Learning To Go Mr. Avery's Class on the Web 

We’ve arrived at the end of our journey! Congratulations to this amazing group of students. Their effort and perseverance has taken them so very far. Every one of them is ready for the new challenges ahead of them in third grade. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the many ways you support your child’s education, and for your generosity of spirit, donations, and gifts. I wish you all the very best as you continue on the road of lifelong learning!

Sincerely,

Ken Avery

Just 7 days until 3rd grade! The kids have come SO far, and are 100% ready for new challenges!

Some final notes:

1. The great book return is on! Please be on the lookout for all books belonging to school. This includes:

a. books from our classroom, with my name on them or with a letter written on the back cover

b. books from our bookroom, with a big, round blue sticker on the back cover, or a small white rectangle sticker with the school’s name on either cover

c. Floral Media books, with a barcode on the front cover. Should you find any of the above books after school ends, you can return them to the office or media center once school begins again.

2. Your child’s math workbooks will come home after this week. Please be aware that as we align the new program to our state standards, a few chapters are not being taught, and therefore will be blank.

3. Keep up those skills! Over the summer, many students lose some of what they’ve learned in a year. You can help avoid this with some easy tips:

a. Our subscription to RAZ Kids continues through the first 1/2 of summer. Keep on reading and take advantage of this on-the-go option! In addition, the Shrewsbury Public Library has a fantastic collection of leveled books your child can borrow. See the report card for your child’s just-right level, then choose books on–and just below–that.

b. Our Xtra Math membership will not expire! Students can keep studying and moving up levels, and in the fall I can transfer their accounts to next year’s teacher. In the event next year’s teacher does not participate, shoot me an email then and I’ll keep your child’s account active under my class!

c. Greg Tang’s math site is offering a “Summer Challenge!” http://gregtangmath.com/summer . I HIGHLY recommend visiting the site often. His vision for building math fluency in kids is spot-on.

With your help, we can avoid the dreaded regression of skills (or as we call it, The Summer Slide)!

You’re invited: Our End-of-Year Celebration will be held Wednesday, June 15, 9:30-10:15 in our Cafeteria. We will be reading original writing pieces and singing on the stage for family and friends, and we will remain after for photo opportunities and congratulations.

Field Day was AWESOME! The kids had a blast and exemplified the Olympic athletic spirit as they played individual and cooperative games of skill. Thank you to the many moms and dads I saw helping out that day–you really helped make memorable moments!

 

Field Day is here! This Thursday marks the big event. Students will participate in their choice of a variety of games designed to engage and challenge them physically and mentally. They’ll compete against others to do their personal best, and work with partners and teams to exercise skills of teamwork and sportsmanship. In keeping with our Olympics theme, students will be treated to a medal ceremony in the afternoon! To help make the day run smoothly, we need your help:

1. Sneakers are a must: no flip-flops or sandals.

2. Sunscreen must be applied at home, not at school.

3. Well-fitting hats (e.g. baseball caps vs. big sun hats) are welcome.

4. Dress students for comfort: they will be very physically active and hot, and a few games involve water so expect a little wetness. Students will change into our class-made t-shirts and bring them home that day.

5. Water bottles with student names on them are a good idea!

This is the last week of reading, math, and spelling homework! There are only 3 math homeworks assigned this week because of Field Day. In addition, the grading term ends this Friday. A grade of “3” on report cards for end-of-year includes: Reading on an independent level 28 or higher; passing level 20 +/- math facts; writing that has either scored mostly “3” or better on weekly writing assignments and/or has made adequate progress (see scores on top of each week’s writing sent home: F=Focus, Organization, Detail, E=English conventions, spelling); accurate math work in class and/or on math tests (each chapter has covered a different topic in the math standards on the report card).

Our opening ceremonies were a huge success! During the week, students in our class researched and reported on Olympic symbols (motto, oath, rings, etc.). Then we watched them in action during the London Olympics, and participated in our own version of the same during a special all-school meeting. It was AMAZING! Kudos to the kids for their hard work and generosity of spirit as they cheered on students from all over Floral and the world!