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Pine Lane Crew,
I am so impressed with our 3rd grade Crew for all their hard work in preparation for this week. Each day you provided us with a reminder of what it means to Ethical and an example of students demonstrating that habit. Today, you all capped it off with a virtual assembly reminding us all of our mission to empower excellence in character, achievement, and contribution to a better world and reminder that being ethical means you always do the right thing at all times and even when no one is looking. Every little thing matters and impacts the formation of our character. Continue Crew to develop the habit of being ethical. Here is a link to the assembly:
3rd Grade Virtual Habit of Character Assembly. Great job, 3rd Grade!
In February, we celebrate Black History month as our country seeks to highlight the contributions and accomplishments of the black community. When considering this month, I frequently think of the contributions of those leaders who rose up in the 1960 during the Civil Rights Movement. However, I would like to highlight current leaders who are presently contributing to a better world. Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett is a relevant one to note in light of our continued navigation of COVID. She was one of the lead developers on Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine team. Jon Gosier, a software developer, investor, and philanthropist who formed Appfrica, a firm looking to better the technology infrastructure and accessibility in Africa sets an example of high success and the desire to make a real difference. There are many others. I am grateful for the example of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and pioneers who have established for all of us an example of high achievement, integrity, unity, and commitment to bettering our society. May we use these examples to inspire ourselves and our next generation to excellence.
Last week, I shared some of our data around Math and our desire to work together to improve number sense and computational fluency. This week will focus on our little guys Kindergarten and 1st grade. In Kindergarten, we are really working on counting each item 1 at a time. Students should become proficient counting to 100 by 1’s and 10’s, compare quantities accurately determining more or less, and solve addition and subtraction problems using models with single digits. The concept of base 10 is very important. Having your child make groups of 10 with food can be a fun activity. This can lead into counting, addition and subtraction as well. 1st grade builds on the foundation from Kindergarten skills and you should see your child build an understanding of place value, accurately compute about 25 addition math facts (single digit addition problems in a minute), and understand how to add and subtract double digit numbers. Using flash cards, making it a game, or setting up a chart tracking how many they can do in a minute at home can help support their progress, ensure they maintain confidence in math as it becomes more complex, and make it fun. IXL and Math Playground are also a couple of online games and activities that your child might enjoy to practice their math skills. Students also have access to iReady which adapts specifically to what your child needs.
As I conclude, 6th grade parents please be sure that you are aware of two events next week. Next Tuesday at 6:30 pm we will hold our PLUM Parent Meeting. This is a virtual meeting. Please enjoy from the comfort of your own home. On Wednesday, February 2nd from 6 - 7 pm is 6th grade parent night at Sierra Middle School. This event is in-person. Both of these events will provide you with important information about PLUM and middle school next year. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Chris Stairs
Principal
Pine Lane Elementary
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