News You Can Use Room 177

And the snow returns! Should there be a need for a Cyber Day, Mrs. Roberts and I will post any assignments on Schoology by 9 a.m. that day. We will host a video conference time from 10 a.m.-11:00 a.m. to answer any questions students may have regarding their assignments.

Please read on for academic news!

In reading, we launched our unit on astronomy where students are building their background about our solar system. Readers used their inferring skills to determine context clues and collect key vocabulary in their "Voracious Vocabulary Collections". In addition, students practiced note-taking skills as we read for key details during our read aloud. Ask your child about their favorite planet.

In writing, students finished drafting their writing about a Norse mythology character who they think is special. This writing piece has students analyzing characters and determining which character traits best define their character and supporting their thinking with evidence from the text. Students are really honing their vocabulary skills as they choose the most precise word. Ask your child which character they selected and what makes their character powerful or special.

In math, students learned about fractions. Students learned the vocab words: numerator, denominator, and unit fraction. Students learned how to partition shapes to create fractions and how to complete the whole when given a part.

Science: We continued learning about Forces and Motion. Students explored how friction affects the motion of objects by seeing objects go down different ramp surfaces. We saw air resistance affect motion while experimenting with two pieces of paper, one crumpled in a ball and one flat. We ended the week discussing patterns of motion and how they can help us to predict future moti

In reading, we will continue our unit on space with a focus on galaxies, stars, and constellations. In addition, we will learn about the first female African American to go to space, Mae Jemison.

In writing, students will publish their opinion piece about a special Norse character. We will continue to learn about revising and editing strategies.

Next week in math, we will learn how to use a number line to show fractions. Students will learn how to express more than one whole using fraction models and number lines as well.

Our last few lessons for Forces and Motion will be about magnetism. Students will experiment and find things that are and are not magnetic. Students will learn what materials cause magnetism. Students will also learn about electrical forces. Lastly, students will learn how maglev trains work using magnetism.

Food Drive Initiatives

NCS Primary and Intermediate Schools are gearing up for our February Food Drive to help families in our community with a food insecurity. Our Food Drive donations will go to two initiatives: the Newark Area Welfare Committee’s Food Cupboard Program.

The Newark Area Welfare Committee (NAWC)’s Food Cupboard Program serves people in need with 3 meals a day for week. The Cupboard is run by several volunteers who donate their time to help people in the Newark Community.

Please help us support these important initiatives by donating. The food drive will begin February 20th and end on February 27th. Students can bring in non-perishable donations and place in one of the designated locations in their school building. Parents who wish to drop off canned goods can place them in the box outside of the main office. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

See the list below of what you can donate. Thank you!

February

2/20-2/27 - Food Drive

2/27 - Spirit Day/Patriot Post

March

3/4 - The Spread the Word-Inclusion campaign- students are invited to wear an inclusion from this year or one from the past

3/6 - Professional Development - No School

3/8 - Daylight Savings Time Begins - set clocks ahead one hour

3/17 - Board of Directors Meeting - NCHS Library - 7pm

3/20 - Rocks Your Sock Day - wear mismatched socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

3/27 - Spirit Day/Patriot Post