Oakview South Newsletter

As we get ready for the winter break make sure to take advantage of the time with your children. Instead of having them play video games, find a board game that you can play as a family. Instead of watching tv, build something together. Instead of being on a phone or computer, look for ways to exercise together. It is so easy to get stuck in routines where we all just focus on electronics, but it’s the time together with family that is so important. It is a great time for them to recharge, so they are ready for the winter stretch of school.

Speaking of winter, please check each day that your children remember their gloves, hats, boots, etc. We want everyone to stay safe and warm during recess and it helps when they remember these items.

Also, this is the time of year for colds and the flu. Make sure everyone is getting the proper rest and nutrition to fight off these illnesses. If your child is sick with a temperature, make sure to keep them home so we can stop the spread of sickness. Lastly, enjoy this break with your family. Time goes by so fast, but the memories will last forever. Have a wonderful break!!!

Sincerely,

Jim Alspaugh

Principal, Oakview South Elementary

12/20-12/4 Winter Break

1/19 No School

3rd Grade: 11:45 - 12:45

4th Grade: 2:10 - 3:00

5th Grade: 9:30 - 10:30

Math

Students will be starting a unit on multiplication and division. In this unit students will begin to multiply and divide larger numbers. It is important that students practice basic facts at home to be prepared.

Social Studies

(Parker)

We are starting our unit on Geography! We will be learning about different regions, economic activities, and how to read maps.

(McCracken & Taylor)

We are working on describing how immigration changed our culture in the United States. We are learning about the many different stories and reasons why people would immigrate to the United States.

(Berkhousen)

As we continue our U.S. geography unit, we are learning more about different types of special feature maps, how to use a map key, and a lot of related vocabulary words.

Writing

(Parker & Berkhousen)

We are working our way through an informational animal report. Students are learning how to research and take notes. We are also focusing on informational text features and adding those into our reports. Students are writing paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. At the end of this unit students will have a google slide presentation to share with the class. As we finish, we will be writing a few poems before our break.

(McCracken & Taylor)

We are working on our Traditional Literature unit. After learning the main types, students are creating their own Fairytale based off elements we discussed. They will be sharing their work in other rooms!

Reading

(Parker & Berkhousen)

We have started our poetry unit and are learning about all of the elements of poetry, digging deeper into figurative language, and analyzing word choice in poems.

(McCracken & Taylor)

We are identifying the main idea and supporting details from nonfiction text. We are explaining what is happening and asking why from the text and learning new vocabulary from context clues.

On December 2nd and December 4th, our 4th grade students had the opportunity to tour our state capitol building in Lansing. Our students were all very eager to see and ask questions about our three branches of government and this beautiful, historic building!

Social Studies

Fifth graders wrapped up our unit focusing on colonization with a look at the middle colonies. They made some amazingly creative newspaper headlines to capture when the English took over New Netherlands. They also enjoyed sketching a map of the middle colonies and learning physical, economic and physical features of the region. Hopefully the fifth graders are also bringing home their issues of Scholastic News after they are handed back. Reading those articles and answering the questions that follow is a great way for them to practice informational reading and comprehension skills. After we return from break, our attention will shift to the indigenous people of North America.

Math

Fifth graders have been busy building strong number sense in math! We recently completed our unit on adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators. Students are now working with multi-digit multiplication and division. They just finished an investigation of multi-digit multiplication, where they learned the standard algorithm and developed an understanding of why it works. Currently, students are learning to divide by a two-digit divisor, using pictures or diagrams to represent their thinking and practicing clear, organized notation so their reasoning is easy to follow. This important work with division will continue after the break.

ELA

In ELA, fifth graders have been strengthening their vocabulary through focused word study. Students have been learning about prefixes, Latin root words, and suffixes, and how to break words apart to determine meaning. This work supports stronger reading comprehension by helping students understand unfamiliar vocabulary and make sense of more complex texts across content areas.

Recently, all of 5th grade participated in a Prefix Memory Game tournament that concluded with a championship round in the gym. The final two students competed while 105 fifth graders observed in complete silence, demonstrating impressive focus and respect. It was a fun, memorable way to celebrate learning and show just how powerful a strong word foundation can be.

Last month we talked about social media and how to guide your child in that area. But how do you know it's the best time to give your child a smartphone? Each family must make the decision that is best for their child and family. Maybe you are concerned for their safety and want to be able to reach them no matter where they are. Is a basic phone without internet access an option for your child? Maybe you are struggling to balance the "but I don't want to be left out because my friends have a smartphone" conversation. No matter your decision, here are some resources to help guide you in that journey with your child.

SmartPhone Parent Tips

Why Wait?

SmartPhone Alternatives

• Students should not be dropped off before 7:55 am and walkers should not arrive before that time. We do not have supervision until 7:55 and it is unsafe for them to be unattended.
• Please continue to stick to the designated areas for drop off and pick up. We have noticed some families are dropping off on Clinton Ave. This is a very busy road for the buses and families, so please stick to our designated areas.
• Communicating any change of plans to the office is vital. Please make sure to do so in a timely manner so the office can coordinate with all the parties involved.
• If you decide to park to pick up/drop off your child, make sure to walk with them across the parking lot. We want everyone to remain safe during this busy and chaotic time.
• Please do not pass other cars in the pick up line and be respectful of everyone picking up. The first car may pull up to spot 1 in the pickup line.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for Oakview, click the box below. Thank you!

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