Pumpkins!
Pumpkins will be handed out on a first come, first served basis. We have a limited number of pumpkins, so we may not be able to fulfill every request. The pumpkins will be at school on Monday, October 19. Please be sure to provide a pillowcase or strong bag that will hold a large pumpkin for transport home. Precautions for a safe return to Cushing by Thursday, October 22 would also be a good idea. Carved pumpkins can be set on the grass by the Front Lobby doors.
If you need a pumpkin form, you can find it in the PTO section.
REMINDER - TERM TWO CHANGE REQUESTS BEGIN NEXT WEEK
The next opportunity to commit to a learning environment in KM schools will occur prior to the second quarter/term, which runs Nov. 9, 2020 through Jan. 22, 2021.
A link to a change request form will be shared Oct. 19 and will be open through Oct. 23.
Another opportunity to request a change in learning environment will occur in January, with the start of term 3.
If you plan to make a change, please consider the impact a potential quarantine might have on your family in the coming quarter/term and select the correct environment. Due to staffing needs and configurations:
- Changes at the elementary level will likely cause reassignment of your child’s teacher and class configuration, regardless of your family's decision. In addition, changes in either direction will not be honored after October 23.
- KM will not be able to honor changes at the middle and high school levels from distance learning to face-to-face learning after October 23.
- At the high school level, selecting distance learning may alter your student’s term 2 course selections.
NOTE: This change request form is only necessary if you want to change your environment for the second quarter/term, which begins Nov. 9.
Time Spent Reading...
The more reading children do, the more they will both see themselves, and grow as readers! Our youngest learners (K-1), also benefit from being read to. They learn to listen for fluency and expression, which is so important when they are learning to read. Spend part of that time reading to your child, and some listening to them read. It is recommended that beginning readers spend 15 -20 minutes reading each day (in addition to the reading they do at school). However, the amount of reading a child does is most important, not the amount of time he/she spends doing it. If a child spends 20 minutes reading a book that is very challenging, he/she will read less (in terms of the total number of words read) than if he/she spends the same 20 minutes reading “just right” books. A general rule of thumb is that readers in kindergarten and first grade should read for 10 minutes, second grade for 20, third for 30, and so on.
While 15 to 30+ (length of time will grow as your reader(s) grow) minutes is the recommended amount of reading, it is important to note that, if your child is interested in and enjoying what he/she is reading, encourage more time! However, we do not want children to become too tired. It takes a while for young, or out of shape readers to build up the stamina they need to read for longer periods of time. Be patient. Encourage a bit more time each night, and celebrate the growth.
Note that beginning readers generally benefit from reading to someone and many will not be interested in reading alone. Finding time to listen to your child read every day is important. Also, especially at the early stages of learning to read, reading will take energy and concentration. Therefore, it will be helpful to find a time when your child is not too tired and a place where he/she can read without too many distractions (such as the TV or other conversations) going on in the background.
You do not always need to be sitting right next to your child in order to listen to him/her read. You can ask him/her to read while you are driving, folding laundry, preparing meals, etc. If he/she needs help with a word, he/she can simply spell the word out for you.
Finally, many students will be bringing books home from school to read. Please take care to do a quick wipe down of the book with a disinfectant (not too wet) to ensure safety, or have your child(ren) wipe their hands with sanitizer, and then do a quick wipe down of the book Students will do the same with their books when they come back to school.
Famous author Kate DiCamillo once said, “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.” Thank you for giving the gift of time to read to your child(ren).
Calling All First Graders
If your son or daughter loves outdoor adventures, fun with his/her friends, learning skills in all areas, have them come check out cub scouts. Our first den meeting will be next Thursday October 22nd after school. The kids will meet at the library and we will explore the outdoors having some fun learning. Please reach out to Michelle Kelly at the5mjks@yahoo.com or 414-975-7190 if your child would like to join in the fun. Meetings will be on Thursdays right after school.
Pack 20 Scouting Adventures
It is not too late to join the adventure of Scouting! Pack 20 will be hosting the following two events in October and November:
Saturday-Sunday, October 17-18 -- Family Camping Overnight at Nagawaukee Park
Thursday, November 12th -- Archery Night at Buck Rub, 6:30-7:30
If you are interested in learning more or participating in these events, please contact Amy Richards (amyracquelrichards@gmail.com / 262-352-2446).
