February Family Newsletter

Want to keep up with school events and things happening in classrooms?

👍👍👍Make sure you "like" Lake Hills Facebook Page. 👍👍👍

What's new from the district? Check out Peachjar for flyers and community information!

PreK has been busy working on fine motor skills. We are excited for February to bring some consistency and fun activities.

In Kindergarten we are digging deeper into our unit about Trees. We are focusing on how living things depend on trees to meet their needs. We are writing books together and independently about how people and animals depend on trees.

We have just learned about digraphs( sh, th, ch) and how they are 2 letters that make 1 sound. We will begin our journey exploring CVC words with short vowels well in this month.

In Math we are finishing up our work with addition and subtraction and all the different ways to solve number sentences or stories with our fingers, ten frames and manipulatives. We will be starting Unit 6 and exploring numbers up to 20. Students will be answering “how many” questions and count out groups within 20. They will understand that numbers 11 to 9 are a group of 10 plus extra “ones”. They will write their numbers independently within 20.

First grade is beginning an exciting new science unit all about the wonderful world of birds! Students will explore what makes a bird a bird and learn about their unique characteristics. In math, we have started Unit 4, where we are learning how to add and subtract by tens.

Happy February! ❄️ We are excited for another busy month of learning and growth in second grade. Thank you for your continued support at home—it truly makes a difference.

We will focus on identifying main ideas, key details, and building reading stamina. Students will continue practicing comprehension strategies during both whole-group and small-group instruction. We will also continue a strong focus on reviewing skills to prepare for the IRead test. Students are continuing working with addition and subtraction strategies and will be working with problems up to 1,000. Students will explore parts of a plant and learn about important historical figures in recognition of Black History Month.

In third grade, students are diving into fractions in math as they learn to represent, compare, and explain parts of a whole using models and number lines. This work strengthens their problem-solving skills and helps them clearly explain their thinking—an important focus as we build toward state assessments.

In English Language Arts, students are reading Peter Pan, where they are practicing comprehension, discussion, and writing by analyzing characters, settings, and key events in the story. Across all subjects, we are keeping a strong focus on preparing students for ILEARN and iREAD by building stamina, applying strategies, and strengthening confidence with grade-level skills.

January has been a busy and productive month in fourth grade! In Language Arts, students explored inequality and have really enjoyed reading the book, The Hope Chest. In both reading and math, we have been practicing key skills aligned to Indiana standards as we prepare for the upcoming iLearn checkpoint assessments. We focused on reading comprehension, problem solving, and building stamina. To beat the January blahs, students are participating in a fun IXL contest, to hopefully stay motivated and strengthen math and language skills. I am so proud of the hard work and positive attitudes that I see as we continue building momentum this winter!

Our fifth graders have been hard at work across all subjects! As a class, students are creating a slideshow based on the book Promises to Keep, where they are learning about Jackie Robinson and the unequal rights he faced during segregation and Jim Crow laws. Through this work, students are developing skills in Informational Text & Media by citing evidence, drawing inferences, analyzing an author’s reasoning, and reviewing claims by evaluating supporting evidence.

In math, students are strengthening their problem-solving skills by analyzing story problems, highlighting important information, and adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Students are also working hard to complete their individualized IXL Action Plans.

We are excited to begin Book Clubs, where students read books at their instructional level and engage in meaningful discussions that deepen understanding, encourage critical thinking, and keep them challenged and engaged.

Sixth graders are busy working hard in all subject areas. They recently completed their ILEARN Checkpoint 2 assessments in both Math and ELA. Due to weather delays and eLearning days, both My Day in Court sessions will be rescheduled. Coming up, sixth grade students will also participate in My Day in the Police Department. Later this month, winners from our preliminary Ramp Challenge round will travel to Barker Middle School to compete in the finals, hosted by Mrs. Hamann.

Our students are continuing to make amazing progress in the resource room. We are so proud of their determination and hard work as they level up each day. And while learning is our top priority, we also make time for fun! On Fun Fridays, students enjoy educational games that support math and reading skills. 😊

We are hard at work in the art room. We are working on various projects inspired by black American artists for Black History Month. The artists we are focusing on this month include Alma Thomas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kimmy Cantrell. Be on the lookout for some amazing projects from your students!

If you haven’t already done so, sign up for an Artsonia account for your student. The code for our classes is JSCJY44H. Having an account will allow you to see your students' art before they bring it home. It’s also possible to purchase items with your students’ artwork on them. Twenty percent of all purchases go back to the art room. Mrs. Jongkind will use this money to buy supplies. Contact Mrs. Jongkind if you have any questions.

The gym keeps alive with activity of all sorts! In K-1 we’ve practiced coordination with our hands and feet, in 2-4th we’ve been getting really good at some soccer skills and working in chaotic environments. 5th and 6th continue on working as a team to accomplish goals, and improving skills that interest us.

With spring time around the corner, the focus in music will be songs relating to spring and warmer weather. This quarter we will focus on more movement games we can play in the music classroom, learning songs in other languages, and writing our own music!

As we start our instrumental units for 3rd-6th, please be sure to have your students turn in their instrument letter so they are able to participate with the class. Students who do not have their letter turned in will have alternate assignments in music until their form is signed and returned. Thank you!

Just a friendly reminder that the Mobile Dentist will be here on February 24th and 25th. If this is something you are interested in for your child, please get the permission slip back to me filled out or you can register them online as well at: https://www.myschooldentist.com/LHMCIN_schsrm

I do have more forms available if needed. If you have any questions please reach out.

A new menu will be starting in March. It will be uploaded to the school website only. Each classroom will be provided a copy. Please reach out to us if you would like a copy. The doors open at 8:25am for breakfast. Please encourage your students to eat with us.

Safe harbor will be participating in another book challenge this month! The theme is Food characters,which each student will create/draw a made up character ( ex: banana magician, donut hero etc) that will be published in the upcoming book this summer! We are also practicing for an upcoming marble competition against Coolspring safe harbor, at the end of the school year. 4th-6th will begin their junior Achievement soon as well as continue to work with the Lubeznik Center Arts. Art with LCA has been moved from Wednesday to Monday going forward.

Join the Parent Group at the Hacienda this month! They are working hard to plan a Fun Fair and Teacher Appreciation Week. Our current parent group is looking for other parents to pass the torch to as their kids will be graduating to middle school this year.

Forms have gone home, but have plenty if you didn't get one. Please let your child's teacher know if you need one. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to get their teeth cleaned at school!

Tryouts are January 15-16, 3;10-4:10, transportation is not provided.

Permission slips due January 13.

• School starts at 8:45.
• Dismissal at 3:00. All early dismissal requests must be made before 2:30 to ensure we have enough time to notify staff.
• Elementary School Dress Code - No slides or sandals are allowed for safety reasons.

Lake Hills Elementary School

Principal: Mrs. Tara Stachowiak

Main Office: Mrs. Aldora Rowley

Website: https://lakehills.educatemc.net/
Location: 201 Ferguson Rd. Michigcan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 873-2105
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeHillsElementary