T.I.S. Digital Backpack

April 2, 2018

SBAC Testing at T.I.S.

The SBAC at Tolland Intermediate School

This year students across the nation will again participate in new versions of state

mandated standardized assessments. Connecticut’s computerized test, developed by the

Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium, is aligned to the Common Core State

Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

The SBAC requires students to take a total of three tests, two in English language arts

and two in mathematics. In order to test all students, we have developed a schedule that

will test one grade-level at a time, during our testing window, which begins on April 3

and ends on May 4. Our schedule provides two-hour testing blocks for each grade-level.

While individual subtests are not expected to take two hours, we have included extra time

to account for test set-up. In addition, students will be permitted to test longer than the

allotted time if needed. Individual grade-levels will be tested during their designated

two-hour block. While one grade-level is testing, the other two grade-levels will run on a

normal schedule. During our testing window, four classes be administered the SBAC.

Fifth grade students across the state are required to now take an SBAC science test. This

year’s test is considered a field test as it is in the final stages of development.

Our goal in developing an SBAC testing schedule has been to minimize disruption to our

typical school day. Minimizing disruption will entail students attending specials,

inclusive of technology integration, keyboarding and multi-media research within the

library time block.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

T.I.S. “Paws For Books” Book Fair Hours

Save The Date!!

Monday, April 2nd – 9:00am – 5:00pm

Tuesday, April 3rd – 9:00am – 6:00pm

Wednesday, April 4th – 9:00am – 8:30pm*

Thursday, April 5th – 9:00am – 6pm

Friday, April 6th – 9:00am – 12pm

*open during the 3rd Grade music concert!

Unified Arts Update for March 2018

Art ~Library ~ Music ~ Physical Education

Miss Ballard- Art

Third Grade: In the month of March the third grade students worked on paper quilting

designs. The students created their own quilting design out of paper. They made “Blocks

of Nine” paper quilts like people did back in Colonial days. In April we will be starting a

drawing unit. This unit will lead us into drawing items using outlines and contour lines.

We will finish the drawing unit with the drawing buildings to get us ready for drawing

activities on Tolland Green Day.

Fourth Grade: The fourth grade students finished up their paper mosaic projects during

the month of March. A mosaic is a picture or decoration made by joining small pieces of

glass, stone, tile, wood, or other substances of different colors. Students have selected a

theme for their mosaic project. The projects are coming out great! They will be finished

soon and ready for framing at home!

Fifth Grade: The fifth graders will soon be finishing their textural weaving unit. We

have been focusing on the principles of design, pattern, balance, contrast, and

emphasis. We started off talking about an element of art called texture. The students

were able choose from either radial weaving or loom weaving

Projects coming up in the next few months are: painting, printing, drawing and

everyone’s favorite clay!

Mrs. Hill - Library Media

***THE BOOKFAIR IS COMING SOON! APRIL 2 - APRIL 6***

*Thank you to Oona Purdy and Ava Sapere who brought in books from home

to donate to our school library!!

Third grade: In the month of March third grade students are reviewing concepts

introduced at the beginning of the year to check for mastery. There are six elementary

school genres that students have learned about: Mystery, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Historical,

Realistic and Traditional Literature. Students were brought through a PowerPoint which

showed characteristics of each genres and clues to look for on or in the book to tell which

genre is was. Then students broke into small groups to the tables, where I had piles of

books waiting to be sorted into genres. They worked together to find evidence that helped

them figure out which genre they thought the books were. On week three, third graders

took an online, 10 question assessment to check for mastery of genre. A final genre unit

will be taught in the spring where we will use genre stations to reinforce genre.

Fourth grade: Students continued a large research and writing unit in the classroom

about animal adaptations this month. In collaboration with classroom teachers lessons

taught in the library were note taking skills, how to put a bibliography (works cited) page

together in preparation for this report and good starts to a great introductory

paragraph. Students used a variety of research sources and learning unique and

interesting facts about their chosen animal. They have used magazine articles, non-fiction

books, encyclopedias, atlases, and websites. Teachers were able to sign out one side of

the library so students had access to the library print materials and were able to take

advantage of library websites in the TIS computers labs and iPads.

Fifth grade: In March students in fifth grade have used library time to focus on two key

events in American history: the 13 Colonies and the American Revolution. They have

used their internet skills to choose a topic for a short research project that we are doing

just in library. The project will end with students creating a Google Slideshow to present

to the class.

Ms. Baker & Miss Roque - Music/Chorus

The composer of the month for March is Hans Zimmer.

Grade 3 general music:

Concert Time Is Here!! The grade three concert will be Wednesday, April 4 in the TIS

Gymnasium. Please bring your child to room 136 fifteen minutes before your assigned

performance times.

The concert times are as follows:

6:15-6:45 Mrs. Sikoski’s class, Mrs. Kogut’s class, Mrs. Babiec’s class Mrs. Cyr’s

class

7:30-8:00 Mrs. Silberberg’s class, Mrs. Arner’s class, Mrs. Fischer’s class, Mrs.

Studer’s class, Mrs. William’s class

Grade 4 general music: The fourth graders are completing the music and geography

of Africa. They will be starting the next unit on the music of Asia. The students will be

working on their Recorder Karate.

Grade 5 general music: The fifth graders are learning to tune the ukuleles and, read

chord charts and play familiar songs while they sing. The next ukulele project for the

students will be playing their ukulele and singing for the class in own song for ukulele.

Grade 5 Chorus: New Date for OUR SPRING CONCERT IS: Friday, April 27

at 7:00pm, in the TIS all purpose room.

Mrs. Marchesani - Band/Chorus

Grade 4 Chorus: Chorus members are having fun learning new songs! American folk

songs from different geographic regions of the United States are currently our focus, such

as “Shenandoah”, “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” and “Yonder Come Day”, a

traditional Georgia Sea islands song arranged for 3 parts.

Grade 4 Chorus and Band Concert: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Tolland Middle School Auditorium. Students report to the TMS Band room at

6:30 p.m. A reception will be held in the cafeteria immediately following the

concert.

Grade 4 Band: At all Full Band rehearsals and small group lessons, we are

constantly reinforcing beginning band the basics: proper instrument assembly, posture,

hand position, breathing, articulation, counting.

Currently, we are learning how to identify, count and play eighth notes on beat three (Jim

Along Josie) and beat four (Go Tell Bill). Students are learning to mentally subdivide the

count as they play!

Grade 5 Band: 5th Grade Band members are busy preparing music for their Step-Up

Concert with the 6th grade Band on April 6th. Home practice is extremely important as

always. Band members are challenging themselves by learning “Trumpet Voluntary” and

a lively syncopated arrangement titled “Rockin’ Rondeau”!

The 5th Grade Band Step-Up Concert with the 6th Grade TMS Band is scheduled for

Friday, April 6, 2018 at Tolland Middle School auditorium. 5th grade Band members

report to the TMS Band room no later than 5:45 p.m. Both bands perform from 6:00 to

about 6:45 p.m. and then have the option of attending the Funtastic Friday Night Bash

activities following the Step-Up Concert. This is always an exciting evening!

Grade 5 Band Spring Concert: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Tolland

Middle School Auditorium. Band members report to the TMS Band room at 6:30

p.m. An after concert reception will be held.

Mr. Downing – Physical Education

Third grade: Students will be continuing the basketball unit. Throughout the unit, the

students will take part in activities in order to reinforce the basic basketball skills

dribbling, passing, and shooting.

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Fourth grade: Students will be continuing the basketball unit. Throughout the unit, the

students will take part in activities in order to reinforce the basic basketball skills

dribbling, passing, and shooting.

Fifth grade: Students will be continuing the throwing unit. During the unit, the critical

elements associated with the overhand throw will be reviewed and the students will

practice the overhand throw using a variety of throwing activities and games.

Third Grade

We are moving right along in third grade. Most classes are working on graphing in math. Students use tally charts, bar graphs, and line plots to organize data. They will have the opportunity to read and interpret data in bar graphs and line plots to solve real-world problems. Our next unit is fractions. Students will compare fractions and order fractions using models, pictures, and number lines. They will also use these strategies or multiplication and division to find equivalent fractions. Practicing math facts helps with everything we do in math.

In reading, classes are finishing fables and starting a biography unit. Students will explore several different biographies to gain the understanding that a biography gives an account of a person’s life and achievements. Teachers will guide students toward choosing one person of interest they will research further. Students will fill out a biography graphic organizer and share this information with their classmates.

Writer’s workshop classes are celebrating publishing their information books.

Students have written texts that aim to teach others about a topic on which students have an area of expertise. Students learned to write introductions, organize information, and include text features to help readers learn about their topic.

We are working on magnets and electricity in science. Students are

experimenting with magnets, circuits, switches, insulators, and conductors. Don’t forget about the Third Grade Music Concert on April 4th. See the schedule

to note what time your student’s class is performing.

Fourth Grade

The 4th Grade Valentine’s Day Dance was a Sweet Success! There was lots of dancing,

loud music and cheering. The food was amazing (many thanks to the Tolland

Community Women). It was wonderful to see all the kids dressed up and a great time

was had by all!

If it’s March, it must be testing season! We have been busy practicing and getting students ready to take the SBAC tests. These are computerized tests and we have been practicing how to access and use all of the tools and hints that will be available to students as they complete the assessments.

We have moved from fractions to decimals working in the tenths and hundredths place

and students are finding out that decimals aren’t the big bad monsters many seem to

think they are! We are learning new ways to write and think about numbers, while also

learning that much is still the same, place value-wise.

In science, students are finishing up their unit on Plant and Animal Adaptations, and

moving into a new unit on Weather and more specifically the water cycle. Students are

learning about the water cycle and that water is a valuable and limited resource. In

social studies, we are continuing our economics unit and learning about what the

difference is between wanting something and needing something.

In language arts, students are learning how to conduct research. They will read from

various types of sources about an animal, take notes, cite sources and synthesize

information to write a non-fiction essay. This is a very challenging but interesting unit,

and the 4th grade students are excited to begin.

Fifth Grade

Fifth graders continue their hard work in all subjects as the year progresses. In some non-academic news, the PBIS Door Decorating Contest has really brought out some wonderful creativity by the classes. Doors have been decorated with a focus on respect, responsibility, community, safety and kindness. It has been a pleasure to see the students work together to create a wonderful final product that shines the spotlight on the importance of our HAWK behaviors.

In math, fifth graders are beginning their studies of decimal place value and decimal computation. They are doing an excellent job of remembering whole number place value and using those skills to help when it comes to decimals. They are able to read, write, and say numbers to the thousandths place. Multiplication and division of decimals is on the horizon.

Fifth grade scientists have wrapped up their study of light and sound and are transitioning to studying Human Body Systems. They will start with the brain and the five senses with a strong focus on the eye. The fifth graders are already amazed at how the eye works and especially enjoyed the “pupil demonstration”. Have them show you how it works at home.

Social Studies students are continuing their knowledge of the thirteen colonies, setting up a good foundation for the upcoming unit on the American Revolution. The students always enjoy learning about the reasons the colonies wanted their independence from England, and they get especially excited to hear about the important people and battles from the Revolution.

In Language Arts the students are finishing up Marshfield Dreams. They are continuing to fine tune their own memoirs by practicing their editing and revising skills. They don’t always enjoy going back to rewrite, but they are appreciating the positive difference that extra time makes. Some classes are also combining their writing skills and social studies knowledge by creating wonderful travel brochures. The brochures encourage visitors to the original 13 Colonies. The students are putting their persuasive writing skills to good work!

Enjoy your Spring Break!

COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

2017-2018

Please join us at 9:15 at Tolland Intermediate School for coffee and conversation

on the dates listed below. Everyone welcome!

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

SPRING FLING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Saturday May 19th 10 am- 2 pm Tolland Intermediate School

One of our biggest and beloved fundraisers is approaching and we need YOUR help! TEPTO Spring Fling is a full day of fun for students, staff, volunteers and families. Volunteers are needed in shifts to help with games, activities, raffle tickets and food sales. Do you have a group of friends or family that would like to volunteer with you? If so, we would love to have you on our team!! If you are available to help at Spring Fling, please check the shift you are interested in, complete the contact information below and return this form to school, attention: TEPTO Membership/Diana Gascon. If you have any questions please contact Diana Gascon at tollandctelementarypto@gmail.com.

Date: Saturday May 19th Shifts available: ( ) 9:45 am – 12pm ( ) 11:45 am – 2 pm ( ) 9:45 am – 2 pm (volunteers receive a complimentary lunch if they work the entire event!) Contact information: Please fill out one form for each volunteer:

Name Email address

Home phone # Cell phone#

Tolland Intermediate School 96 Old Post Road Tolland, CT 06084

Mrs. Norma Marchesani, Director

4th grade Band & Chorus 5th Grade Band

nmarchesani@tolland.k12.ct.us 860-870-6885 x 40226

Band and Chorus: Spring Concert Dates

Grade 5 Band: Step-Up Concert Grades 5 & 6 Band Friday, April 6, 2018 6:00 p.m. (students report at

5:45 p.m.)

Tolland Middle School Auditorium

Spring Concert, Grade 5 only

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

7:00 p.m. (students report at

6:30 p.m.) Tolland Middle School Auditorium

Grade 4 Chorus & Band : Wednesday, June 6, 2018 7:00 p.m. (students report at

6:30 p.m.) Tolland Middle School Auditorium

Tolland Intermediate School 96 Old Post Road Tolland, CT 06084

Mrs. Norma Marchesani, Director

4th grade Band & Chorus 5th Grade Band

nmarchesani@tolland.k12.ct.us 860-870-6885 x 40226

Band and Chorus: Spring Concert Dates

Grade 5 Band: Step-Up Concert Grades 5 & 6 Band Friday, April 6, 2018 6:00 p.m. (students report at

5:45 p.m.)

Tolland Middle School Auditorium

Spring Concert, Grade 5 only

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

7:00 p.m. (students report at

6:30 p.m.) Tolland Middle School Auditorium

Grade 4 Chorus & Band : Wednesday, June 6, 2018 7:00 p.m. (students report at

6:30 p.m.) Tolland Middle School

Auditorium

Grades 5 & 6

Band Marchesani/ Titus

Step Up Concert &

Funtastic Friday Night Bash

Please return the commitment form to your director on or before March

23.

Step Up Concert & Funtastic Friday Night Bash

Performance Date: Friday, April 6

Performance Location: Tolland Middle School

Auditorium

Arrive: 5:45 p.m.

Grade 5 band members report to the chorus room with Mrs. Marchesani

Grade 6 band members report to the band room with Miss Titus

Attire: casual/ wear your casual “Funtastic Friday Night Bash” clothes

Schedule:

5:45 p.m. Students arrive to warm up

6:00–6:45 p.m. Students take the stage & play music.

6:45 p.m. Students who have purchased a ticket to the “Funtastic Friday Night Bash”

head to the cafe.

6:45-715 p.m. Parents are invited to stay in auditorium to talk to Miss Titus and Mrs.

Marchesani about the band program. Students, who are not attending “Funtastic Friday

Night Bash” may depart with parents or are welcome to stay with their parents during the

post-concert meeting.

If your child needs special accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Miss

Titus htitus@tolland.k12.ct.us or Mrs. Marchesani at nmarchesani@tolland.k12.ct.us (860) 870-

6885 ext. 40226

Grade 5 “Step-Up” Concert Set List:

Grade 5: Page 21 Regal March

This Old Dude

Grade 5 & 6 Combined: Page 21 Montego Bay

Page 30 Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke (1674? - 1707)

Grade 6 and 5th grade musicians who are able to play(*not all 5th graders may be ready & that’s ok):

Page 38 Rockin’ Rondeau based on a theme by Jean-Joseph Mouret (1682-1738)

Grade 6: Swahili Folk Hymn

Best Day of My Life

Grade 6 Band Class Description:

Students who join our amazing sixth grade instrumental program will have a large band

rehearsal every other day. Small same instrument group lessons meet before school once each

week at 7:20 a.m. for 30 minutes. The Sixth Grade Band will perform a winter concert, Friday

Fun Night and spring concert. This class is available to students who have been members of the

4th & 5th grade band program and have completed the “red book” Standard of Excellence, Book 1

by Bruce Pearson; or have permission of the instructor. This is a class where we create, perform

and respond to music by playing an instrument. It is one of the best ways to improve brain

power. We choose excellence and sound great.

This commitment form was handed out March 15 & 16

Please only hand in the “tear-off slip” below and keep the information above for your family

calendar.

--------------------Please only hand in the portion below------------------

Grade 5 & 6 “Step-Up” Concert Commitment Form Due:

March 23

Yes, ________________________________ (please print first and last name of student),

I will perform at the TMS “Step up” Concert on April 6.

Instrument: __________________ (please print)

Proud band parent signature: __________________________________

This commitment form was handed out March 15 & 16

Please, return on or before March 23 to Mrs. Marchesani or Miss

Titus

Important Date Change

Spring Concert 2018

Grade 5 Chorus

Friday, April 27 at 7:00 pm

Tolland Intermediate School All Purpose room

You are invited to the grade five-chorus concert on

Friday, April 27 at 7:00 in the Tolland Intermediate School All Purpose room.

Students should arrive by 6:40 and report directly to Ms. Baker’s music room.

Students are to dress their best. Please no jeans, sweat pants, athletic outfits or

T-shirts.

The refreshment donations for the reception are to be placed in the APR on the

table in the back of the room. There will be refreshments immediately

following the concert.

I am looking forward to seeing you all there for an evening of music and

entertainment.

Thank you

Ms. Judith Baker & Miss Roque

New Date

Friday, April 27, 2018

Grade Five Spring Chorus Concert

7:00pm

Tolland Intermediate School Cafeteria

The students and I would like to have a small reception in the back of

the APR following the concert. All finger foods, snacks, and bottled water

donations are greatly appreciated. Please sign and return by March 30

with your contributions.

Reception contribution______________________,

Signature: _____________________________.

We would also like a couple parent volunteers for set up and clean up

for the reception. Please contact me at jbaker@tolland.k12.ct.us or by

phone 860-870-6885 if you can help. I will be looking forward to seeing

you at the concert.

Thank you, Ms. Baker

Third Grade Spring Concert

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

6:15-6:45 Mrs. Sikoski’s class, Mrs. Kogut’s class, Mrs. Babiec’s class Mrs. Cyr’s class

7:30-8:00 Mrs. Silberberg’s class, Mrs. Arner’s class, Mrs. Fisher’s class, Mrs. Studer’s class,

Mrs. William’s class

Tolland Intermediate School Gymnasium

Students are to arrive 15 minutes prior to their concert time to Ms. Baker’s music room, room

136.

Students must 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,

Ms. Baker & Miss Roque

2018 Cider Mill Road Race T-shirt design Contest

CONTEST RULES

GOAL: To have a Tolland school child design the T-shirt for our 18th race!

ELIGIBILITY: Any K-8th grade student may submit a design for a chance to have art work chosen and display on the t-shirt.

I. Design Requirements

A. Design must:

1. Be 8 1/2 x 11 Vertical on white copier paper, equivalents can be used.

2. Drawings must be in black outline. There can be an additional 2 colors used,

materials in color or black (felt tip markers, pen and ink) No more than 3 colors including black. (no shading/no pencil)

3. Include a space for our Cider Mill Road Race logo. Approximately 4"x 4"

4. Do not use replicas of copyrighted or registered characters or logos.

5. Be reproducible.

B. Each design submitted must show legibly on the back:

1. Student's name

2. School name

3. Student phone number

4. Teacher's name & grade

II. Contest Procedures

A. Each student is allowed to submit one (1) design.

B. One (1) BGP design/student, one (1) TIS design/student and one (1) TMS design/student semi-finalist winners of Contests will be entered in as finalists. One (1) student will have their art work chosen as the t-shirt design and the other runner ups will be given a free entry to the race of their choice (5k, 1 mile or fun run).

III. Dates and Deadlines

A. Deadline to submit t-shirt design to school art teachers is 4/30/18.

B. The winner will be announced by 5/30/18.

IV. Rights and Awards

A. All entries become the property of the Cider Mill Road Race Committee and will not be returned.

B. The decision of all judges will be final. The contest will be judged by the Cider Mill Road Race Committee.

C. If you have any questions please ask your art teachers (they may be available to help you after school on this contest) or call the Director at (860)-872-6787 Kelly Pabilonia

Or email me at kellypabilonia@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Kelly Pabilonia (Director)

TOPS Soccer

Fall 2018 Recreation Program

We are recruiting a volunteer coach to work with our TOPS Soccer Division soccer

players. TOPS Soccer is the name given to the youth soccer division within our

recreation program for players with physical and mental disabilities.

The Tolland Soccer Club is celebrating its 21st consecutive season of TOPS soccer

for children ages 4-19 years old. We are seeking an assistant coach to join our

program. Over the last few years, we have had over 50 buddies and approximately

50 players participate in TOPS. The players come from Tolland and surrounding

communities. Coaching is a great opportunity to help out your community and

support kids that want to play soccer in a fun and non-competitive environment.

Soccer coaching experience is not required; just a big heart, and strong desire to

help children achieve their dreams. We would be honored to have you join us as a

coach this fall.

Please contact Jeff Gallagher at 860-375-8676 or jgallagher@ucctolland.org or

Lisa Bowden at 860-729-8466 for more information.

TOPS takes place on either Tuesdays or Wednesday evenings from 5:45-7:00pm

and Saturdays from 8:45-10:00am. The season lasts from September to the first

weekend of November.

The End