staff member of the month: december - home - tolland...
TRANSCRIPT
T.I.S. Digital Backpack
December 1, 2016
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Staff Member of the Month: December
As you may have heard, Student Council will now be sponsoring Staff Member of
the Month! Each month, one T.I.S. staff member will be recognized for their hard
work and dedication to our school and Hawk community. Any student can
nominate any staff member for the title.
We would like to announce our first Staff Member of the Month for this year! The
competition was fierce. Many students took the time to submit nominations for
staff members all across our school. But one staff member stood out above the rest.
This person always helps students when they need to fix their work. She works
hard to make sure her students understand things, and will explain something in a
different way until it makes sense. This person is so helpful at math, and is also
very funny! She always makes kids laugh. She is kind, helpful, and cares a lot
about her students. She helps students with their homework when they don’t
understand it, and is patient. This staff member also did a fun Day of the Dead
activity with students. And lastly, she has done great work to make our community
a “greener” place as the leader of our T.I.S. Green Team. Our staff member of the
month for December is……… Mrs. Grinold! Congratulations, Mrs. Grinold! If you
see Mrs. Grinold in the hallway, make sure you congratulate her for all her hard
work and her dedication to her students and our school community.
CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Grinold!
NOVEMBER 2016
23-25 NO SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2016
5 PTO AT TIS, 7:00
7 GRADE 4 and 5 CHORUS CONCERT (SEE FLYER)
9 DISTRICT-WIDE PJ DAY
14 BOARD OF ED MEETING, 7:30, HICKS
14 COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPALS, 9:15
14 SNOWDATE FOR GRADE 4 and 5 CHORUS
CONCERT
22 EARLY RELEASE
23-JAN. 2 NO SCHOOL
Tolland Community Women will once again partner with Laura Ann
Weekes with "From the Heart" to run a Hat and Mitten Drive. New or
GENTLY used Hats, Mittens, and Scarves will be collected from
November 2nd thru December 16th at Birch Grove Primary School
and Tolland Intermediate School. Socks and slippers may be
donated, but must be new. Collection boxes, by grade, will be in the
front lobby of Birch Grove and in the office at TIS. The grade that
collects the most items at each school will be rewarded with a
pajama day. Donations are given to DCF for children in our area.
Please contact Jennifer Shaw at [email protected] with any
questions.
Unified Arts Update for December 2016
Art ~ Health ~ Library ~ Music ~ Physical Education ~ Technology
Mrs. Bezzina - Art
Third Grade: Students will soon study quilts when they read The Keeping Quilt with their
homeroom teacher. In art, students are making symmetrical designs for a paper quilt. The
vocabulary from the story (seen in orange) relates to our art project as well. This lesson is also
full of math connections.
Fourth Grade: We are making masks in art that are based on mythological
characters. Recently, students attended an assembly that discussed characters such as Cyclopes,
Pandora and Zeus. This mask on the left is based on Athena who was the goddess of wisdom. It
has an owl-like design because an owl is a symbol for wisdom.
Fifth Grade: These six sculptures were made by fifth graders. Most of the students have
finished applying the plaster gauze and we are learning about acrylic paint. Students will start
painting early December and everyone will be required to wear a smock. Please find an old t-
shirt for your son/daughter to wear each week so they won’t have to share with others and get
their germs. Acrylic paint is permanent when dry so students should wear old clothes and shoes
on art days during the month of December.
Mrs. Logsdon – Health/Physical Education
Third grade: After finishing the fire prevention unit, third graders are now learning about the
human skeleton. They are learning about the purpose of our skeleton. Also, the location and
names of several bones in the human body. This will prepare the students to be able to
successfully participate in a skeleton building relay activity in the gym. Next, third graders will
read the story “Inside your Outside” by Tish Rabe. We will discuss the systems of the body that
the book highlight and students will use this information to illustrate a new cover for the book.
Fourth grade: Fourth grade students are beginning the nutrition unit. This unit kicks off with
an activity in the gym called turkeys in the field. This is a health lesson that reviews the
information learned from third grade health in an active way. Next, students will learn about
nutrients and look at healthy vs. not as healthy food choices.
Fifth grade: Fifth grade students have been learning about heart health. We learned aspects of
good nutrition and exercise that are directly related to living a heart healthy lifestyle. Currently,
5th grade students are learning components of CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Our next
topic will be learning about diabetes. Soon, all fifth grade health classes will meet in the gym for
the health/fitness portion of class. Please remember, sneakers are required so students can safely
participate.
Mrs. Hill - Library Media
December is Multicultural Month in the Library Media Center!
We will be celebrating winter holidays around the world. Multicultural means bringing together ideas, beliefs or people from different countries and
cultural backgrounds. When people of different cultures come together to celebrate and share
their different traditions this is an example of a multicultural celebration.
Third grade: Students will begin the multicultural unit working on their geo-literacy skills by
learning their universal address. Ask your child if they can tell you their universal address, which
is: planet Earth, the continent of North America, the country of the United States, the state of
Connecticut, the town of Tolland, then their street address. Students will be creating a visual
representation of their universal address to bring home. They will also be listening to
multicultural winter holiday stories and music as they work on their project.
Fourth grade and fifth grade: Students will begin Multicultural Month with a Winter Holidays
Internet Scavenger Hunt. They will read articles about Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Three
Kings Day, Las Posada, and Lunar New Year, then answer questions. The scavenger hunt also
explores fun winter topics such as ice skating, hot chocolate, and snowmen. Next, students will
review their universal address and the seven continents. Students will end the month by choosing
a country to conduct a short research project on. They will collect basic country facts, but focus
on the country’s winter holiday traditions. Fifth grade students will create a multimedia, digital
“poster” with text, pictures, captions, graphics, and hyperlinks.
Ms. Baker - Music/Chorus Musical theme for December:
This month, TIS students are learning about Holidays Around the World. They will be singing
songs and playing instruments from Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Christmas, Three Kings day
and many other winter holidays. Let’s celebrate diversity!
Grade 3 general music: Third graders are learning to play B, A, and G on their recorders. We
have learned the songs B-A Jive and Alice the Camel. Next we will learn Hot Cross Buns.
Recorder Karate books will come home before the next vacation.
Music Times Three: Third graders have the opportunity to be in MX3 which is our beginning
chorus. This group will have a concert on March 30th and will sing for the Birch Grove second
graders in the spring. The students are learning to sing The Lollipop Tree song which has a
descant in it as well as rounds and songs with choreography.
Grade 4 general music: The fourth graders are learning about the music and geography of
South America. They are playing games, instruments, dancing and singing songs in Spanish. I
have offered the students the Recorder Karate Holiday edition for extra credit. They are having
lots of fun earning unique karate belts.
Grade 5 general music: The fifth graders are still creating, creating creating. They have
performed their own hand jive verses. They just experienced melodic contour on the computers
and putting together familiar melodies using melody cards. Next they will be composing a four
part rhythmic piece using African instruments to perform for the class.
Grade 5 Chorus: CONCERT TIME IS NOW: Wednesday, December 7th in the TIS
Gymnasium. The Spring concert will be on April 5th, so mark your calendars now. I’ll see you at the
concert!!!
Mrs. Marchesani - Band/Chorus Grade 4 Chorus: Save the date!!! Chorus members are learning songs for their concert coming
up on Wednesday, December 7th at 7:00pm in the TIS GYM! The snow date is scheduled for
December 14th. Ask your child to give you a musical preview of a fun Israeli folk song song,
“Do-di-Li”! The 4th Grade Chorus will combine with the 5th grade Chorus and sing several
songs together with the at the winter concert.
Grade 4 Band: Band members are learning how to play “Jingle Bells” and other favorite
tunes! They are working hard to learn fingerings and proper embouchure (mouth position).
Our Winter Concert is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Tolland Middle
School. Students report to the TMS Band room at 6:30 p.m. and the Concert begins at 7:00
p.m. (Snow date is: January 31, 2017 at TMS). Full Band rehearsal information: the morning
section meets all year on Thursday mornings in Mrs. Baker’s room, 136, from 8:00 to 8:50
a.m. For students who cannot get to school for an 8 a.m. rehearsal, I also have a Tuesday Recess
Band option, which meets in my room, 226. The 4th Grade Band will also play at the in-school
assembly on December 20th.
Grade 5 Band: The 5th Grade Band made their debut at the November 11th Veterans Day
Assembly! Their performance of “Regal March” was absolutely stellar! The 5th grade Band
will also play at our TIS in-school assembly on December 20th.
5th Grade Full Band rehearsals meet Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m. in room 136 (Mrs.
Baker’s room). This option is a great opportunity for Band members to play in a large ensemble
with a variety of other instruments, boosts musicianship skills and provides a weekly “concert
readiness” experience. For students who cannot get to school for an 8 a.m. rehearsal, I also have
a Tuesday Recess Band option which meets in my room, 226. Our Winter Concert is scheduled
for Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Tolland Middle School. Students report to the TMS Band
room at 6:30 p.m. and the Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. (Snow date is: January 31, 2017).
The 5th Grade Band Step-Up Concert with the 6th Grade TMS Band is scheduled for Friday,
March 31, 2017, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and students report to TMS by 5:45 p.m. This is always an
exciting evening!
Please contact me anytime with questions or concerns! [email protected] 860-
870-6885 x 40226
Mr. Downing – Physical Education
Third grade: Students will be playing Newcomb, a volleyball lead-up game. Newcomb
introduces students to the basics involved in the game of volleyball.
rt the t Fourth grade: Students will be starting the teamwork/cooperation unit. Students will participate
in a number of activities while in small groups. The emphasis will be on planning, teamwork,
and sharing ideas.
Fifth grade: Students will begin the games unit. Teamwork and sportsmanship will be the focus.
Mrs. Kirk - Technology Integration
To celebrate Computer Science Education Week, December 5th-9th, students will be using
OSMO to interactively learn how to code. Students will work in small groups to combine blocks
of code to get a character to move around the screen and accomplish tasks. Students will get an
up close look at our new 3D printer and learn how it prints. We will get the opportunity to meet
our new robots, Dot and Dash and learn how to program them to have them do many activities.
We will also be using littleBits to design, engineer and program using circuitry. Technology
Club members will once again be available to support our third graders during these activities.
It’s going to be an exciting week during technology integration. So much coding, problem
solving, creativity and a ton of fun!
Thank you - [email protected]
WHAT’S NEW AT T.I.S. Third grade news
Third graders are very busy this time of year. Many classes have taken the Chapter
one through five cumulative benchmark. Teachers are beginning multiplication and division
in chapters six and seven. It would be very helpful if third graders continued to practice
their addition, subtraction and multiplication facts.
Recently third graders were reading fables and talking about main idea and
supporting details. Word study continues to be engaging for students. Students have
differentiated word study lists, they practice sorting, using words in context and finding
words with similar patterns in literature.
Writer’s workshop is moving right along. Students are finishing up publishing their
informational books. Third graders enjoyed picking their own topics and writing like an
expert. Our next unit of study is Changing the World, persuasive speeches, petitions and
editorials. Students will again pick topics that they are experts on and convince others
through their writing.
We wrapped up our social studies unit about Connecticut and Tolland in the 1700s.
All students enjoyed the fieldtrip to the Benton Homestead. They were amazed to see
how families in this time period lived. We’ll be starting the States of Matter unit in
science, where the third graders will be learning about solids, liquids, and gases.
Third graders were so excited to get a visit from the Friends of Tolland Library
again this year. Each child received the gift of a brand new dictionary called “A Student’s
Dictionary & Animal Gazetteer”. Watching the students get excited about looking up
words and learning new facts was wonderful.
As the weather gets colder students will still be going out for recess. Please be
sure that you send them to school with warm coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants for
playing in the snow. Students without proper gear are only permitted on the blacktop.
4th grade news
As we head into the holiday season, 4th graders are finishing up their study of Greek
Myths and are beginning to look at non-fiction, both in reading and writing. Students are
very eager to be writing pieces stating their opinions about issues that they care about.
In reading, students will explore the various kinds of text structures in non-fiction and will
learn strategies that will help them read and understand informational text.
In math, we have begun working with fractions, finding equivalent fractions and adding and
subtracting like and unlike fractions. Students are using a variety of strategies to explore
fractional units, including manipulatives, number lines and diagrams.
In Science, students are finishing up a unit on Plant and Animal Adaptations where they
have been learning about physical and behavioral adaptations that allow plants and animals
to survive in their environments. In Social Studies, students are finishing up their Map
Skills unit and will soon begin their study of the Northeast Region of the United States.
5th grade news
Students are wrapping up their essays about the Titanic and celebrating the informational
writing unit. Classes will soon be moving on the opinion essays, where students will research
pros and cons of chocolate milk. In social studies, students are learning about early
explorers and their purpose for exploring. Students will soon participate in an exploration
simulation.
Students are working their way through computation of fractions in math. They especially
enjoy trying to solve real world style problems where they must add or subtract mixed
numbers. Students are becoming real experts at regrouping when adding and subtracting
mixed numbers.
Fifth grade scientists have completed their crater lab investigation. Students
participated in a lab where they determined possible causes for a difference in the depth
and diameter of moon craters caused by meteoroids. Our two best conclusions were that
the mass of a meteor and the speed at which it impacted the moon were the main reasons
that craters differ in size.
Our first grade level PBIS assembly was a big hit with the students. They participated in
the spaghetti marshmallow building challenge. In groups of about 5, students used 20
pieces of uncooked spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and a marshmallow to
build a tower to support the marshmallow. We saw terrific teamwork, and some excellent
designs. There were some marshmallows towering over 50 centimeters in the air. Well
done 5th graders.
Winter Concert 2016
Grade 4 & 5 Chorus
Wednesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm
(Snow Date Wednesday, December 14)
Tolland Intermediate School Gymnasium
You are invited to the grade five chorus concert on Wednesday,
December 7 at 7:00 in the Gymnasium.
The fourth grade chorus will be having their concert in conjunction with
our fifth grade concert.
Grade 5 Chorus students are to arrive at 6:40 to Ms. Baker’s music room,
room 136.
Students are asked to dress their best for this special performance.
I am looking forward to seeing you all there for an evening of music,
entertainment and family fun
Thank you,
Grade 4 Chorus Concert Information
Concert date: Wednesday evening, December 7, 2016
(Snow date, Wednesday December 14, 2016) Place: TIS Gym
Students arrive: 6:30 and report to room 226
Concert begins: 7pm
Concert dress: Appropriate for a performance
Dress your best
“Back Stage”: Two parent volunteers are needed to assist
Mrs. Marchesani with escorting Chorus
students to and from room 226 and the Gym.
Please contact me if you are able to help with “back stage”. Please
contact me if your child needs special accommodations to
participate in this activity or if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Mrs. Norma Marchesani
[email protected] 860-870-6885 ext. 40226
Please return the form on the next page to Mrs. Marchesani by November 22, 2016.
I have read the 4th Grade Chorus concert information and understand the concert dress
suggestions.
I will bring my child to room 226 at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. I understand
that my child’s concert begins at 7:00pm.
Student _______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________________
Classroom Teacher__________________________________
Date ___________________________________
Return to Mrs. Marchesani by November 22nd
Join in on December 9, 2016 In support of kids at Connecticut Children’s Medical
Center
Donate $1 or more in exchange for the privilege of wearing PJs to
school!
Stand together with patients at Connecticut Children’s who wear their
PJs for days, weeks or longer while fighting cancer and other illnesses
Help us Raise Funds and Spirits!
Checks accepted and can be made out to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation
All proceeds benefit the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Connecticut Children’s
Medical Center
For info or to donate online visit: www.pjday.kintera.org
COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
2016-2017
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
(all meetings begin at 9:15 a.m.)
Snack with Santa
at Crandall’s Lodge
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Visit Santa (free 4x6” photo) * Story Time with Mrs. Claus * Cocoa/Cookies * Crafts
$15 per child
(under 1 year free, $40 family max.)
ornaments for sale -free personalization
Questions: [email protected]
Tolland Community Women, since 1965 ... new members always welcome.
The Tolland Family Resource Center presents
Family Gingerbread Night
Friday, December 9, 2016 6:00-7:30 PM
(Snow date 12-16-16)
Tolland Family Resource Center, 247 Rhodes Rd., Tolland, CT 06084
Pre-Registration is required. Space is limited!
Join us for a fun filled family evening. We will provide an assortment of delicious
supplies and directions to make graham cracker gingerbread houses. You just need
to bring your imaginations and team work to build your own unique gingerbread
house. Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $5.00 per house. Pre-
registration by December 2nd is required. Registration will be open to the first 75
houses sold.
We will be participating in the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center “PJ Day for
the Kids.” Wear your PJ’s to support the children fighting cancer and other serious
illnesses at the hospital. Please consider making a donation to benefit the Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders at CCMC.
******************************************************************************
Please return the form below:
Family Name: ______________________________________
Email:_____________________________________________
Number of children _______ Number of adults_______
Number of gingerbread house kits ____ ($5.00 each; 1 recommended per child)
Please return the bottom of this form by December 2nd, with a check made payable to Tolland
Board of Education. Forms may be mailed to Tolland Family Resource Center, 247 Rhodes Rd.,
Tolland, CT 06084 or returned to your child’s school in an envelope marked FRC.
