October 25, 2013
Mrs. Marilyn Burger
Mrs. Jan Likowski
Reading Intervention
Teachers
New This Year
The Brunswick School District has decided to change the focus of the Reading Intervention Program this year. Due to the new Third Grade Guarantee, all of the intervention teachers are now teaching children in grades K-3. This is to insure that all students receive intervention if it is needed. Mrs. Burger and Mrs. Likowski are now sharing the students in these grades. We are working together to help our students become better readers.
Parents Attend Title 1 Fall Meeting
The Fall Title 1 Parent Meeting on Wednesday, September 25th. Parents learned about the Title 1 program, the Third Grade Guarantee and about our classroom routines. Materials were also provided to help parents read with their student at home. Thank you to all the parents who attended!
Annual Review
Included in this newsletter you will find theme morial Title 1 Annual Review for the 2012-13school year. We are required by the government to present this report each year to inform parents about the number of students we work with, and the progress they make.
Workshop Survey
You will also find a survey for a Parent Workshop. We are planning a workshop and would like parent input as to a date and the information you would like to have presented. Please return the survey by November 8th.
Newsletters and Progress Reports
You will receive a newsletter such as this four times during the school year. They will be distributed with your child’s report card. A progress report will also come home four times during the year and will address your child’s performance in the reading intervention claasroom.
Parent Conferences
Parent Conferences will be held on November 7th and 13th. Customarily, the Title 1 teacher will attend the conference that is set by the classroom teacher with the parents. If you would prefer a separate conference with the Title 1 teacher, please e-mail, call or send a note to school with your child. Mrs. Burger and Mrs. Likowski are happy to talk with you anytime you have concerns about your child.
Friday Folders
All Intervention students receive their Friday Folder every other week. The folder contains completed work, a parent information sheet, and a homework sheet for student in K-2. Third grade does not get a homework sheet because they have their Fluency Folders.
Bookbag Program
First and second grade students bring home a book in a yellow and black school bag every Tuesday and Friday. The book is to be read daily for 3 days. Parents are to sign the calendar sheet every time your student reads the book. The calendar sheets are returned when they have 25 or more blocks filled in, so that the student can choose a prize.
Fluency Folders
Third grade students are practicing their fluency with their Fluency Folders. Each story has four comprehension questions. Parents should partner read each selelction with their child. Partner reading means you read together at the same time so your child hears now to pause at the commas and stop at the periods. They listen to your intonation. This is an excellent activity to help them increase their fluency. The goal is not to read fast. It is to read with good phrasing and expression. Please have your child complete the questions independently, then bring them back to you to check their work. After the work is completed, please sign the parent page. These folders shoud be returned on Tuesdays and Fridays with the next story completed. Thanks!
Right To Read Week
Right to Read Week will take place the week of November 18th. There will be theme days and a variety of activities to promote the importance of reading. More information about Right to Read Week will be coming home soon.
Fall Book Fair
One of the events during Right to Read Week will be Memorial’s book fair. The books will be displayed in the Library. There will be a family night sale on Friday, November 15th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Children will also be able to shop during their library time during that week. The book fair will be open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm daily. On Tuesday and Thursday it will be open till 5:00 pm. Books make great gifts no matter what the occasion!
Ideas for Establishing Good Homework Patterns
You have the unique opportunity to have a positive effect on your child’s future. The development of homework patterns begin in childhood and shape how your child will work throughout life. It is important that you help your child establish good homework habits that he can take with him into adult life. Here are some ideas:
*Find an appropriate place to do schoolwork. Select a well-lit, comfortable, quiet spot in your home and make that a designated homework area. Poor lighting causes eye fatigue.
*Find a quiet area without distractions. A place without a television, video game of music is optimal. Make sure this spot is away from others who are not doing homework.
*Establish routine study hours. Find a good time to do homework and have your child study within this time frame every day.
*After your child has completed their homework, have them show you the assignment. Check it for general understanding, and if applicable ask them a few comprehension questions about the assignment.