Parent Letter
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Dear Parents,

             This Friday, May 20 will be the May Procession. The sixth grade has been practicing this week. Proper dress for the event is on the school website under Students. The procession on Friday will begin with the lower grades around 1:15. We will all process to the church, with the sixth graders at the end of the procession. Every sixth grader is expected to bring at least one long stemmed flower to honor Mary. The flowers will be put in water in the classroom in the morning to keep them fresh.  Parents are invited!

             We had a wonderful experience at Biz Town on April 1. All businesses paid off their bank loans and began making a profit. One child commented, " I didn't know I would need to work this hard!" We all learned much about business and commerce. Thank you to all the parent volunteers, we couldn't have done it without you!

              In computer class the students have been set up with their own e-mail account. They need to check it often, because the computer teachers will be e-mailing the students. Students have Skyped another 6th grade class in Florida. We told them about CSW and asked them about theirs.

          I have added a link on the Homework Page to free printable handwriting paper the students need for their spelling contract.   A couple parents asked me where to find this.  

          We are not using a Spelling text this year.  Our lists come from the reading series and are posted on spellingcity.com, where students can go and play games using the words, and take practice tests online. It is a very useful site. There is a link on our homework page.

          We practice or English skills everyday, by doing Daily Edits after lunch.  The edits take only 5 minutes or less, and can only be done in school. 

     If you need to contact me, I prefer e-mail.

     I send home a book log every Monday where your student will keep track of the 20 minutes of reading every school night. They are to read at least 20 minutes, have you listen to their retelling or summary of what they read, and ask you to evaluate what they said.  You are welcome to ask your son/daughter questions about the book they are reading, in fact, I encourage it. The log must be signed by you and returned on Monday.  Please make this a part of your evening routine. The students need practice with summarizing and retelling. Having them read aloud to you a portion of what they are reading is also a good idea, and will help with fluency.  If you have a reluctant reader in the family, put the closed captions on your television.  That was a tip from a prominent reading specialist I had the opportunity to see at a conference a couple years ago.

     The students all need to know their math facts, as well.  Think of them as tools.  They are the tools that a student needs to do math.  Everything in math will be more difficult if your child does not know them.  They can be practiced in the car on the way to school, or on many websites in a game format. 

    Paper packets go home on Wednesdays.  Please look over the papers, sign, and return the next day. Read your In the Loop e-mail on Wednesday, as well.

     On the class website, homework will be posted everyday, so if your child is sick, he/she can go there and see what assignments we are working on. On the homework page under the homework postings is a copy of the homework policy. Websites, such as Spelling City, are linked on the homework page, as well, since students may need them when doing homework. Student schedule and supply list are on the website too.

     Please check your child's supplies periodically and replace missing items.   Pencils disappear easily!  Many students are also missing a ruler that they need for math class. 
    
     I would like to encourage the parents of all my students to purchase scrip.  It is so easy to do, and benefits both the school and your family budget.   I have purchased scrip myself, especially grocery store scrip, which I use frequently.  So start out by buying grocery cards and go from there. There is a lady in the lobby Monday morning to sell them.  My son likes the gas cards.  I have purchased restaurant certificates for my mother, too.  It is so easy!
   
    Don't forget to send in Boxtops for Education and Campbell labels.

     If you need me to send home books with another student when your child is sick, please let me know before the end of the day. 

Fondly,    

                                                                                                                    Mrs. Nestlerode

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Recipe for the Cookie Mix in a Jar:
1 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups oatmeal
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 slightly beaten egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together all the dry ingredients, then the butter, egg , and vanilla.  Shape into walnut-sized balls and put on cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes.