Thursday, September 29, 2005

Expanded Sentences

When I feel sad, I...

...play the piano. (Felicia)
...like to play different games and sometimes I like to bike around the block. (Annika)
...ask my mom and dad to play with me and they always say "Yes!" (Sara)
...play "Battlefront." (Jonathan)
...watch Godzilla movies and talk with my quails or chicken. (Conan)
...play videogames. (Ryan, Christina and Marvin)
...go to the zoo and ride animals. (Enya)
...like when people say "sorry" to me. (Suchi)
...go to the bathroom. (Nathan)
...play "Sea Creatures" with my classmates. (Arvind)
...want to hear someone to say something nice or I do an Art project. (Katherine)
...make myself laugh. (Sara)
...watch a funny movie. (Claudia)
...go to the bathroom and wait for my tears to dry. (Andrew)
...run, read, write or laugh with my students. (Miss Lou)

When I feel sad, my mom...
...and dad draws a heart on a balloon and blows it up for me. (Darien)
...lets me play different games. (Andrew)
...and dad reads a book to me. (Ann)

When I feel sad, my sister does funny things. (Alexander)

When I feel sad, my friends like Sara cheer me up. (Kelvin)

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

What I Love About This Community:

I like arriving at seven each morning and always knowing that earlier birds will be here, walking around the one-mile loop surrounding our school.

I like seeing grandmas and grandpas hidden underneath layers of knitted caps and thick cotton jackets with their hands clasped behind, meditating with each step.

I look forward to that one dedicated Chinese grandpa in particular who shuffles backwards toward the playground every morning as I anticipate the tape player of Chinese folk songs mixed in with a few pauses of static as he leads the morning qi gong routine.

There is a reason why people don't like change. There's a comfort, a nurturing quality and something that builds on an everyday level that doesn't happen anyhow else. Routine is invested toward deeper, more meaningful relationships with life and the people in it, making the sacrifices worth every moment even though the thrills are less extreme. There is a sense of security in knowing what to look forward (or not look forward to) everyday. Not until I question again, will I seek for more in this element.

Consistent. Loyal. Dedicated. My heart is once again fulfilled.

Yeah! You found it!

The missing pumpkin replied,...

New Kids on the Blog

How could you miss a trip to outer space at the end of each day? This trip is BETTER because everyone can still read and communicate with you. For all you new visitors, put on your astronaut suits (okay, maybe just turn on your computer) and let's get learning!

This fresh new technology Web logs or "blogs" is a Web site that allows me to type, type, type, and then receive comments from readers. Many teacher blogs look like personal diaries and serve as a virtual meeting place for all the parents and students to meet. Doesn't this sound like fun? (See, I told you it's like flying to space.) It is also a valuable instructional tools to connect students, teachers, parents and provide a new place to create Web-based content.

Learn some hip language...(OK, maybe I am not-so hip, but try it out anyway.)

It's a Techno-tionary!

blog: A blog is a Web site where you can write whatever you want, and then visitors to your site can add comments, if they like. Many look like personal diaries. Some have political content. Cher out a premiere blog on blogging at www.weblogg-ed.com)

podcast: This is similar to an audioblog-a person can create audio files and then their listeners can download the file and listen to it whever they have time. Check out www.podcast.net for a long list of available podcasts.

wiki: A wiki is sort of like a blog. Both are on the Internet and both provide a casual way to write about stuff, but a wiki is written by many people who can edit any part of it. A great example is www.wikipedia.org

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

With the help from my fabulous "astronaut" friends, I have just recently learned about blogging so it is not too late to learn! Let's try to get all our students involved early. What do you think so far? Please comment below, but be kind since Miss Lou is new to this world too.

Thanks for visiting and please come back soon!

Monday, September 26, 2005

100%

...is the amount everyone wants to see.

Thanks to the students and parents for returning all twenty Friday folders. Your dedication and care is greatly appreciated. Please continue to check backpacks and inside folders for flying pamphlets and ALWAYS make sure you receive our bright yellow Room 401 Newsletters at the end of each week.

I have made a few changes for the homework to make the instructions easier.

Thank you for the input and keep up the fantastic work!

Miss Lou

Friday, September 23, 2005

Spelling

Directions: Write a sentence using the word 'glue'.

"smart scientist says: they plan to glue the Evil hurricanes. So it will not let people die."

Nathan, age 7

Choose to Choose

When you wake in the morning, what attitude do you choose before you start your day? How do you choose your attitude?

Remember: Your attitude in the morning directly affects your children when they arrive at school. Are they excited and ready to learn after they are escorted to line, or are they feeling rushed when dropped off in a hurry?

* Give your children plenty of time to get ready even if it means waking a few minutes earlier.
* Make sure they are given a nutritious breakfast at the table.
* Have them share how they might be feeling.
* Ask them to check if they have all their things.
* Encourage them by looking forward to sharing after school.
* Be positive or ask them to help you. (Children can be wonderful motivaters!)

Choose your attitude carefully.

Thank you for ALL your help!

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Missing in Action

Hi Parents!

As some of you know, I rushed off after school to attend yet another training for the district. I will be administrating the CELDT testing once again for ALL non-native speakers of English. The tests will be given the first two weeks of October. Make-up dates will be scheduled the two weeks following. Administrating the exam will take no more than a few days and I will try to find the BEST possible substitute to fill my shoes in the meantime.

Take Note: Please make sure the Home Survey papers are signed and returned as soon as possible.

If you have any further questions or concerns, e-mail me or come visit after school as my door is (as ALL of you know) open.

Thank you for your patience!

CELDT: What does this long acronym mean and does my child need to be tested?

California English Language Development Test

CELDT is a state-mandated test given to ALL students categorized in the following areas:

1. Initial Status - Given to students non-native of English or recent arrival to the U.S. and must take an intial survey
2. Continuing Status - Previously identified as English Language Learner (ELL) and must be administered the test annually in October until he/she is reclassified as Fluent

Reminder: Students must reach a score of 4 to be recommended for reclassification.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CELDT Refresher Training
Cabrillo Cafeteria
Monday, September 21, 2005

3:15-3:35 Registration
Affidavits, Rubrics Packet

3:35-3:50 Welcome and Introductions
CELDT Overview (Teresa Bonaccorsi, Program Manager)

3:50-4:10 Video Examples:
* Speech Functions
* Choose and Give Reasons
* 4 Picture Narrative

4:10-4:45 Audio Calibration (reaching consensus)

4:45-5:00 Questions and Answers
Certification Agreement
Evaluations

Anonymous

"To settle an argument, think about WHAT is right, not WHO is right."

Cabrillo Elementary
Multi-Use Room

What can I reinforce with my child tonight?

September Theme: Fall Harvest/Apples

For Read Aloud, the students heard two versions of Johnny Appleseed. In our discussion, we found the difference and similarities the two books shared. We liked Hughes', "The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed" because it was more informative and satisfied many of our previous wonderings. Ask your child to tell you how Johnny Chapman got his name. Have fun!

A few students came up with conclusions of their own:

"During the long winter months, how did Johnny Appleseed make his snow shoes?" I asked as I pointed to the illustrations.

Kelvin raised his hand immediately and answered, "Out of magnets!"

Darien

"Make sure you put this in your backpack so you remember to do it for homework," I said just as the bell rang.

"I'm waay ahead of you, baby!" my second grader reasurred me.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Don't Miss the Book Fair!

Hi all,

The Book Fair will run from Monday, Sept. 19th through Friday, Sept. 23.
This is the week after Back to School night. The Library Committee is coming up with ideas to host another event to attract parents to the Book Fair one evening. Any ideas are welcome!

Thanks!
Barbara
(Our Fabulous Librarian)

Good-bye Dr. John

Fremont Unified School District

Department of Human Resources

TO: All District Staff DATE: September 19, 2005

FROM: Doug Gephart, Acting Superintendent


RE: Status of the Superintendent

Today, the Board of Education is releasing a statement to the public this morning announcing their decision to part company with the Superintendent effectively immediately. Final details of his departure have not been completed. The entire statement from the Board is as follows:

"The Board of Education has decided to part company with the Superintendent, and will be looking for new educational leadership for the District. The final details of his departure have not been completed. Doug Gephart will be Acting Superintendent effective immediately until the Board has made a decision regarding an Interim Superintendent, and we ask for your support. The District is not able to make any additional statements regarding the situation at this time."

I will be serving as the Acting Superintendent until such time as the Board finalizes a long term strategy for the replacing the superintendent. News of the decision by the Board will give rise to questions and speculation about why the Board is taking this action. Unfortunately, that information is not being disclosed and remains confidential.

In light of the limited information released by the Board, I anticipate the press will aggressively seek out district employees for a statement. Now is the time to exercise restraint in speculating on why the Board made their decision.

As Acting Superintendent, I am asking each of you to remain focused on our primary goal of providing the highest quality education for every child and to remain professional in all of our responses to this news. We are a great district and I have every confidence that our response to this decision will reflect the exceptional level of professionalism of all of our employees.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

First Day of 2nd Grade

Today was the first day of school.

On their desks, there were green work folders, a "How are you feeling?" paper in bright yellow and a shiny green apple to help ease this new transition. Our class was very quiet, but I have a feeling things will soon change. After lunch, I read "Never Spit On Your Shoes" for our daily read aloud time. This is my favorite part of the day, but I think it was the highlight of everyone's day. Hooray! They love to read.

Each student left with an Apple bag containing treats. Their homework assignment was to return the following day with three things to share with the class. Who are you and what do you like to do?

In my Apple bag, I had a pen because I love to write and a book because I love to read. Also, I had a cup representing my love for water. I love to drink, swim and keep clean with it! Don't you?

A high five, hug or a handshake were given to me as they said their "good-byes" out the door. A full, yet wonderfully exciting day it was.

Welcome to second grade in Room 401!

First Day of 2nd Grade

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Great Work

Kids under construction and working hard...

Currently, this site is seeking great work to post. If possible, please write to our fearless leader and submit immediately!

Thanks.

Miss Lou
_______________________________


Look out for great work coming soon!

Calendar 2008


Calendar



March

4 Tuesday District Writing Assessment

7 Friday End of Second Trimester

21 Friday Good Friday - School not in session

21 Friday Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.

24 Monday March 24 - March 28 spring break - School not in session


April












22 Tuesday Open House for Forest Park

28 Monday STAR testing 4/28-5/09


May


26 Monday Memorial Day - School not in session


June


18 Wednesday End of Third Trimester


How do I comment?

If you want to answer me right away, click onto the "Comments" and type in your answer. Ask your parents to help you put in your name and type in the funny code on the bottom. The funny code is there to keep away advertisers that send me unwanted commercials because I want ONLY my special students--(YOU!) to comment instead.

Keep writing and reading!

Love,
Miss Lou