Native American Heritage Month
TOQUAM: American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month 2025
Take a moment, wherever you are, to listen to the wind & the stories it carries.
DEAR TOQUAM FAMILIES,
Thank you for the overwhelming response to our Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon. We were thrilled to welcome more than 300+ families, and we extend our deepest gratitude to Wright Technical High School’s Culinary Department for preparing such a delicious meal. We are equally thankful to our PTO and a Stamford Attorney for their generous support in making this community event possible.
As we head into the holiday season, we wish all of our families a very Happy Thanksgiving.
A gentle reminder to please dress your children warmly. We go outside for recess every day so our scholars can enjoy fresh air and exercise. We also have a large Lost and Found collection, if your child is missing coats, hats, shirts, eyeglasses, lunch boxes, or other clothing, please stop by to claim items.
We are truly ecstatic that you have entrusted your child to us. Our dedicated staff continues to work hard each day to ensure all children are growing as readers and writers.
With appreciation,
PRINCIPAL BROOKS
ZOOM Info Session: SCIENCE FAIR...(GRADES 3-5) Tues, Dec 16th 11am & 7pm😄
PARENTS IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR TO START THINKING OF A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT. STUDENTS IN GRADES 3, 4, 5 WILL HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT DUE ON FEBRUARY 12TH...
PARENTS JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 AT 11AM OR 7PM. IT WILL BE VERY BRIEF FOR 15 MINUTES, PLEASE JOIN US:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73688902206?pwd=6RNIhmgbvYGR2UDLhsSVW0hribukab.1
ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, WE WILL HAVE OUR ANNUAL STEM EVENT FROM 4PM-6PM. STUDENTS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR PARENT TO SHARE THEIR PROJECT.
GRADE LEVEL UPDATES
KINDERGARTEN:
FIRST GRADE:
Dear First Grade Families,
We have officially made it to the beginning of the second marking period! We hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving Break. We are so proud of all the hard work our scholars have been up to. Our Thanksgiving Feast was a success! Thank you to everyone who donated and helped to make it special for our scholars. A very special shout out to Parkway Diner on High Ridge Road for their generous discount so we could fill our bellies! Here is what we have been up to in our classrooms:
Literacy: Students will continue to work in small groups, targeting their needs. We are practicing sentence structure and learning about the writing process.
Math: We have started unit 4, where students are focusing on addition and subtraction strategies, place value, and number patterns. They continue to develop fluency with basic facts, exploring number relationships, and practicing problem-solving with word problems using AVID strategies.
Knowledge: Continuing unit 4 where students are learning about early world civilizations. Students are learning about the different components of what makes a civilization successful through stories of Mesopotamia and Egypt. We continue to practice AVID strategies, such as philosophical chairs, gallery walks, and using graphic organizers.
Important Dates:
12/11-12/13: EARLY RELEASE/PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES(please contact your child's teacher if you have not done so to schedule)
12/17: Field Trip to Sacred Heart Discovery Center (please send back the permission slip as soon as possible), if you have not sent in $40 to offset the cost of field trips please do so, otherwise any amount is greatly appreciated so we may continue to offer these experiences.
12/19: Holiday Family Craft (stay tuned for a letter with more information)
12/20: EARLY RELEASE DAY - STAFF AND STUDENTS
12/23/24-1/1/25: WINTER BREAK - NO SCHOOL
Happy Holidays!
The First Grade Team
SECOND GRADE:
Hello 2nd Grade Families! In math, we are wrapping up with unit three. In CKLA Skills, students are still reading and writing fictional narratives. In CKLA knowledge, we are moving onto the next unit which is Greek Myths. Reminder that second grade has a field trip! Your students is on either Decemeber 3rd or Decmeber 4th depending on your teacher. Please ensure that your student brought back their permission slip. Students should bring a pack lunch from home. Thank you always for your support!
THIRD GRADE:
FOURTH GRADE:
Hello 4th grade families,
We hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Please read about what’s happening in our classrooms.
Upcoming events:
Dec 8- Dec 12th: Penguin Holiday Shop
🤔 Math~ We are continuing Unit 3. We have been focusing on equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, ordering fractions, modeling decimals with base-10 blocks, tenths and hundredths, and comparing decimals.
✍ CKLA~ Our fourth graders are continuing to learn about the Middle Ages, the Fuedal System, and what it was like to be a Lord, knight and serf in the Middle Ages.
🌎 Social Studies~ We are continuing with our study of the history of Connecticut. We will learn about the first people who settled Connecticut, how Connecticut became a state, what life was like during colonial Connecticut, and important people involved in the statehood of Connecticut. This unit correlates with our CKLA Reading unit on the American Revolution.
FIFTH GRADE:
Dear 5th Grade Families,
Here’s what’s happening in 5th grade this week and some important updates to keep in mind:
Math
We are wrapping up Unit 3: Fraction Concepts, Addition, and Subtraction. The end-of-unit test is coming up, and it’s a significant part of your child’s overall math grade. Please encourage your child to review their notes and practice at home to prepare.
CKLA
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about Early American Civilizations and are hard at work completing our Codex projects. Students are making great progress with their writing, learning to paraphrase information and craft well-structured paragraphs. Their creativity and effort have been impressive!
Social Studies
In Social Studies, we are continuing our First Settlers unit. Students have been highly engaged with interactive activities and are gaining valuable insights into the lives and experiences of early settlers.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Be on the lookout for communication from your child’s teacher about signing up for conferences. Scheduling early will help you secure the timeslot that works best for you.
Weather Reminder
As temperatures drop, please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the colder weather with long pants, sweatshirts, and/or coats. Staying warm allows us to continue enjoying outdoor recess!
Thank you for your ongoing support! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
5th Grade Team
TOQUAM'S NEW ARRIVAL CLASSES
Social Studies Resources
By the Numbers
Learning About Navajo Weaving
All this perhaps
As the woof goes to and fro,
Wafting as
Humble hopes, and joys and care,
Weaving closely
While I watch the pattern grow


