As we approach the middle of the school year, our students will be participating in important assessments. These tests are critical in helping us understand their progress and identify areas where additional support might be needed.
To ensure your child is set up for success, we kindly ask for your support in the following ways:
- Punctuality: Please make sure your child arrives at school on time each day. Being on time allows them to start their day calmly and confidently.
- Rest: A good night's sleep is essential. Ensure your child goes to bed early to be well-rested and ready to focus.
- Preparedness: Encourage your child to come to school ready to give their best effort.
Thank you for your partnership in helping your child thrive. If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher and/or our leadership team.
PES One Book, One School Program
Beginning January 21, all Providence Elementary School students will be participating in the
One Book, One School program, a national family literacy program. All Providence students will
receive a copy of the book, The World According to Humphrey, written by Betty G. Birney. The
World According to Humphrey follows the adventures of a class pet hamster named Humphrey.
Families and students will have the opportunity to read along with Humphrey’s adventures. In
school, students will participate in trivia questions and extension activities. All students will keep
their gifted book, even after the three week-long event. The kickoff event for this literacy
program will be Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM. Ms. Jenkins’ first grade students will present a
short “hamster” concert, students can play in a life-sized hamster maze and a hamster ball,
participate in hamster art and activities, meet the author virtually, and meet a hamster – please
join us!
IDEAS from our Math Coach
To assist your children your children with math in January, your family can enrich and relate mathematics to daily life: 1. Talk about how many bowls to put out for dinner. 2. Fold napkins in different shapes. 3. Have your child count similar items as you put away groceries. 4. Have your child help measure ingredients for recipes. 5. Give your child change to count out to pay for small purchases at the store; have older children calculate the change. 6. Ask your child to compare prices of items by asking things like, “Which can of beans costs more?” 7. Allow your child to weigh the fresh produce; have older children calculate the price by multiplying the price per pound by the number of pounds. 8. Read the days and dates on a calendar, talk about the number of days in the month, the number of days remaining until a special event, etc. 9. Draw a scale map of your home and determine the best escape route in case of an emergency. 10. When traveling, write numbers on a grid and have your child color in the box as they see the numbers on signs or license plates.
Please contact me with questions or concerns at Jessica.Zavala@hsv-k12.org
A Note From Our Reading Specialist
As we begin 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on our students' reading progress and set new goals for the months ahead. As your child’s reading specialist, I want to share a few updates, strategies, and tips to help your child continue growing as a confident and passionate reader in the coming months.
1. Mid-Year Check-In: January is an excellent time to assess your child's progress in reading. Take a moment to reflect on their growth. Are they reading with greater fluency? Are they comprehending the material more deeply? Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about their reading progress. I'm always here to support you.
2. Set New Reading Goals: Encourage your child to set a new reading goal for 2024! Whether it’s reading a certain number of books, mastering a new level, or reading a variety of genres, having a goal can motivate them to stay focused and engaged. I recommend talking with your child about the books they would love to read next!
3. Here are a few simple strategies you can use to support your child's reading development at home:
- Read together: Even if your child is reading independently, make time to read together. Take turns reading pages, and discuss the book afterward.
- Make connections: Help your child make connections between what they are reading and their own experiences, other books they've read, or current events.
- Ask questions: Encourage comprehension by asking questions before, during, and after reading. For example, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character acted that way?”
- Expand vocabulary: Introduce new words in context. When you come across an unfamiliar word, try using it in different sentences to help your child understand its meaning.
- Create a reading routine: Establish a quiet reading time each day. Whether it's before bed or during the afternoon, setting aside a dedicated time for reading helps make it a habit.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year filled with reading adventures!
If you’re looking for resources to enhance your child’s literacy skills, reach out to your child’s teacher or I can be reached at Lindsay.Madden@hsv-k12.org. We’re here to support you in nurturing a lasting love for reading in your child.
Warm regards,
Lindsay Madden
