Halloween Parade Plans

Weather permitting - HALLOWEEN Parade Wednesday,October 31^st at 9:00. Parents are invited to the front driveway to cheer on their costumed children. Children in grades K-2 should come dressed in as much of their costume as possible, with the rest in a labeled bag. Since costumes will not be worn for the remainder of the day, be sure your child has an appropriate change of clothing.  Please remember to emphasize non-violent costumes, with no weapons, gore or blood. Halloween School-Wide DEAM (Drop Everything and Move) will directly follow the parade outside on the hill. There is no rain date, so if it rains there will not be a Halloween Parade.

Save The Date-Thursday , November 15th

 This year, the school is inviting families to join their students for lunch in the cafeteria.  Our date is scheduled for Thursday, November 15th from 11:45 to 12:15.  Mrs. Stephens, our cafeteria manager, will be sending home more specific information. So, save the date and please let me know if you have any questions.  If you are not able to join us, please let me know and I will arrange for your child to invite a special Cutler teacher as his/her guest.  Also, I would like to invite you to extend your visit and join us in the classroom to play math games, read books and enjoy your child's book making efforts.

Our First Big Read Experience

 On Wednesday afternoon, the students were invited to meet with Ms. Lisa Greenleaf, an author and illustrator who shared her book, The Barefoot Boy. This book, was an illustrated version of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem. Ms. Greenleaf was a wonderful example of how an author and illustrator make composition decisions.  The students enjoyed viewing her original artwork and learning more about the history of the poem.

A Great Family Outing!

Have you seen this year's scarecrow display on Bridge Street in Hamilton? It is spectacular!

Welcome Lorilei Pomilla and Tiffany Miller

We are so happy to have two helpers that have joined our learning community.  On Monday and Thursday mornings, Tiffany Miller, a student at the Gordon Seminary, works in our room from 9:15 to 10:00. The children have enjoyed reading to Tiffany and she is a great writing coach. On Friday afternoons, Lorilei Pomilla, a sophmore at Salem University, joins us.  A former student of mine, Lorilei is working towards a degree in elementary education.  She has been reading with the students, playing math games and assisting Mrs. Hebert during our library/tech time.

Science- Fall Leaves

During our science blocks, the students have been learning about the deciduous and evergreen trees. Also, we have been discussing the basic parts of a tree. We have learned about how the roots, bark, trunk, branches and leaves function. We spent time comparing various fall leaves and added detailed sketches to our journals. In a few weeks, we will be comparing a variety of evergreen needles. Also, we have been thinking about why trees are important and what products are harvested from trees in New England.

Readers' Theater

 Last week, we were treated to a Readers' Theater Presentation from some of our 4th graders. The children enjoyed a modernized version of Aesop's Fable, The Tortoise And The Hare. The play was set at a summer camp.  After the show, the students created some of their own stick puppets and have been reading some other Aesop's fables.

Kids and Company-lesson 2

Today, Mrs. McIlvaine taught us about The Buddy System. We sang a song to help us remember when to use the buddy system. We practiced reciting our phone number (with area code) and complete address. Please continue to help your child memorize this important personal information as well as practice using the phone. We ask the children (for Homework) to share each lesson with you and to discuss their own family rules for safety. Thank you for your support of this important program.

Literacy Block and Homework

Literacy Block and Homework

Today, we all met in our guided reading groups. Starting next week the students will bring and home a book to read for homework. At this point in the year, the book your child brings home may seem "to easy" but we are working on a variety of discussion techniques, comprehension strategies and decoding skills. Please set aside 15 to 20 minutes an evening for your child to read to a trusted adult. After your child has read, please sign the homework card and  have your student return the book and the card (in the ziplock bag) each day. Also, there will be a math sheet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, I would encourage you to be reading to your child on a nightly basis, too. Do you remember your favorite book as a child? I am sure your child would enjoy hearing that book or perhaps choose a topic to study together or a favorite author to enjoy. During our literacy block, your child reads in a guided reading group, reads independently, works on a variety of phonic and poetry activities and continues to make decisions as an author and illustrator on self-designed book making projects. At the moment, many of the children are creating mini books and exploring a variety of binding methods.

KIDS AND COMPANY

KIDS AND COMPANY

Today, we had our first lesson with Mrs. McIlvaine that focused on telephone strategies and when to dial 911. The students have been asked to practice using the phone with you (both landline and cell) and to review with you who they would call (trusted adults) for help and where the phone numbers are posted. Also, please check with your child to see if he/she knows his/her full address and parent phone numbers. It is a great thing to practice in the car or tub. The students will be bringing home a activity sheet on Thursday about the lesson. Please complete the form with your child and have them return it to school on/or before Thursday, October 11th.