take a tad bit longer the first week as staff gets in the hang of familiarizing themselves with student names & classroom teachers, so thank you ahead of time for being patient with that process. Students will bring home a teal colored dash name label to put in the dashboard of your car for anyone who picks up your child. You may have already received your child's label if you came to the open house on Friday.
If your child is a walker, please make sure the walkers form has been submitted or turned in. If you need a walkers form, you can find it on the Villa Montessori website or I can print one out. If you are unable to fill out the form in time, just write a note and send it with your child.
Coming Prepared
Please make sure your child remembers to bring a water bottle and healthy snack.
Summer Homework- Due tomorrow, Monday
For the first day of school students should bring in a picture or item from over their summer to share with the class.
Students will also need to bring their completed summer homework. Any student who has not completed their summer homework by Monday, will be expected to continue working on it until completion. Summer homework is available to print in the "2022 Summer Homework" tab above, for anyone who needs it.
Book talk presentations will be held the first week of school starting Monday, Aug. 8th. Book talks should be 5-10min long. Above is a "Book Talk Rubric" tab where you can print a "Book Talk" rubric that will help your child prepare. Your child may present their book report project as their book talk or give a book talk on a different book that was read throughout the summer and turn in their book project separately.
I want students to feel proud and prepared coming into the first day of class, so please support your child with making sure they have completed their homework and feel ready for tomorrow.
6th Grade Assignment
6th Graders met with me on Friday and it went so well. We discussed new expectations and leadership roles that they are excited to take on. I gave them two assignments that are due this week. They each need to think of their own individual mission statement for the year (ex. I will create and foster a classroom environment where students feel safe, loved, excited, and welcomed. Each student will know that I will always support and have their best interest at heart and I will build a class where we all will work together to support one another.) They should write their mission statement and be prepared to share it with the class this week. The mission statement can be as short or long as each 6th graders feels fit. They also were given a Four Agreements book. I would like for them to have the book read by Friday and they should write a summary of each chapter that discusses each agreement. This book will be important with setting the 6th graders up for success on how they plan on entering this school year successfully. If your child was absent and did not receive a book, I will give it to him/her tomorrow.
Parent Orientation- Thursday, August 11th at 6:30pm
Parent Orientation night will be held in person in the classroom. This will be a great way to meet and/or see other families and get to meet Kaila (my new assistant) and me. I will go over what you can expect for this year and will also have a packet of important forms for you to have. If for some reason you cannot make it to the orientation night, I will send the packet home with your child on Friday.
Pizza Friday
Your child will go home with a Pizza Friday form tomorrow. If you are interested in your child participating in Pizza Friday, please make sure to return the Pizza Friday slip & payment by Friday, August, 26th as Pizza Friday will start Friday, September 2nd.
Class Wish List/ Volunteer Opportunities
I will be putting up a Class Wishlist/Helping Hands on a Sign Up Genius along with the Volunteer Opportunities for anyone who is interested or able to donate items and or volunteer throughout the school year. Thank you for helping to support the class!
Lastly, we are so excited for this school year. The classroom itself has a whole new vibe and energy. We are so grateful to all the families and the support that you always continue to show. Enjoy your last day of summer break and see the kiddos tomorrow!!
Thursday, July 28, 2022
I hope everyone had an incredible summer break, whether you had to work, relax, or play. The first day of school is quickly approaching and I am so excited! Just so everyone knows, please expect to see a Class Newsflash weekly. I do this to inform families of any and all class & school info that you may need to know each week. More details about the school year will be shared during our parent orientation but here is what you need to know now.
Class Open House- Friday, August 5th from 12-1pm
This open house is for STUDENTS ONLY. It will give me an opportunity to meet/see all my students and break the ice before the first day of school. It will also be a time for students to bring in their school supplies, and allow students to meet/see each other.
School Supplies
If you need the list for school supplies, please click on "2022 Supply List" tab above. If for some reason you are unable to purchase your child's school supplies because of financial reasons, please contact me and we will work it out.
6th Grade Get-Together Friday, August 5th 1-3pm
I would love to meet and have lunch with the 6th graders to discuss their leadership roles this year. This will be an opportunity for 6th graders to share their ideas for the class, discuss their roles and individual mission statement for the year, and help prepare for the first week of school. If your 6th grader is in town, I would love for them to come to the Open House and stay afterward until 3pm. I will provide lunch for any 6th grader that is able to be there.
Summer Homework- Due Monday, August 8th
On the first day of school students will need to turn in their summer homework. Any student who has not completed their summer homework by Monday, will be expected to continue working on it until completion. Summer homework is available to print in the "2022 Summer Homework" tab above, for anyone who needs it.
Book talk presentations will be held the first week of school starting Monday, Aug. 8th. Book talks should be 5-10min long. Above is a "Book Talk Rubric" tab where you can print a "Book Talk" rubric that will help your child prepare. Your child may present their book report project as their book talk or give a book talk on a different book that was read throughout the summer and turn in their book project separately.
The main goal is that all students feel successful and prepared coming into class the first week of school so please help support your child with completing their summer work.
Parent Orientation- Thursday, August 11th at 6:30pm
Parent Orientation is a great way to meet each other in person and also get all the details about the class and what you can expect this school year. I will send home a packet with all information that will be shared on parent orientation night.
Parent Volunteer Sign Up- Sign Up Genius
I have sent out an email (signup genius) asking for parent volunteers this school year. Feel free to sign up if you see an opportunity that interests you.
This is all the information I have for you right now. I will email you if more information or details come about. Have a beautiful and blessed day!
Friday, June 3, 2022
First off, I want to give such a big THANK YOU to each and every family and student who were so generous with end of the year gifts. I had trouble with my work email failing to deliver my emails so I apologize if you did not get my previous email thanking you, that I sent last week. You have no idea how grateful and appreciative I am for all of you. Although this was a tougher year than most, I am still thankful for the students and student families I have. You really found ways to help me push through when times were extremely tough. I don't take it for granted and I feel truly blessed. So thank you for all the support and love you showed David, me, and the class this year. On another note...Happy Friday Everyone!! Summer break has officially begun and I hope each and every one of you are able to have a fun, relaxing, refreshing summer either here at home in the lovely hot 110-118 degree weather or somewhere else. LOL!! So, this will be my last post to wrap up this school year and I will post info for next school year in July.
Summer Homework
If your child was absent the day we sent home summer homework, the summer packets are available in front of the main office. I also sent home a packet with writing topics, book talk rubrics, and math facts separately so that students could focus on other key concepts if they felt the need to do so. I have put the summer homework up on this Weebly newsflash, in the "2022 Summer Homework" tab above.
- Reminder to all students...summer homework is due the first day of school. If your child is doing an academic camp, please just let me know so that I can mark your child down for having a different summer homework plan.
- Book talks for one book of choice read over the summer will begin the first week of school. Even if your child reads more than one book, they will only be required to give a short book talk for only one book. Students should complete a book report project as well, on one of the books read over the summer.
- I will post the book talk rubric so that you know what to expect when giving a book talk.
Middle school students should be hearing from middle school director, Diane George soon with their summer homework. An email should have been sent or will be sent shortly with all the info you need regarding the homework.
Summer Tutoring
I posted list of teachers that are available for summer tutoring if you are looking for someone. Please refer to the "Summer Tutor List" in the tab above.
Student Summer Certificates
Please be on the lookout over the next week for a certificate that your child will be receiving in the mail. These certificates are what the class voted on, regarding strengths your child possessed in and out of the classroom. The certificates are meant to be fun and silly.
6th Grade Students
I ordered thumb drives for each 6th grader and I will be downloading the class slideshow to them and will make sure to get the thumb drives out to each 6th student before middle school starts.
Student Items Left in the Classroom
Some students were absent or forgot to grab their school items that they might've wanted to take home such as portfolios, notebooks, trapper keepers, pencil pouches, books, etc. I will leave student items on a cart out in carline next week and for anyone who is not able to pick up your child's items next week, I will then move all items into the main office the week of June 13th.
Supply List
The 2022/23 supply list is available under the "More" tab above. If you at any point have a financial hardship with purchasing these items, please contact me at [email protected] so that we can work something out. I always have extra supplies available for students who might need them.
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Monday, May 16, 2022
Well, we got through the overnight trip unscathed. The camp as a whole was a character builder for all of us. LOL! Thank you to each and every parent who donated their energy, time, vehicle, and patience to this trip. I know it was a lot and please know that you are so appreciated. The kids wrote you Thank You notes last week so I will make sure your child takes them home to give to you. Thanks Again...words can't express the gratitude I have because I could not have done it without you! Now it is time to kick it into high gear with the last week and 2 days left of school. I'm literally trying to keep up and so I apologize ahead of time if things are slipping my mind...here are all the important things you need to know for this week and next week Mon and Tue...
Preview Day
The 3rds coming into 4th came to visit and it went so well. The 4th graders were the guides and took each 3rd grader to different work areas to work on a sample work in different subjects. The 5th graders were in charge of giving the lessons at each station the 3rd went to. I was happy to see the leadership and willingness to guide, mentor, and welcome the 3rds and new students to Villa. While we did that, the 6th graders seemed to have enjoyed the preview of middle school today. They came back excited and pumped for next school year.
Summer Homework
Summer homework for 4ths and 5ths were passed out today. Students do not need to start this until school is out. LOL! Many kids were trying to start it now but they actually should be finishing up their last math packet that they received before our overnight trip. If your child is doing an academic camp during the summer, please let me know and I can meet with your child to put a different summer plan together. Also, I will send a list of writing topics, book suggestions, and math facts just in case your child can benefit from additional writing and math fact practice. Those will go out this week and can be put in their summer folder.
Homework
Students should complete their math packet that they were given prior to our overnight trip.
On-Campus Fieldtrip
Tomorrow we will have Mad Science on campus to present to all of E2 during different times in the afternoon. We will also be doing a virtual fieldtrip to MIM tomorrow morning learning about different types of music and instruments from different areas of the world.
Ice Cream Truck
Tomorrow the ice cream truck will be on campus. students were given a permission slip last Friday. If your child has not turned in their permission slip, please make sure they do by tomorrow. We really just want to make sure that we have all the dietary information for any student who might have an allergy or is lactose-intolerant. Our class will have our chance to get ice cream at 11:35 tomorrow.
Portfolios
Students will be bringing home their portfolios this week with any work they wanted to share that was completed this semester. Some portfolios will contain work from the entire school year.
Talent Show
We will be having our annual E2 talent show this Thursday, May 19th in the Davis ODE area that will start around 1pm. Students from various classes are the ones that organize this show and run the entire thing. Parents are welcome but it is not mandatory.
Class Field day
6th Graders will be organizing a field day for Thursday morning. Other classes were invited, so it should be a fun morning of different activities that kids will put together. Please make sure your child comes to school with comfy clothes and shoes that they would wear to PE. This is just a fun way for kids to wrap up the school year interacting with kids from our class and other classes with the focus of having fun and good sportsmanship.
Classroom Cleanup
This week we will be thoroughly cleaning the classroom. Students will clean out their cubbies, bins, etc. and might bring home anything that is personal. Please have your child bring a big sturdy bag for all their belongings this Wednesday so that they can haul all of their belongings.
6th Grade Going Out
This Friday, May 20th, I'd like to take the 6th graders to the Biltmore. We will walk there and they can choose a place that they would like to have for lunch. I informed students that if they want to bring $10-15 they can for lunch but if not, it's is fine and I will get it for them. Some of the places they can choose from are Zin Burger, California Pizza Kitchen, Blanco Cocina, True Food, Cheesecake Factory, etc. They will order their food to go and we will sit in the grassy area together. I will send home a permission slip tomorrow, giving your child permission to walk there. This is a lunch to wrap up the last 3 years and to celebrate the next chapter at Villa. We will walk around 10:30 and return between 1:30 & 2.
End of Year Party and 6th Grade Celebration
We found a place for our end of year party and 6th grade celebration. The Joslin family is so nice to host this year. I will include the location/address in the signup. The 6th grade celebration will start at 10am but all students will arrive at 9:30. We will leave the campus at 9:15. 6th Grade parents may arrive around 9:45.
Date: Monday, May 23rd
Time: 9:30am-2:00pm (6th gr celebration will be held from 10-11am) students will arrive at 9:30am.
Location: Joslin Family "Club House/Community Pool"
3030 E. Mission Ln Phoenix, AZ 85028
The actual end of year party will start around 11am with swimming, games, and outdoor soccer or active games on the grassy area and we will head back to the campus around 2pm. We have hired a life guard, so no worries there. I will need driving chaperones to drop off and pick up students that day. Chaperones are more than welcome to stay if you'd like. We will have pizza that day. Below is the sign up genius link for snacks, drinks, driving chaperones, etc.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-msleticias3
*By chance if there is a parent or student who would like to put together the slideshow, please contact me. I am able to do it, but any chance for someone to take that on, would be great. I have the pictures that would go on it. The slide show is typically 5-15min long. Please text or email me if you or one of your kiddos are interested. No worries if not. LOL! I will need the slideshow by Sunday evening so that I have it ready for Monday morning at 10am.
6th grade parents
Please make sure to get your child's picture scrap board to me by Friday the latest. Please make sure your child doesn't see it. I also need parents to either text or email me pictures of your kid. You can send 2 or more but I would like to have at least one baby picture and the most current picture you may have. This will be for the slide show. If you have any questions or need help with anything please contact me.
Last Day of School
Last day of school is Tuesday, May 24th and it is a full day. This day is spent saying our good bye's and kids can autograph each others books, shirts, shoes, items, etc. It is also a day in which I like to hand out fun awards to all the kids. I really hope all kids show up to school the last day in order to say farewell.
This is all I have for now. I will send out any additional information if any. Have a beautiful and blessed week!
Monday, May 2, 2022
I cannot believe the end of the year is near. The month of May is so busy and typically goes by super fast. I want to give you as much information on what to expect not only this week but also what to expect in the weeks to come. I will update any info as needed but here is what you need to know for now.
Science Fair
Our class science fair will be tomorrow, alongside Kaitlyn's class. It will be held in the Davis ODE area that is the covered outdoor area near our classroom. Parents are welcome to come check out all students' projects from
10-11am.
Early Dismissal
11:30 dismissal this Friday, May 6th & next Friday, May 13th
Progress Reports
Spring progress reports will be emailed to parents on or before Sunday, May 8th. Progress reports will include concepts covered the second half of the school year, most current assessment scores, strengths/weaknesses socially and academically, along with a short narrative that will express progress, strengths, and/or any concepts that will need to be practiced during summer break.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
End of year conferences are optional. If after reading your child's progress report, you still feel the need to meet then please email me. I will make time available for next Thursday, May 12th and Friday, May 13th. For those who still want to meet for a conference at the end of the year, it is typically to get further clarification from what the progress report will show, on any additional concepts that your child may need to work on during summer break (if any).
Summer Homework
Summer Homework will be handed out next week once we return from our overnight trip. The Summer Homework folder will include a letter with expectations of what your child will need to work on in reading and math, a list of optional book report projects that your child can choose from to go along with their summer reading, and a "Summer Bridge" math packet. I will also include a Teacher Summer Tutoring list for any family that may want your child to get tutored during summer break.
Overnight Trip
Our overnight trip is right around the corner. Ms. Anna and I are in the process of getting final numbers of students going and confirmation of chaperones attending. I will be handing out a hard copy of the itinerary and packing list tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3rd. Car and cabin arrangements will be decided by Friday. Our class will be mixed with Ms. Anna's class for the daily camp activities and possibly for driving to and from the camp. Our classes will have separate cabins for sleeping. A health form was handed out last Wednesday and if you still need to turn in the health form, please do so ASAP. The importance of the health form is just to give us dietary information that we may need to be aware of along with any medication your child might need to take while on the trip and the form also has a section giving us permission to administer specific medication if your child happens to get a headache, stomach, etc. If you need another copy of the health form please let me know.
Preview Day
Monday, May 16th will be preview day for 6th graders to go to the middle school. A permission slip will be handed out within the next week to allow your 6th grader to walk to the middle school with the other 6th graders and a staff member. You will receive notice of the campus community your child was placed on before then.
6th Grade Parents
Time is flying by and the 6th grade celebration is right around the corner. Every year I ask the parents to put together a picture board of any and all adorable, funny, and/or embarrassing pictures of your 6th graders.
We display the boards during the 6th grade celebration as a surprise. Yesterday, I emailed examples of ideas for your child's scrap board.
Once you have finished your child's board, please don't show your 6th grader because I love seeing their faces when they get surprised with the boards during the celebration. Most parents hide it either in a towel or trash bag and drop it off. I would like to have the boards by Thursday, May 19th but no later than Friday, May 20th. The celebration will be Monday, May 23 from 10-11am. Location TBD
Please feel free to contact me if you need any materials, help or guidance. I will provide the boards and will send it home with your child tomorrow.
I would also like for 6th grade parents to please either text, email or bring in pictures of your 6th grader. I would like to have about 5-10 pictures that hopefully are a range of when your child was a baby/toddler to most current. I would like to put together a slide show for the day of the 6th grade celebration.
Thank you for your help and support with this. I can't believe it's already time for them to move on.
That is all the information I have for now. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
April 25, 2022
The Villa Auction was a great turn out and thank you to the families who participated in the auction either by attending in person or donating/purchasing items online. It was a great success! The class was so excited to hear that our class art project (Villa in Bloom Platter) sold for $270.
State testing is finally complete and I wanted to say that just about everyone had as good of an attitude regarding testing as they could. Like I explained to all the students...state tests are just a small sliver of who each student is as a learner in showing what they know. I want kids to take the tests seriously but also want them to understand that what they have learned throughout this school year may not fully be reflected on the AASA tests. I did notice a number of kids finish the tests quite fast and so please be aware that their scores may reflect that.
Here is what you need to know for this week...
Science Fair Projects
Science Fair In-Class presentations are taking place this week. I informed all the kids to think of these presentations as a rehearsal. This gives students the opportunity to practice in front of their peers the information about their experiment that they would like to share. This week's presentations are typically just for the students but if you would like to see your child's presentation you are more than welcome to come watch. Next week Tuesday, May 2nd will be the science fair from 10am-11am. This will be the day and time in which parents can walk around and look at all the students' science experiments.
Overnight Trip
I will be sending home a health form for parents to fill out regarding any allergies or medication that your child will need to take or get permission to take during our overnight trip. I will also need parents to fill out if there are any dietary information that we need to be aware of. I will be sending the camp the dietary info and they will be sending me a sample menu that I will send home next week along with a packing list and itinerary.
Homework
Review Packet for math was handed out late last week and students may start working on it.
Thank you and hope you have a beautiful and blessed week!!
April 18, 2022
6th Grade Celebration/ End of the Year Party
I can't believe the end of the year is already near. We are hoping that a family would be willing to host the end of the year party that would also include the 6th grade celebration. I would like to do them both either Friday, May 20th or Monday, May 23rd. I would like to have the 6th grade celebration from 10-11am with the class party to follow afterward. If you are able and willing to host this celebration at your home on one of these dates please contact me.
6th Grade Parents
I would also like for 6th grade parents to please either text, email or bring in pictures of your 6th grader. I would like to have about 5-10 pictures that hopefully are a range of when your child was a baby/toddler to most current. I would like to put together a slide show for the day of the 6th grade celebration.
I also want the scrap boards to be made by the parents for your child. The scrap board is a foam board that I will provide and you put pictures and if you want words or messages on the board in a collage format. I will send examples from past scrap boards just so you can get a few ideas. The scrap board is your creation so you can put as many or as little pictures as you want but the boards will be displayed during the 6th grade celebration. These boards need to be a surprise so make sure to put it in a garbage bag or covered somehow so that your child doesn't see it. I will need the boards at least 1 day before the 6th grade celebration so either Thursday, May 19th or Friday, May 20th. I will let you know.
I know this is a lot so thank you ahead of time for all your support.
State Testing
A big thank you to the parents who signed up to bring in snacks and juice for testing this week. We so greatly appreciate it.
We completed Part 1 of Reading and Math Monday. I advised students to just take their time, read each question thoroughly, highlight key words or phrases and to try to refer back to past ELA/Math lessons, homework, or math tests that they took in regard to using prior knowledge from the concepts the State test covers.
Overall, I want students and parents to know that the State Tests are just one small sliver of what your child may know and shouldn't overshadow what kind of learner your child might be in the classroom. My expectations for State Testing is that each child just give 100% effort, not to give up, and to just try to do their very best. They were informed that it is a test to take seriously but in the end it lets parents, teachers, and schools know what areas are a strength for each student and what areas a student may need more support. Please do your best to reassure them that the testing is nothing to be anxious about.
The State Testing Schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, April 19th- (AM) Reading Part 2 & (PM) Math Part 2
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TESTING:
The most important thing that you can do for your child during testing is making sure that they come to school on the days they have tests. Making up a missed test means time out of class and losing important learning time that cannot be made up. In addition to attendance, your child will do their best on the tests if they:
Get to bed early the night before to be well-rested on the day of the test
Have a good breakfast on the morning of the test
Come to school on time
Be adequately hydrated
Stay positive!
Homework
Math: Review Packet (students should be working on Review Packet #4 this week)
Science Fair Project: Project Work Plan is due this Friday, April 22nd and I am moving the Final Draft Written Report to Monday, April, 25th.
- The project work plan is just a rough sketch and/or paragraph describing what they will be displaying the day of the science fair. This should include what they are bringing in for their experiment, if they need anything (outlet, water source, etc.) for their experiment, and how they would like their tri-fold board to look like.
- We will start presentations next week but the Science Fair for parents to come and check out the work of your child and other students will be held on Tuesday, May 3rd from 10am-11am. We will be holding the fair in a shaded area outdoors.
Villa Auction
Our class completed our class auction art item. We had students draw a small image of different flowers/plants (Villa in Bloom theme) on a pottery plate. It turned out beautifully. Feel free to check out all auction items through the online auction by clicking the following link Villa Montessori's Week of Giving 2022 - GalaBid
The in-person Villa Auction is this Saturday, April 23rd.
Overnight Trip Chaperones
Can't wait to see all overnight chaperones this Wednesday, April 20th at 6:30pm. Again, this meeting will be in person in my classroom and should only be about 30-45min. It will give you all a chance to meet along with giving me a chance to go over the particulars of the trip and answer any questions you might have. If you are unable to attend the meeting just let me know and I will send home paperwork that gives an explanation.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
April 11, 2022
This week students are focusing on ways to help the Villa Community. Students are writing letters to staff around Villa asking to help in some way. Students have and will continue to help in some of the classrooms reading to E1 or primary students, mentoring E1 students, helping Mr.Tim with repairs or clean up around the campus, helping the PE coaches lead PE activities with the E1 students and the list goes on and on. Feel free to ask your child how they would like to help their Villa Community this week and weeks moving forward.
We also have new classroom officers that will do their best to lead the class with daily activities and routines and also have the opportunity to show that they can lead by example. A big kudos to last month's classroom officers who did a tremendous job.
April Class Officers
President: Grayson
Vice President: Jett
Supervisor: Harry
Secretary: Stella
Mediator: Tanner
Overnight Trip Chaperones
I will be holding a chaperone meeting next Wednesday, April 20th at 6:30pm. This meeting will be in person in my classroom and should only be about 30-45min. It will give you all a chance to meet along with giving me a chance to go over the particulars of the trip and answer any questions you might have.
Homework
Math: Students will continue to work on weekly review packets. They should complete one lesson a night.
Reading: I will be sending home a Practice ELA Test Packet that needs to be completed and returned by Thursday. We will go over the packet on Thursday and Friday this week.
Science Fair: Rough draft writing portion of the science fair is due this Friday, April 15th. It is worth 50 points, so please make sure your child completes and turns it in. I am allowing students to work on their paper, if they need, in class this week. On Friday I handed out a sample paper from one of my former students to help with the format of what the written portion should look like. We went over the format of the paper in class last Friday. Please have your child see me if they need additional support.
AASA Testing Dates
Monday, April 18th: AASA ELA and Math Part 1 test 4th-6th grades
Tuesday, April 19th: AASA ELA and Math Part 2 test 4th-6th grades
Below is the link to Sign Up Genius to sign up for pre-packaged healthy snacks to bring for the class the day(s) of testing. Fruit that has a peel or packaged granola bars, protein bars, yogurt, etc. are what we would prefer but please be mindful that none of the snacks include nuts for allergy reasons. We have 29 students for anyone who will be volunteering to provide the snack.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias10
Students may bring gum and/or hard candy such as Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, Werther's Originals to have during testing times but ONLY during testing times and days.
*TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TESTING:
The most important thing that you can do for your child during testing is making sure that they come to school on the days they have tests. Making up a missed test means time out of class and losing important learning time that cannot be made up. In addition to attendance, your child will do their best on the tests if they:
- Get to bed early the night before to be well-rested on the day of the test
- Have a good breakfast on the morning of the test
- Come to school on time
- Be adequately hydrated
- Stay positive!
*Have a beautiful and blessed week!
April 4th, 2022
I hope you all had a beautiful weekend. Here is what you need to know this week.
Homework
Math: Review Packet...complete one page daily
Reading: Daily reading for 20min. April Genre (Newbery Award Book)
Science Fair: Rough Draft for the writing portion due April 15th.
*This week I will be giving a lesson and a written sample for students to use for guidance.
AASA Testing Dates
Friday, April 8th: AASA Writing Test 4th-6th grades
Monday, April 18th: AASA ELA and Math Part 1 test 4th-6th grades
Tuesday, April 19th: AASA ELA and Math Part 2 test 4th-6th grades
I will send out a Sign Up Genius for pre-packaged healthy snacks to bring for the class the day(s) of testing. Fruit that has a peel or packaged granola bars, protein bars, yogurt, etc. are what we would prefer but please be mindful that none of the snacks include nuts for allergy reasons. We have 29 students for anyone who will be volunteering to provide the snack.
Students may bring gum and/or hard candy such as Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, Werther's Originals to have during testing times but ONLY during testing times and days.
*TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TESTING:
The most important thing that you can do for your child during testing is making sure that they come to school on the days they have tests. Making up a missed test means time out of class and losing important learning time that cannot be made up. In addition to attendance, your child will do their best on the tests if they:
- Get to bed early the night before to be well-rested on the day of the test
- Have a good breakfast on the morning of the test
- Come to school on time
- Be adequately hydrated
- Stay positive!
Overnight Chaperones
I will be sending home a chaperone packet that will need to be filled out and returned.
March 28th, 2022
Homework
Math: Students will be getting another review packet to complete daily
Reading: Daily reading for 20min.
Science Fair: Second journal check will be this Friday, April 1st (25points)
Early Dismissal
This Friday, April 1st: 11:30am for Professional Development
Testing Dates
State Testing Dates for our class
THIS Thursday, March 31st: AZSCI test (Science Test) 5th graders ONLY
Friday, April 8th: AASA Writing Test 4th-6th grades
Monday, April 18th: AASA ELA and Math Part 1 test 4th-6th grades
Tuesday, April 19th: AASA ELA and Math Part 2 test 4th-6th grades
*TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TESTING:
The most important thing that you can do for your child during testing is making sure that they come to school on the days they have tests. Making up a missed test means time out of class and losing important learning time that cannot be made up. In addition to attendance, your child will do their best on the tests if they:
- Get to bed early the night before to be well-rested on the day of the test
- Have a good breakfast on the morning of the test
- Come to school on time
- Be adequately hydrated
- Stay positive!
Overnight Chaperones
The YMCA Triangle Camp Overnight will take place May 9-11th. More overnight details will be handed out within the next couple of weeks.
The following parents have been chosen as the overnight chaperones:
Andy Howerzyl
Aviv Shaham
Chelsea Mc Laughlin
Kacie Dillon
Sue Regan
Wade or Nicole Newhouse
Bart Stewart
I will be sending home a packet to fill out and will give more details regarding the trip and chaperone duties.
March Lessons
Language: Similes/Metaphors, Colons/Semi Colons
Grammar: 4th Types of Adverbs, Sentence Analysis
5th Adverb/Adjective Review, Infinitives, Sentence analysis
6th Adverb/Adjective review, Infinitives, Diagraming sentences
Reading: Literary Elements, Inference
Novel Study: Kaspar Prince of Cats (Historical/Realistic Fiction)
Writing: Biographical Narratives
Geometry: 4th Area of rectangles and triangles, volume
5th Area of polygons, surface area, volume
6th Volume of prisms
Math: 4th Fractions (improper and mixed numbers), numeration, decimal numeration
5th Fractions (multiplying mixed numbers, dividing fractions), multiplying decimals, dividing decimals
6th Percentage, Value of percentages, graphing coordinates
Cultural
History: 13 colonies
Geography: Mapping US and labeling 13 colonies
Science: Circulatory System of Animals
Have a blessed and beautiful week!
March 21st, 2022
I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break and was able to either go somewhere fun or get well deserved rest and relaxation. Here is what you need to know for this week...
Homework
Math: Students should be wrapping up the last few lessons up to 100 and then a weekly review packet will be going out from now on.
Reading: 20 min a day of daily reading
Science Fair: Hopefully students have been working on their experiment and filling out their journal. The first journal check is this Friday, March 25th. Students will most likely need to do their experiment a few times for accuracy, so there will be a second journal check April 1st.
*Journal checks are worth 25pts so please make sure your child turns in a journal with their experiment data and observations on time so that they don't lose any points.
Testing Dates
State Testing Dates for our class
Tuesday, March 31st: AZSCI test (Science Test) 5th graders ONLY
Wednesday, April 8th: AASA Writing Test 4th-6th grades
Monday, April 18th: AASA ELA and Math Part 1 test 4th-6th grades
Tuesday, April 19th: AASA ELA and Math Part 2 test 4th-6th grades
We have been going over the practice tests in class but if you would like your student to practice at home you can find the practice tests here AASA | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Overnight Trip
I did a lottery draw for parent chaperones and will inform all parents this week. Any chosen parent will be asked to attend a parent chaperone meeting that will give more details about chaperone expectations. Because spots were limited for chaperones, and not every parent who signed up will be able to go, we will put those parents "on call" just in case we need a chaperone last minute.
That is all I have for you for now. Hope you have a wonderful week!
February 28th, 2022
Overnight Payment Form
Last week Friday, the overnight letter and permission slip went home. Please sign and return by this Friday, March 4th. Payment can be made in full or can be broken into two installments. If you would like to be a driving chaperone please make sure to indicate that on the permission slip. I will like to have the chaperones picked out by Monday, March 21st. Reminder that if we have more than 6 parents wanting to chaperone, we will need to do a lottery drawing.
Homework
Math-Lessons 90-95 are due this week
Reading- 20min daily
*Next week we will be starting book talks for the February book that was read
Book Clubs (Classic book) start this week. I would like for this to be a casual and fun setting, so each club will meet 3x a week for 30-45min in an outside setting and can have juice or water along with a snack while taking part in the reading. If you have any yoga mats, mats, rugs, blankets or towels that your child can sit on or if you want to donate classroom snacks that are dairy and nut free to have during book club, please send it with your child tomorrow or sometime this week. We greatly appreciate all donations. Thank you to the parents who are able to take part in the book club. We greatly appreciate you.
Science Fair
Students should now be starting their science experiments. They should be using their Science Journals they made in class to collect data and write down observations. They should also be taking pictures or making illustrations of the process. The next due date is March 25th and I will be doing a Science Journal check.
Going Outs
I'm going to be encouraging students to start planning their own small group fieldtrips (Going Outs)on topics either covered in class or topics they are passionate about. You might be asked by your child to chaperone a small group fieldtrip, if any parent is interested in being a Going Out Chaperone, please let me know. You do not have to be a chaperone for your child only but we are also looking for parents who would be willing to chaperone any small groups when needed.
Current Events
Knowing that there is a lot going on in the world right now, especially the current events happening in Ukraine, the children may have questions. I will only answer questions that I know the answers to based off facts only but will also encourage them to talk to their parents. You may find this article helpful in speaking to your child.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/25/well/family/kids-teens-ukraine-russia.html
Thank you and I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed week!
lFebruary 22, 2022
Thank you to the parents who helped with the Valentine Grams. It was a tremendous success and we sold well over what we had expected. The profit from that fundraiser will go to help with overnight trips.
This year our overnight trip will be by class and will be at YMCA Triangle Ranch in Oracle, AZ. We will be going with Anna Meyers class from May 9-11th. Although our classes will have our own separate sleeping buildings we will put our classes together for the daily activities. Our class will need 6 chaperones total, 3-4 dads and 2-3 moms that will be willing to go and stay in cabins with 7-10 students (boys in their own cabins separate from the girls). If you are interested in being a possible chaperone please let me know.
Depending on the interest will determine if we will need to have a lottery drawing for picking chaperones. A background check or fingerprint clearance card will be needed. Chaperones will not have to pay but will need to be strong with management of kids and be willing to drive 3+ kids to and from the camp.
A letter will be going home within the next week with more information about the trip. The cost per student for this overnight trip will be $150. We would love for all students to be able to attend so if financial hardship is an issue please let me know and we will work it out. Please email me if you are interested. I would like to have all my chaperones in place after spring break.
Homework
Math: Lessons 85-89
Reading: 20min daily reading Feb: Biography Book Club (Done at school): Classic
Book Club
Our class will be starting the next book for book clubs. The genre is a classic. Parents who put in interest in volunteering to be a reading buddy can sign up to read with a small group 1-2x a week for 30-45min. Students will read, have book discussions, and write a summary each time they meet. Here are the book choices students were able to sign up for and if you are interested in running the book club for one of these books, please let me know and I can give you the details.
- Peter Pan
- The Secret Garden
- The Outsiders
- The Wizard of Oz
- The Prince and the Pauper
Fun Run Incentives and Anti-Bullying Week
This week is Anti-Bullying week and the students are earning their incentives they won from the Fun Run.
- Wednesday, February 23rd: PINK Shirt Day and P.E. Dance Party, wear pink to increase awareness about anti-bullying and students get a dance party during their P.E. time
- Thursday, February 24th: Mix-It-Up Day, wear mismatched clothing, different socks, t-shirts backwards or inside out
- Friday, February 25th: Fun Friday, in the afternoon students will be able to have extra recess or game time inside
Science Fair Packet
Pages 4, 5 and 7 in the Science Fair packet are due this Friday, February 25th. Please make sure to turn in completed assignments on time so that points aren't deducted. I put a copy of the Science Fair Packet in the Google Classroom so that students can refer to it, if they misplaced their packet.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!
February 7, 2022
Homework
Math: I was off a week on homework last week. Lessons 75-80 are due this week.
Reading: 20min of daily reading. Feb Genre: Biography
Students have started presenting their book talks from the last book they read in January. Also students have just wrapped up reading their Book Club book and are working on their group book report project that they will present on Friday. Students who possibly have not finished reading their book club book will need to put together a plan of how they will complete it within the next 3 days so that they can contribute and participate with the groups project.
Spelling: I told some families that I would send home spelling lists. We have not done spelling the last few weeks but will start again this week. I will make copies of 4 wks worth of spelling for your child to bring home to study/practice IF they need to. Students complete spelling activities in class but are welcome to do so at home.
Valentines Day
On Monday, February 14th we will have a Valentine's Day party where kids will receive their Valentine Grams and they can pass out any Valentine cards that they may bring to pass out. Students may also bring store bought treats for the party but please nothing with nuts out of respect to those who have nut allergies. Please have your student bring in a bag or box on Monday to collect their Valentines in. Students are welcome to take part in a box decoration contest where they will vote on the most creatively decorated Valentine box but it is not mandatory.
Valentine Grams
We are still collecting bags of Hershey kisses, please continue to bring them in this week. Also, this is a great time to purchase a Valentine Gram for your child or they can purchase a Valentine Gram for their friends. This fundraiser will raise money to help with overnight trip costs and supplies and materials for the class.
Our class 6th graders and a parent volunteer will be selling Valentine Grams in the Elementary carline this Friday, February 11th from 7:45 am – 8:30 am. If your 6th grader would like to help, please make sure they are here at that time.
Kisses $3
Smencil $3
Kisses + Smencil $5
Tiny Plush $5
Tiny Plush + Kisses $6
Tiny Plush + Kisses + Smencil $8
CLICK HERE for the Valentine Gram order form. Please fill out a separate form for each person. You may enclose the orders in an envelope with cash or check made out to Villa Montessori and deposit it in one of the Valentine Boxes ~ located at Elementary, Early Childhood, Middle School offices.
Science Fair
I collected the signature forms from the Science Fair Packet. Please make sure your child turns in their assignments by their due date in order to not lose any points. Students will be told which topic out of their top 3 choices will be approved. They also made a science journal in order to keep track of all their observations. Please review the packet and guidelines with your student to pick an experiment. The next due date is Friday, February 25th and pages 4, 5 and 7 are due.
Half Day
This Friday, February 11th is a Half-Day for Extended Day, Academic Day, and Half Day students, school will be out at 11:30 am. Staff will be participating in Professional Development. All Day contract students, or "Circle," may stay past 11:30 AM.
January 31, 2022
PTO Fun Run: The PTO Fun Run was a huge success! As a class, we raised $110.33 per activity! The incentives the students earned will happen the week of February 22nd. Individual prizes will be mailed out this month
AASA Writing Field Test: All students in Grades 3-8 will participate in a Stand-Alone Field Test for Writing, our class will be taking the test this Thursday, February 3, 2022. Makeups will happen February 16-18, 2022.
Science Fair: This semester students will be completing a project for the Science Fair. Packets are being sent home today in students’ Communication Folders. Please review the packet with your student. The first item due is the signed letter which is due this Friday, February 4th.
Valentine Grams: If you have not so already please send in a bag of Hershey kisses to donate to our E2 Valentine Grams fundraiser.
Valentine's Day is around the corner...time to send your loved ones a little treat - or perhaps show some appreciation for your favorite teacher or administrator?
We will continue to offer the Smencils- delicious smelling pencils.
We’re excited about this fun, eco-friendly treat that we know all kids & adults will love. The Tiny Plush Animals are also available again!
Kisses $3
Smencil $3
Kisses + Smencil $5
Tiny Plush $5
Tiny Plush + Kisses $6
Tiny Plush + Kisses + Smencil $8
CLICK HERE for the Valentine Gram order form. Please fill out a separate form for each person. You may enclose the orders in an envelope with cash or check made out to Villa Montessori and deposit it in one of the Valentine Boxes ~ located at Elementary, Early Childhood, Middle School offices.
The sale runs from Tuesday, February 1, 2022, through Monday, February 14, 2022. Deliveries will be made on Monday, February 14. Extra order forms will be available in each campus office. Funds raised will go to overnight scholarships first with remaining funds used for Elementary II classroom materials or activities.
Students are also allowed to pass out their own Valentines to the class on Monday, February 14th.
Overnight Trip: This year we will be bringing back the overnight trip. We will be going by whole class this year rather than by grade level. We are going to attend Friendly Pines in Prescott, AZ through the CampWay program from Monday, May 9th – Wednesday, May 11th. The cost to attend the overnight trip is $150 per student.
More information about the trip is being sent home today in your student’s communication folder. You can also go visit the website at https://gocampway.com/friendly-pines for more details about the site.
Please review the information and return the second page by Friday, February 18th.
Whole Class Lessons Given in January
Writing: How to Write a Biography
Vital Function of Plants and Animals: Circulation
Novel Study for the book The Journal of Jasper Jonathan Pierce
American History: Colonial America
Geography: The 13 Original Colonies
Tuesday, January 25th
Valentine Grams
It is time for our annual Valentine Gram Fundraiser. We are asking that each family bring in a bag of Hershey Kisses to help, for allergy reasons, please no Kisses with nuts.
We will also need a few parents to help a few of the 6th graders sell Valentine Grams the morning of February 11th from 7:45-8:30. If you are interested please sign up on our Sign Up Genius page. Thank you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD29A6F58-leticias9
Homework
Math: Lesson 65-70
Reading: 20min of reading a day. Students need to wrap up their book club books within the next week or two so your child might need to do additional reading each day at home.
February Genre: Biography
PTO Fun Run
The Fun Run is this Saturday, January 29, 2022, 9 am-noon, at Hopi Elementary School! Registration is open, if you have not done so already register your student here: funrun.com.
The times for the races for each group are:
9:00 am: Primary & Kindergarten
9:40 am: E1
10:20 am: E2 and Middle School
Tuesday, February 1st
Hello all families. The Fun Run schoolwide was a huge success and thank you to the families who participated and donated. Our class raised $67 per lap. Profits raised by elementary level will go toward classroom needs. Students who earned prizes will receive them this month and all elementary students earned incentives that will take place the week of February 22nd.
AASA Writing Field Test
Our class participated in an AASA Stand-Alone Field Test for Writing today. This field test does not get scored but it was a great opportunity for students to practice. Makeups will happen February 16-18, 2022.
Science Fair: This semester students will be completing a project for the Science Fair. Packets are being sent home this week in students’ Communication Folders. Please review the packet with your student. The first item due is the signed letter which is due Monday, February 7th.
Valentine Grams: Please send in a bag of Hershey kisses to donate to our E2 Valentine Grams fundraiser.
Valentine's Day is around the corner...this is the perfect opportunity for students to get their friends a sweet treat.
Little baggies of Hershey's Kisses, Tiny Plush Animals, Smencils- delicious smelling pencils are available for purchase.
We’re excited about this fun, eco-friendly treat that we know all kids & adults will love.
Kisses $3
Smencil $3
Kisses + Smencil $5
Tiny Plush $5
Tiny Plush + Kisses $6
Tiny Plush + Kisses + Smencil $8
Please fill out a separate form for each person. You may enclose the orders in an envelope with cash or check made out to Villa Montessori and deposit it in one of the Valentine Boxes ~ located at Elementary, Early Childhood, Middle School offices.
The sale runs from Tuesday, February 1, 2022, through Monday, February 14, 2022. Deliveries will be made on Monday, February 14. Extra order forms will be available in each campus office. Funds raised will go to overnight scholarships first with remaining funds used for Elementary II classroom materials or activities.
Students are also allowed to pass out their own Valentines to the class on Monday, February 14th.
Overnight Trip: This year we will be bringing back the overnight trip. We will be going by whole class this year rather than by grade level. We are going to attend Friendly Pines in Prescott, AZ through the CampWay program from Monday, May 9th – Wednesday, May 11th. The cost to attend the overnight trip is $150 per student.
More information about the trip is being sent home today in your student’s communication folder. You can also go visit the website at https://gocampway.com/friendly-pines for more details about the site.
Please review the information and return the second page by Friday, February 18th.
Whole Class Lessons Given in January
Writing: How to Write a Biography
Vital Function of Plants and Animals: Circulation
Novel Study for the book The Journal of Jasper Jonathan Pierce
American History: Colonial America
Geography: The 13 Original Colonies
Tuesday, January 18th
Happy Tuesday!! Sorry to have to report this news but I was a close contact to a few people who tested positive, so I will be out of the classroom the rest of this week BUT will be giving lessons to the class throughout the day through Google Meet. I was able to give two lessons this afternoon and the students did a great job of getting me on the big classroom tv for the lesson. David will be in the classroom alone this week but we will be in constant communication.
Conferences
Conferences will continue this Wednesday and Friday. Because I will not be able to be there in person, I will have to hold all conference via Zoom and for students who will still be on the campus during conference times, I will have David get them on a laptop and join us via Zoom as well so that they are present during their conference time.
I will email your child's progress report ahead of time.
*For anyone who has not or cannot make it for a conference, I will email your child's progress report by January 24th.
Half Day
This Friday, January 21st- 11:30 (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Homework
Math- New math packets were handed out last week. Students should be completing lessons 61-65 this week.
Reading- Student should be reading 20min daily. This month is free choice.
*Students have started book talk presentations and we will continue with those presentations throughout this week. As your child finishes a book, they are encouraged to give a short book talk to the class.
Fun Run
The PTO Fun Run fundraiser starts this week January 20th. This is a great fundraiser that helps raise money for our classrooms. It's easy to register and simple for family members and friends to contribute even if your child cannot make it the day of the actual Fun Run taking place Saturday, January 29th. Please read the info below.
To: Classroom Families
When: Team Day 1
Subject: Help our class!
Villa PTO Fun Run Families,
Our class is having a BLAST preparing for the Villa PTO Fun Run coming up soon! We've also begun learning how to choose to live with character every day through Booster's brand new character theme, Sports City Worldwide, and our students will learn five 21st-century character traits that will help strengthen themselves and our world. Make sure to ask your students what they've learned each day, and together you can watch the story unfold!
Remember, we need your help connecting to sponsors who can make a donation to help our school! The more donations we get, the more incentives our class earns on our Donation-O-Meter. Here's how your family can make a big difference.
- 1. REGISTER your student(s) on mybooster.com today. It takes 30 seconds!
- 2. SHARE with your family/friends using the SHARE tools on mybooster.com. (Facebook, text message, or email)
- 3. GIVE a donation if you are able to.
Thank you for your generosity and support of our school. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Have a great day!
P.S. Make sure to register your child on mybooster.com. Search for your school or use our school registration code: 862777
This is all I have for you so far, have a beautiful and blessed week!!
Monday, January 10th
Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was smooth and restful. This week in the classroom students are completing any unfinished assignments from last week, and those who have completed their work will make their own "Big Picture" workplan for this week with project proposals. Students will also prepare for their state report and small group respiratory system of animals presentations that will take place this Thursday and Friday. If your child is falling behind with their weekly "Big Picture" class work, they might be asked to take home some work from class in order to get caught up. Here is what you will need to know for the week.
New Classroom Leadership Crew
Congratulations to the following students who were voted for the following leadership roles.
President: Owen
Vice President: Zooey
Supervisor: Quinn
Secretary: Jewel
Mediator: Grace
Homework
Math: Lessons 56-60 ( a new math folder will be handing out this week)
Reading: Read 20min daily
Early Dismissal
Friday, January 14th & Friday, January 21st- 11:30am (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
No School
Monday, January 17th in observance of MLK Jr. Day
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences will be held this week and next week Wednesday and Friday.
Please note that Parent-Teacher conferences are student led and your child must attend.
During this conference your child will share some of the work that they have completed the first half of the school year along with beginning and mid-year assessments. Your child's progress report will be emailed to you 24hrs prior to your conference.
You can choose to meet in person or via Zoom but please indicate which one you prefer when you sign up. To respect everyone's busy schedules, we will need to keep conferences to a 20min time frame but if there is further time needed, I have no problem scheduling another day and time to meet.
Zoom Parent/Teacher Conference Link
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76859571617?pwd=FbbcdXpAPQbP-t3YvAVEkpMCXmg3Ga.1
Meeting ID: 768 5957 1617
Passcode: bY334T
Pizza Friday
For any parent that paid half the total the beginning of the school year, the second payment of $60 will be due by this Friday. If you need to set up a different payment plan, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Upcoming Virtual Middle School Parent Meeting
6th grade parents this will be a virtual meeting taking place this Thursday, January 13th from 6:30-8:00pm. An email has been sent out with the Zoom link.
Hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed week!
Tuesday, January 4th
Happy New Year!! Thank you to each and every family that so generously and graciously donated to teacher gifts for the holidays. It is so greatly appreciated. I hope everyone had a beautiful and fun holiday and winter break. I cannot believe we are already in 2022. Kicking off the year with a bang...here is what you need to know for this week.
Homework
Math: Lessons 51-55
Reading: 20min daily
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences will be held throughout the week of January 10th & 17th. January 14th & 21st will be Half-Days and school will be out at 11:30 am.
-During this conference time the parent, student and teacher will be present. Students will be sharing their portfolios with samples of their work along with scores from the beginning and mid-year assessments.
-Progress reports will be emailed to parents at least 24 hours before your student’s conference time.
-You can choose to have the conference either in person or via Zoom.
-A Sign-Up Genius will be sent out by tomorrow and when you sign up please include whether you will be meeting in person or on ZOOM.
Reading Buddy
There had been a handful of parents that showed interest in being a reading buddy. I will be putting together a schedule for the month of February with ways in which you can donate your time either reading with a small group of students or one-on-one 1-2x a week.
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday will resume this Friday. For any parent that paid half the beginning of the school year, the second payment will be due by next Friday. If you need to set up a different payment plan, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Upcoming Virtual Middle School Parent Meeting
6th grade parents mark your calendar for Thursday, January 13th 6:30-8:00pm. An email has been sent out with the Zoom link.
This is all the info I have for you for this week. Please have a beautiful and blessed night and remaining week!
Monday, December 13th
Gingerbread Houses
Tuesday: Build 9:30-11:00am
Wednesday: Decorate 10-11:30
*Thank you to both families who volunteered to make the icing for this event. Also a big thank you to all the families who donated items for the gingerbread house activity.
*Parents who wanting to come be with your child to either build or decorate their houses, please arrive anytime between 9:30 & 11 tomorrow OR between 10 & 11:30 on Wednesday. Please check in the front office so that Marilyn may give you a visitors pass.
Cookie Making and Decorating
We will be baking cookies on Friday morning. Ms. Shawn will be working with small groups to make about 4 cookies per child. These cookies can be brought to Sunday's Cookie Decorating party at the Weiss home, this Sunday from 10am-Noon. Hot cocoa will also be served. Students may also bring their own cookies and cookie decorating items from home if they prefer.
Weiss Home
When: Sunday, December 19th
Time: 10am-Noon
Where: 910 E Kaler Dr Phoenix, AZ 85020
Giving Back
Canned Food Drive: Our class was able to collect over 350 cans in a week's time. That was awesome and we are super proud of the class for really getting into the spirit of giving. Tomorrow a small group of students will be delivering the canned good to St. Mary's Food Bank.
Doggie Drive: This group of kids collected many fun dog toys and dog food along with raising over $125 for this cause. This group of students will be going on a going out on Thursday to go buy some more doggie items and drop them off at a dog shelter of their choosing.
Care Packages for the Homeless: This group of kids have raised about $40 but are hoping to raise more by Thursday. Any little bit will help. They would like to raise as much money as they can in order to go on a Going Out on Thursday morning to buy all items needed to put the care packages together and deliver them Friday. If you have any spare change of any amount, please contribute to this great cause.
Pajama or Ugly Sweater Day
This Friday, December 17th we will have Pizza Friday and Pajama or Ugly Sweater Day in our class. Students are allowed to bring in a pillow and blanket, along with any games they would like to play. Students who have all of their work completed for the week will be able to participate.
Homework
Math: Lessons 46-50
Over the Winter Break students should be completing one math lesson, Lesson 51, and one reading log. If your student has overdue work to work on over the break I will email you separately.
This Week's Class Schedule
Monday- Work day (catch up week)
Tuesday- AM: Build Gingerbread houses & PM: Worktime
Wednesday- AM: Decorate Gingerbread houses & PM: Specials
Thursday- AM: Worktime & PM: Worktime and Barter Day
Friday- AM: Spelling test & Class Holiday Party organized by students from the class along with cookie baking
Winter Break
Monday, December 20th – Friday, December 31st
School Resumes: Monday, January 3rd, 2022
I hope everyone has a wonderful Winter Break and a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 6th
The time is flying by way too fast and I cannot believe next week is the last week before winter break. There is a lot going on this and next week as far as the class is concerned so please read the class info below for our latest class updates.
Homework
Math: Lessons 41-45
Reading: Read 20min daily and fill out reading log. December Genre: Classic
Early Dismissal
Friday, December 10th- 11:30am dismissal (NO CIRCLE)
Gingerbread Houses
Next week we will be building and decorating gingerbread houses. Tuesday morning from 9:30-11am we will build and Wednesday morning from 10-11:30am we will decorate the houses. I put up a signup Genius for families to please sign up to bring items for next weeks gingerbread house festivities. If you are interested in joining your child during this, please let me know.
I do need two families that are willing to make the icing for the gingerbread houses. One family will need to make 35 icing bags for next Tuesday building and another family will need to make 35 icing bags for next Wednesday decorating. Please email me if you are willing to make the icing. I will provide the ingredients for the making of the icing.
Cookie Decorating Social Event
We would love to get the kids together outside of school for cookie decorating. The Weiss family has been kind enough to host this event at their home on Sunday, December 19th from 10am-noon. As a class we will bake the cookies in class on Friday, December 17th BUT kids are more than welcome to bring their own (personal) cookies from home. We will make enough cookies for each kid to have 4 cookies. Icing, sprinkles, toppings and hot cocoa will all be provided BUT kids may also bring their own cookie decorating supplies if wanted. I will send home and post the address of the Weiss family later this week.
Giving Back Opportunities
For the month of December we have 4 different Giving Back Opportunities going on within our class along with a few from the other E2 classes. Please fill free to donate $ and/or needed items for any cause that you are interested in. The Giving Back student led ideas are listed below and I am also going to attach the flyers from each group in my class email.
Ms. Leticia's and Ms. Sarahfina's Classes-Can Food Drive
We are collecting can goods or non-perishable items this week for St. Mary's Food Bank. Our goal is to reach 500 canned goods. We are only collecting for this week only, so canned goods are due by Friday, December 10th and all items will be delivered the morning of Saturday, December 11th
Afghanistan Refugees- Save the Children Organization
This cause will either provide food for children and/or give warm blankets to the children affected by the conflict.
*This group of students will be collecting money up until December, 17th toward this organization.
Help Save the Dogs
This group of students would like to collect money or items for dogs such as dog toys, dog bowls, food, etc. to help dogs in dog shelters. Any money collected for this cause will be used next week to go buy items that are needed for the dog shelter of their choice. We will also need 1-2 parents who would be willing to take 6 students on a shopping adventure to buy and drop of these items to the animal shelter next week either on Monday, December 13th or Thursday, December 16th. Please email me if you are able/willing to be a driving chaperone for a Going Out for this group of students.
*Money or Items for this cause will be collected up until Monday, December 13th
Care Packages
This group of students would like to put together care packages for the homeless. Their goal is to collect money to purchase the items for the care packages or have families donate items such as water bottles, socks, blankets, deodorant, etc. to go toward this cause. This group will also need 1-2 parents who would be willing to take these students to a store to purchase the care package items next Monday, December 13th. If you are willing to take these group of students please contact me.
*Money and/or items will be collected up until Monday, December 13th.
Pajama Drive
Pajama Drive
Ms. Tammy's and Ms. Kaitlyn's classes are collecting pajamas for a pajama drive.
*They will be collecting pajamas up until December 15th.
I know this was a lot and we greatly appreciate your support with everything that is going on over the next few weeks. Have a beautiful and blessed rest of the week.
Tuesday, November 30th
I hope everyone had a blissful Thanksgiving and was able to eat some yummy food and spend time with family and friends. I cannot believe November has come and gone and we are already approaching December. The time goes by way too quick so I want to just give everyone a heads up of what to expect within the next 3 weeks of December.
Homework
Math: Lessons 39-40 (New Homework packet handed out this week)
Reading: Reading Log (20min daily) December Genre: Classis
Giving Back
I will be posting flyers that some of the groups of students have put together for their "Giving Back" campaigns. This will give each family an opportunity to contribute to whichever charity, if you'd like to do so. The vision and purpose for this is to really have the kids get excited about helping others for a good cause.
Winter Festivities
This year we would like to have some fun before winter break. The class will be doing both gingerbread houses and cookie decorating. I have a few parents who have said they are interested in helping with classroom parties. I will reach out to those parents for help with organizing it. My thoughts are that maybe we do a class get together again at a location where kids can spend an afternoon for an hour or two, decorating cookies and having hot cocoa. I will try to see what we can put together whether it's off campus or on campus and will keep you updated.
Gingerbread houses will be done in the class the last week before winter break and parents are welcome to come help or watch. I will put up a sign up form for items that we will need for it. I will also need a few parents that would be willing to make the icing that we use for the building and decorating, 32 icing bags for building and 32 icing bags for decorating.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
Monday, November 22nd
I apologize for not sending a newsflash last week but I have been under the weather with bronchitis, after many fluids, medicine, and rest, I'm feeling a little better now. I hope everyone is in the Thanksgiving spirit and may all of you have a beautiful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Here is what you need to know for the week.
No School
Wednesday-Friday for Thanksgiving break
Homework
Math: Lessons 36-38. We will collect lesson 38 on Monday. If any student is behind on their homework, this will be the week to get caught up.
Reading: 20min reading daily. November: (Historical Fiction)
Barter Day
Tomorrow afternoon we will be having barter day. Students can bring items from home (with parent permission) that they are okay to trade with other classmates. Only school appropriate items are allowed. Students can bring a towel or pillow case to put their items in and on.
Giving Back
So the kids have been so excited about the Giving Back projects. They have all grouped up and have spent time researching their charitable cause, what their goals are, the dates in which they want to start and end their Giving Back charity and they spent today making fliers and posters. The kids came up with a very long list of things they would like to do this school year from raising money for Phoenix Children's Hospital, having a clothing drive, raising money to purchase items for care packages for the homeless, creating awareness on pollution in our waters, collecting items for dogs in dog shelters, picking up trash around the community, signing up to do the Pat Tillman Run in April, and many more. What we are most excited about, is that the kids are putting so much time, effort, and compassion into wanting to give back to others.
We have a few groups that will be wanting to go on "Going Outs" to pick up trash in certain areas of town or go purchase items in order to put care packages together. If you are a willing parent that would be willing to chaperone a handful of students for any of these events/causes please let me know.
I will put together a calendar for kids to take home that will share all of the "Giving Back" causes that the kids are organizing.
That is it for this week. Have a beautiful rest of the week.
Monday, November 8th
A big THANK YOU to our moms' Emily Bond and Lisa Brown for taking a handful of our students to a local nursery to get our class garden up and running. The Garden crew did a beautiful job of putting our garden together. It looks absolutely beautiful!
Picture Retakes
Picture Retakes will be happening tomorrow, Tuesday, November 9th.
No School this Thursday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.
Homework
Math: Lessons 26-30 Due this week
Reading: Nov-Historical fiction Read 20min daily and complete nightly reading log
* This week we will be starting book talks for last months reading.
Food Drive:
Our community Girl Scouts will be collecting non-perishable donations from November 15 - 23. The food collected will benefit our neighbors in the Creighton School District.
The boxes will be located at each campus and will be picked up by the Creighton Community Foundation.
Giving Back
Our kiddos will be organizing our monthly "Giving Back" projects calendar and we will share with everyone what our first Giving Back project will be. Be on the look out for either a flyer, poster, email, etc. that will contain all the details.
October Lessons
Science- Nutrition of animals, STEM on gravity/buoyancy of creating a raft out of recyclable items that can hold the most weight.
History- Paleo Americans, History of Halloween, History of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Geography- Mapping states and capitals of the Americas
Language- Prefix, Suffix, Homophones, Sentence Fragments, Run-On Sentences
Grammar- 4th- Sentence Analysis, Prepositional phrases, 5th & 6th- Sentence Analysis, Types of Adjectives, Types of Adverbs, Prepositional Phrases
Reading- Story Works
Writing- Opinion Writing Should Lulu Get a Cell Phone?, Should Olivia Get a Dog?, and Should Halloween Be on Saturday?
Geometry- 4th- Angles, 5th- Polygons, 6th- Triangles & Circles
Math- 4th Adding and subtracting fractions, factors 5th- Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers, Simplifying fractions 6th- Dividing fractions and mixed numbers, Prime factorization
Have a beautiful and blessed week.
Monday, October 25th
Happy Monday! It was great to see so many friendly faces on Saturday at Grenada Park. Thank you Lisa Moore for organizing that beautiful class social. We will for sure be having more class gatherings so that families can get together outside of the school setting. This week, E2 will celebrate Spirit Week. Below is the schedule of the theme for each day and it is also it is early dismissal on Friday, October 29th.
Spirit Week Schedule
Each day students may dress up for the following themes.
Tuesday, October 26th: Superhero T-Shirt Day, wear a shirt representing your favorite superhero
Wednesday, October 27th: Neon Day, wear as much neon and bright colors as possible
Thursday, October 28th: Formal Day, wear your fancy clothes
Friday, October 29th: Favorite Book Character Day, dress up like your favorite book character
Make sure to follow the school dress code, no visible under garments or offensive pictures or words.
Early Dismissal
Friday, October 29th- 11:30AM (ALL STUDENTS) for Professional Development
Homework
Math- Lessons 16-20
Reading- 20min daily (fill out reading log daily) Oct.- Mystery Nov.- Historical Fiction
Volunteering Opportunities
If you would like to volunteer in some way, below are a few ideas that I have come up with so far. Please feel free to email me and let me know if one of these volunteering opportunities seems good for you.
Reading Buddy- Be part of one of our Book Club groups. Students will meet in small groups, a few times a week (Mondays and Tuesdays) for 30min from
12:00-12:30, to read a chosen book aloud to one another. If you are interested in reading with these groups of kids and having book discussions please contact me.
Class Presenter- Are you an expert in a specific field and want to share your knowledge with the class, set up a day to present to the class either in person.
Art, Science, or STEM Parent- On Fridays we will switch off between art and science clubs. Friday afternoons from 1:00-2:00, students will take part in either an art or science/STEM activity. If you are a parent interested in running or organizing any of these activities, please let me know.
Class Holiday Party Helper- Parent helper for our holiday parties such as building and decorating gingerbread houses, or decorating cookies, Valentines Day class party, 6th Grade Celebration, etc. If you like planning, decorating, or just lending a helping hand for any or all of these class parties, please let me know.
Social Events Parent- We would like to have a few "parent only" get togethers along with a few more "class" (parents and kids) get togethers. If you are a social butterfly and love planning any social outings, please let me know and we can get dates and details situated.
This is all I have for you today. I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed week!
Tuesday, October 19th
Tuesday, October 19th
Hello Everyone, I hope everyone had a relaxing, rejuvenating, and fun break! We ready to get back into the groove of things and do some exciting stuff for the remainder of 2021.
Picture Day
Picture Day is this Thursday, October 21st for E2 students. Please make sure you register your student before Thursday.
Here is the link:
Register for School Photos
Parents, please navigate to this link, click on Register for School Photos, enter access code Villa2021 then click on the button that says "open album". You will be directed to a registration form that will allow them to register their children for school photos. Then you will select the class your child is in to complete registration. You can click the + at the bottom of the page to register more than one child.
Class Get Together
Join us for a family get-together for Leticia’s class at Grenada Park! Saturday, October 23 around 9:00 AM. Thank you Lisa Moore for generously bringing coffee and fruit! It’s a great park for kids of all ages. I hope you all can join in!
Book Exchange
Our class would like to start a book exchange library. Students can bring in books from home that they no longer want or need and we will have a basket in the class where students can grab books from the basket as often as they'd like.
Book Clubs
In class, students will create book clubs in which each group will choose a book within the genre of the month to read together. We will read and have book discussions, mini assignments, and a group book report project once each group finishes their book. This will all be done in class, but the goal is to get students excited to read different types of literature. Mythology will be the first genre for the months of Oct and Nov.
Garden
We will be starting our class garden this month. A few mom's have volunteered to get it going. A group of students who would like to be part of the garden committee will have an opportunity to help organize and take care of the class garden. There might be an opportunity where those students will go on a "Going Out" with parent permission, to go shop for all necessary items needed for the garden. Thank you to moms Lisa and Emily for getting this started.
Class Charity
David and I would like students to get into the habit of giving back and doing great things for charitable causes. As a class, we will be coming up with different ways in which our class can give back and help others. Things such as book, toy, food, clothing drives or collecting change for Phoenix Children's Hospital, putting care packages together, etc. are just a few ideas that we have discussed so far as a class. The class will have a Giving Back opportunity monthly. I will inform you on when this will begin and all the details that will go with it.
Homework
Math: Lessons 11-15 due this week
Reading: Read 20min a day and fill out reading log daily.
October genre: Mystery
Volunteering Opportunities
I will be putting together a list of ways in which parents can sign up to volunteer in and out of the class. I will have it available within the next week. There will be opportunities such as Garden Club, Reading buddy, Presenting to the class, Organizing or judging a class field day, Open House (to come visit the class and have your child show you some work) etc. Again, I'm putting this list together and will add to it as more ideas come up.
Hope you all have such a beautiful and blessed week!
October 5, 2021
Hello everyone! I finally got my replacement phone today...YAY! Life has been hard without it. LOL! Last week we were lucky to have a local Hispanic artist who specializes in mask making talk to the class via ZOOM. Students have chosen different topics of study for Hispanic Heritage Month and one student asked if he could do a live interview via ZOOM with his artist Zarco Guerrero. Zarco Guerrero was amazing and fun and our 6th grade student did an amazing job of coming up with questions in which we could learn more about the people and things that helped inspire and influence him throughout his career.
On another note, this week the class is working hard on their weekly classwork but have been really getting into the STEM group project we have assigned. Students have been put into groups and are trying to build a floatable raft that can hold the heaviest weight using recyclable objects from home. So far it has been a blast watching each group construct their raft and really learn how to collaborate, cooperate, and communicate with one another. To say the least, David and I are proud of the students and the effort they are putting into their weekly and monthly research projects.
Here is the rest of class information for the week...
Fall Break is next week, Monday, October 11th- Friday, October 15th.
Homework
Math: Lessons 6-10
Reading: 20min of daily reading (Oct. Mystery)
Book talks for Fantasy/Science Fiction have started this week and will continue the week after fall break for any student who is trying to finish reading their book.
Students need to complete one math assignment and one reading entry over Fall Break. When students return to school Monday, October 18th they should be turning Lesson 11.
Picture Day
Picture Day for E2 will be happening Thursday, October 21st. All families must register their child PRIOR to picture day.
Here is the link:
Register for School Photos
Parents, please navigate to this link, click on Register for School Photos, enter access code Villa2021 then click on the button that says "open album". You will be directed to a registration form that will allow them to register their children for school photos. Then you will select the class your child is in to complete registration. You can click the + at the bottom of the page to register more than one
September Lessons
Grammar- 4th Sentence Analysis, Prepositional phrases
5th & 6th- Sentence Analysis, types of nouns, types of adjectives
Language- Sentence Fragments, Roots, Suffixes
Reading- Inference, Author's craft, Main Idea & supporting details
Writing- Opinion Writing
Geometry- 4th Types of Lines, Angles
5th Angles, Polygons
6th Parts of a Circle, 7 Triangles of Reality
Math- 4th Numeration, Array, +/- Fractions and mixed numbers w/ like denominators
5th Reducing/Simplifying fractions, +/- fractions & mixed numbers with unlike denominators
6th Writing expressions, dividing fractions and mixed numbers
Science- Digestive system of animals
History- Hispanic Heritage, Paleo America
Geography- Countries, States/Territories/Provinces, Bodies of Water and Landforms South America & North America, and Hurricane research
September 27, 2021
Happy Monday to all my beautiful families. Here is all the class info that you will need to know for this week.
Homework
Math- New math homework packets were handed out on Friday. If your child did not get one, please inform me asap. Last months math homework was all review of concepts students should have mastered at the end of last school year. We are now starting this school years Common Core math homework curriculum and it will spiral from start to finish with the concepts each grade level will need to cover this school year. It will start off pretty easy but the concepts are still important to review and practice and each concept will then go in sequential order and will get more challenging as new concepts are introduced.
*Lessons 1-5 Due this week
Reading- 20min of daily reading...fill out reading log.
We are starting Science Fiction/Fantasy book talks this Friday and will carry over into next week until all students have presented their book talk.
*October genre: Mystery
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday will start this Friday, Oct. 1st. Please make sure your child has an individual "Pizza Friday" snack and juice since we will no longer be doing "Whole Class Pizza Friday Snack." We have chosen Hungry Howie's as our pizza restaurant. There will also be pizza available for students who need gluten and dairy free options.
Gardening Parent
We are in need of a parent who would be willing to help start our class garden. We would need a parent to come 1-2x to get us started and possibly be willing to volunteer to help with the garden throughout the year once and "if" the school establishes it's opening up of the campus. Please email me if you are interested in taking on this volunteering opportunity.
Scholastic Book Flyers
We are in need of a parent who would like to put together Scholastic Book flyers for students to be able to order books each month. This volunteering opportunity would start in mid October once the scholastic order forms come in. The flyers/order forms would need to be separated and put together in order to hand out to students. Please let me know if you are interested in being our "Scholastic Book" parent.
Goal Setting Forms
It was nice to see each of you for your child's goal setting conference. I will be making copies and sending home each goal setting form that your child and David and I filled out for this school year. Expect to see a copy of the goal setting forms in your child's communication folder this week.
That is all I have for you this week. Have a beautiful and blessed night!
September 21, 2021
I hope everyone is doing well. This past week in the classroom has been awesome! The kids have been presenting their various projects of different mapping of the world, research brochures of famous mountains within the world, Six kingdoms project, and we are starting presentations of different projects on the Digestive System of various animals and Hispanic Heritage Research and Projects. Your child might bring home some of these topics of research and projects to work on but it is not mandatory. We are super proud of each and every student for showing off their hard work and courage to present confidently in front of their peers. I'm excited to continue to see this throughout the year. Here is what you need to know for this week.
Early Dismissal
11:30am Friday, September 24th for Goal Setting Conferences
Homework
Math: Lessons 16-20 Due this week
Reading: Read daily for 20min and fill out Reading Log daily
September Book Genre: Science Fiction or Fantasy
*A new math homework packet will be handed out by Friday.
Goal Setting Conferences
Goal setting conferences are for your child to share what their goals are for this school year. They will be sharing a goal setting sheet that they have completed prior to their conference
Student, parent and teacher will be present during the conference and conference times will be limited to no more than 20min. Conferences will be held over Zoom. The Zoom Link is posted below
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73105016359?pwd=ZW1Uci8xd1NueEtFYWdYeDV4NkQvUT09
Meeting ID: 731 0501 6359
Passcode: UsmMs3
A sign up genius email was sent out yesterday with available days and times to sign up for. If none of the available times work for you please email me at [email protected] to discuss other available times.
Pizza Friday: We will be starting Pizza Friday, Friday, October 1st. If you have not done so already please fill out the Pizza Friday form by this Friday, September 24th.
Students will vote this week on which pizza restaurant we will use for pizza Friday. If your child has food allergies or cannot have dairy or gluten...I will special order 1-2 pizzas for them, once I know how many students will need it.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!
September 13, 2021
Homework
Math: Lessons 11-15 Due this week
Reading: Read daily for 20min and fill out Reading Log daily
September Book Genre: Science Fiction or Fantasy
Goal Setting Conferences
Goal setting conferences are for your child to share what their goals are for this school year. They will be sharing a goal setting sheet that they have completed prior to their conference
Student, parent and teacher will be present during the conference and conference times will be limited to no more than 20min. I have set aside Wednesday, and Friday of this week and next week for parents to sign up. Conferences will be held over Zoom. The Zoom Link is posted below
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73105016359?pwd=ZW1Uci8xd1NueEtFYWdYeDV4NkQvUT09
Meeting ID: 731 0501 6359
Passcode: UsmMs3
A sign up genius email was sent out yesterday with available days and times to sign up for. If none of the available times work for you please email me at [email protected] to discuss other available times.
Pizza Friday: We will be starting Pizza Friday, Friday, October 1st. If you have not done so already please fill out the Pizza Friday form and return no later than Friday, September 24th.
Next Friday, September 17th and the following Friday, September 24th will be Half-Days school will be out at 11:30 am for Goal Setting Conferences.
September 6, 2021
Homework
Math: Lessons 6 & 7 will be due tomorrow, Tuesday. Lessons 6-10 are due this week
Reading: Daily reading of 20min and signed reading log. September Genre is Science Fiction or Fantasy
Covid Pool Testing
Families who have chosen for your child to be part of the weekly Covid Pool testing, it will not be done this week but will resume next Monday. You will only receive news/communication if there is a positive test result. So, No News is Good News!
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday will be back this year! Pizza Friday will start Friday, October 1st. The form and payment information will be sent home in your child’s "Communication Folder" this week.
Here are a few payment options for Pizza Friday:
- Full Year of Pizza Friday = $120 due by Sept. 24th
- First Half of Year = $50 due by Sept. 24th
- Second Half of Year = $70 due by Jan 14th
Our class has Specials on Wednesday afternoons. Specials include Art, PE, Music, and Computer Science (typing). Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for PE. and has a water bottle.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!
Monday, August 30th
Hello everyone,
Happy Monday!! I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing weekend. Here is what you need to know for this week...
School Directed Quarantine vs Parent Decision to Quarantine
If you are contacted by the is school directly because of the need for your child to quarantine either because of being a "Close Contact" or testing Positive for Covid-19, your child will not be marked absent but your child will NEED to check in with me daily at 8:45 on ZOOM and the link is available in the Google Classroom and I'm attaching it below. Currently there is a folder that can be picked up at the main office that will include work that your child may work on throughout the week or the days they have to quarantine. Students may also work on math homework and work on any class projects that are also able to be completed at home.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71436643541?pwd=TVZJQTNycENjeSs1aXFpdEsxLy9pUT09
Meeting ID: 714 3664 3541
Passcode: 4tC8ZS
On the other hand, if YOU make the decision to keep your child at home but it was not directed by the school, your child will be marked absent and will not be considered part of the "Remote Learning Plan" (which includes Zoom meetings, work folder, etc.).
I just want to reassure you that we are taking necessary precaution to make sure students are maintaining safe distancing, washing hands, and being mindful of groupings and seating charts in order to reduce and do my best to prevent any spreading of the virus. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this and I will do my best to answer your questions and/or problem solve any scenarios.
Homework
Math: Lessons 1-5 are due this week. (Please check your child's work daily and initial).Homework is checked daily in the morning. If your child has any difficulty with any of the concepts please put a note in their communication or homework folder.
Reading: Read 20min daily and fill out the reading log (Parent initials required) and turn in daily. This September please have your child pick a Fantasy or Science Fiction book to read. I can give a list of books in that genre and students may also ask Ms. Shawn (E2 librarian) for any recommendations. As students finish reading books, please let them know to sign up for a book talk.
No School
Monday, September 6th- Labor Day!
August Lessons
History: Big Bang 6th gr presentation, Timeline of Life, History of Humans
Geography: Mapping of the world, Mapping major mountains of the world
Science: Classification of Living Things, 6 Kingdoms
Grammar: Reviewing parts of speech, Sentence Analysis (4th grade), Types of nouns (5th grade & 6th), Types of adjectives (6th grade)
Language: Synonyms (all)
Writing: Daily editing, Informative writing, creative writing
Math: 4th: Arrays (multiplication) 5th: Reducing/Simplifying fractions 6th: Writing equations
Geometry: Geometry star (art work using straight lines), Types of lines (4th grade), Measuring angles (5th grade), Parts of a circle (6th grade)
Have a beautiful and blessed week!
Monday, August 23, 2021
Hello everyone,
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a good start to the week so far. I just want to start off by saying that I am doing my best to be mindful and on point with students and what is expected with wearing masks. I do make mistakes with the info but I call myself out immediately if I share misinformation. I am trying to stay on top of any and ongoing changes in the rules, guidelines, expectations with mask wearing. Thank you to all families bearing with me and showing support of me trying to keep up with it all.
Here is what you need to know for this week...
Early Dismissal
This Friday, August 27th: 11:30am dismissal for all students for teacher development
Homework
Math: Homework packets with an answer key will be handed out this Friday and one math lesson will be due on Monday, August 30th. You are asked to check your child's math work and initial it daily. If your child is having trouble with any of the math concepts, please send a note so that we can provide mini lessons for your child.
Reading: I will be sending home a reading log in your child's communication folder and starting next Monday, students should be reading daily for about 20min and a parent signature/initials will be required on a daily reading log. There will be a list of genres of books that students should be focusing on each month.
September- Fantasy or Science fiction
Specials
Specials start tomorrow, August 25th. Please make sure your child wears appropriate shoes and clothing for PE
No School
Monday, September 6th
Monday, August 16, 2021
Last week came and went by so quickly. The kids are absolutely wonderful and I'm so excited to see what this school year is going to bring. Students are already stepping into leadership roles and all new students seem to be transitioning well so far. This past week we were able to go over classroom procedures and expectations, We were also able to engage in daily community building activities allowing students to get to know one another better, complete some beginning of the year assessments, and vote on students to fulfill classroom leadership roles for the months of Aug. and Sep.. Congratulations to the following students for being voted into the following classroom roles. It was a tight race and I'm super proud of all the students who were nominated. We were also able to engage in daily community building activities allowing students to get to know one another.
Class President: Olivia (Run the class and make sure everyone is on task and doing what they should be doing, checking communication folders, passing out papers)
Vice President: Jewel (Helps the President with each task)
Supervisor: Zooey (Makes sure students are washing their hands for 20sec, monitors clean up time to make sure everyone is contributing, timer during share, is one of the scribes during weekly class meetings)
Secretary: Owen (takes attendance, makes copies, helps David or me when and if needed, is the scribe during weekly class meetings)
Mediator: Elliot (mediates when needed and is in charge of running Courageous Conversations between students)
This week in class we are finishing up beginning of the year assessments. Students were also given their Big Picture of work for the week and they spent time today planning their week in their mentor groups. All book talks were completed and I was super impressed with all of the book talk presentations and the poise each student showed during their presentation. This week students will begin receiving lessons and will be able to start the process of learning how to set daily work goals and prioritize their work accordingly.
Homework
Students who are still working on their summer homework should continue to do so until fully complete. Regular homework folders and reading logs will be handing out on Friday, Aug. 27th so that the first lesson and one daily reading can be completed and turned in on Monday, August 30th.
Helping Hands/Donations
Thank you to all families who have been so kind and generous to donate supplies and/or gift cards or money to help with classroom materials and supplies. You are so greatly appreciated. It all is so extremely helpful.
Parent Orientation
I was so grateful and appreciative to have you join me last Thursday for Parent Orientation. I know how busy each of you are, so thank you for taking time out of your day to listen to me babble for an hour. LOL! I did send a hard copy of the slide show on Friday and I will also attach a digital copy to this email. If you have any questions pertaining to any part of the meeting or packet, please feel free to contact me.
Carline Reminders
- Only students in the Circle program should be dropped-off before 7:45 am in the morning. Everyone else can be dropped-off between 7:45 am – 8:30 am.
- We want to encourage independence of the students, in the morning they should have their lunchbox and backpack ready and able to exit the car on their own.
- We are working on troubleshooting issues with afternoon carline, Camelback High School changed their dismissal time which seems to be impacting our carline. Please be patient and understanding, while we work on these issues.
Have a positive and beautiful week!
Monday, August 10, 2021
Yesterday was such an amazing day! It was so nice to see all the kiddos and to hear about their summer break. We were able to go over some of the expectations for this school year along with organizing classroom supplies and do some community building. The kids were all extremely welcoming and inclusive with one another.
This week we will be completing some beginning of the year assessments, sharing book talks, and helping students to transition into this new school year.
Book Talk Presentations
We will begin book talk presentations today through next Monday. Below is the day and time your child signed up to present. You are welcome to watch the presentation via ZOOM. I will try my best to stay on schedule and if any changes need to be made with the time in which your child is presenting, I will attempt to contact you.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72967268527?pwd=MVNVQlFLTWwxc1NGMDYydklFZjludz09
Meeting ID: 729 6726 8527
Passcode: jtu7Gp
Book Talk Schedules
Tue
12:00 Owen 12:10 Lincoln 12:20 Olivia 2:00 Zooey 2:10 Grace 2:20 Shalev
Wed
12:00 Beckett 12:10 Tanner 12:20 Jett 2:00 Elliot 2:10 Keaton 2:20 Amira
Thu
12:00 Harry 12:10 Gus 12:20 Pierson 2:00 Hannah 2:10 Evie 2:20 Madeline
Fri
12:00 Ellie W. 12:10 Ben 12:20 Kai 2:00 Margot 2:10 Quinn 2:20 Otis
Mon
12:00 Stella 12:10 Jewel 2:00 Ivy
Homework
Summer homework was and will continue to be collected this week. If your child did not complete their summer homework they will need to do so. Our regular homework schedule will not start until Aug. 30th so until then, students who have not completed their summer homework may work on it until completion. It is important that we get the children in the good habit of completing necessary class and homework assignments and turning it in on their due dates. Any student who is struggling with their homework are encouraged to come talk to David or me in order to get help.
Face Coverings
A "face covering decision form" was sent to all families. Please read over the form and make a decision on whether or not you will want your child to wear a mask. If you choose to have your child "opt out" of mask wearing, the school will need to be informed. We will expect all students who have not opted out, to wear their mask while in the classroom excluding lunch and recess times.
Carline Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Class hours are the same for Elementary I and II (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). We have a morning carline to help unload students and move cars quickly and safely through the parking lot from 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. and an afternoon pick-up carline from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Parents are to pull into the Elementary Campus on 28th Street and follow the parking lot design. The student drop-off lane is marked as such. Staff will be there to guide you. Once your child has been dropped off or picked up, follow the drive and use the turn-around to exit back onto 28th Street.
Students were given blue carline signs for the dash of cars that will be picking your child up from school throughout the school year. We provide you with four signs, if you need more signs please let me know.
Elementary students who walk or bike to school need to enter the campus from the carline gates. These students will be gathered by the classroom teacher at the end of the day, and a staff member will escort them to the designated gate on Meadowbrook Ave., where they will exit campus. A permission form must be completed by the parent in order for this to be allowed. You can access the permission form on our website under the FORMS page – a new form must be filled out each school year. Please submit the form at least one week prior to your student needing this permission. No student will be allowed to leave campus in this fashion without a signed copy of the form on file in the office. This procedure is only for families that live within walking/biking distance of the school.
Students who are not walking or biking HOME are to be picked up via carline. Carline continues until 3:30. If your child has not been picked up by 3:30, they will be taken to the office, and a late fee of $1.00/minute will be charged.
Important Things to Note
If your child is ready to be loaded into the car at pick-up and discovers he/she has forgotten something in the classroom, you will need to park, and your child will need to enter the campus and retrieve their forgotten item(s).
Please use the “every other car” routine to help those turning left into the parking lot.
NO LEFT TURNS when exiting the parking lot onto 28th St. during drop-off/pick-up times.
NO U-TURNS are permitted in the parking lot during drop-off/pick-up times.
When needing to park in one of the parking spaces facing north, use the turn-around rather than crossing the westbound lane of the parking lot. Students have almost been hit by cars attempting to turn left into these parking spaces.
The staff parking area MAY NOT BE USED FOR EXITING. Please use the turn-around.
For the safety of everyone, please DO NOT USE YOUR CELL PHONE while dropping off or picking up.
Please be sure to display the name card(s) you will be provided on your dashboard.
All Day Contract students that arrive before 7:45 a.m. will go to the Davis building for morning Circle and will be signed in by a staff member or by themselves (providing you have given permission for them to do so). After-school Circle for Elementary I students will be held in the Davis building.
Afterschool Circle for Elementary II students will be held in my classroom ROOM 204.
When you arrive to pick up your child, please call the Circle Room (602-354-3649) and your child will meet you at carline.
Parent Orientation
The Parent Orientation Meeting will be a virtual meeting on Thursday, August 12th from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. I will be going over important class information during the meeting. I will post the Zoom link early Thursday morning.
Wednesday, August 4th
Hello New and Returning Families,
I hope everyone had a beautiful, fun, and relaxing summer break. I look forward to seeing all the kiddos and getting to know all of you so much better throughout the school year. As the last week of summer is wrapping up, here is what you will need to know for the first day of school, Monday, August 9th.
Supply List
You can find the class supply list in the "2021 Supply List" tab above. Please have your student bring in their supplies the first day of school (new students may also bring their supplies during the optional Open House if they will be attending).
Optional Open House for New Students
There will be an optional Open House for new children in the classroom on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
New students should be dropped off in the carline in the north parking lot at 1:00 p.m. They will have a health check, and then they will be escorted to my classroom, room 204.
Open house is for students only. Parents should pick up their students in the carline at 2:00 p.m.
Summer Homework
Summer homework will be due the first week back. If students have not completed all of their summer packet, they will be expected to complete for homework until it is complete.
Book Talks
Students will be giving book talk presentations the first week of school. Book Talks are approximately 10min long. If parents would like to watch their child present their book talk I will email a zoom link and inform all families the day and time your child will be presenting. I have included a Book Talk Rubric in the "Book Talk Rubric" tab above.
Book talks are a way to allow students to share 1 book they read with the intention of getting their classmates excited to possibly read the book. Your child will only need to give a book talk for 1 book they read over the summer.
During the book talk your child should give a summary of the book, explain the characters, setting, and 3 important events from the book, rate the book and who they recommend read the book. Students may also find a short (few sentences or paragraph) passage from the book that they would like to read to class. The book talk can be accompanied with a project your child may have completed but it is not mandatory.
Parent Orientation
The Parent Orientation Meeting will be a virtual meeting on Thursday, August 12th from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. I will be going over important class information during the meeting. An email with the Zoom link will be sent early next week.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me through email at [email protected].
I hope all of you have a beautiful remainder of the week and I look forward to seeing everyone in some capacity next week.
Ms. Leticia
May 24th Newsflash
Last Day of School
Wednesday, May 26th at 11:30AM
6th Grade Celebration
The 6th grade ceremony was a success and I want to thank all the families that were able to join via ZOOM. I will be putting the recording of it in my Google Classroom but will also try to find a way to make it available through email to any 6th grade family that would like to have it. Also, the slide show that was played at the end of the ceremony can be available through Drop Box. If you'd like it sent to you, please let me know. Thank you to Luis for putting together that beautiful slideshow. The kiddos absolutely loved it!!
Middle School Tours
6th grade students who were placed on the Orlando campus were able to tour the campus today and the students placed on the Campbell campus will tour the campus tomorrow. Summer homework for middle schoolers are being handed out this week.
Campbell campus tour: Tuesday, May 25th from 12 pm – 1pm
Great Lives Zoom Video
I have not forgotten the recorded Zoom videos of your child's presentation. I promise to have it available for viewing this week. I will send out an email once I figure out how to do it. LOL!
Summer Homework
Summer homework for returning 4th and 5th graders were sent home last week. A summer homework contract with options was sent home with the folder. Please look it over thoroughly and decide which assignments your child will complete over the summer. Please return the summer homework contract no later than tomorrow so that I may make a copy and return it back to you. Remote learners who will be returning can pick up their summer homework packets in carline, they will be in my teacher box. The Remote learners do not have a few of the items in their folder so I will be sure to include it in an email.
Pajama/Game Day
Tomorrow, May 25th. Students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school and can bring one blanket/pillow. Students may also bring in any board games to play tomorrow. It will be movie and game day.
Remote Learner End of the Year Parade
Remote Learners will be cheered on by their classmates and teachers when they drive through the parking lot and say goodbye to the 2020-2021 school year.
The Elementary II Drive-Thru Parade will take place on May 26th at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot on the north side of the campus.
Please arrive promptly at 9:00 a.m. and drive through the carline area and circle back to exit the parking lot back on 28th street. Please keep moving (do not park) and wave to your friends. Feel free to bring signs or decorations.
Parent Coordinator
I want to thank Andrea Boltz-Garcia for being a wonderful Parent Coordinator for our class. Unfortunately her son is a 6th grader so I will be losing not only him but her as well. If anyone is open to wanting to be our Parent Class Coordinator please let me know. Andrea has said she would be willing to inform anyone who is interested on the duties that it entails. I really do my best to send out the weekly Newsflash, so a lot of the communication sent is from PTO and the school. I do try to keep the workload very light. LOL! But please shoot me a text or email if your are interested or willing to take on that role.
Summer Tutoring List
The list of optional places and teachers in which you can possibly schedule for extra academic support for your child will be sent home and through email tomorrow.
Have a Beautiful Week!!
May 17,2021
Great Lives
We are wrapping up Great Lives presentations. They have been fabulous and fun to watch. Thank you to the families and students for the hard work that was put into your projects and presentations.
Classroom Clean
This week we will be cleaning the classroom thoroughly. Students will take home all of their work and belongings. Please have your child bring a durable bag in order to fit all of their belongings.
Summer Tutoring
This week I will email a tutoring list and a list learning centers for any parent who might be interested for their child to get some extra support this summer. Villa may be offering a summer class to help students so I will let you know as soon as that decision is made.
Summer Homework
We will be passing out summer homework this week. I will summer homework packets to returning 4th and 5th grade students and 6th graders will be getting their homework from the middle school.
Any student who is a Remote Learner that will be returning next year may pick up their summer homework packet this week in my box located in Carline.
Middle School Tour
6th grade students will be walking over to the middle school next week in order to tour the campus. If your child was placed on Orlando, they will tour on Monday, May 24th and if your child was placed on Campbell, they will tour on Tuesday, May 25th. Please make sure your child returns their permission by this Friday, May 21st.
Middle School Info Video
The middle school will be sending 6th grade families an informative video so that you may become a little more familiar with their program/curriculum. This is in lieu of their usual parent meeting that is typically held during this time. An actual "In Person" meeting will be held in August.
Class Field Day at Los Olivos Park
This Thursday, the class will walk to Los Olivos Park for some fun in the morning. Please make sure your child returns their permission slip by Wednesday. Remote learners are welcome to join, with their parent permission. We will walk over at 9am and stay until 11:30ish.
The 6th graders have planned the events for that day. Activities such as a 3 legged race, egg toss, potato sack race, etc. will be played and to add to the fun, I thought kids could bring water guns (in order to stay cool). The water guns is purely optional.
Depending on how hot it is, we will determine whether we will have lunch at the park or back at the school.
6th Grade Lunch Going Out
Friday, May 21st 10:30-12:30
6th graders and I will walk to a nearby establishment to get lunch and a fun treat. The 6th graders will determine the location but know that it has to be within walking distance.
6th Grade Celebration
Monday, May 24th 10:30-11:30am (ZOOM)
The 6th graders and I are trying to plan their celebration. This celebration will be through ZOOM and should not be any longer than an hour. What I would like to do is put together a slide show along with having a cute and fun game using 6th graders baby pictures.
6th grade parents, if you have a baby picture and current picture of your child, please email or text it to me by this Wednesday please. Also, if any parents have any pictures of your 6th child or one of the 6th graders in the class from the past 3 years, please send it to me so that we can have a collection of pictures to include in the slide show.
If there is a parent who would be willing to put together a short slide show please contact me as well. I am hoping to play the slide show at the very end of the 6th grade celebration on Monday, May 24th.
Monday, May 10, 2021
Great Lives Project
Students will be presenting their Great Lives Projects in class this week, please see the list below of when your child signed-up to present.
Tuesday, May 11th: Keaton, Stella, Hannah, Ellie W., Damon
Wednesday, May 12th: Grayson, Luc, Lilia, Judah, Lincoln
Thursday, May 13th: Elliot, Harry, Jewel, Rose, Olivia
Monday, May 17th: Nia, Evie, Caius, Rhys, Jett
Old School Ice Cream Truck
The Old School Ice Cream Truck is coming to Villa Wednesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 13th. Our class will be able to enjoy buying ice cream on Wednesday from 1:15-1:40. Please make sure you sign your student’s permission slip and turn it in by no later than Wednesday morning.
Progress Reports
I will be emailing progress reports this week before your scheduled conference or if you don't sign up for a conference, it will be emailed to you before Friday. A sign up will be emailed to you through Sign Up Genius.
Early Dismissal
This Friday, May 14th: 11:30 Dismissal
Homework
Math: 86-90
Reading: 20 minutes of reading a night (work on book report projects)
Class Field Day
Thursday, May 20th
I thought it would be fun to end the school year with a class field day since we are unable to have an end of year class party. The 6th graders will be planning the events for this day. Activities such as a 3 legged race, egg toss, potato sack race, etc. will be played and to add to the fun, I thought kids could bring water guns (in order to stay cool). The water guns is purely optional.
We will walk to Los Olivos Park at 9am and will stay there until 11:30ish. Depending on how hot it is, we will determine whether we will have lunch at the park or back at the school.
A permission slip will be sent home by this Friday and will need to be returned by next Wednesday, May 19th.
6th Grade Lunch Going Out
Friday, May 21st 10:30-12:30
6th graders and I will walk to a nearby establishment to get lunch and a fun treat. The 6th graders will determine the location but know that it has to be within walking distance.
6th Grade Celebration
Monday, May 24th 10:30-11:30am (ZOOM)
The 6th graders and I are trying to plan their celebration. This celebration will be through ZOOM and should not be any longer than an hour. What I would like to do is put together a slide show along with having a cute and fun game using 6th graders baby pictures. 6th grade parents, if you have a baby picture and current picture of your child, please email or text it to me by Monday, May 17th. Also, if any parents have any pictures of your 6th child or one of the 6th graders in the class from the past 3 years, please send it to me so that we can have a collection of pictures to include in the slide show.
If there is a parent who would be willing to put together a short slide show please contact me as well. I am hoping to play the slide show at the very end of the 6th grade celebration on Monday, May 24th.
6th Grade Middle School Shadow Day: 12:00-1:30
You will be receiving a letter as to which campus your child will be place at before Monday, May 24th. Any 6th grade student who is placed on the Orlando campus will shadow on Monday, May 24th from 12-1:30. Any 6th grader who is placed on the Campbell campus will shadow on Tuesday, May 25th from 12-1:30. I will inform 6th grade parents when permission slips to walk there are sent out.
Monday, May 3, 2021
In-Person Homework
Math: 81-85 (If they were caught up). New homework folders will be passed out once students have completed lesson 80.
Reading: 20 minutes of reading a night.
Great Lives: Your child should be working on their visual aide (Tri-fold board or Slideshow) AND their 3D project. Presentations will start next week. A form was sent home with the requirements for 3D project, Tri-Fold board (if your child chooses this option) and presentation.
* I am giving students time in class this week to work on their Great Lives Tri-Fold board or Slideshow. BUT, students shou\d be working rigorously on their project at home.
Ice Cream Social Old School Ice Cream Bus
An old school ice cream bus will be coming to Villa May 12th and May 13th to allow students to pick out a treat. A permission slip form was sent home with your child last week that has the treats that will be available for purchase. If your child has dietary restrictions please let us know. We are asking for an optional $5 donation.
Progress Reports
I will email 2nd semester progress reports for In-Person Learners next week. The progress report will contain topics that were covered, end of year assessment scores and math test average along with a short narrative of your child's strengths and things they need to work on academically and socially. Once you get your child’s progress report, you may sign up for an optional parent/teacher conference that will be held via ZOOM. I will email the sign up genius link along with the progress report.
Half-Days
This Friday, May 7th and next Friday, May 14th, school will be out at 11:30 am.
April 26th, 2021
So proud of the Remote Learners and their tenacity to get through testing this week. It is almost over!!
Remote Learners AZM2 Testing
Tuesday: Math (4th-6th)
Homework
Math- Lessons 76-80
Reading- Daily 15-20min.
Great Lives Project- Students should be working on their 3D projects and visual aid (Tri-fold board or slideshow). Everything will be due the week of May 10th.
April Lessons
Math- 4th & 5th Decimal practice 6th proportions
Geometry- Area/Volume
Reading- Grade Level Novel Study/ Synthesizing, Close reading
Language/Grammar- Quotations, Abbreviations, Figurative language
Writing- Expository & Research writing
Cultural- Digestive system/ Ancient Rome/ Mapping of Europe
Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
April 19th, 2021
So happy that AZM2 testing is finally complete for a majority of the kiddos. 5th graders will wrap up testing this Thursday with their Science test. Thank you to all families that donated snacks during the week and days of testing. I am proud of all my kids for having the tenacity and good attitude during testing time.
Our fieldtrip to the park today was a blast and students were able to have some fun. We played soccer, volleyball, ate lunch, had a balloon fight and wrapped it all up with playing on the playground equipment. It was a blast and we hope to be able to do it again. Thank you to the families that donated snacks and water balloons for our fun day today.
Villa Auction is up and running. This is the week of giving and the proceeds go toward assistant pay. If at all possible, please check out the items up in the auction and donate if you can.
Remote Learners
Testing on the following days:
Friday, April 23rd: Science, only 5th graders
Monday, April 26th: ELA, 4th-6th graders
Tuesday, April 27th: Math, 4th-6th graders
Homework:
Math: Lessons 71-75
Reading: Daily 15-20min reading and working on a book report project of their choice
Great Lives: Students should continue to work on their Great Lives Projects. I will conference with students in class and have them also edit their rough drafts during class time this week. At home they should continue to work on their 3D projects, and visual presentations. The Final Draft is due Monday, April 26th.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!!
April 12, 2021
AZM2 Testing
Remote Learners
Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 13th- ELA Writing
Friday, April 23rd (5th Grade Only)- Science
Monday, April 26th- ELA Reading Parts 1 & 2
Tuesday, April 27th- Math Parts 1 & 2
In Person Learners
Wednesday, April 14th: Writing 4-6th graders
Thursday, April 15th: ELA 4th-6th graders
Friday, April 16th: Math 4th-6th graders
Thursday, April 22nd: Science only 5th graders
Thank you to the the following families who signed up to bring in morning snack this week for the in-person learners:
Wednesday: Alexandra Marcy and Raymer family
Thursday: Emily Bond and Nicole Curtin
Friday: Taneka Smith and Christy Cantu
Thursday, April 22nd: Katy Heth
*I will provide sugar free gum and mints for students, but they may bring in their own sugar free hard candy/gum
Homework
Math- No Math Homework this week due to testing
Reading- Students should still continue to read 15-20min daily
*Students should focus on their Great Lives Rough Draft this week.
Great Lives Project
This Friday, April 16th the Rough Draft of the Biography is due. Biography report should include an illustrated title page, 2-3 page biography, and a bibliography page
After completing the Rough Draft students should start working on their 3D project and presentation.
April 5th Newsflash
Homework
Math: Lessons 66-70
Reading: Read 20min a night. Once your child is finished reading his/her book your child should choose one project from the options in the above tab "Book Report Projects Ideas."
Testing Days
I apologize, but I put the wrong days for testing next week. The days are actually Wed-Fri of next week.
We are in need of a few families to please bring in pre-packaged snacks for 25 in-person learners.
We are asking that the they be healthy pre-packaged individualized snacks, such as, granola bars, cheese sticks, yogurt, or fruit such as bananas, or oranges/cuties.
In Person 4th-6th graders will be testing on Wednesday, April 14th-Friday, April 16th.
In Person 5th graders will also be taking the Science test on Thursday: April 22nd.
A Sign Up Genius sign up email has been sent out for anyone who is able to help. Thank You!!
Students will be allowed to bring sugar-free gum and hard candy on testing days.
Great Lives Project
Students completed their outlines, timelines and project proposals last week. They will receive a lesson on putting the info from their outline into a biography report. Students should work on their rough drafts at home but will have limited time in class to work on their rough drafts.
- The rough draft should include an illustrated title page, 2-3 page biography and a bibliography page.
- The rough draft is due Friday, April 16th.
That's all I have. May you have a beautiful and blessed week!!
March 29, 2021 Newsflash
In Person Homework
Math: Lessons 61-65 If your child is still behind in homework he/she should complete 2 lessons a day ONLY completing odd or even problems for each lesson until they have caught up.
Reading: 20min a day/night (ready to complete a book report project of their choice or can assign one to your child once he/she has finished their book.
Great Lives Project
Due Fri. April 2nd
- Timeline containing 20 major events and some pictures or illustrations (to be completed at home)
- Outline for the written report (completed in class)
- Project proposal containing a written/typed description of what your child plans to do for their 3D project along with the materials that will be needed (to be completed at home)
State Testing
Our building will be testing on the following dates:
In Person Learners
Monday, April 14th: Writing
Tuesday, April 15th: English Language Arts
Wednesday, April 16th: Math
Thursday, April 22nd: Science (only 5th graders)
Remote Learners
Tuesday, April 13th: Writing
Friday, April 23rd: Science (only 5th graders)
Monday, April 26th: English Language Arts
Tuesday, April 27th: Math
March Lessons
Science-Digestive system
Reading- Setting, Author's Purpose, Text evidence using Story Works articles
Language- Homophone/ Homonyms/Homographs, Commas/Quotations
Grammar- Sentence Analysis, Conjunctions, Review of Parts of Speech
Writing-Opinion/Personal narratives/Informative topics in Friendly letter, Business letter, and Essay formats
Geometry- Area/ Types of polygons
Math- 4th Review of division, partial products in multiplication, distributive property/ equivalent fractions
5th Review of Order of Operations, Dividing with 2 digit divisors, Decimal numeration, +/- fractions w/ unlike denominators and mixed numbers
6th Review of division with 2+ digit divisors, dividing decimals, finding the percent of numbers, ratios
March 22nd Newsflash
In Person Homework
Math: Students who had completed lesson 60 during spring break were given a review packet last week. This week any student who is behind (not on lesson 60) should complete 1-2 lessons a day in order to get caught up. Review packets are only handed out to those who have completed up to lesson 60. Any student who received and completed the review packet will be given daily math review to complete. New homework folders will be handed out at the end of this week. The main goal is to try to get all students caught up this week so that we can start lesson 61 next week.
Reading: Daily reading of 20min. For the remaining months, I will require students to complete a book report project for the remaining months of March, April, and May.
Great Lives Project
Now that students have completed their notecards they will be completing their outlines in class. At home, I'd like for your child to create a well constructed timeline that includes some pictures of the major events that took place throughout the life of their chosen Great Life person. They should also be thinking about what they want to do for their 3D project.
Students will write a paragraph explaining what type of project they want to do and the materials they will be using to complete the assignment.
Timeline/Outline/Project Proposal are due Friday, April 2nd
A digital copy of the Great Lives packet can be found in the "Great Lives" tab above
Half-Day
This Friday, March 26th -11:30 am for Staff Professional Development.
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Quarantine Work
Parents who choose to keep their child home for a day, few days, a week or two can pick up a work folder in the main office. This folder is not related to Remote Learners but is a Universal E2 packet of work put together for any student who will not be in class for a short period of time.
Have a beautiful week!!!
March 15, 2021 Newsflash
I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break and was able to get some needed rest and relaxation or fun. Now that all of our breaks have come and gone, we are buckling down and getting back to work. Students are being encouraged to continue to challenge themselves, persevere and really buckle down and get serious with their work during the last few months left of school. Daily class work expectations, homework, Great Lives, and getting mentally ready for State tests are all ahead of us. I encourage students and families to stay positive, supportive and just encourage students to stay motivated (because it can be tough). Ms. Shawn and I are so happy to see a majority of the kids back In-Person and we are here to be of any support to all the kiddos.
In-Person Homework
Math: Any student who has not completed up to lesson 60 should be doing so this week. Any student who has completed math up to lesson 60 will be given review tests to do daily Tue, Wed, and Thu. New homework packets will be going out next week.
Any student who returned to In-Person learning from Remote learning should make sure that all math was completed in their Remote Learning Work Folder. Any incomplete math work can be done for homework this week.
Reading: Students are to be reading daily for approximately 20min. Parents should be signing reading logs daily to confirm that your child has read.
Great Lives
Research note-cards for your child's Great Life will be due this Friday, March 19th. Students have practiced and have been given lessons on how to do note-cards on index cards or create note-cards on their Google accounts through Google Keeps. Students may bring in their Great Lives sources for limited time in class to work on them.
Back to In-Person Learning
Any student who is returning to In-Person learning from Remote learning, please come to class with (1) 5 subject notebook, (1) composition notebook, (1) graph notebook, scissors, glue stick, colored pencils, ruler, pencil pouch, (2) folders, and a trapper keeper. I do have some extra supplies for any student who might need them, but I am limited.
Students who are returning for the first time, we will help you to transition as smoothly as possible. You arrive at school before 8:30 (getting your temperature taken), enter the classroom through the back door ODE where you are to wash your hands before you enter, find your work spot and you have free time to draw, work, complete homework, read, etc. until 8:30. We have two 15min recess times (with just our class) and 30min lunch. Homework is to be turned in daily by 9am in the homework bin. If any help your guidance is needed on the homework please put a note for Ms. Shawn to see. The daily schedule is pretty easy and should be easy to adapt to. Students who have been in In-Person learning for an extended period of time will help those that need it.
Quarantine Work
Parents who choose to keep their child home for a day, few days, a week or two can pick up a work folder in the main office. This folder is not related to Remote Learners but is a Universal E2 packet of work put together for any student who will not be in class for a short period of time.
Have a beautiful week!!!
February 22nd Newsflash
Anti-Bullying Week and Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day for Anti-Bullying Awareness Week is this Wednesday, February 24th. “Pink Shirt Day” is celebrated internationally. Students in grades 1-8 are asked to wear pink to show that the Villa community will not tolerate bullying.
Pink Shirt Day started about10 years ago when two students, took a stand against bullying after a student was harassed and threatened for wearing pink to school.
To stand in solidarity with this mission, we are spending the week in class watching anti-bullying videos and doing activities to show ways to prevent bullying .
Black History Month Storytellers
Students have spent the month of February studying Black History. Students have been working on individual topics and are wrapping up the research process of completing note-cards, a well written research paper and slideshow to present to the class. To coincide with this topic, we were able to get an awesome storyteller Terry Jackson to speak to the class. She shared her personal story on what it was like to be a first graders experiencing being included in one of the few schools that became integrated in the 50's. Her story was amazing and inspiring. We will be having another storyteller this Friday that will also share her experience.
Catch Up
This week students who are a little behind in class work will be bringing home class work to complete for homework. This is a decision the class made in order to help students catch up before we move on to new topics in the month of March.
Great Lives Project In-Person Research Day
Monday, March 1st, we will be having an in class research day for students to work on their research notecards for the Great Lives project. Please have your child bring anything that will help them complete their note-cards. Note-cards will be due Mar. 19th.
February Lessons for In-Person Learners
History: Ancient Civilization Group Projects, Black History Topic (individual research)
Science: Respiratory System
Writing: Problem/Solution paragraphs, Outlines, Note-Cards, Research writing
Language/Grammar: Conjunctions, Capitalization
Math/Geometry/Measurement: Types of graphs, Metric system measurement, Graphing coordinates, Fractions/Decimals
Novel Study:Island of the Blue Dolphins
Reading: Problem/Solution, Biographies
February 9, 2021
Great Lives Packet
Tomorrow students will be given their Great Lives Packet. This is our big end of the year project, focusing on a "Great Life." Students will choose a person who has made a positive impact on human life and culture.
Students will pick a person to research and write a report on, as well as, give a presentation to the class dressed up as the person. The presentation will include a visual aide and a 3D project.
Students will be given lessons during class time to help facilitate the different steps for the projects, but some work will be expected to be completed at home. (Remote learners may have some different requirements they will be getting their instruction from the remote learning teachers)
Please review the packet and requirements with your child.
The first due date is Friday, February 19th which is the selection of the Great Life and signed letter.
Valentines Day
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Villa's auction committee will be selling Villa inspired Pura Vida bracelets in Villa’s school colors!
This is one great way to show your kiddo some love on Valentine’s Day in addition to doing some good in the world! Each bracelet sold helps fund our mission to "grow greatness in mind, body, and spirit" and helps create sustainable jobs worldwide.
You may purchase these bracelets now till the end of next week.
This Friday, February 12th we will celebrate Valentine's Day by having a simple party. Students may bring in their own valentines to share with the class and a container (decorated if they'd like) to collect them. I will send home a class list for students tomorrow. We have (28) students (20) In-Person Learners.
No School
Monday, February 15th- Presidents Day
February 1st Newsflash
Homework (In-Person Learners)
Math- Review week (Math Packet) Once your child completes lesson 40, they will be given a review packet and answer key. To get students caught up with homework, some students who are extremely behind may be asked to complete 2 lessons a night.
Reading- Read 15-20min nightly (February Genre: Classic) As students finish reading their science fiction or fantasy book, they will be asked to give a book talk.
Early Dismissal
This Friday, February 5th-11:30am (Professional Development)
January Lessons
History: Ancient Civilizations
Science: Circulatory System
Reading: Cause and Effect/ Novel Study Island of the Blue Dolphins
Grammar: Types of adverbs/ Irregular verbs/ Verb tenses
Language: Commas/ Capitalization
Writing: Biographical Essays/Expository Essays/Outlines/Timelines
Math: Types of graphs/ Mean/Mode/Median/Range/Fractions (all)/Decimals& Percent (5th & 6th)/ exponents (6th)
January 19th Newsflash
It will be great to see the students in person again. Please make sure to follow all protocol when your child is returning to school, with the mindset of keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Students who Quarantine
If any student who is signed up to go back to In-Person learning but is deciding to stay remote for another week, there is a packet that can be picked up in the office. The packet is 2 weeks worth of work. This only applies to In-Person learners who choose to quarantine for no longer than a week or two. Students who are choosing the Remote Learning Track with the Remote Learning Team will stick with the same routine/procedures as before.
Homework
Math: Lessons 20-30 will be due today, Tuesday.
Math to do this week: 31-35
Reading: Read daily for 15-20. Reading logs due daily. Students should choose to read a Fantasy or Science Fiction. If your child is reading another book genre, they can finish their current book before reading a science fiction or fantasy.
In-Person Learners Red Folder Work
Students need to bring back the work from their "work" red folder NOT their "homework" red folder this week. Any unfinished work from their work folder will need to be completed this week at school or at home for homework.
Early Dismissal
11:30am- Friday, January 22nd- Parent/Teacher Conferences via ZOOM
If you would like to set-up a time to have a Zoom Parent Teacher Conference you may sign up on the Sign Up Genius link in the Parent/Teacher Conference Tab above. I have set aside times for the afternoons of Thursday, January 21st and Friday, January 22nd.
January 10th Newsflash
Hello Everyone,
We got through one week of everyone doing remote learning. The same schedule will apply this week. Please see the schedule below to see In Person Learners schedule for this week. Remote Learner Students will continue to follow the schedule they have had over the course of the last 3months with Ms. Clare and Mr. David.
Daily In-Person Learners Schedule
8:30am- All In-Person Learners should work on daily IXL Math and Language (15-20min for each)
9:00am- All In-Person Learners Zoom Meeting/Lesson
10:00am- 4th Grade lesson/5th&6th Independent worktime with work in folder
10:30am- 5th Grade lesson/4th& 6th Independent worktime with work in folder
11:00am-6th Grad lesson/4th & 5th Independent worktime with work in folder
11:30am- Lunch Break (FRIDAY IS EARLY DISMISSAL FOR ALL STUDENTS at 11:30)
12:30pm- Independent Reading (Wed Remote Learner students have SPECIALS from 12:30-2:45 & Thu. In-Person Learners have SPECIALS from 12:30-2:45)
1:00pm- Independent work time with work in folder
2:00pm- Whole Class (ALL STUDENTS) ZOOM meeting for Novel Study (NO ZOOM MEETINGS ON THU.)
2:45/3pm- End of school day
*Ms. Shawn is available to help students 2x daily at 10:30am and 1pm via Ms. Shawn's ZOOM link located in the Google Classroom
Class Work
The work your In-Person Learner should be working on is in their Red Working Folder. All work should be completed and returned to Ms. Shawn and me when we return back to In-Person learning in the classroom. The only work that your child will need to do online is their daily math IXL and language IXL.
Homework (In-Person Learners ONLY)
Math- Lessons 26-30 (answer keys were missing from the folders but are now available in the bins in the car-line area)
Reading- Daily 20min reading
*January Reading Genre is Science Fiction or Fantasy (if your child is reading another book, they may continue to do so and can choose a science fiction or fantasy book next time).
Early Dismissal
11:30am-Friday, January 15th and Friday, January 22nd- Parent/Teacher Conferences via ZOOM
Progress Reports
Progress Reports were emailed to families of In-Person Learners and the Remote Learning Team will be sending out Remote-Learner’s progress reports.
In-Person Learner Families, after receiving your student’s progress report if you would like to set-up a time to have a Zoom Parent Teacher Conference you may sign up on the Sign Up Genius link in the Parent/Teacher Conference Tab above. I have set aside times for the afternoons of Thursday, January 14th and Friday, January 15th along with Thursday, January 21st and Friday, January 22nd.
Have a beautiful and blessed week!
January 4th Newsflash
Happy New Year!! 2020 could not have come and gone any faster...and I'm so grateful to be able to start a new year fresh and with new goals, aspirations and positive blessings. I hope everyone enjoyed their winter break and ready to get off to a new and good start into 2021. Here is what you need to know for this week.
We also want to thank each and every family for the gracious, generous, heartfelt gifts that were given to us. You have no idea how appreciative we are and how much those gifts come in handy. Words are not enough to express our gratitude, so a big Thank you!
Homework
Math: In-Person Learners should have completed one lesson over winter break. New homework folders were handed out the Friday before winter break. Then your child should complete one lesson daily Mon-Fri. Lessons 21-25 are what In-Person Learners should be on.
Reading: Wrap up reading a historical fiction and be ready to give a book talk within the next two weeks. The next book topic will be a Science Fiction or Fantasy. Make sure your child is reading daily for at least 20min.
In-Person Learners
Over the next few weeks all students will be doing remote learning...but any student who is signed up for In-Person Track learning will meet with me 3x daily, while students who signed up for Remote Learning Track will stick with the same schedule with Ms. Clare & Mr. David. My schedule is as follows below:
Daily In-Person Learner Track Schedule
8:30am- All In-Person Learners should work on daily IXL Math and Language (15-20min for each)
9:00am- All In-Person Learners Zoom Meeting/Lesson
10:00am- 4th Grade lesson/5th&6th Independent worktime with work in folder
10:30am- 5th Grade lesson/4th& 6th Independent worktime with work in folder
11:00am-6th Grad lesson/4th & 5th Independent worktime with work in folder
11:30am- Lunch Break
12:30pm- Independent Reading
1:00pm- Independent work time with work in folder
2:00pm- Whole Class (ALL STUDENTS) ZOOM meeting for Novel Study
2:45/3pm- End of school day
All necessary work for In-Person Learners is in their red folder that they were given the Friday before winter break. For any student who was absent that day, forgot their folder at school, or just signed up to recently be added to In-Person learning can find their work folder in the 4th/5th/6th grade bin that is located in the carline area. The only work that will not be found in the folder is math. I will put up specific math work under IXL in the Google Classroom.
I will send a daily announcement for all students every morning by 8:30am, so they know what to expect for the day. Ms. Shawn will be available to help students who may need it 2x a day, once in the morning at 10:30 and once in the afternoon at 1pm via her ZOOM link that is available in the Google Classroom. I will inform students in the morning the times she will be available for help.
*Ms. Shawn and I will collect all red folders from In-Person Learners once we return back into the classroom. I will be referencing the work from the folders for daily lessons and weekly conferencing over the next 2 weeks so it is important that all work be completed thoroughly and on time.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be sent out this Friday, January 8th. I will be sending out In-Person Learners progress reports and the remote learning team will be sending out Remote-Learner’s progress reports.
After receiving your student’s progress report if you would like to set-up a time to have a Zoom Parent Teacher Conference you may email me at [email protected] to set-up a time to meet. Friday, January 15th and 22nd are half days for all students for Parent/Teacher conferences
Have a beautiful week and if any other class or school information comes about this week, I will email it to all families. Thank you!!
December 14th Newsflash
Week of holiday celebrations
Each day this week we are studying and doing activities to learn more about Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Christmas. In addition, we will also finish class assessments. Friday will be pajama day and a day of fun with holiday movies, games, and whatever else the students come up with. LOL! We will make sure to social distance and do any activity following safety and health protocol.
Food Donations
Girl Scout Troop has organized a food donation drive to support St. Vincent DePaul's food bank, which has experienced shortages of food donations this year.
Drop Off: You can drop off your food items in the donation boxes during the carline hours: Monday – Friday, Dec. 14-18. Boxes will be at each campus or your child can bring the food items to class.
Here is a list of most requested food items
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit / canned vegetables
- Canned stew / canned fish
- Canned beans
- Pasta (most prefer whole grain)
- Rice
You can also donate virtually. Just click the link below. Any contribution is appreciated and will go directly toward feeding families in need. https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/villa-montessori-girl-scouts
Thank you for your support!
Book Talks
Any student who has completed a book recently may give their book talk this week. All other students should set a goal to complete their book by the end of winter break and be ready to present the first week back to school. Book talks after winter break will be presented via ZOOM while in remote learning.
Winter Break
Monday, December 21st – January 1
Remote Learning
The week of January 4, 2021 will be remote learning for all students. In-Class Learners will meet with me via Zoom at the same times we had the week after Thanksgiving Break. Remote Learner Students will stick to the same schedule with David and Ms. Clare.
December Lessons
- History-Ancient Civilizations
- Science-Muscular System
- Language/Grammar - Types of Verbs, Alliteration, Root Words, Prepositional Phrases, Sentence Analysis
- Reading- Cause & Effect
- Novel Study- Island of the Blue Dolphins
- Writing- Letter Writing, Poetry, Opinion/Argumentative Essays, Personal Narratives
- Native American Heritage Month
I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed week, holiday break and Happy New Year!!
December 7, 2020
In-Person Learners
Please make sure to bring your blue work folders with last week's work to school tomorrow, Tuesday. Any incomplete work will be completed this week in class.
Precautionary Message from Margo
An email was sent by Margo expressing the importance of anyone who may have been exposed to the virus this past week to please voluntarily keep your child at home this week as a safety precaution. Please inform the office if you make the decision to keep your child at home. I will have work prepared for your child if you choose this option.
No School
Friday, December 11th for Staff Professional Development
Homework
Math: Your child is to complete their Math Homework folder over the next two weeks. I still expect students to bring their math homework folder to school daily.
Reading: Your child should be reading a historical fiction book. The goal is to have the book completed by next week so that we can begin book talks. Any student who doesn't have his/her book completed before break will be expected to give a book talk the week we return from Winter Break.
Thank you and hope you all have a wonderful and positive week!
November 30th Newsflash
Happy Belated Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Although it might've been different this year we still have a lot to be grateful for. I am truly grateful for each of you and all the support, love, and patience you have given me and our new way of learning. For everyone's safety, we have decided to have at least one week of remote learning for everyone's health & safety and thank you to every family for being supportive and flexible with each decision that the school continues to make. Below is detailed info in regard to this week and what you can expect.
Remote Learning
All students will be doing remote learning this week Monday, November 30th – Friday, December 4th.
Students who are normally In-Person Learners will be meeting with Ms. Shawn or me at least three times a day through Zoom. Students were given a folder with their work for the week. All of their work for this week should be done in their "Working Notebook" (not including IXL assignments) and return to school when we go back to In-Person Learning in the classroom.
Students who are on the Remote Learning Track will keep their same schedule with Mr. David and Ms. Clare. They will continue to meet with me at 2:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
*We will be using the Google Classroom for daily announcements, IXL assignments, and links for ZOOM lessons. By 8:30am, students should be in the Google Classroom to see the agenda/schedule for the day and then into IXL to start working on their daily IXL practice.
The schedule for the week is available in the tab above labeled Leticia's 2020 Daily Schedule. Please make note of the times in which your child should be online with me via ZOOM for lessons or meetings. Ms. Shawn will be available 2x a day via ZOOM for any student who might need additional help/support. She will also be checking IXL every morning to see each student's active minutes.
Attendance
I will be taking attendance 3x a day so please make sure your child (IN-PERSON LEARNERS ONLY) is in his/her ZOOM lesson during his/her specific times.
November 19th Newsflash
Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Villa Community Event
Please join us today at 5pm for a Villa FREE webinar to discuss the topic of unconscious bias and discrimination. I have included the link to register below and once you have registered you will receive a confirmation email. This is the beginning of Villa establishing a culture of mindfulness and education around cultural differences. Hope to see you all there.
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6eABnjfOSeu_s7vT93krGA
Homework
Math: Lessons 1-3 of the new math folder have been handed out and need to be completed by Monday.
Reading: Once your child has completed their "free choice" book, they should choose a "historical fiction" book to read over the next 30 days. Students need to be reading 20min daily and reading logs need to be signed and returned daily.
No School
Wed. Nov. 25th- Fri. Nov. 27th for Thanksgiving Break
Have a beautiful rest of the week!
November 9th Newsflash
Thank you to everyone who contributed in some way with needed classroom items. We have been going through paper towels and Clorox wipes so quickly, so those items are so greatly appreciated.
No School
Wednesday, November 11th for Veterans Day.
Homework
Students need to be working on their daily math homework and reading (20min a day and filling out reading log). Math folders, reading logs, and communication folders are to be turned in daily.
Math: Lessons 14-18 (one of the days may need to do one days worth over the weekend to turn in on Monday)
Reading: Free choice Book (Fill out reading log and return daily with a parent signature or initials.)
*After Thanksgiving Break we will be starting our Grade Level novel study. So please make sure your child has their Free Choice Book completed by Thanksgiving break. The grade level novel study was on the supply list and students will need to have their copy toward the End of November.
Mask Policy
The school came up with a new mask policy. Please see below.
The Mask Compliance Policy
Students are required to wear a mask while at school. We do offer “breaks” as needed throughout the day, but all students and staff must be wearing their mask consistently outside of the breaks.
If a student does not comply with wearing his/her mask, the teacher will offer reminders and guidance with mindfulness about keeping the mask over the nose and mouth.
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