Mrs. Dykgraaf's Parent Newsletter
For September 14th-18th
P.E. Tuesday/Thursday
Music Wednesday/Friday Library Wed. computer lab and Lesson
Reading: All students have been given the DIBELS reading test. We will begin reading whole class and small group
differentiated groups this week. Mrs. Margett will be teaching the above level group, Mrs. Wellman will be
teaching the on level group. Mrs. Husseman will be teaching the on or near level group. I will be teaching the
approaching level with added Title support. Our goal is to allow all students to be exposed and taught higher level
text, as well as give them practice reading at their level. Title reading will also begin, giving the below level
students more intervention time. At curriculum night, you will be able to look at all of these leveled readers.
Spelling began last week with short a and i words. To start off, I will have everyone working on the same words. If
your child is ready for a challenge, you can have them learn the high frequency words listed. Please be practicing
these words at home, as well as the high frequency words, and vocabulary words listed on the sheet. Spelling tests
will be on Friday. I sent home the McGraw Hill, Wonders note and the codes they will use to get on and practice
the stories for the week. Read Naturally also begins this week. Be sure your child reads the passage each day and
completes the back. High level students will only be doing Read Naturally for a short while before changing to
book reports and higher level skill work.
Math: Hands On Math Practice was sent for homework last week. Be sure you return the math sheet signed
each week. They will be added to our data binders. I am sending home yellow and orange flash cards this week.
Carefully cut them out and keep them in the lg. white envelope. Do not write on them. These are tools to practice
math facts and teaches the strategy on the back of them. Codes were sent for Xtra Math Ten Marks. Please
follow the directions for practicing each skill for the day. You may always do more time/practice, but 10 mins. is
the goal each day. We will have our first Distrist Math Facts assessment on Wednesday. We did one practice
test last week. I am looking for steady growth on these until they are all at standard.
Social Studies/ Science: Our first Extraordinary Word Sharing is next week. The word is cetacean. We will be
learning all about cetaceans in class. Your job is to find a creative way to share something about a cetacean
(whales & dolphins). It can be pictures from Sea World, a stuffed whale toy, art they created, etc. Projects can be
family projects. Have fun learning about cetaceans these two weeks.
Writing: This week we will focus on writing narratives. The skill will be organization and will be guided practice
before trying the skill on their own. I am scoring their baseline writing assessment they did last week. I am excited
to see the growth they will make this year.
It was a good week overall last week. Behavior paws slips will go home on Friday (daily if on yellow or red). Small
rewards and/or lots of praise for good and improved behavior would be appreciated.
Book orders are due on Friday. Please do not send cash (checks only) or you can order on line. (let me know)
This year each classroom is responsible for a service project. I am
wondering if anyone has something that you do as a family or is near
and dear to your heart. If you have any ideas that we might consider,
please let me know as soon as possible. I have always set up the
Memory Walk for our school (cancer), and we could do it as a class but
wanted to get other ideas. Maybe something for our Navy families
would be nice. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Snack time is going great. Remember to send in a couple extra things in
their lunch to eat at around 11:00, and again at 2:00. If they buy lunch,
send in something to share with others or their own snacks. I have a
few boxes that should last us a couple weeks.
I am super excited about the amount of help we will have in our
classroom this year. It is going to be a wonderful year and I know we
will see lots of growth in our students. Thanks again for a wonderful
start to the year!