Little Warrior News
Champions of Our Future
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Warrior Families,
Meadow View has earned an “A” on the Alabama State Report Card with a score of 96! This ranking comes from lots of hard work put forth by our students and faculty. We are beyond excited to be among the best in the state! Meadow View Elementary School has also been awarded significant funding to enhance its playground facilities with ADA-compliant equipment, making playtime accessible for all students. The Shelby County Commission granted the school $97,806 to support the project, which will augment the existing playground at the front of the school. Additional funding was also provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield. The new installation will feature an ADA-compliant play surface, ramps, slides, and a transglide, ensuring inclusivity for students with mobility challenges. Construction on the new playground should begin in 2025, pending Board approval.
The second nine weeks have proven to be exciting at Meadow View Elementary School. We enjoyed welcoming families to our Fall Festival this year. We have also loved having Santa Shop and our annual Christmas Concert performed by our Meadow View Singers! Our PTO has worked very hard this semester and is an integral part of our community. We are thankful for their support of our faculty and staff and the fun they bring to our students.
I would like to congratulate Ms. Olivia Cushing as our Teacher of the Year and Ms. LuAnn Gossett as our Support Person of the Year! Ms. Cushing teaches 3rd grade and has been an educator for four years. She is an exemplar of educational excellence. Ms. Cushing is a master of differentiation, ensuring that each child receives the support and challenge necessary to thrive. Ms. Gossett is one of our school secretaries. She has been the face of Meadow View for 25 years. She has touched the lives of countless students, families, and staff with her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. We are very proud to have them represent MVES!
Attendance matters! Missing school for any amount of time can have a negative impact on your student’s learning, achievement, and grades. When your child must be absent, be sure to let us know the reason for the absence. Excuses must be turned in within three days after returning to school. You can send excuses to parent.mves@acsboe.org.
Please take notice of the gains your student is making on their report card. Pay close attention to their reading and math gains. We look at their reading benchmarks, classroom assessments, phonics inventories, AIMSweb and Exact Path scores, etc. when determining whether your student is making necessary gains. Please contact your student’s teacher if you have questions regarding your student’s gains.
Your participation in your child’s education and your child’s school make a tremendous difference in the quality of our program. Our faculty and staff greatly appreciate all that you do to contribute to the ongoing success of our wonderful school! We look forward to working with you in the second semester. I encourage you to check our website frequently for updates at www.acsboe.org/MVES.
As always, we wish to express our sincere gratitude toward our entire school community. We would not be the amazing school that we are without the help and support of all of you.
Michelle Brakefield
Principal
Kindergarten News
Kindergarten has had a busy 2nd 9 weeks. We had a visit with Miss Annie and we learned about Native Americans and their way of life years ago. Her educational adventures make us feel like we have had a field trip without even leaving the school! We also got to have another character education lesson with Mr. Larry. During this visit, we learned about generosity. We loved these special visits and engaging learning experiences. We have had fun beginning to learn about weather, and how objects move through our reading and science curriculum.
In math, we have been working on counting to 50, sorting and categorizing objects, recognizing if numbers are greater than or less than another number, writing and representing numbers 0-10, and we are even doing addition and subtraction story problems with equations. Kindergarten students are becoming mathematicians! In reading, we are becoming readers and mastering our letters and sounds. We are using a variety of multi-sensory strategies to really understand and experience things in a hands-on way. It is so fun to learn letters by building them and writing them in sand, salt, gel and more! Students are learning how letters and sounds work together to make words, and how to write and read those words in text. We are learning new vocabulary and comprehension skills through engaging literature.
Kindergarten students are working hard and growing every day; and we can’t wait to see what the 3rd 9 weeks will hold for us!
1st Grade News
We have been having a blast in first grade this nine weeks!
In reading, we have been learning about science cycles and about light and sound. We have been developing our comprehension skills by comparing and contrasting, making connections, identifying writer’s craft, looking for text features, and looking for examples of cause and effect. We have continued to learn about more letters and sounds, and are on our way to becoming even better readers!
In math, we began the 9 weeks by continuing to practice our addition and subtraction strategies. We worked on building our fact fluency to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Then, we learned all about graphs and how to analyze data. We ended the nine weeks by practicing skip counting by 10s and counting by 1’s to 120.
As we look towards the third nine weeks, we are so excited to learn even more and to go to American Village to learn about the presidents our country has had!
2nd Grade News
We had another very busy 2nd Nine Weeks!
In reading, we have been studying informational texts about the changes in Earth. We are able to recognize various non-fiction text features! We have analyzed non-fiction texts to determine the main idea, as well as the author’s purpose for writing the text.
In math, we have learned many strategies to help us solve 2-digit addition and subtraction problems. We have also learned how to identify our coins and count them.
A highlight of the nine weeks was the Book Character Parade. Students and teachers alike enjoyed dressing as favorite book characters and parading for the other grade levels.
We went to the American Village for their Thanksgiving program, Living America’s Story: Thanksgiving. We learned about the pilgrims and native people and the first Thanksgiving. We even took a ride on the “Mayflower!” A huge thanks to all of the chaperones! We have also been working hard in our Liberty Legacy hands-on learning program.
In science, we have been researching geographic changes.
Wow at how much we have learned and grown!
3rd Grade News
Our third graders continue to work on multiplication with multiples of ten and using the distributive property to help with multiplication of larger numbers. We are still practicing our facts on a daily basis and continue to stress the importance of fact fluency so future skills. We moved from multiplication and division strategies as our main skills to data analysis, probability, and attributes of shapes. Every student should received a Topic introduction for new math topics. Please let your child know if you have not received one.
Please remember to check the weekly Home Connections Newsletter that goes home with your child. It includes important information about the story we’re reading, along with questions to help strengthen your child’s comprehension. You’ll also find their spelling and vocabulary words for the week. Try to help your child learn the spelling skills and not just memorize the spelling of each word individually. This will help them spell and read new and unknown words. Also, try to help your child incorporate their vocabulary words into every day life. With some words this will be easier to do than others. We've been reading about our changing nation and will continue to do so for the next few weeks.
Additionally, your child can access Math Fact Lab and Lexia at home, as well as our Reading Anthology through McGraw Hill (available via Clever).
Reading Coach's News
The Truth About Dyslexia
Even with a standard, working definition, many people remain confused about aspects of dyslexia. The following list addresses some of the questions and misunderstanding on the topic:
Dyslexia is not primarily a visual problem; it is a language-based problem.
Dyslexia does not mean seeing things backwards and is not necessarily indicated by reversals of letters or words.
Dyslexia or reading disability occurs in people of ALL levels intelligence, not just intellectually gifted.
Dyslexia is not caused by lack of motivation or interest in reading. Lack of motivation to read and write may be a consequence of dyslexia because reading is very taxing and difficult for a dyslexic individual.
Dyslexia is not only a problem in families who do not read frequently and together; it can occur in ANY family.
Boys and girls are affected by dyslexia, with boys affected somewhat more than girls, but not overwhelmingly so.
Source: Basic Facts About Dyslexia & Other Rreading Problems; Louisa Cook Moats and Karen E. Dakin; International Dyslexia Association, 2008.
Math Coach's News
Number Sense - What is it and how can it help my child with math? Number sense is a person’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers. Children with strong number sense think flexibly and fluently about numbers. This is so important for young math learners because it promotes confidence and encourages flexible thinking which are necessary skills to be able to solve more complex problems in older grades. Building a love for math in children begins with building an understanding of numbers.
Here are some ideas for promoting number sense in early elementary grades:
Estimating to bring math into your child’s everyday world. Estimate the number of steps it takes to get from the car to the house or how many minutes you have to wait in line at the grocery store. This helps children to begin to develop reasonableness which is an important foundational skill of math understanding. For example, if your child says 302 - 198 = 296, you might ask “Is 296 a reasonable answer?” 302 is close to 300 and 198 is close to 200. So a reasonable answer would be close to 100.
Model numbers in different ways. Experiencing numbers in different contexts helps children connect with numbers. For example, looking at numbers in a deck of cards or identifying numbers on dice or dominoes without counting the dots.
Think about math with an open mind. Instead of asking “What is 6+4?” ask, "What are some ways to make 10?" This allows for more flexible thinking and builds confidence with knowing more than one answer. Or, you can also ask “Can you make eight with three different numbers?” or “What is 10 more than 22?”
Solve problems mentally. Instead of relying on memorization, encourage your child to use mental math (calculating problems in his head). So, if you know 6+6=12, then you know 6+7=13. He can use his double fact (6+6) to help find a harder fact (6+7) and build on concepts he already knows to think about problems. This can also be done with multiplication. If you know 6x5=30, then you know 6x6=36 by adding one more group of 6.
PE Notes
Happy New Year! It has been a busy time in PE. We have been working hard! We have completed our movement concepts and football skills units, plus played many games that help us apply our new skills and knowledge. In the new year, we will start our jump rope, gymnastics, dance and cup stacking units, plus lots of other fun activities! We are also working on finishing our miles for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Kids Marathon. The Kids Marathon is Saturday, February 22th, 2025. Registration is still open through their website. Keep track of any running you do at home and we will add it to your total. Stay active and healthy!
Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup agave syrup
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil
- Instructions
Mix the peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, and syrup together in a mixing bowl.
Pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Melt the chocolate chips for about 30-45 seconds in the microwave and mix in the coconut oil.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the bars and freeze for about 1 hour.
Slice into 16 bars and enjoy!
Healthy Tip
Here are a few suggestions for making your exercise resolution stick.
Start Slowly- Comfortably build the new routine into your schedule without it overcoming you.
Build Social Support into Your Exercise Routine. Make your exercise routine a social activity.
Keep it Simple. Keep the exercise program simple enough to do at home, outdoors, or in a gym.
No Excuses. Stress, depression, and fatigue can all be improved upon with a few minutes of exercise.
Exercise at the Same Time of the Day. Find the time of day that works for you.
Mix It Up. If you like variety, mix up your exercise routine every other day of the week.
Have a Visual Monitor to Record Your Daily Progress. Buy yourself an inexpensive pedometer that can help you record the number of steps you get on a daily basis..
Music Notes
We’ve been really busy in the music classroom!
Kindergarten: pitch exploration, singing, steady beat, movement exploration, playing unpitched
percussion instruments, read-aloud stories
1st Grade: pitch exploration, singing, steady beat, movement exploration, playing pitched/unpitched
percussion instruments, read-aloud stories
2nd Grade: pitch exploration, note values, rhythmic reading, singing, melodic training, movement
activities, playing pitched/unpitched percussion instruments, read-aloud stories
Our grade level performance, Let’s Celebrate America, is scheduled for March. Performance information
will be sent home soon!
3rd Grade: note values, rhythmic reading, singing, melodic training, musical form, playing
pitched/unpitched instruments, improvisation, movement activities, read-aloud stories
Meadow View Singers: Rehearsals resume January 21! Our spring concert is May 8.
Art Notes
The art room has been a busy, colorful place this fall!
Kindergarteners practiced drawing many kinds of lines and learned how to carefully use paint brushes. They have also practiced the art of reusing materials to make recycled cardboard winter decorations.
First graders learned about two types of artwork, landscapes and portraits. They created horizon lines on a beautiful sunset painting that we will soon send off to Art to Remember. They also created "old timey" tin punch ornaments to make shiny winter decorations.
Second graders practiced drawing a few animals, owls and polar bears. They used a technique called watercolor resist to paint over white oil pastel on their polar bear pieces. Each animal turned out full of personality!
Third graders learned about tin folk art from Mexico and designed their own radial patterns with an embossed piece of metal in the center. They also created beautiful landscape drawings of mountains and added the most colorful skies.
All grades have been working to complete pieces to send to Art to Remember. This company offers keepsakes made from your child’s artwork! Be on the lookout for information about ordering after the holidays.
Guidance Notes
Use encouraging words to boost your child’s motivation to learn Positive words from you can affect your child’s motivation to learn. Experts agree that it is better to go beyond simple praise, like saying “Good job,” to offering encouragement, such as “You have really learned a lot about this. Tell me some more!” What’s the difference between the two? Simple praise: • Is results oriented. “You got a 99 on your test! That’s great!” • Uses words that express your opinion, such as terrific and wonderful. • Is usually given when your child does what’s expected. Encouragement: • Acknowledges effort and progress. “Look at that project. I can see how much thought and care you put into it. It must feel terrific to know you really worked hard.” • Describes specific aspects of your child’s work. “You picked up without being asked. Look at that clean room!” • Doesn’t depend on performance. “That didn’t go the way you planned, but I know you’ll try again. What could you do differently?” The big difference is that encouragement leads children to form their own positive opinions about themselves and their work, rather than depending on praise from you or other people.
Improve talks about school If conversations with your child about school are going nowhere, try this: Instead of asking lots of questions as soon as your child gets home, share a few things about your own day first. Then, ask open-ended questions about your child’s day: “What was the most surprising thing that happened today at school?” This works when discussing schoolwork, too. Talk about what you notice first (but don’t point out mistakes). Then, ask your child to tell you more about it.
Library Notes
Dear Parents,
The 2nd 9 weeks have been filled with exciting activities & meaningful learning in the library!
**Biscuits and Books for Teachers**
We started this nine weeks by hosting Biscuits and Books for our teachers. This event provided an opportunity to introduce them to new books & library resources that can enrich their lessons while supporting student learning. It was a fun and delicious way to collaborate! Students also explored and checked out new library books. They discovered new stories and topics that spark their curiosity and love for reading.
**Book Character Parade**
In celebration of our love for books, MVES hosted a Book Character Parade! 1st and 2nd grade students and faculty dressed up as their favorite book characters and shared the stories that inspired their costumes. It was a fantastic way to bring literature to life and encourage creativity and reading enthusiasm.
**Biography Study**
1st-3rd grade students explored the Biography section of the library & learned how these books are organized. They discovered that biographies are grouped by categories such as artists, authors, entertainers, historical figures, presidents, scientists, inventors, sports players, and even wrestling stars! These lessons not only helped students understand how to locate biographies but also sparked interest in learning about inspiring individuals from a variety of fields. Ask your child who they found most fascinating!
**Author Studies**
Throughout the past 9 weeks, all students participated in author studies, exploring the lives and works of beloved writers. These lessons helped students connect with the creative process while discovering new favorite authors & genres.
**Santa Shop in the Library**
This holiday season, the library was transformed into a festive space as we partnered with the PTO to host the Santa Shop! Students had the chance to shop for thoughtful gifts for their families while supporting our school. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success! We enjoyed helping students shop for their loved family members!
As we wrap up the second nine weeks, we are proud of the creativity, learning, and collaboration that have taken place in the library. Thank you for encouraging your children to explore, read, and grow through books!
Happy New Year to Your Family!
STEAM Lab Notes
Kindergarten and first grade studentshave been learning about teamwork and how it is important in their daily lives! We have learned to create a monster by rolling dice as well as with play-doh. For Thanksgiving we built turkey traps and tried to help feed Fido, our family dog, the turkey by working together to build a domino line and knock the turkey off the table! For Christmas we worked on different robotics stations!
Second and third grade students have been working on the engineering design process and thinking like an engineer. We built designs for a monster trap then the following week put our plan in action and actually built their model of the monster trap! To say I was absolutely blown away by the ideas and creations they made with only a handful of supplies is an understatement!
Third graders also learned about the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and created their own "balloons" to parade down the hall!
All four grades have been enjoying the holidays and their holiday themed Steam lessons! It has been so much fun coming up with them and watching them get so excited as well! When I hear them laugh and say how much fun they are having my heart jumps! We truly have some amazing warriors in our school! Together we are learning, having fun, and creating an environment where we all feel a part of something special!
Computer Lab Notes
Our students have been busy in the computer lab this year!
Kindergarten: Students are learning about the different parts of a desktop computer. We are practicing our mouse skills and locating our names on the desktop computer. We are learning computer safety.
First Grade: Our first graders are reviewing locating numbers and letters on the keyboard. We are learning to take turns in a digital environment and determining what is safe to share. We are discussing the importance of internet safety rules.
Second Grade: We have learned to locate letters and numbers on the Home Row, practice using the shift key and practice using basic punctuation when typing. How to be a kind digital citizen and following internet safety rules.
Third Grade: We have been applying safety strategies using digital devices. Telling a trusted adult when we encounter unsafe or inappropriate content. We reviewed parts of a desktop computer and reviewed letters, numbers and symbols on the keyboard..
Upcoming Events
1/20 MLK Jr. Day (No School)
1/24 100th Day of School
2/7-2/13 Spring Book Fair
2/13 STEAM Night
2/14 E-Learning Day
2/17 No School
3/3 Boosterthon Kickoff
3/7 Weather Day (No School)
3/14 Boosterthon
3/24 - 3/28 Spring Break
4/18 Weather Day (No School)
5/9 Field Day
5/16 Kona Ice
5/22 Last Day of School
Title 1 Information
MVES is a School-Wide Title I School. The Parenting Room is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Alabaster City Schools students will no longer receive breakfast and lunch at no charge. All eligible families need to fill out the free and reduced online application for federal funding for our schools and to ensure their eligibility for programs like P-EBT.
Click HERE to apply.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The Alabaster City Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in any of its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies.
Dr. Dorann Tanner; Chief Student Services Officer (Title VI) (Title IX - student concerns) dorann.tanner@acsboe.org
Dr. Latanza M. Harrison; Chief Human Resources Officer (Title IX) latanza.harrison@acsboe.org
Ms. Lisa Radcliff; Exceptional Education & Federal Programs (Section 504) lisa.radcliff@acsboe.org
Meadow View Elementary School - Alabaster City Schools
Our Motto
"Champions of Our Future"
Our Mission
Preparing Students for their Future
Our Vision
To partner with families and the community to inspire and prepare graduates to be responsible and productive champions of their future.