Linn Lion's Roar
December 2025
DATES TO REMEMBER:
- Dec. 12: PRIDE Awards/DARE 5th Grade Graduation @2:30pm in the gym
- Dec. 13-Dec. 19: December Spirit Week!; see flyer below
- Dec. 17: 4th Grade Wax Museum @9:00-11:00am
- Dec. 18: Student of the Month Breakfast @7:30am in the cafeteria
- Dec. 19-Jan 5: Winter Break-No School!
Holiday Spirit Week
School Monthly Focus: Empathy
Grade Level News
Kindergarten: Mrs. Hernandez and Mrs. Moore
Kindergarten is working hard on segmenting sounds (breaking the sounds in words apart) and then blending sounds together to read words. Please continue to practice sight words, flashcards or songs, as well as the alphabet, and reading from the books we send home with your child. In math, we have been working on measurement by stating if it's heavier than or lighter than. We continue with numbers to 10 by comparing sets of objects, numbers, and stating if they are more than, less than, or the same as.
Please make sure your child is bringing a big coat to school every day. We still go outside for recess, and the temperature is often very cold in the morning. If they would like to also bring a sweater or light jacket to wear in the classroom, they can, but they must have a coat to wear outside. Thank you and happy and safe holidays!
Math Home Support
1st Grade: Mrs. Adame and Mrs. Fry
Greetings 1st grade families,
For Reading, students are learning all about choices and making decisions. Students will be learning more about narrative writing and they will be able to learn how to write a short story about a choice they made about saving or spending money. The students are also learning how to retell events by sequence order and by using temporal words and key details in their writing.
For math, we are continuing learning about place value in addition and subtraction up to 20. The students will be able to use their ten frames to take away from a teen number. Students are also learning how to use the strategy of Read, Write, Draw and then write a number sentence to complete their problem. In math, please continue counting with your child up to 150-200. It is very important that your child can identify their numbers and know what number comes next. The students are also working on counting backwards.
During Social Studies, students are learning about Goods and Services. They will be able to identify what goods and wants are. They will also learn how to make choices based on what are things that they need. The students have also been learning about ways to earn and also on what things they are able to spend their money on.
Thank you for all of your help! Please continue working on sights words, math flash cards, and read to your child 15-20 minutes a day. We appreciate all of your help, as we are helping your child grow each day!
Mrs. Adame and Mrs. Fry
Math Home Support
2nd Grade: Mrs. Rosales and Ms. Solis
ELA : Students are working on:
• Understanding characters and the lessons in stories
• Asking and answering questions using text evidence
• Writing narratives with a clear beginning, middle, and end
• Using correct capitalization, punctuation, and descriptive details
Math: Students are learning to:
• Add and subtract within 1,000 using place-value strategies
• Compare three-digit numbers
• Solve word problems using equations and models
• Explain their thinking when solving problems
Math Home Support
3rd Grade: Mrs. Laskowsky, Miss. Northcutt, and Mrs. Salmans
Dear 3rd Grade family and friends,
The end of the year is getting closer! We will take our winter FastBridge reading and math screeners soon. If your student has been attentive to the instructions in class, put forth an honest effort, followed directions, and read nightly for a minimum of 20 minutes, they should see a positive increase in their score. We are so excited to see the progress made and celebrate!
Remember! Students need to keep reading and practicing math facts EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! Do not stop over break! Continue to support your student in completing their homework and provide them with opportunities to read aloud and show off their math fact fluency. We have reached practicing our multiplication tables to 12!
In math, we are progressing with multiplication and area in Module 4. Help your student identify geometric shapes and let them use rulers and tape measures at home to calculate length and width.
In ELA, our nonfiction texts guide us toward connecting Character, Culture, and Community. Our writing leads us to comparing and contrasting two interesting communities. When you are out and about, discuss our wonderful historic community of Dodge City!
We will end our year with a Science unit focusing on environments and traits of organisms. The students will enjoy many hands-on activities.
Enjoy a wonderful Winter Break, spending time with family and friends. Don’t forget to make some special memories together. We look forward to spending 2026 with YOU and working on all our individual goals!
The 3rd Grade Team
Ms. Northcutt
Mrs. Salmans
Mrs. Laskowsky
Math Home Support
4th Grade: Mrs. Castro and Mrs. Rolle
Hello 4th Grade Families,
As we approach the end of the semester, we want to take a moment to share what your children have been working on in class. They have shown a tremendous amount of growth this semester, and we are very proud of their hard work, curiosity, and dedication. Below is an update on our current learning in 4th grade.
Reading & Writing
In ELA we are moving into Unit 2 Module B, where students will explore Native American Tribes and opinion writing. We will read informational texts to learn about the traditions, daily life, and culture of different tribes. Students will use evidence from these texts to form opinions and support their ideas clearly in writing.
Math – Module 5
In Module 5: Fraction Equivalence, Ordering, and Operations, students will extend their understanding of fractions from third grade. They will:
- Explore equivalent fractions
- Compare fractions and mixed numbers
- Represent fractions in multiple models
This module builds strong foundational skills that students will use in future math units and real-world situations.
Social Studies / Science
We have transitioned into Social Studies and are beginning our Wax Museum Project. Students will research a historical figure and create a presentation that shares their character’s contributions and achievements. A detailed letter will be sent home with project guidelines, deadlines, and important information you will need.
How You Can Support at Home
- Have your child read aloud for a few minutes each night.
- Practice multiplication and fractions during everyday activities like cooking or sharing snacks.
- Let your child show you something new they learned in class or research a topic they are curious about.
Thank you for your continued support as we finish this semester strong. We are grateful for your partnership and proud of the progress our 4th graders have made. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
The 4th Grade Team
Math Home Support
5th Grade: Mrs. Rogers and Miss. Sughroue
Warm Greetings, 5th Grade Families,
We hope you had a restful and joyful Thanksgiving break.
Important Announcements
- Winter FastBridge Screener
- As we return from Thanksgiving break, we will be completing our Winter FastBridge screener. This assessment helps us see the progress your student has made so far in 5th grade and guides our instructional planning.
- Math
- We will finish our module on adding and subtracting fractions when we return from Thanksgiving and then begin multiplying and dividing fractions.
- At home: Practice with fraction review problems and real-life examples (recipes, measurements) helps build confidence.
- ELA & Social Studies
- Students are continuing to learn about the first explorers and the first settlers in North America. We are connecting reading, discussion, and map work to deepen understanding.
- Writing
- In writing, students are composing opinion pieces and practicing how to support their opinions with clear reasons and evidence.
- We are also focusing on distinguishing between facts and opinions during class discussions.
- Daily Habits to Support Learning
- Please encourage your student to read 20–30 minutes each day.
- Continue practicing multiplication facts regularly to build fluency and confidence.
- Questions or Concerns
- If you have any questions or concerns about your student, please reach out We are grateful for the positive energy students bring each day and for the way families support classroom learning.
Additional Information
Upcoming Events & Reminders
- Please watch ParentSquare for specific dates and times for any December classroom events.
- Winter classroom activities and any material requests will be posted in ParentSquare with details on how families can help.
At-Home Support Ideas
- Short daily conversations about what your child read or learned can strengthen understanding.
- Playing multiplication or fraction games for 10–15 minutes a few times a week is a fun way to build fluency.
We are grateful for your ongoing support in your child’s education and for the partnership
between home and school. Your involvement makes a real difference.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rogers
Ms. Sughroue
We look forward to a productive and joyful December together!
Math Home Support
Music: Mr. Adams and Mrs. Shuler
Kindergarten: The Kindergarten music class has accomplished many things since the first of the year: matching pitch, knowing high and low, 4-voices (whisper, talk, shout, sing), steady beat, and melodic direction just to name a few. The students will continue developing their musical talents and add movement which includes dancing.
1st Grade: is learning about melodic direction and how melodies can move up, down or stay the same.
2nd Grade: will be starting on their program for February called “DisneyLinn."
3rd Grade: The 3rd grade has been busy learning rhythms- 16th notes and Solfege including Low La and Low So. They have also completed the 3rd grade Dance Assessment. They all are very good dancers! The students will start practicing for their Program in December. The students will perform their music the evening of February 12 for parents. The theme is Disney Linn.
4th Grade: is working on reading and playing rhythms including quarter notes, eighth notes, quarter rests and tika tikas.
5th Grade: is working on creating pentatonic compositions and performing them for the class.
PE: Mr. Navarro and Ms. Morales
🏃♂️✨ December PE Newsletter ✨🏃♀️
Happy December! As we wrap up 2025 and the end of our second quarter, our Physical Education classes are packed with exciting learning, movement and healthy habits. Here’s what’s happening this month:
🧼 Hygiene Unit: Staying Clean & Staying Healthy!
We are starting the month with an important Hygiene Unit, focusing on both personal hygiene and dental hygiene.
Students will learn:
- The importance of washing hands regularly
- Proper showering and cleanliness after activity
- How germs spread and how to protect ourselves
- The importance of brushing and flossing
- How good hygiene supports a healthy, strong body
Our goal is to help all students understand how staying clean can keep them feeling good, performing well, and staying healthy throughout the year and especially the winter season.
🛴 Scooter Safety & Fun!
Later in December, we will be introducing scooter activities! Which is always a student favorite!
Students will learn:
- How to safely ride and maneuver scooters
- How to control speed, steer and stop
- How to respect personal space and avoid collisions
- A variety of fun scooter games that develop balance, coordination and teamwork
Safety first, fun always!
👟 Reminder: Please Send Running Shoes
As always, please make sure your child brings proper running shoes to PE and if not please include them into their bookbag!!
This keeps students safe, supports movement skills and helps them fully participate in class activities.
🎄 Stay Active Over Christmas Break!
Winter break is a great time to relax, but staying active keeps bodies healthy and minds happy. Here are some fun activity ideas:
- Go on a family walk or nature hike
- Build a snowman or play outside (if weather allows!)
- Try a dance along video or kids exercise video
- Play indoor obstacle courses or movement games
- Practice throwing, kicking or jumping skills in the living room or backyard
- Have a family scooter ride or bike ride! (If weather allows!)
- Do a quick daily 10-minute movement challenge
Encourage your child to stay active, move often, and have fun over the holiday season!
Wishing all families a joyful, safe and active December!
Thank you for supporting your child’s participation and health in PE.
-Mr. Navarro & Ms Morales
Linn Lions Physical Education
Librarian's Corner: Mrs. Nolan-Santy
The Impact of Reading for 20 Minutes Every Day
- A student who reads for 20 minutes a day will be exposed to 1,800,000 words per year and is more likely to score in the 90th percentile on tests.
- A student who reads for 5 minutes a day will be exposed to 282,000 words per year and is more likely to score in the 50th percentile on tests.
- A student who reads for 1 minute a day will be exposed to 8,000 words per year and is more likely to score in the 10th percentile on tests.
- Which child would you expect to have a better vocabulary?
- Which child would you expect to be a proficient reader?
Source: Nagy, Anderson, and Herman, 1987.
Counselor's Corner: Mrs. Stone
This month, we are working on controlling our emotions, developing empathy, building friendships, and cultivating gratitude. All of these are required to live a loving life towards others. We are working to ensure your students have a different perspective during this time, when the world is busy disagreeing with itself. We also continue to look at our career interests, likes, and dislikes. We are now working in the same program that follows us to the junior high and high school.
As students cannot play outside when the weather turns bad, look for ways to let off steam besides being online. Too much time online makes emotional regulation harder than ever. Please ensure you turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The blue light from electronics disrupts their sleep patterns. Emotionally regulated students learn more during their time at school.
Just a reminder, we have sources for coats if you cannot afford one. Let the office know, and they will pass the information on to those who can help. Please give us a couple of days’ notice, as getting the coats to the school takes a few days.
We also have a list of food resources and holiday dinner resources. Please allow us to help in any way that we can.
Linn Elementary
Email: medrano.carla@usd443.org
Website: https://linn.usd443.org/
Address: 1900 W. Linn St. Dodge City, KS
Phone: 620-471-2114
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linnlions95/