Gateway Newsletter- November

Did you know that kids are 3x more likely to retain their learning by explaining what they are doing. Our district is focused on Instructional Engagement where our focus is having students explain what they are learning (vs what activity they did that day). So instead of asking them "what did you do today?" 0r "how was your day", try to reframe by asking "what did you learn?"

The Luckiest Principal Ever,

Jamie Stanley

Please remember that the pick up/ drop off lines are for students that can get out of the vehicle by themselves. If you have to help your little one out of the car, please park in the parking lot. When you stop to let out your child in the line, it holds everyone up. Also- please stay out of the bus circle during arrival/dismissal- we have already had a few close calls with vehicle accidents and we want everyone to be safe! Thank you so much!

Nov 5: Picture Retake Day

Nov 11: Veteran's Day

Nov 13: Popcorn Friday! $1/bag

Nov 23: Early Dismissal

Nov 24: Early Dismissal

Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving

With the fall/winter weather, please send your child in with proper outside gear (coats, hats, gloves). Students are required to wear a coat outside if the real feel is below 50 degrees. Also- PLEASE label your child's outdoor gear so we can return if/when it goes missing! Thank you!

Y5s

In Young 5's we are finishing up our reading unit on Families and starting on Feelings. We will learn to identify our feelings and new strategies to help calm down from big emotions. In math, we are learning more complex patterns and starting a unit on Shapes. We will continue learning letters/sounds and begin identifying a few common words. We will also finish up discussing Autumn and the changing seasons.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten has started to dive deeper into academics now that routines and expectations have been set. We have been working on identifying characters, setting, and important details in a story. We are also learning about how we can make meaningful connections to text. We have officially gone through the entire alphabet learning letter names and the sounds that letter makes. We are starting to work on blending sounds together to read simple words (vowel consonant words like am, at, etc.). A review of all the letters will be occurring too. In math, we have been working on counting accurately and comparing lengths. Kindergarteners have had fun measuring different items and comparing the length of their own name to someone else's! Our shape unit is up next!

1st Grade

As October comes to a cozy close, our first graders are wrapping up a fantastic month full of fall festivities! We had a blast celebrating, but we are even more excited for all the incredible learning and fun heading our way in November.

Next month, we will be voting in our very own Cookie Election, taking time to honor and celebrate our Veterans, and bringing storybooks to life with a colorful Balloons Over Broadway Thanksgiving event!

In our daily routines, our young learners are hard at work: Spotting double consonants at the end of words (like -ll, -ff, and -ss) and mastering our Red Words. Kicking off exciting new writing units to build our storytelling and structure. Honing our number sense skills to build a strong foundation for problem-solving.

2nd Grade

In November we will continue the fun! In Math, we will begin learning about parts of a whole. Our phonics will be focused on long vowel patterns as well as soft c and g. We will continue to improve and add to our writing skills this month.

We are excited to celebrate our Veterans this month as well as participate in fun and engaging literacy activities as we enter the season of gratitude!

Music

Kindergarten musicians continue working on steady beat, singing voices, and exploring contrasts in music, such as fast/slow. First grade musicians continue with steady beat and solo singing in different class games, playing the xylophone, and identifying the directions of melodic patterns. Second grade musicians are continuing their playing of xylophones, identifying different instrument sounds, and have been introduced to playing boomwhackers! All musicians are working hard to prepare for their upcoming holiday music concerts!

Art

The art room has been buzzing with creativity and excitement! Students are creating beautiful artwork while growing their focus, confidence, and attention to detail, and I couldn't be more proud of all they have accomplished. In mid-November, ten lucky students will be selected to showcase their artwork in the AgroLiquid Art Show at the IQHub, where their pieces will be on display through the end of February. Their work will also be featured during the Winter Market on December 8, giving our young artists a wonderful opportunity to share their talents with the community. We can't wait to celebrate our Gateway artists with the first art show of the year!

P.E

November is a month of being thankful, and we will fully embrace being thankful in PE. We continue to work on teamwork and locomotor skills to show how thankful we are for our healthy bodies and each other. In addition, we will finish up our soccer unit, begin our basketball unit, and continue learning about food groups. Happy moving!!!

Nationally, there has been a significant increase in elementary students gaining access to social media. Research shows the importance in delaying this until the brain has grown in being able to use proper safety precautions. While there are many aspects of social media that increase enjoyment and resources for users, there are also many negative side effects which can include decreased focus, lower quality sleep, anxiety and/or depression as well as exposure to unsafe people and content. If your child already has access or may gain access through friends, here are a few resources that can help you guide your child in this area.

App Safety and Guidance

Device Parental Controls

Screen Time Contracts