ELMORE School News

Dear Elmore School Families,

We had another busy week at the Elmore School. This week we bid March farewell and welcomed April with the promise of warmer days ahead. This week 3rd graders practiced taking the VTCAP in an effort to get them prepared to take the state assessment over the next two weeks. Next week we will focus on English Language Arts (ELA). There has been a slight shift in the testing schedule as I found out last week that this year there are three sessions for ELA as they have moved the writing component to a third session ( formerly it was part of session 2). Therefore, we will begin testing on MONDAY rather then Tuesday.

During literacy this week, we focused on reading and spelling words during phonics. first graders learned the long a sound spelled ai (in the middle) and ay (in the end). The second group learned words spelled with with the diphthong sound spelled au (pause), aw (draw), and augh (taught), The remainder of the students focused on plural spelling review. During writing students worked on revising and editing their writing to prepare for their creating their final presentation of their research (a book, poster, sign, brochure, etc.)

During math first graders learned strategies or approaches to subtract numbers within 20. Second graders used numberline to add and subtract within 100, and third graders identified equivalent fractions using diagrams and number lines.

On Thursday morning we took some time to watch a video of the monumental Artemis II rocket launch. Students had a lot of questions about traveling in space and what the astronauts would be experiencing. In a world with so much turmoil It is great when we can highlight the positive current events that will potentially have a lasting effect for the future. At the same time, questions about how space travel also has negative effects such as space debris, or the effect the lift off process has on wildlife. These are all great conversations to have with our youth and allow them the opportunity to start forming their own opinions.

Due to the rainy, cold, and windy morning on Friday, we opted to an alternative indoor ECO lesson with a focus on Amphibians. Students learned about Salamander migrations that are taking place right now. When it's rainy and the temperatures are above 40 degrees Salamanders will come out of their winter hibernations where they have spent the winter buried in the mud, and they will migrate to vernal pools (and ponds) to where they will lay eggs for the next generation of salamanders. During choice time students did some yarn art, using weaving boards, or making bracelets, or tree cookie necklaces. Other students played with toy Salamanders.

Our school concert is next Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 pm at the Elmore Town Hall. All students are expected to attend. Students should plan to arrive by 6:20 to get organized. Students should plan to dress nice (not fancy) for this event with pants or a skirt and a blouse, shirt with a collar, or sweater, OR a dress. No athletic wear (sweatshirts, sweatpants, hoodies, tee shirts,) or hats, please. Third graders will need to bring their recorders and books.

***Please plan to bring a refreshment (baked good, drink, or snack) to share after the concert.***

Due to a shortage of bus drivers, afternoon bus routes will be consolidated until further notice. Morning bus routes will remain the same.

Below are changes that will go into effect on Monday, April 6:

All students that ride M3 will now ride M1. Home arrival times will be slightly later than previous. This affects the students in Elmore. I've been informed that the bus will be up to 15 minutes later in the afternoon which means the bus will not pick students up at the Elmore School until closer to 3:30.

We have "Family Hot" Lunch on Monday, Lunch will be Breakfast for Lunch with the option to have pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns. We will have school Hot Lunch on Tuesday and Thursday. Please submit your lunch orders by Sunday at 6:00 pm

Have a wonderful weekend

For those of you who celebrate... Happy Easter!

In gratitude,

Diane Nicholls

Announcements:

Monday - Library

Tuesday - 3rd grade recorder lessons (last on before the concert)

Tuesday - School Banking - bring your deposits!

Thursday - PE - Bring sneakers!

April 8th - Annual School Concert at the Elmore Town Hall from 6:30 - 7:00

April Break - April 20 - 24. No School

April 29th - Field Trip to Meg Witherbee's sheep farm

Annual Grandparents Breakfast - Wednesday, May 13th @ 9:00 am at the Elmore Town Hall

Wednesday, May 27th - Field trip to the ECHO Center in Burlington.

Friday, June 5th - "Weather at Your School" - News Channel 5 - 4:30 am - 8:00 am

Last Day of School - Tuesday June 16th (Early release)

3rd Grade Graduation and Elmore School Family Picnic (for ALL) Tuesday, June 16th 5:30 - 7:00 pm