Google Accounts

The past two weeks our class has been doing some exciting work with Google. Our district has a Google Education account that provides each student with a Google account. Room 109 was selected to be the first classroom in the district to work with these accounts. At this point, we have used the accounts to create and share "Google Docs" within the Google Drive app. The benefit is that the software is free and all work is stored in "the cloud". Using Google Drive, students can share their work with me without email. They simply put me as a partner on the document and I can see their work from my Google Drive account. Students can also collaborate on the same document from multiple devices at the same time! The possibilities are endless.

After break, we will look into using these Google accounts to make students authors on the classroom blog. Instead of typing their blog post and emailing it to me to put in Blogger, students will be able to type their entry right in Blogger and submit the draft for me to review before publishing it. The students will love this!

Another benefit to the Google account is that it gives students access to Khan Academy. Khan Academy is an excellent online tool to help students hone their math skills while I monitor their progress as the coach. We will begin working on this in the new year. Look for more to come.

I am bringing this to you because I am going to give students their Google account username and password prior to break. This will allow them to access their documents from home via Google Drive. This can be done using a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone. Students are excited about being able to access their files from home without the issue of flash drives or email.

To access Google Drive from a desktop simply go to Google and log in. The menu bar at the top has many options, select Drive. At this point, students can create, revise, and share documents. If you have any Apple devices, use the Google Drive app. I would assume that Droid devices also have a Google Drive app. I will review this with students.

In addition to the how to, we will discuss appropriate use of the Google Account. Please remind your child that this is an educational account that is ultimately monitored and controlled by the district. Students must use it responsibly. The password should not be changed under any circumstances. If a password is changed or the account is used inappropriately, the district will suspend the account.

I am excited that the students have this opportunity. Cloud computing is becoming a popular way to easily create and share information. Students are developing skills that will position them well as they continue to move through school and into the workplace.

Mitchell Technology Survey

Please take a moment to complete this brief survey. Thanks for your help.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mitchelltechsurvey

Parent/Student Emails

As students learn to use the iPads, they are looking for more ways to use the iPads. One idea that has surfaced is the ability for students to email parents and parents to email students. This would provide students with another opportunity to use technology in an authentic, appropriate way. If you are interested in exchanging email with your child at school, start the process by emailing your child and I will help them add your email address to their contacts. Your child's email address is written in the inside cover of their assignment notebook.

A Message from Mr. Hill

The cold weather is fast approaching.  We ask parents to dress their youngster as warmly as possible prior to their leaving for school.  Even though some children ride the bus to school, they still will be spending a considerable amount of time outdoors on the playground, particularly during the noon hour.  Our school district policy states that when it is not raining or when the temperature is 10 degrees or above, pupils are not permitted into the building until the usual time of 8:25 AM (unless they are having breakfast) and 12:45 PM for 4K so be sure to dress your youngster for our Wisconsin winters.  On rainy days or when the temperature is below 10 degrees, pupils are permitted to enter the building at 8:15 AM and will spend the noon hour indoors.  A red flag will be placed on the doors indicating early entrance due to inclement weather.  Please be sure your child has a hat and a pair of mittens.  PLEASE LABEL THEIR ITEMS SO IT’S EASIER TO RETURN IF THEY ARE LOST.

Free Apps!

There is an app in the Apple App Store that is a must have for anyone that uses an iPad, iPod, or iPhone. The app is called "Apps Gone Free". It is a free app that gives you a daily list of paid apps that are free for the day. There are all types of apps available from games to educational apps. I have found some pretty cool apps that have made their way onto the iPads at school. Just be sure to grab them while they are free!

Northeast and Southeast Inquiry Unit

Last Friday, we began Northeast and Southeast Regions. This is a big inquiry unit that encompasses many important topics in United States history. Based on our gallery walk on Friday, student interest is high! Here are the key topics we will cover:

• Colonization
• The American Revolution
• Slavery
• The American Civil War
• Economies

The essential question that will drive our unit is:

"How does where someone lives affect how they live, the careers they choose, the beliefs they hold, and the decisions they make?"

Ask you child about our unit in the coming weeks!

Inquiry Gallery Walk

Friday, students in Ms. Dierbeck's class joined us to kickoff our new inquiry unit. We looked at various photos that depicted events and objects related to our new unit: Northeast and Southeast Regions. Instead of writing down background knowledge and questions on post-it notes, students met in a "backchannel" chat room on a website called "Today's Meet". Using Today's Meet, students shared their thoughts, questions, and answers to questions. Mr. Hill and Ms. Nuss even joined the students in the chat. The students had a great time and benefited from the real time chat with classmates! Check out our Posterous page for photos.

Winter Sing Update

Dear Mitchell Families,

Last week your child should have brought home a gold information sheet regarding the upcoming winter sing. We would like to add some more specific information to the sheet that went home last week to help clarify things and help the whole event run smoothly.

First Half Students: Ashenberg 138, Berka 140, Gale 130, Kendall 136, Pemberton 132, Reichert 135, Reiser 134, Richards 137, Rostermundt 125, Zelinski 124

These students/families should arrive between 6:00pm and 6:15pm. They will begin performing at 6:30pm and will be finished by 7:00pm at which point one parent should retrieve them from the cafeteria to either finish their time at the concert or join you in the auditorium for the rest of the performance.

Second Half Students: Carson 101W, Ceel 111, Dierbeck 108, Franz 101E, Germain 104, Graff 110, Hansen 122, Hart 106, Krupar 109, Leal 123, Nowak 121, Vasta 120

These students/families should arrive between 6:30pm and 6:45pm while the first group performs. Parents/families will be allowed to take their seats at the intermission between 7:00pm and 7:15pm but not before. The second half will begin at 7:15pm.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hill

5th Grade Individual Planning Conferences

Today, Mr. Taube sent home a note regarding individual planning conferences for fifth graders. Please read it over an return it to school as soon as possible. This year, all 5th graders are required to have a conference because scheduling for 6th grade courses will occur during the conference. Mr. Taube will start scheduling conferences as soon as the slips are returned.

Nature's Vision Fundraiser Update

Just a quick reminder, order forms with payment are due tomorrow. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Graff or me. Thank you for your support with this fundraiser!

The Golden Heart!

The Golden Heart and Certificate

This week our class was awarded its first Golden Heart Award. This award was given to us by Ms. Tupy, our SEL teacher. She awarded our class for "being there for each other. This class was kind to each other, listened to all directions and shared good insight into what it means to be a caring person." I am very proud of them! This is their 5th Golden Award of the year.

Band, Orchestra and Chorus Concert

Come join us on Tuesday, December 11th as the Band, Orchestra and Chorus kicks of the Holiday Season at General Mitchell! The concert begins at 6:30 and will be held in the gym. We hope to see you all there!

Winter Sing

Mitchell's Winter Sing is right around the corner. It will be held on December 13th at 6:30 at the Nathan Hale Auditorium. Students will have a rehearsal at Hale  the afternoon of the 13th. A permission slip for the rehearsal went home today. Not only does it serve as a permission slip for the rehearsal, but it also has all the important details for the night of the Winter Sing. Please read it over and plan accordingly. The students have worked very hard and are excited to perform for you! In the event the permission slip didn't make it home, I have attached a link below.

Link: Mitchell's Winter Sing / Permission Slip

Giving Tree

It's that time of year again! General Mitchell's Giving Tree will make it's return on December 3rd. A red flyer went home today detailing all the necessary information. If the flyer did not make it home, I have a link to it here.

Link: General Mitchell Giving Tree

Fractions Unit

This week, students finished their work on the Numbers and Operations in Base Ten Unit. Starting on Monday, students will begin their work on the Numbers and Operations - Fractions Unit. With the beginning of a new unit, students are regrouped based on their understanding of the topic. Using the results from their fall MAPS test, we will create new groups to ensure that instruction is delivered to each student at their instructional level. In some cases, students will be working with a different teacher. It is common for students to work with multiple teachers throughout the year. As with any topic or skill, there are areas of strength and areas of weakness. We will assure your student that the changes are made to give them the best opportunity for growth.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving weekend! I am thankful for your continued support at home and the work you do with your children. Happy Thanksgiving!

A Second Golden Paintbrush!

Hi! Mr. Krupar's class just won the golden paintbrush. It's a work of art. We did so golden! In Art, we all were very quiet. You wouldn't believe how quiet we were. This is our 2nd Golden Paintbrush and 4th golden award this year.

Written by: Eli and Ethan K.

Camp Upham Fundraiser

Are you looking for a unique birthday gift?  Or maybe you have started Christmas shopping in November.  Here is an opportunity for you to do some shopping AND help out our fifth graders.  General Mitchell’s 5^th Grade Class is sponsoring a fundraiser to help with the cost of our class trip to Camp Upham Woods from May 29-31, 2013.  Nature’s Vision was selected for their wide variety of top quality environmentally themed products. The sale starts today and order forms and money are due on Tuesday, December 4^th.  Please ask your 5^th grade child for the catalog and order form that was handed out today.  A letter is also included giving you more information about the fundraiser. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Thanks,

Mrs. Graff.

Snacks / Treats

Due to the outbreak of the Norovirus at Mitchell School, the Health Department has asked that any snacks and/or treats for special occasions be store bought on a temporary basis until Winter Break. Although we love those homemade treats, we want to make sure that the treats have not been exposed to any virus that may be lingering in the homes. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Room 109 and the Secret Teacher Award

Room 109 won the secret teacher award for the 2nd time! WHY? We were being such wonderful school leaders, working hard on our WKCE testing, moving through the hallways/school and for being quiet at lunch. It was MRS. RICHARD'S for the secret teacher!!!! So room 109 was really surprised.We were all so happy that we won the secret teacher award for the 2nd time. Now we really need to say something.

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray!

 :) By: Alison & Savannah :)
                                                  

Report Cards

First quarter report cards will come home Friday afternoon. Use this as an opportunity to have a discussion with your child about areas of success and areas that can be improved. The comments will help give you a picture of the skills we covered and what specifically helped shape your child's grades. If you have any questions about the report card feel free to email me, call me, or send a note. Please sign the report card envelope and return it to school on Monday. Have a great weekend!

WKCE Update

Friday will mark the end of WKCE testing for students that have been present for all of the testing sessions. Any students that have missed sessions will complete the make-up test(s) sometime within the next week. I have been very pleased with the serious approach all of the students have taken toward the tests. Parents, thank you for your support in preparing students to take this test.

Inquiry Unit: Government

This week we started work on our next inquiry unit. The focus of this unit will be the Federal Government of the United States. Some of the key topics include:

• The Constitution
• Three Branches of Government
• The Bill of Rights
• National Elections

The students have been interested in the recent election, and we hope to capitalize on their interest. Check in with them once and a while to find out what they are learning!

Mitchell Website Survey

We are currently surveying families regarding our website. Mr. Hill will be using the results to analyze which features are used the most/least and make any improvements as needed. When you have a few minutes, please use the link below to access the survey. Thanks for your input!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W5WTXMX

Changing Weather

We have reached the time of year when the weather can swing 20 - 30 degrees from morning to afternoon. Students will be out in the elements before school and at recess. Please encourage your child to dress for the weather.  Students who are easily chilled may want to keep an extra sweatshirt in their backpack. Our classrooms can get chilly when the temperature drops. 

Mitchell School Board Presentation

On Monday, October 22nd General Mitchell School was the school highlighted at the School Board Meeting. Mr. Hill presented many of the different initiatives currently underway at Mitchell. As part of the presentation, Emma, one of our very own Imagineers, presented how students in Room 109 are using the iPads. She did a fantastic job of highlighting the awesome work being done by each student in our class. Her presentation focused on student use of iPads to read at instructional levels using KidBiz 3000, research using Moodle, and write to the class blog. Her presentation concluded with a 1 minute video created with iMovie. The school board was very impressed with her presentation! We are all very proud of her and want to thank her for highlighting the great work of all the students in Room 109. Thanks, Emma!

Reminder to Band Students

Band rehearsal is Tuesday at 8:00 AM. Students need to arrive 5-10 min. before that so they are on stage, unpacked, in their seats, and ready to play by 8:00. Please plan ahead!

WKCE Reminder

Just a reminder that WKCE testing begins this Tuesday for both 4th and 5th graders. Please refer to the previous blog post for the complete testing schedule. Remind your child of the importance of this test. To help them along, let them know it's important to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.

If you have any questions regarding WKCE testing, please contact me. Thank you for your support in preparing your child for this important test!

Tales Of a Fourth Grade Nothing By: Judy Blume

Emma and Malina enjoyed reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

We decided to write a book on the world famous fourth grade nothing and his brother, Fudge. Peter is quiet, serious, and definitely a leader. His brother,Fudge, is the exact opposite. Fudge is wild, mischievous, and fearless. In this book opposites do not attract. Peter Hatcher (A.K.A. fourth grade nothing) is your average nine year old boy. His one problem...his brother Fudge.

In the first chapter Peter goes to a birthday party bringing back a turtle named Dribble. Chapter two is about how people from Peter's dad's work come and stay with the Hatchers. Peter thinks they are a pain. Chapter three focuses on how Fudge refuses to eat and he acts like a dog. His new favorite saying becomes "eat it or wear it". Big thanks to his dad for getting him started. In chapter four Jimmy Fargo , one of Peter's friends, Peter, and Fudge go to the park and meet Sheila (Peter's arch-nemesis). She wants to baby sit Fudge and he decides he wants to fly. He jumps and looses his two front teeth. In chapter five Fudge turns three. He holds a birthday party. Thanks to his love of birds and wanting to fly Peter's new name for Fudge is Fang. During chapter 6 Fudge goes to the dentist and Peter has to explain how to open his mouth wide for the dentist. In chapter 7 Sheila Tubman, Jimmy (A.K.A. Peter's bff), and Peter start their transportation project. Fudge being Fudge, destroyed their poster, and they have to start over. Fudge wants to become a barber and cuts his own hair. Chapter eight, Peter's mom leaves to visit her sister in Boston and Peter and Fudge have to go to work with their dad. While they are there they notice a toddle-bike commercial audition is going on and Fudge gets the job. Peter in green with envy! In the second to last chapter it's a rainy day and Fudge and Peter's dad takes them to a bear movie. Fudge strikes again. Wanting to touch the bears Fudge crawls down to the screen. Nobody knows where he is but he gets lost then found. In the last chapter, Fudge eats Peter's pet Dribble and has to go to the hospital. When he comes home he gets lots and lots of presents. Then finally Peter gets a present and inside there is a ... Dog!! Peter names him Turtle, to remind him of Dribble. I hope our post encourages you read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Thanks for reading!!

 Blog post written by: Emma and Malina

Mile Run

On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 these Mitchell student ran the 4th and 5th grade mile run. For the boys Brennan got 9th place, Calvin got 18th place, and Nicky got 56th place. Jon participated in the fun run. As for the girls Emma got 52nd place, Erica got 60th place, and Abby got 63rd place. Those were the participants for the mile run from Mr. Krupar's class.

Written by Erica Turk and Calvin Metz

Fall Celebration

Next Wednesday students at General Mitchell will be able to wear their Halloween costumes to school. We ask that students follow a few guidelines.

• Costumes must be appropriate for a school setting.
• No masks.
• Nothing on the costume should deter from the work that needs to be done at school (i.e. items that attach to hands or otherwise would get in the way of the student and / or their classmates.

In addition, our class will have a small celebration at the end of the day. At Open House, I had parents volunteer to send items to school for the celebration. If you signed up, I will have a note stapled to your child's assignment notebook page. I ask that only parents that volunteered send a treat. Otherwise, our room will be flooded with more treats than a student could possibly enjoy. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

WKCE Schedule

Tuesday, October 30th:                     

Reading Part 1

9:00 4th Grade

1:00 5th Grade

Wednesday, October 31st:              

Reading Part 2

9:00 4th Grade

1:00 5th Grade

Thursday, November 1st 

Reading Part 3

9:00 4th Grade

1:00 5th Grade

Friday, November 2nd 

Math Part 1

9:30 4th Grade

10:30 5th Grade

Monday, November 5th 

Math Part 2

9:00 4th Grade

1:00 5th Grade

Tuesday, November 6th 

Math Part 3

9:00 4th Grade

1:00 5th Grade

Wednesday, November 7th 

Science

9:30 4th Grade

Thursday, November 8th 

Language and Writing

9:00 4th Grade

Friday, Nov. 9th 

Social Studies

9:30 4th Grade

WKCE Testing

WKCE testing is rapidly approaching. As we near the testing period, it is important to get students prepared for the test. We will be working with students to prep for the test and get them into a serious test taking frame of mind. At the same time, we do not want to make students overly nervous about the test. What is important is that they take the test seriously and do their best.

Here are some ways you can support this process at home:

· Express a positive attitude toward the test.

· Put the emphasis on effort as well as achievement.

· Ensure a good night's rest.

· Provide a nutritious breakfast and a healthy snack.

· Ensure attendance on all test dates.

We will allow students to chew gum during the tests. Some studies indicate that chewing gum increases blood flow to brain cells. That can lead to better concentration.  We have tried it in the past and it was well received by students. They liked the novelty of it, and I think it took the edge off of test periods. Students can bring gum to school with the understanding that it will be chewed during test periods only. Mints can replace gum if students can’t chew gum.

The Golden Paintbrush!

Class with golden paint brush award.

Hey! Guess who got the golden paint brush award this week? Mr. Krupar's class was awarded the golden paint brush for art. How did we get it you ask? Well in art class Mrs.  Landowski awarded it to us because we were listening, following instructions, we were not that loud, she did not have to raise her voice, and we were being respectful, responsible, and safe. That day we got two pieces of paint. Iif we get 10 pieces of paint we get an art party! We have three so far!
We really tried hard to get this award, and we got it. Yahoo!!!!!

Written by Grace Alessi and Abby Landowski.


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Inquiry Unit: Animals

Students have been working hard the past three weeks exploring the topic of animals. We have read about animal adaptations, habitats, and biodiversity. The next two weeks students will work in inquiry groups to research areas of interest and begin the process of "Going Public" with their findings. Ask your child about the process and their work. Stay tuned for an update and the final products!

Word Work Week 2

I want to thank you for you help with word work last week. With the new routine there were a few bumps in the road, but I am certain that we will get them ironed out. Here are a few quick tips for you:

• There is a nightly homework guide taped inside the word work notebook. It gives step by step directions for homework Monday - Thursday. If that is missing or the notebook is left at school, please refer to an earlier blog post for directions.
• If a student forgets their notebook at school, they should still complete the task at home on a separate sheet of paper. 
• Words that go home on Monday stay home all week. Students have a separate set for school work.
• All nightly word work needs to be signed by a parent. It is the student's responsibility to remember the signature, not the parent's.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Thanks!

No SPARC on Thursday

Parents with students attending SPARC classes need to plan ahead. After school SPARC classes have been cancelled for Thursday, October 11th. Parent - Teacher Conferences are scheduled to begin at 4:00 on that day.

Being Granted the Golden Flashlight

Look at what we earned! Today Room 109 earned the Secret Teacher Award. The secret teacher award is given by the teacher that comes around to each room to see which classes are being the best they can be. We think this is the hardest award to win because you never know when the Secret Teacher is watching. We had to be good all the time. The Secret Teacher was... Mrs. Nowak! We were awarded this for great hallway behavior. This was our first golden award!

Reading Calendars are Due

It's hard to believe it that Monday is already October 1st. Where did September go?

On Monday, students need to return their September reading calendar. Please remind your child to add up the total minutes read this month and have you sign it. If your child met the goal, challenge them to increase their minutes read next month. If they fell short of the monthly goal, take the opportunity to remind them of the importance of nightly reading practice. Review their current reading habits and look for times when reading is more convenient. Perhaps splitting the time reading would work better -15 minutes after school and 15 minutes before bed for example. Establishing and maintaining a solid reading routine will go a long way in helping your child grow as a reader. Thanks for your support!

Parent/Teacher Conferences

First quarter conferences are soon approaching. In order to accommodate all of our 4th and 5th grade families, conferences will be divided into two dates. The first date is October 11th and the second date is January 15th. Parent/Teacher conference letters will be coming home Friday, September 28th. The letter will indicate which date your conference will be held. If you have a conference scheduled for January 15th, a reminder note with your specific time will be sent home closer to the date. If you have a January conference but have some immediate concerns, please contact me and an earlier conference will be scheduled.

The letter asked you to select your top three choices for time slots. I ask that after selecting your top three, please indicate any other times that would work out for you. I am inviting 16 families for 16 slots. Creating a schedule can be a challenge, so if you have more flexibility than 3 slots please indicate it on the form. Thank you so much for your support!

Mitchell in Motion!

Join us tomorrow on our Posterous page to see the events of Mitchell in motion. There is a link on the blog in the upper right hand corner. I will post pictures of the events as they happen. Our class will be participating from 10:00 - 11:00. Happy viewing!

Box Top Reminder and Coupons

Click Here for $1 off coupons from Box Tops for Education

Word Work Homework

Dear Parents,

Next week, your child will be bringing home a collection of spelling words that have been introduced in class. Each night of the week your child is expected to do a different activity to ensure that they practice these words and the spelling principles. These activities will be modeled and practiced in school, so your child can teach you how to do them. Students will have a copy of these daily activities taped in their word work notebook.

Word Work Nightly Homework

Monday - Initial Sort

1. Cut out the words and key word categories printed on colored paper. These words stay at home for their nightly homework.
2. Ask your child to sort the words into categories as they did during their group time.
3. Ask “Why did you sort them the way you did?”
4. Have your child read the words aloud.
5. Have your child record the sort in their word work notebook.
6. Sign your child’s sort.

Tuesday - Blind Sort

1. Parents: Lay down a header word from each category and then read the rest of the words aloud.
2. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it.
3. Lay the word down where your child indicated and let your child move it if he or she is incorrect.
4. Repeat the sort if your child makes more than one error.
5. Have your child read the words aloud.
6. Have your child record the sort in their word work notebook.
7. Sign your child’s sort.

Wednesday - Speed Sort

1. Have your child sort their words as quickly as possible - time them.
2. When finished, have your child check their sort for accuracy.
3. If correct, have your child record the sort in their word work notebook along with the time it took to sort the words.
4. If incorrect, have your child start the sort over.
5. Sign your child’s sort.

Thursday - Writing Sort

1. Have your child write the column headers for their sort in their word work notebook.
2. Parents: Read the words in a random order.
3. Without looking at the word, your child should write them under the appropriate column headers.
4. Call out any words your child misspells a second or even third time.
5. Sign your child’s sort.

Friday - Test day

• No word work homework!

Good Bye to Weekly Reports

You may have noticed that students have been writing their conduct card color in their notebook each day. This is due to a change in how we report conduct card colors. The orange weekly reports are no longer being used. There are two reasons for the change:

1. Weekly reports did not always make it home and back.
2. Daily reporting can help you have timely conversations about choices being made at school.

At the end of each day, if a student is on green they will write green in their notebook themselves. Students that are on a color other than green meet with me to discuss whether they can turn a card back or not. I will write the card color if your child is on any color other than green. As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this change.

Check Us Out on Posterous!

There is a new addition to the blog. At the top of the column on the right you'll see a link to Team Imagineering's Posterous Page. Throughout the week, I will take photos of the great things happening in our classroom. They will be posted to Posterous for you to view from work, home, or on the go. Enjoy!

Mitchell in Motion Update

The PTA fundraiser, "Mitchell in Motion", is wrapping up. Students that have not yet returned their permission slips/envelope should do so as soon as possible. It is important to note that only students that have returned the signed permission slip/envelope will be able to participate in the "Mitchell in Motion" activities next Friday. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will post more information about the actual even next week.

KidBiz 3000 Update!

Wow! It has been a little over a week and students are already using KidBiz 3000 at home. As of last night (9/19), students already logged an impressive 13 hours and 24 minutes on KidBiz 3000 outside of school hours. Using KidBiz to read at home helps in many ways. It ensures that students are reading engaging, non-fiction text that is at their level. Keep it up, students!

Band and Orchestra Lessons

Band lessons will be held on Tuesdays this year. The first lessons for band were held this Tuesday. Orchestra lessons will begin next Monday, September 24th and continue each Monday throughout the school year.

Please remind your student to bring their instrument and music to school on lesson days.

Upcoming Absence?

If you know that your child will be absent prior to the day of the absence, you are asked to inform the office ahead of time with a note or phone call. The best form of communication would be a call to the attendance line. Calling the attendance line ensures that your message will be heard the day of the call. Please avoid sending an email because if the person you sent it to is out for the day your message will not be read in a timely manner.

Attendance Line - (414) 604-4500 Press 1

KidBiz 3000

This year we are excited to have an online subscription to KidBiz 3000. It is an online service that provides students with access to hundreds of non-fiction news articles that are delivered to them at their own reading level. Last week, students took the "Level Set" test to help KidBiz establish a starting point for their reading level. As students read on a daily basis and complete the activities that accompany the articles, KidBiz will monitor their progress and adjust their level accordingly.

We are in the early stages of learning how to navigate through the site and respond to the questions that accompany the articles. There are many exciting elements to this site. Here are a few...

• Leveled text - Students reading at their level ensures that they are reading "good-fit" articles which will improve fluency and comprehension.
• Response activities - These activities are not simply multiple choice. They require students to think about the article at a higher level and respond in written form. This will take practice, but as students begin to use KidBiz with fidelity, we will see them grow as readers.
• Interactivity - Students receive scores for their work. In addition, they can earn badges and be recognized as a high scorer for the day. Everything they do can and will be monitored by me, which adds an additional level of accountability.
• Anytime, Anywhere - Students can access KidBiz anywhere there is Internet connection.

Using KidBiz is in addition to all of the other reading instruction that has always taken place at General Mitchell. Students asked if they could use KidBiz to count as part of their nightly reading goal. I would be happy for them to read KidBiz at home, and yes, it can count toward their nightly reading minutes. Monitor your child early on to see that they are reading the whole time. Online reading is a new concept for some and may take some practice.

There is a link to KidBiz 3000 on this site. Your child's user name and password was written on the first page of their assignment notebook.

If you have any questions or comments about KidBiz 3000, please feel free to contact me.

A Reminder for Visitors

I wanted to pass along this reminder from our office staff.

It is school policy that all parents should sign in and receive a badge before entering the building or coming onto our playground during school hours. Please enter through the main entrance and visit the office. It is a quick and easy process that is for the safety of everyone at General Mitchell. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

App List

Students with iPads and iPods at home have been asking to add apps we use in school. Here is a list of the apps currently loaded on our iPads at school. While we haven't used them all, they will be used in the near future. Best of all, they are all free!

• Science 360
• Educreations
• Khan Academy
• iTunes U
• Dragon Dictation
• Voice Thread
• Animoto
• Pic Collage
• Photocard
• Evernote
• Google Earth
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• SparkleFish
• FlashToPass Free

I will post a new list as more apps are added.

Dismissal Procedures

In an effort to keep kids from hanging out or playing unsupervised on the playground, we are asking students that walk home to walk straight home. If students are picked up by a parent, they need to go to their parent's car instead of hanging out on the playground. Students are welcome to stay and play if they are being supervised by a parent that is on the playground. Thank you for your help!

Specialist Schedule

Monday: 10:45 Art

Tuesday: 10:45 Phy. Ed. & 11:15 Music

Wednesday: 10:45 Music & 11:15 SEL (Guidance)

Thursday: 10:45 Phy. Ed. & 11:15 SEL (Guidance)

Friday: 11:15 Library

Team Imagineering

The grade level teams at General Mitchell have all come up with a team name that embodies who they are. The 4/5 team is now known as "Team Imagineering".

Imagineering: the implementing of creative ideas into practical form.

A Reimagining of the Newsletter

Starting this week, I will use the classroom blog to post the happenings of our classroom. This will mark the transition from a traditional paper newsletter to a more dynamic way of communicating with families. Instead of waiting until the end of the week to drop classroom news at once, I will post to the blog as news happens. As we continue to unlock the potential of the iPads, I hope to find new and creative ways to deliver the work and ideas of your children.

To help with this transition, I will send a weekly reminder email with a link to the blog.

Week 1 Newsletter

Week 1 Newsletter