Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter August 2014

A Letter From The Principal...

Locust Grove Elementary School 95 Griffin Road Locust Grove, GA 30248 Phone: (770) 957-5416 Fax: (770) 957-4775 Christi Peterman Principal Susan Carmichael Assistant Principal

Greetings, LGE Families!

The school year is rocking along beautifully! Everyone has settled in and is getting

used to being at school. We are very excited about things that we have put into place

this year such as a Title 1 Tutor, a computer lab monitor, Math consultant, “history

trunks”, wireless capability, and more focused instruction. Our students deserve the

best and at LGE, they will get it! Hats off to terrific teachers and fabulous families!

And speaking of “rocking along”, LGE is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year!

The original building opened in August of 1954. We will start our celebration with a

50’s Sock Hop on Friday, September 5. So, dust off those blue suede shoes, polish

those saddle oxfords, and get prepared to dance the night away with us! You are

invited to come in a 50’s costume!

We will have an anniversary reception on Friday, August 26 at 6:00. There will be a

few former principals here to share stories, as well as some first class entertainment!

Please join us to hear how the school has changed in 60 years and share in an evening

of fun. You are invited to come in a 50’s costume!

I look forward to seeing everyone!

Christi Peterman

Page 2 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Dear Kindergarten Families,

We have already begun the learning process in Kindergarten! Our first learning has involved procedures and rules. These are not always the most fun lessons, but they must be learned so that our wonderful kindergarten learning can happen.

Thank you for the generous supplies that you sent in. That helps our classes in a tremendous way. We may have to call upon you from time to time for donations for projects. Now we are going to call upon you to join us in reinforcing what we are working on at school.

Kindergarteners need to be able to instantly recognize all upper case letters and most of the lower case letters by the end of our fall break (October 13). Even though we do know not all the letters, we are beginning our sight words. Each week we will send home 4 or 5 words in the agenda for your child to practice for quick recognition. At school, we have cheers to help us connect the written word to the spoken word. We are also working on instant recognition of numerals 0 – 10. We are working on understanding number quantities 0 – 10. The first math unit is shapes and they will need to know circle, rectangle, square, triangle, hexagon, sphere, cube, and cone.

Of course, some of the favorite times so far have been recess, lunch, gym, music, library, and computer. We are so happy that they can participate in these “specials”. Be sure that you know what day to send library books back in once we begin to send them home. Also, make sure that the students wear tennis shoes on gym days or they will not be allowed to participate in all the games.

We have just a few reminders:

Please sign your child’s agenda every night. This helps to keep the communication lines open. Feel free to write us a note in the agenda if you have any concerns.

Please send in a bag with an extra outfit for your child to put in his/her cubby. Label the bag. We never know what kind of accident may occur in Kindergarten.

If your child is cold-natured, send in a light jacket for your child to keep in his/her cubby.

When your child starts wearing a jacket to school, PLEASE put his/her name inside. We always have LOTS of lost jackets that students do not claim.

We are happy to work with you and your Kindergartener this year. We are making plans for a GREAT year!

Page 3 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

First Grade

This year has gotten off to a great start!! We started the year with our routines and

procedures and are doing a great job! We are finishing up our benchmark testing and

seeing the bright students that we have this year. In math, we are started working with

the standards that include counting and representing numbers of objects up to 120

forward and backward and representing and interpreting data. Our students have loved

our discussions and activities on Benjamin Franklin and George Washington Carver.

Reading groups started this week and we eager to dive into our great lesson. In writing,

the students are starting great Narrative writing pieces. We look forward to a great

year!!

Thank you, 1st Grade Teachers!

Page 4 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Page 5 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Third grade is off to a great start!!! Now that the students have learned and practiced

rules and procedures in their classrooms, new learning can now take place!!!

We are off to a great start as we respond to questions that require us to refer explicitly

to a fiction or nonfiction text. The students have practiced answering these questions

and can now do this independently. Students will respond to text dependent questions

the entire school year.

Also, the students are using place value to add and subtract larger numbers. We have

even learned to round numbers to the nearest 10 or 100! They have also learned

different strategies to use when adding and subtracting through Number Talks.

We started the year by learning the steps of the scientific method. Students were even

given opportunities to go through these steps as we conducted simple, yet fun

experiments. These steps will be important as we continue to conduct various

experiments throughout the year.

We have also just started learning about Paul Revere. The students should be able to

tell you how he played an important role in American History. The students will even

complete a project that demonstrate their knowledge of this important figure.

Don’t forget how important it is to complete homework daily. This will reinforce

concepts taught in class. Also, please have your child read at least 15 minutes a day.

Ask your child questions in he/she will need to refer back to the book that is being

read.

Page 6 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

The 4th grade teachers could not be more excited for this year with you and your students! Ms. Tolbert, Ms. Evans, and Ms. Reda are ready to make this year one of the best yet! As this goes to press, we are three weeks into the school year. Students are currently being assessed in math and reading to determine how to best help them. This information will be shared with you on progress reports and conferences. We are looking forward to a very busy fall. In the next few weeks, your child will be learning about Native Americans. First, we will have a in school field trip when Native American artifacts are displayed at school from the Atlanta History Center. As teachers, we are looking forward to this experience and are eager to share it with the students. The opportunity to make history hands on is one we could not pass up! In the upcoming weeks, we will also have a Native American project. We have done the project in the past and it has been a huge success! More information will be coming home on this later, no need to stress! Your child should have come home in the past few weeks with a First in Math login and password. This is a wonderful website to help them become better and more confident in math. In 4th grade, we set the expectation that every student earns 200 points in a week. Teachers will monitor this goal and expect that it be met each and every week. It is a website that students can do at home as well as during the school day. We are fortunate that the school is now wireless and classrooms have laptops. Students will have the chance to play First in Math throughout the day and week. We ask that you encourage your child to play during the week and even weekend; a few minutes here and there can't hurt! Also, please challenge your child to practice their math facts. Have them ask a family member to work with them for ten minutes a few days a week. These are a few quick tips to help your child become better in math! READDDDDDDD! Magazines, books, articles, online, posters...ANYTHING! The students are sponges when it comes to reading. Encourage them to read at least 20 minutes a night. To become better at anything we must practice it, so to become better readers, we must read! Lastly, thank you for supporting your child, the school, and US! We know life is super busy for everyone and we appreciate the time, effort, and energy you put forth. Thank you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there are any questions or concerns.

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Page 7 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Fifth Grade has started this year rockin' and rollin'! We're studying the causes of the Civil War in social studies. We've learned about the different views on slavery from different regions of the United States. We also learned that Civil Wars happen in many other countries around the world, not just ours. We've been writing creative narratives. We've got some very imaginative

students in 5th Grade! In math, it's order up! Order of Operations, that is. We now know that a specific order should be followed when analyzing algebraic expressions. Along with our specials, our day is PACKED! We hit the ground running at 7:45 and don't stop until 2:20. Whew! This year is off to a fantastic start!

LGE’s Afterschool Program is off to a Fantastic start! Our staff is excited about the new enrichment activities they have planned and can’t wait to share their ideas with the students.

We currently have over 45 students in grades K-5 being led by our awesome Instructors…Ms. Ciera (K-2) Ms. Darlene (K-2), Ms. Donna (3-5) Ms. Lisa (3-5), Ms. Loretta (K-2) and Ms. Sandy (3-5).

LGE’s After School program is offered through Henry County Schools and gives families/students the opportunity for after school care and the students don’t have to leave the building. We are here every day that school is in from 2:30pm-6:00pm. Students have a nutritious snack, complete homework, and have at least 2 enrichment classes per day, as well as gym and/or recess time depending on the weather. Cost of the program is $50 per week, per student. If you are looking for reasonable after school care with qualified professionals, contact Kimberly Lunn @ 770) 957-5416 or Kim.Lunn@ henry.k12.ga.us for more information.

Every Minute Counts….

Mornings can be hectic! Just when it seems everything is under control, something goes wrong and throws your entire morning off. Though it’s easy to think that being a few minutes – or even an hour late doesn’t matter….IT DOES! Research shows that children will be more successful in school if they arrive on time, ready to learn every day!

TIME SAVERS….

Prepare the night before. The less there is to do in the morning the better. Lay out clothes, check homework, pack backpacks and lunches at night can make the morning go more smoothly.

Get a good night’s sleep. Elementary-age children need 10-12 hours of sleep every night. Well rested children wake up easier and likely will be in a better mood, than those who don’t get their 10-12 hours.

Allow children to help. Children can help by brushing their teeth, dressing themselves, keeping track of homework and school papers, and gathering backpacks and lunchboxes.

Avoid the TV trap! Limit tv in the mornings until they are completely ready to go or better yet, save tv time for after school.

Allow for the unexpected. Planning to arrive even 10 minutes early keeps schedule-busters like slow traffic from making you late.

TIPS

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I

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Page 8 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Locust grove elementary kicked off our Title I year with a Roaring good Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2014.

Our Parent Engagement Focus Team has set a smart goal that at least 10% of our student population (currently 445)

would attend our monthly Title I Parent Academic Workshop (PAW) Nights. We are THRILLED to announce that we MET our goal for the first month!!!

45 LGE Families were in attendance on Thursday Night to learn all about Title I at LGE, our Budget plans, Compact and Parent Engagement Plan as well as our School Wide plan for this year. Ms. Peterman shared what we are calling Budget 101 with those in attendance. This explained how much money we were allocat-ed and how, based on input from our Staff, Wildcat Support Team and Leadership Team, we were going to spend the money to support and improve students achievement. All expenditures, address student need and will improve student achievement. Ms. Lunn explained her role at LGE. She also explained why the Compact and Parent Engagement Plan are so important to our school. Parents were given copies of this year's plan and compact to follow along. All Families will be receiving a copy of these two documents along with a cover letter. Parents need to read the documents and sign and return the cover letter acknowledge-ment. It is important to have a signed letter from EVERY family on file. This is part of our Title I documentation requirement. A PowerPoint was presented that further explained Title I at LGE. In it we also reviewed how LGE will communicate with families and what rights you have as parents. Families then adjourned to break-out sessions in the grade level classroom where teachers shared the curriculum and standards being taught this year, what assessment students will take. A little about the new Ga Mile-stones test that is replacing the CRCT in the spring. and how the specific teachers will communicate with families.

We are very excited about the turnout and look forward to an even bigger crowd at our next PAW Night!

Page 9 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Top 10 Homework Tips

Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework — it shows kids that what they do is important. Of course, helping with homework shouldn't mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break. And who knows? Parents might even learn a thing or two!

Here are some tips to guide the way:

1. Know the teachers — and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences and curriculum nights, to meet your child's teachers. Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.

2. Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.

3. Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.

4. Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.

5. Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)

6. Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.

7. Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.

8. Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents' examples than their advice.

9. Praise their work and efforts. Post an aced test or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.

10. If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.

Page 10 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

Counselor’s Corner

My name is Kathy Rutledge and this is my 2nd year at LGE as the School Counselor. I work diligently all year to plan e events such as monthly guidance, student of the month celebrations, Red Ribbon Week, Kindness Week, Career Day and Character Education Programs. Also, I do small group counseling and

individual counseling with students.

During the month of September, we will begin the SIEP Program for students in the 3rd-5th grades. The SIEP Program is a state-funded instructional program beyond the regular school day designed to address the academic needs of students who are performing below grade level expectations. SIEP classes will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 6:30am-7:20am. If you would like to register your child for this program, please let me know.

If I can be of any assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to call me at 770) 957-5416 or email me at Kathryn.Rutledge@henry.k12.ga.us.

Title I News

LGE is a school-wide Title I school that receives extra funding from the State and Federal government to support student academic success.

ALL teachers and paraprofessionals at LGE are “Highly Qualified”.

LGE is 60 years old this year! We will be celebrating this monumental event on September 26th @6pm with former LGE principals, staff, students and lots of fun, memories and activities. This is a FREE event for the LGE community. Make plans to Join Us!

LGE spends 1% of it’s Title I Budget on Parent Involvement/ Engagement resources and activities. The resources are housed in the Wildcat Resource Room (#1 across from the office). Stop in and see what we have that you can use at home!

If you need anything translated into your own language, we can provide that for you. Also if you need transportation to LGE for PAWS Conferences, Parent/Teacher Meetings or other Activities we can help!

Page 11 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

*FLASH CARDS

*MATH GAMES!

*READING AND

*COMPREHENSION ACTIVITIES!

*FAMILY GAMES!

*PARENTING RESOURCES!

LOCUST GROVE ELEMENTARY

95 LG Griffin Road

Locust Grove, GA 30248

770) 957-5416 Office

770) 957-4775 Fax

www.henry.k12.ga.us/lge

Monday - Friday 7:30 - 3:00pm

Locust Grove Elementary

Invites You to Visit the

Wildcat Resource Room

The Wildcat Family Resource room located across from the

front office is there for the Families of Locust Grove students!

We have FREE materials for you to take home for two weeks

at a time!

Check us out!

El Gato Montés Familia sala de recursos situado enfrente de la oficina, para las familias de Locust Grove los estudiantes!

Tenemos materiales gratuitos para usted para llevar a casa

durante dos semanas a la vez!

A visitarnos!

*WILDCAT FAMILY RESOURCE ROOM HOURS

MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:30 AM - 3:00PM

OR LATER BY APPOINTMENT

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSIS-

TANCE.

Kimberly Lunn, LGE Family Liaison 770) 957-5416 Office klunn@henry.k12.ga.us Email

Page 12 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

A BIG thank you to the Jackson Armory for the treasure trove of supplies we received! Our teachers and students will make good use of your generous donations!

Thanks to everyone who attended our Parent Information Meeting on August 14, 2014. We have about 20 people join us to hear Ms. Peterman and Ms. Kim share information about LGE, Title I and volunteer opportunities.

Thank you Robbert Madlem from LEVI’s at Tanger. We are excited to be partnering with the staff at Levi’s this school year!

Thanks to Ms. Carol Mclendon from GAP for the donation of children’s underclothes. We are happy to be partnering with GAP again this school year.

The results from Mrs. Rainer’s Summer Reading challenge are in…and we had 26 students participate. Overall, 394 hours were spent reading which equals 16 total days. While Mrs. Rainer managed to get in 32 hours of reading this summer, there were two students who beat her! Aydan Smith from Mrs. Pace’s class read 38 hours and Takayla Tatum from Mrs. Barr’s class read 50

The LGE Poetry Recitation contest will be held September 19th. Classroom winners will compete on this date at the times below.

8:00-9:00am K – 2nd grade

9:30-10:30am 3rd – 5th grade

Page 13 August 2014 Locust Grove Elementary School Newsletter

The Good News Club will be starting Wednesday, September 9th from 2:30 until 4:00 and will meet each Wednesday in the Music Room. If you have not signed up yet (grades 3-5) please stop by the office for a registration form. The Good News Club is hosted and conducted by trained volunteers from Locust Grove United Methodist Church.

August 28th Wildcat Support Team / Input Meeting 8:30am LGE Café

September 1st No School - LABOR DAY

September 2nd No School – School-wide Professional Learning for Teachers

September 5th Family Sock Hop Dance! 6:00-8:00 pm

September 8th Progress Reports Go Home

September 18th FALL Pictures

September 19th K-2 Poetry Recitation Contest

3-5 Poetry Recitation Contest

September 26th CAPS for a CURE HAT day at LGE! Pay $1.00 and support childhood cancer research.

September 26th LGE 60th Anniversary Celebration FREE 6:00 pm