On the cusp of February…

   

Wild things are happening in the classroom:

I cannot believe we are almost through January, there has been so much learning going on in the classroom

• Students should be finishing up their multiplication fluency and be moving on to division. This might mean extra homework for some students. We are working toward a year-end goal of 3 seconds per mixed math fact for multiplication. Fluency is built by learning one set of facts (x1’s, x2’s, etc.) at a time and passing a one minute fluency assessment. By the time students have moved through all multiplication facts through times ten, they should be ready for a three minute timing of mixed multiplication facts. Once students have mastered multiplication, we move on to division.
• Please encourage your child to choose books that highly interest them and are at their reading level. If they want to read something above their level, this is a great opportunity to read with your child and help build their reading skills.
• MobyMax is available for use at home to fulfill math homework, reading homework, and writing homework.
• All The Right Type is also available and can count towards up to 15 minutes a night of spelling homework. I am looking forward to giving out typing “licenses” soon.
• Social studies has been all about maps, Oregon, and our community. Of course, we took a side trip to study about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• When we wrap up our next unit on government in Social Studies we will move on to science!
• January’s book order is due this Friday the 22nd and should arrive by the first week of February. If you want to purchase a gift for your child the online Reading Club has February’s flyers up. If you purchase online or secretly from me and want it to be a gift, just let me know-I am more than happy to help keep your gift a secret.
• Next month’s order will be due Friday the 20th, but you can order online and let me know if you need it sooner.
• Friday January 29th there is no school, this is the day teachers get to spend grading and entering grades for report cards.
• We will begin MAP testing (last year it was called FAST) in the coming weeks. All I ask is that students try to be well rested, well nourished, and try their best.
• Speaking of trying your best, goal setting is a part of that effort. I am starting my action research for my Masters degree in Education and the focus is goal setting. Be prepared to hear a lot about goal setting and the goals your child has set. I have included a copy of the permission letter I sent home with your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to email (the easiest way to get me) or call the office to leave me a message to set up a time to talk. I am excited to start and cannot wait to see how the class grows and learns!

January 20, 2016

Antonia Crater Elementary School

203 W. Foothills Dr.

Newberg, OR 97132

Dear Parent/Guardian,

My name is Maureen Soumokil and I am your child’s teacher for the 2015-2016 school year. I have met some of you and look forward to working with you and your child during this semester. I am currently working on the completion of my Masters degree in Education at George Fox University. This letter is to inform you that I will be conducting an action research project in January and February of 2016. The central question that will drive my project is, “Do students who set goals have a high level of self-efficacy and is that linked to their achievement?”  Specifically, the focus of the research is to examine the connection between goal setting and self perceptions on learning achievement and actual achievement.  Goal setting is a common practice and will not lead to considerable change in the way that I teach. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure confidentiality and no student names will be put into print. As part of my data, I may be videotaping portions of the discussions to review. These will not be published as part of my research and all students will remain anonymous. Furthermore, my research chair and I will be the only people who will view the tapes.

I believe my research will benefit your child and I’m excited to see the outcome. I’d be happy to share my results with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Finally, if you do not want your child to be a part of this study, please notify me via email at the address below or return this letter with a comment at the bottom that you do not wish to have your child be a participant. Thank you for your time and support with this project.

Sincerely,

Maureen Soumokil

3^rd grade teacher, Antonia Crater Elementary

soumokilm@newberg.k12.or.us