May 2017

Volume 3, I ssue 9

Patrick Springs Primary School Newsletter

Dear Parents and Students:

It is so hard to believe that the merry month of May is upon us along with a full schedule for the end of school. Our theme for the end of the year is: Hang In there Pandas and Finish Strong! We have many activities and testing dates planned for our students. I hope that you will take time to review the calendar and support your child in these programs. Of the activities listed, please take time to note the important dates for the third grade SOL tests and retakes. The students have worked very hard and are ready for these important tests.

Many of you are also asking about the closing dates and final awards programs. Our PreK-3rd grades will have their final awards ceremony in the school gym on Thursday, May 25, 2017, with the following schedule: PreK & K at 9am, Second Grade at 10am, and First Grade at 12 noon. The third grade promotion and awards ceremony will begin at 1 pm with a reception for students and parents in the cafeteria afterward.

Thank you for the continued support you have given our school this year. We are truly blessed to live and work in an area that is so supportive of the education system. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer full of blessings. We will see you all on Tuesday, July 25 th from 8am until 7pm for Registration for the 2017-2018 school term. The opening day of school for the new school year is Thursday, August 10, 2017. Go Pandas!

Take care,

Jeannie T. King

Principal

Principal’s Message

Edited by Pam Hylton, School Counselor

Jeannie King, Pr incipa l

Thank You PTO! Thank You to our WONDERFUL PTO Officers who work so hard to give our kids resources, activities, time, support, love and so much more! Thank you all for making our year great! Together, parents and staff make a big difference! 2016-2017 Officers President – Melisa White Vice President – Sarah Baker Secretary – Kayla Vaughn Treasurer – Ashley Farrar Member-at-Large – George Stovall Staff Representatives Anna Rorrer, Nicole Stowe-Holt, Michelle Martin

THIRD GRADE SOL TEST DATES APRIL 26-MAY 17

April 26-27: Math

May 3-4: Math

Make Ups

May 9-10: Reading

May 16-17:

Reading Make Ups

Earth Day Celebration

Page 2 of 5 PSPS Newsletter

Earth Day is April 22 every year. Earth Day is a day to remember to take care of our planet. We can keep our Earth clean by following the rule of “reduce, reuse, recycle”. Reduce means use less. We can reduce our use of resources like water or gasoline. Reuse means use again, rather than throw things away. We can reuse many things, such as jars, plastic bags, and boxes. Recycle means to make something new from something old. We can keep Earth clean by recycling materials such as aluminum, paper, and plastic. If we do our part, we can make a difference. Earth Day activities at Patrick Springs Primary included:

Books and worksheets about Earth Day, recycling, and plant life were distributed to all classes for teachers and students to enjoy.

The School Garden was set up with different planting containers for everyone to plant seeds of different varieties.

Students in Ms. Roberts’ and Mrs. Kruse’s classes planted flowers in planters at the entryway of the school.

Names were drawn for students to win an Earth Day prize.

The Earth Day Committee appreciates all staff and students that participated in these educational activities. Ms. Brenda Inman Mrs. Lisa Martin Mrs. Jessica Kruse

Second Grade News

Second graders planted trees at Dehart Park as a part of the Streamside Trees in the Classroom Project in conjunction with the Dan River Basin Association and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Page 3 of 5 PSPS Newsletter

Mrs. Cooper wanted to give a Shout Out to Evan Williams because he wrote a book; he did this completely on his own at home.

News from Mrs. Kruse

Mrs. Kruse’s classroom has been learning about a

variety of springtime events. Each student has

planted tomato seeds in a miniature greenhouse.

They are learning and drawing the different

phases of plant life along with helping make sure

the plants get enough water and sunshine.

Students have also been watching a mama and

daddy bird take care of

Kindergarten News

their babies in the

birdhouse outside the

classroom window.

They enjoy observing

the birds catching and

bringing food back for

the babies to eat.

Each parent bird takes

turns keeping watch

over the babies while

the other goes to find

food.

Mrs. Hall's students have enjoyed learning about plants. SOL K.7: The student will investigate and understand basic needs and life processes of plants and animals.

PSPS Newsletter Page 4 of 5

First Grade News

Top Panda Readers for the Third Nine Weeks

Pre-K: Asher Vaughn, Arianna Lemons, Colton Errichetti, Kaitlyn Gunter; Kindergarten: Adrian Dehne, Anna Dixon, Ava Rigney, Andrew Stewart, and Ben Hall (not pictured); First Grade: Emma Purdy, Halo Martin,

Carson Farrar, Alexis Rodriguez; Second Grade: Michael Mitchell, Ellianna Montgomery; Third Grade: Scottie Gilley, Tala Urrutia, Maggie White, Elizabeth Smith, Shyanne Holt

First grade students think that this year has flown by very quickly. Students will be very busy with MAP and PALs testing. Students are very proud of their progress in all core areas. First graders have worked diligently to learn new vocabulary words and sound patterns. They have worked to improve math skills as well. We would like to thank parents for supporting the first grade activities throughout this year. The first grade teachers are so proud of the students and all of their accomplishments. We hope that everyone has a great summer!

Counselor’s Corner

Second graders practice anger management techniques in classroom guidance. This one is called “The Pencil,” and is being led by Abrielle Hairston.

PSPS Newsletter Monthly Calendar Page 5 of 5

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1 2

3 MATH Grade 3

Last Day of Head Start

4 MATH Grade 3

5

8

9 READING SOL

Grade 3

10 READING SOL

Grade 3

11 13

15 16

READING Grade 3

17 READING Grade 3

18 Spelling Bee Grades 2 & 3

12:45pm

19 Native American

Presentation Grades 2 & 3

22 End of Year STAR

Activities

23 End of Year STAR

Activities

24

Dairy Mobile Unit Visits

25 Awards:

9am Pre-K, K 10am Grade 2 12pm Grade 1 1pm Grade 3

Reception to follow

26

LAST DAY Early Dismissal

Car Riders 12:15 Bus Riders 12:25

End of 4th Nine Weeks

Parents: Please take a moment to complete the Family Involvement Survey: at https://goo.gl/63y9kc

SOL Retakes & Make-Ups

SOL Retakes & Make-Ups