Lake Hills Parent Newsletter

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December creeps up fast for us in Kindergarten. We are learning all about blending sounds to read and spell cvc words. (consonant vowel consonant: cat, big, top) This will help support our reading and writing skills. In math we will continue to learn about shapes and then move on to addition and subtraction of groups to 10. We are continuing to learn about the weather as well as talking about characters and settings in stories. As we go on we will even get to write our own weather stories!

Wow! The school year is moving fast! First graders are learning and growing academically every day. We are learning about different patterns we see in the sky. We are also working hard on learning addition and subtraction to 20. Soon we will be adding and subtracting to 100.

We will be heading to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum this month in South Bend, Indiana. We will get to dig for fossils and see real dinosaur bones. We are going to learn about the process of fossilization. Second graders are also working hard on mastering different ways to add and subtract numbers. Remember to practice math facts at home. As the weather gets colder, please remember to send appropriate outdoor gear. The students will go outside for recess most days.

Third grade is busy leveling up their multiplication skills this month. Students are practicing fact fluency and building a strong foundation that will help them tackle more challenging problems ahead. They are also learning how to find the area of different shapes using multiplication and repeated addition. Our goal is for every student to feel confident and fluent with their math facts — because strong math skills open doors to problem solving, reasoning, and real-world understanding.

In reading, students are leveling up their knowledge on frogs. They are getting excited to create a Freaky Frog Trading Card. Reading is the cornerstone of learning. The more a child reads, the more they will gain knowledge that will help them for the rest of their lives.

Many of our 3rd graders were honored with Perfect Attendance, Habit of Character, and Honor Roll last week. We are beyond proud of their hard work. The STEM projects kids are making are turning out fabulous.

"The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." — Dr. Seuss
And just like reading, mastering math facts builds the foundation for future success!

Fourth grade continues to work on fluency - both math fact and reading. In math, we are beginning to work on equivalent fractions and the comparison of fractions. In ELA, we are continuing our Module on the Revolutionary War. We held our very own 4th grade (Macy’s) Thanksgiving Day parade. See Facebook for pictures and videos!

This month fifth grade is digging into non-fiction text and using text features to help us better comprehend what we are reading. Everything on a page in any book is there for a reason, we need to learn from all the things on the page. Our main focus in our reading module is about the rain forests and how we can do little things at home to help save them. Did you know that 20% of the Earth’s oxygen comes from the rainforests?!

In math we are learning about place value, multiplying and dividing decimals and using those skills in real-world problems.

We want to give a big shout out to Mrs. Kutch that helped us learn more about our health and nutrition.

Time is flying by — it’s hard to believe December is already here! We’ve had a great first semester, and students continue to learn and grow every day.

In ELA, students are continuing their novel study of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. We’re focusing on comprehension, vocabulary, and how determination and creativity can make a difference.

In Math, we’re working with algebraic expressions and equations, learning how to simplify, evaluate, and solve them. Practicing at home will help build confidence and fluency.

In Science, we’ve moved into our ecology unit and are learning about interactions in communities — including predator and prey, consumers and producers, and parasites and hosts. Students are doing a great job connecting these concepts!

In Social Studies, our focus has been on elections, Veterans Day, and current events. Students have had thoughtful discussions about civic responsibility and staying informed.

Please also remind your student to charge their Chromebook each night so it’s ready for class. We have limited loaners, and when devices aren’t charged, it can cause issues — especially since many of our tests are online. Thanks for your help!

In December, students in grade three through six will continue strengthening their writing skills by creating well-organized paragraphs using a graphic organizer. They are also expanding their background knowledge by learning new vocabulary words each week and writing sentences that demonstrate their understanding of each word.

In Math, students have been making great progress—mastering new skills and working diligently on Leveling Up! Their hard work and perseverance are truly paying off.

During December, students will be reviewing what they have learned about the elements and principles of design. We will celebrate the season with different winter themed projects. Fourth, fifth, and sixth grades will also glaze their clay projects. They will be fired again and hopefully be coming home before christmas break. However, a few will be kept in the art room for the spring art show at the Lubeznik Center. Be on the look out for some amazing work from your students!

Many classes ran the mile in November! All students are working on learning new althetic skills in gym along with team building and good sportsmanship. Keep up the good work, Lions!!

This month in music will be focused on gratitude, kindness, and generosity! We will learn winter and holiday based songs from all over the world along with having games and activities that focus on cooperation and collaboration! Students in 3rd-6th grade will continue working on reading rhythms and reading sheet music. All students will learn about the instrument families and the different instruments used in music!

Though the 5th and 6th graders are not performing in One City, One Sound this year, I highly encourage ALL families to go show support to the middle and high school students who are performing! One City, One Sound will be on Thursday, December 11th from 7-8 P.M. located in the Michigan City High School gymnasium. One City, One Sound is a spectacular event each year and is truly something that makes Michigan City unique! As an alum, I love that we host a yearly event to bring the community together to enjoy music! I hope to see you there!

Help stop the spread of germs!

Thank you for placing your cookie dough orders! An annoucement will be made when the orders come in. If you can help organize and deliver orders, please contact Mrs. Rowley in the office. Thank you!

Please encourage our students to start the day with a healthy breakfast. It has been proven that students perform better with rest and food. Also, try and encourage them to try new things. We don’t know if we like it till we try it. The new menu starts on December 1st with many 1st time items. Our motto is to “Try new Things, you may just like it” And if they don’t, come and tell us. We are here for them, our students.

As we move into December, it’s the perfect time to help children reflect on gratitude — noticing and appreciating the good things in their lives, big or small. Practicing gratitude can increase happiness, build stronger relationships, and help kids develop a positive mindset. “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” Encouraging gratitude at home and school helps children recognize the good in everyday moments — a wonderful skill that will serve them for life.

MCAS Handbook states elementary students will be outside for recess as long as the temperature is above 12 degrees with the wind chill factor.

Please send your child to school wearing weather appropriate clothing. ONLY children that wear boots and snow pants will be allowed to play in the snow. Other children will have to remain on the concrete. The nurse does not have enough clothes for students that get wet playing in the snow.

Kindergarten will have indoor recess if their playground is covered in snow because there isn't a large enough concrete area to play on.

All games begin at 3:45 pm.

December 8 - Lake Hills @Pine

December 12 - Springfield @Lake Hills

December 15 - Lake Hills @Joy

December 19 - Edgewood @Lake Hills

• School starts at 8:45.
• Dismissal at 3:00. All early dismissal requests must be made before 2:30 to ensure we have enough time to notify staff.
• Elementary School Dress Code - No slides or sandals are allowed for safety reasons.

Lake Hills Elementary School

Principal: Mrs. Tara Stachowiak

Main Office: Mrs. Aldora Rowley

Website: https://lakehills.educatemc.net/
Location: 201 Ferguson Rd. Michigcan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 873-2105
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeHillsElementary