January Parent Newsletter

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Thank you to all the parents and guardians that were able to attend our family gathering. It was a great success and we look forward to more family gatherings in the future.

Kindergarten is about to start Module 3 and begin learning about living and nonliving things. Students will explore what makes things living and how humans and animals depend on them for many things. We are also finishing up learning about each letter of the alphabet and are going to deep dive into digraphs.

First grade is beginning an exciting new science unit all about the wonderful world of birds! Students will explore what makes a bird a bird and learn about their unique characteristics. In math, we have started Unit 4, where we are learning how to add and subtract by tens.

Second grade continues working on skills and strategies to do our best on the upcoming IREAD test. Parents/Guardians who would like more information can contact either of us. We have a lot to share with you! Our new Math unit has begun and we are beginning with studying number lines. We continue to work on all of the Math skills that come with counting coins in Money Jars. In Language Arts, second-graders are working in small groups to become more effective thinkers, readers, and writers.

Third graders have been working hard as we prepare for the upcoming IREAD test in March! You can support your child by reading together at home and asking questions about what they read. If you have any questions about this important assessment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. In math, students are learning about multiplication and division and how these two operations are related. Practicing multiplication facts at home each day will help build confidence and make math even easier for your child. Thank you for your continued support!

4th grade has continued to make steady progress while maintaining familiar routines. We recently wrapped up our module on the Revolutionary War, and students really enjoyed exploring this exciting time in history. In math, we’re hard at work on equivalent fractions—building strong number sense and confidence along the way. As the days get colder, we’re also starting to feel the excitement of winter break and looking forward to some well-earned rest and family time. It’s been a busy and happy season of learning!

We will be wrapping up quarter two in January. WOW! Where did time go? In quarter three, we will begin learning about Jackie Robinson and other athletes that led the way for social change. The students need to work on reading for fun at home! Passing 5 AR tests per quarter is part of their reading grade.

Happy New Year! Sixth graders will be learning about data, statistics, and probability this month in math. In ELA, students will be exploring an author’s point of view in a text. In science, they will be focusing on matter. In Social Studies, students will be studying civics, and we will be visiting the LaPorte County Superior 1 courtroom to see our judicial system in action. Our STEM project will connect to our last novel, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, as students research, design, and engineer their own windmills.

My resource students continue to work hard each day. We are seeing tremendous growth in letter-sound recognition, addition and subtraction skills, and multiplication facts. Students are also practicing writing complete sentences, answering questions, and building words. To keep learning engaging, we have incorporated fun and interactive academic games into our routine on Fun Friday! - Ms. Eaton

Once we return to school, students will begin learning about important African American artists and create projects in their style. We will also begin learning about weaving and textures in art.

We’ve been learning a new game almost every week this month, and not without its own challenges, but we have worked hard and played well to learn the games and to get good at them. In January, we will begin to play games with more complex premises, multiple objectives, or more difficult teamwork, and will practice on following the rules the first time we hear them.

Once we are back from break, students will review their instrument families, rhythms, and what we’ve learned thus far in music. Mid January will be the time in which we start playing more instruments. K-2 will start to get comfortable playing percussion instruments, 3rd and 4th will begin to learn ukulele, and 5th and 6th will work on recorder. Students will also be learning more folk dances during this month and have activities in music class that support the academic curriculum of their teachers. It’s been amazing working with your students, and I’m excited to continue making music with them!

Safe Harbor took a break in December, but will be right back to it with the STEM Curriculum in January. Group B will start their 6weeks with the Lubeznik Center Art every Wed. Thank you to our amazing parents for Donating to our Christmas Party. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Forms have gone home, but have plenty if you didn't get one. Please let your child's teacher know if you need one. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to get their teeth cleaned at school!

Tryouts are January 15-16, 3;10-4:10, transportation is not provided.

Permission slips due January 13.

• 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