Hello students & parents!
Christmas is just around the corner and we have been very busy these last few weeks wrapping up units and preparing for Christmas!
REMINDERS:
- Express Yourself is tonight at 7pm! Tickets are $2. Congratulations to all of our student performers!!
- Please note that I will be away on Friday at a workshop.
- Our class will be participating in an Art Workshop Dec 10, 16 & 17 in the AM. Students will be incorporating Art & Drama by making puppets.
- Students are working on Biome projects in groups on Edmodo, Blendspace (online presentation technology- www.blendspace.com) and in class. The project is due Dec 16 & presentations will take place Dec 17.
- As I had mentioned during interviews, our Guidance teacher Mrs Meffe has been working with our class each week for about an hour. This will continue for a few more sessions. Some of the topics include bullying, reporting incidents, being an upstander not a bystander. Mrs Meffe sent home an important pamphlet, which should be in your child's agenda- please sign this pamphlet by Monday- thank you! Please also talk to your child about the sessions they are involved in.
- Our class will be celebrating Christmas our last day of school prior to the break on Dec 19. My husband and I will be providing a full Christmas lunch for the students, which includes spaghetti with tomato sauce, garlic bread, juice/pop and a sweet dessert! This is our Christmas treat for the students. Students will not need to bring a lunch on Dec 19th, but they should still bring their regular snacks. Our class will also be participating in Secret Santa, which means that your child will secretly receive the name and wish list of someone in our class in order to purchase them a small, wrapped Christmas gift, approximately $5-$10 in value if possible. Your child will also receive a gift from someone in our class! In order for your child to participate in these events, please email me at evita.massaro@tcdsb.org and let me know whether you agree to allow your child to participate in the Christmas lunch & Secret Santa. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me!
- Last day of school before the Christmas break is Dec 19th and the first day back after the break is Jan 6, 2014.
- Student Council will be selling mini candy cane grams for 25 cents each or 5 for $1.00 starting Monday. All proceeds will go towards the much needed Philippines cause. Thank you for your support!!
UPDATES:
- In Math, we have completed Chapter 3 on Data Management and I am currently marking the unit test. We have just started Chapter 4 on Addition and Subtraction, which also includes estimating and mental math. Students have been working in groups to work on collaboration and to demonstrate how when we work on the same questions, we may find different methods to arrive at the same answer!
- In Language, we continue with the use of Daily Cafe (stationed Language centres) and I have now been working with small strategy groups of about 4-5 students during each Language lesson teaching comprehension strategies like making a prediction, determining important ideas and making connections. We also continue to study Digital Citizenship in Media and discuss, view videos and work on assignments on issues like our online identities and copyright. Please check Edmodo weekly for your child's work in the Media folder! Students are also continuing the writing process by working on their mystery narratives. We are drafting and editing/revising at this point.
- In Social Studies, we are investigating Canada's trading partners by also looking at maps as to where these countries are and the products that are imported and exported. Students have been working on online Edmodo quizzes every 2-3 weeks, so please check for their results in the PROGRESS section on Edmodo! The students tend to have one Social Studies assignment per week, so please ask your child to see their homework.
- In Science, we are studying Biodiversity and the students have been working on small assignments and online Edmodo quizzes about the living kingdoms, vertebrates and invertebrates. Again, please check the Edmodo PROGRESS section to view how your child is doing. As I mentioned previously, the students are currently working on a group project on biomes. The project requirements have been posted in the Science group on Edmodo so please take a look when you can. I have set up Edmodo biome groups so that they are able to work together online without having to worry about getting together after school. I also shared with the students a new and improved online presentation tool called Blendspace. It is similar to PowerPoint, but has more student friendly features and can be accessed online from any computer- no downloading needed! Please check it out at www.blendspace.com.
- In Art, the students are currently involved in a designing a new logo for Google with the theme being- 'if I could invent anything, I would invent....' I am truly impressed with the artistic and creative ability in the students' work!!
- We have studied the virtue peace in Religion and now we are focusing on charity for December. Students participate in drama activities linked to our virtues and Fully Alive. We are also discussing the Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog update and please email me as soon as possible regarding our Christmas lunch & Secret Santa!
Mrs Massaro
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Halloween is in the air!
Hi students & parents!
I apologize for the delay, we have had a very busy couple of weeks at school. Thank you for your patience!
REMINDERS:
- Halloween Dance-a-thon & dress down day will be this Wednesday! Many thanks to CSAC for organizing, Mr. Paul for DJing & our Student Council for helping set up! Thanks as well for the dance- a-thon donations brought in by students.
- Halloween costume day will be on Halloween- Thursday October 31st. Just a reminder that students are not to wear or bring in graphic & inappropriate costumes/props- thank you! There will also be a staff costume contest, which the Student Council is organizing. The winning teacher will win a Walmart gift card for their class! A gentle reminder that students should not be bringing in edible treats but rather non edible treats for their classmates if they wish.
- Achievement Day is this Thursday on Halloween in the PM. Students are allowed to bring personal electronics, movies, games but must take care of their own belongings.
- On Tuesday, the students will have their Math chapter 2 final test. Students should be very proud of their accomplishments in Math so far!
- Book Fair will take place November 11-15th. Thank you to our Librarian, Mrs Nicolucci!
- Progress report cards will go home November 12th!
- There will be a school mass on November 14th.
- Parent teacher interviews will take place the evening of Thursday November 14th & the morning of Friday November 15th. I will be sending home a sign-up form soon!
- Thank you again for sending exact change for pizza & subway orders! It makes organizing the $ for the office much easier!
MONTHLY UPDATE:
- In Math, we are finishing up chapter 2 on Numeration. Students did very well on their quiz and should be ready for their test this Tuesday! This week, we will be taking information from the Edmodo polls on Digital Citizenship and graphing the results. We are trying to connect Math to all subject areas whenever possible as we know Math is part of everyday life. These graphs will be displayed outside the classroom and you will be able to take a look at them during interviews.
The students are now completely engaged with Sum Dog! Please encourage your child to use this site often as the skills they learn in class are reinforced through game. So not only are they learning, they are enjoying Math at the same time! I am able to adjust their skill & grade level so that they are challenged to learn more. www.sumdog.com
- In Language, we have been very busy learning all of the Daily 5 stations. The students now are involved in these stations each week: Read to Self, Read to Others, Listen to Reading and Work on Writing.
During the Read to Self and Others stations, the students have been learning about the comprehension strategy Determining Important Ideas and have been working on this strategy based on their current readings.
During the Listen to Reading station, the students have an opportunity to visit Tumble Books through the Public Library and listen to stories that they choose. This helps them develop their fluency in reading.
During the Work on Writing station, students have begun learning about and working on the writing process for mystery narratives. Students have brainstormed and created outlines for their own personal narrative.
We have also been focusing on Digital Citizenship in Media by discussing the digital footprint we want to leave behind. We must teach students how to be a part of this growing digital world, by teaching them cyberbullying, internet safety, internet privacy, safe searching and giving proper credit to online sources.
Please watch these videos on Digital Citizenship with your child to start a conversation about the digital footprint they want to leave behind:
Please check out this site with your child as we will be looking into signing up & sharing our creative writing: http://lendmeyourliteracy.com/ Please watch the video & explore the site!
- In the Social Sciences, we continue to explore Canada's trading items with different trading countries in Social Studies and we are investigating the 5 kingdoms of life in Science. Please check the Edmodo Social Studies & Science groups for videos, discussions and assignments.
- In Health, we are looking carefully at what it means to be healthy by exploring healthy food options. Please check the Health Edmodo group for discussions and assignments.
- Our virtue for October is Gratitude and the students have been working on various activities about gratitude in their notebooks and on Edmodo in the Religion group.
Thank you for checking the blog! Have a wonderfully spooky week!
E. Massaro :)
I apologize for the delay, we have had a very busy couple of weeks at school. Thank you for your patience!
REMINDERS:
- Halloween Dance-a-thon & dress down day will be this Wednesday! Many thanks to CSAC for organizing, Mr. Paul for DJing & our Student Council for helping set up! Thanks as well for the dance- a-thon donations brought in by students.
- Halloween costume day will be on Halloween- Thursday October 31st. Just a reminder that students are not to wear or bring in graphic & inappropriate costumes/props- thank you! There will also be a staff costume contest, which the Student Council is organizing. The winning teacher will win a Walmart gift card for their class! A gentle reminder that students should not be bringing in edible treats but rather non edible treats for their classmates if they wish.
- Achievement Day is this Thursday on Halloween in the PM. Students are allowed to bring personal electronics, movies, games but must take care of their own belongings.
- On Tuesday, the students will have their Math chapter 2 final test. Students should be very proud of their accomplishments in Math so far!
- Book Fair will take place November 11-15th. Thank you to our Librarian, Mrs Nicolucci!
- Progress report cards will go home November 12th!
- There will be a school mass on November 14th.
- Parent teacher interviews will take place the evening of Thursday November 14th & the morning of Friday November 15th. I will be sending home a sign-up form soon!
- Thank you again for sending exact change for pizza & subway orders! It makes organizing the $ for the office much easier!
MONTHLY UPDATE:
- In Math, we are finishing up chapter 2 on Numeration. Students did very well on their quiz and should be ready for their test this Tuesday! This week, we will be taking information from the Edmodo polls on Digital Citizenship and graphing the results. We are trying to connect Math to all subject areas whenever possible as we know Math is part of everyday life. These graphs will be displayed outside the classroom and you will be able to take a look at them during interviews.
The students are now completely engaged with Sum Dog! Please encourage your child to use this site often as the skills they learn in class are reinforced through game. So not only are they learning, they are enjoying Math at the same time! I am able to adjust their skill & grade level so that they are challenged to learn more. www.sumdog.com
- In Language, we have been very busy learning all of the Daily 5 stations. The students now are involved in these stations each week: Read to Self, Read to Others, Listen to Reading and Work on Writing.
During the Read to Self and Others stations, the students have been learning about the comprehension strategy Determining Important Ideas and have been working on this strategy based on their current readings.
During the Listen to Reading station, the students have an opportunity to visit Tumble Books through the Public Library and listen to stories that they choose. This helps them develop their fluency in reading.
During the Work on Writing station, students have begun learning about and working on the writing process for mystery narratives. Students have brainstormed and created outlines for their own personal narrative.
We have also been focusing on Digital Citizenship in Media by discussing the digital footprint we want to leave behind. We must teach students how to be a part of this growing digital world, by teaching them cyberbullying, internet safety, internet privacy, safe searching and giving proper credit to online sources.
Please watch these videos on Digital Citizenship with your child to start a conversation about the digital footprint they want to leave behind:
 |
| Our Daily 5 stations |
 |
| Student working on brainstorming & outline for mystery narrative |
 |
| Student working on outline using brainstorming notes for mystery narrative |
 |
| Listen to Reading station |
 |
| Listen to Reading station |
Please check out this site with your child as we will be looking into signing up & sharing our creative writing: http://lendmeyourliteracy.com/ Please watch the video & explore the site!
- In the Social Sciences, we continue to explore Canada's trading items with different trading countries in Social Studies and we are investigating the 5 kingdoms of life in Science. Please check the Edmodo Social Studies & Science groups for videos, discussions and assignments.
- In Health, we are looking carefully at what it means to be healthy by exploring healthy food options. Please check the Health Edmodo group for discussions and assignments.
- Our virtue for October is Gratitude and the students have been working on various activities about gratitude in their notebooks and on Edmodo in the Religion group.
Thank you for checking the blog! Have a wonderfully spooky week!
E. Massaro :)
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Curriculum Night & Delicious Apples!
Hello students & parents!
We have a very busy week ahead! Please read below for our week events:
- On Thursday, I will be at a Technology Workshop, but the students will be prepared for their day with the supply teacher.
- Curriculum Night will take place this Thursday from 6-7pm! I hope that most of you will be able to attend as I would like to meet you & briefly go over Edmodo & our plans for the year. Please email me at evita.massaro@tcdsb.org confirming that you are able to attend- thank you!
- On Friday, the students will be celebrating our first Achievement Day of the year! Please note that the students are allowed to bring in personal electronics, boardgames etc, for use IN our classroom, not outside of our classroom. Also please note that the students are responsible for their personal electronics and belongings. Students will receive free time according to the amount of badges they have received on Edmodo. Each badge is equal to 10 minutes of free time. We will be celebrating Achievement Day once a month!
- On Friday, as a treat, the students will be welcoming Fall by enjoying a delicious apple from a local farm (YUM!) and participating in other Fall activities.
REMINDERS:
- Our 'Joseph' trip is Thursday October 10th in the AM! Please ensure the students have breakfast as we will not have an opportunity for morning recess snacks.
- P.A. Day Friday October 11th & Thanksgiving Day is Monday October 14th.
- Math Ch. 1 test is tomorrow! Please look out for the results next week.
- There will be construction taking place in our schoolyard soon, so for this reason, our dismissal and arrival procedures will be changed starting this week to prepare the students. During the morning recess from 8-8:30am, students will remain in the hallway area outside of our classroom as the field is not used during this time and the yard will be under construction. In terms of entry into the school after recess and dismissals, students will be asked to line-up near the field and we will enter or leave the school by the stairwell near the Community Centre.
- It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide exact change for pizza orders and any other times we need to collect money. Thank you!!
- Food Bank @ Richview Baptist Church (1548 Kipling Avenue) every Sunday 2:30-4:30pm for any families in need. Food Bank items include fresh vegetables & fruit, milk, canned goods, pasta, rice and other items at NO COST. Please share the news!
WEEKLY UPDATE:
- In Math, we have completed Chapter 1 and will have the test tomorrow. We reviewed for the test today and most students feel that they are ready for the test. Good luck students!!
- In Language, we continue to work on Daily Cafe, specifically the Read to Self station. The students also worked on reading prompts and responses about the story of Terry Fox. They will continue to work on these responses often about books they are reading. The students also practiced how to 'check for understanding' after reading a page. Today, we introduced the Read to Others station. I was very impressed with how well the students did with this station! They also seemed to really enjoy this station as they get to read with a partner.
*** Parents, please check each subject group in your child's Edmodo account as there are many items posted for students to work on, particularly in Media, Religion and Math. Thank you for your support!!
Thank you for reading and have a great week!
Mrs Massaro
We have a very busy week ahead! Please read below for our week events:
- On Thursday, I will be at a Technology Workshop, but the students will be prepared for their day with the supply teacher.
- Curriculum Night will take place this Thursday from 6-7pm! I hope that most of you will be able to attend as I would like to meet you & briefly go over Edmodo & our plans for the year. Please email me at evita.massaro@tcdsb.org confirming that you are able to attend- thank you!
- On Friday, the students will be celebrating our first Achievement Day of the year! Please note that the students are allowed to bring in personal electronics, boardgames etc, for use IN our classroom, not outside of our classroom. Also please note that the students are responsible for their personal electronics and belongings. Students will receive free time according to the amount of badges they have received on Edmodo. Each badge is equal to 10 minutes of free time. We will be celebrating Achievement Day once a month!
- On Friday, as a treat, the students will be welcoming Fall by enjoying a delicious apple from a local farm (YUM!) and participating in other Fall activities.
REMINDERS:
- Our 'Joseph' trip is Thursday October 10th in the AM! Please ensure the students have breakfast as we will not have an opportunity for morning recess snacks.
- P.A. Day Friday October 11th & Thanksgiving Day is Monday October 14th.
- Math Ch. 1 test is tomorrow! Please look out for the results next week.
- There will be construction taking place in our schoolyard soon, so for this reason, our dismissal and arrival procedures will be changed starting this week to prepare the students. During the morning recess from 8-8:30am, students will remain in the hallway area outside of our classroom as the field is not used during this time and the yard will be under construction. In terms of entry into the school after recess and dismissals, students will be asked to line-up near the field and we will enter or leave the school by the stairwell near the Community Centre.
- It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide exact change for pizza orders and any other times we need to collect money. Thank you!!
- Food Bank @ Richview Baptist Church (1548 Kipling Avenue) every Sunday 2:30-4:30pm for any families in need. Food Bank items include fresh vegetables & fruit, milk, canned goods, pasta, rice and other items at NO COST. Please share the news!
WEEKLY UPDATE:
- In Math, we have completed Chapter 1 and will have the test tomorrow. We reviewed for the test today and most students feel that they are ready for the test. Good luck students!!
 |
| Class 'Success Criteria' for how to create graphs |
- In Language, we continue to work on Daily Cafe, specifically the Read to Self station. The students also worked on reading prompts and responses about the story of Terry Fox. They will continue to work on these responses often about books they are reading. The students also practiced how to 'check for understanding' after reading a page. Today, we introduced the Read to Others station. I was very impressed with how well the students did with this station! They also seemed to really enjoy this station as they get to read with a partner.
*** Parents, please check each subject group in your child's Edmodo account as there are many items posted for students to work on, particularly in Media, Religion and Math. Thank you for your support!!
Thank you for reading and have a great week!
Mrs Massaro
 |
| Happy Fall! |
 |
| Delicious, local apples! The students will be enjoying these on Friday! |
Monday, 30 September 2013
Curriculum Night 2013!
Hello students & parents!
As many of you already know, Curriculum Night is this Thursday October 3rd, 6-7pm!
I am hoping that you are all able to make it as I will be briefly discussing the curriculum for the year, handing out a curriculum package and demonstrating how Edmodo works!
I would really appreciate it if you could confirm whether you plan to attend by emailing me at evita.massaro@tcdsb.org. Thank you!!
Hoping to see you this Thursday! Please note that a more detailed blog update will be posted about last week and this week soon.
Thank you,
Mrs Massaro
As many of you already know, Curriculum Night is this Thursday October 3rd, 6-7pm!
I am hoping that you are all able to make it as I will be briefly discussing the curriculum for the year, handing out a curriculum package and demonstrating how Edmodo works!
I would really appreciate it if you could confirm whether you plan to attend by emailing me at evita.massaro@tcdsb.org. Thank you!!
Hoping to see you this Thursday! Please note that a more detailed blog update will be posted about last week and this week soon.
Thank you,
Mrs Massaro
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Welcome Fall!
Hello students & parents & all things pumpkin!
We have now completed 3 weeks and the students are getting more used to our daily routines. This week, we introduced Social Studies and Science, in addition to Language, Math and Religion, which we began the first couple of weeks. You will find that most of our work for the Social Sciences is done through Edmodo, so please check Edmodo often with your child. Many of the reminders below are from last week's post as they still apply, but there are a few new ones so please read through:
REMINDERS:
- There will be construction taking place in our schoolyard beginning September 30th, so for this reason, our dismissal and arrival procedures will be changed starting this week to prepare the students. During the morning recess from 8-8:30am, students will remain in the hallway area outside of our classroom as the field is not used during this time and the yard will be under construction. In terms of entry into the school after recess and dismissals, students will be asked to line-up near the field and we will enter or leave the school by the stairwell near the Community Centre.
- It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide exact change for pizza orders and any other times we need to collect money. Thank you!!
- Our school Terry Fox walk will take place this Thursday. Thank you to those who have donated $2! Please ensure your child has returned their permission form for the walk- I have written a reminder in the agendas of those students who need to return this form still.
- Curriculum Night is OCTOBER 3rd, 6-7PM! Unfortunately, the BBQ has been cancelled due to the construction. Please try to attend Curriculum Night @ 6pm!
- Dress Down Day is September 27!
- P.A. Day Friday October 11th & Thanksgiving Day is Monday October 14th.
- On Edmodo, there will be posts in every subject each week. Please note that there will be a weekly Media assignment to complete online and most other subjects will have weekly discussions and assignments so please check often!
- Nelson Online: students are to complete an online Nelson activity for Math most nights. These activities correspond to the lesson taught in class. I will post the Nelson links in the Math group on Edmodo.
- The students are now on Mangahigh, which is an amazing Game Based Math site! The challenges and games are linked to the ON curriculum. Your child was given a user name/password and will work on challenges each week in class and hopefully at home. So if you notice your child enjoying online Math games at home, this is a good thing!
- NUT FREE ZONE: parents, please ensure your child does not come to school with any nut products as we have a few serious nut allergies at our school. Also, please do not send your child with edible treats for the class, even if it is for their birthday, instead, if you wish to bring a treat for the class, please bring non edible items- thank you so much for your support!
- Uniforms: parents, please ensure your child is wearing the proper uniform at school. As the weather gets cooler, please make sure your child is dressed warmly in uniform appropriate colours- thank you!
- Food Bank @ Richview Baptist Church (1548 Kipling Avenue) every Sunday 2:30-4:30pm for any families in need. Food Bank items include fresh vegetables & fruit, milk, canned goods, pasta, rice and other items at NO COST. Please share the news!
WEEKLY UPDATES:
- The students are working towards their individual badges for great behaviour as we will be celebrating these badges during our Achievement Day at the end of the month. The students are also aware of our Strike System, which means that each month, students have a warning and 3 strikes available and if all are used by the end of the month, then parents will be notified and consequences will follow such as privileges taken away. Students can receive strikes for actions such as homework incompletion, inappropriate behaviour and not following school and class procedures. At the start of a new month, all previous strikes are removed and students have a fresh start.
- In Language, we continue to work on the DAILY CAFE, particularly the Read to Self station. I am super impressed with my students as they are doing really well with this station and they are building their reading stamina! We had a big honest discussion about what we sometimes don't like about reading and we tried to figure out ways to solve these problems so that we enjoyed reading more. The students are becoming very independent at choosing just right books for their book bins and logging what they have been reading on their reading log sheet.
- In Media, we continue to explore DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP through videos about being kind online and avoiding and reporting cyberbullying. We watch videos in class and on Edmodo on being a kind digital citizen and students discuss and work on assignments about this through Edmodo.
- In Math, we are completing Chapter 1- Patterns in Mathematics this week. Students had a quiz this past week so please look for a quiz to sign this week. Students should be on Nelson Online and Mangahigh most nights reviewing lessons in class through online practice and games!
- As mentioned previously, we have started Social Studies and Science this week! In Science, we are studying Biodiversity and the students watched an excellent 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' video all about biodiversity, which the students really enjoyed! In Social Studies, we looked at mapping and are beginning our unit on Canada's Interactions with the Global Community.
- In Religion, we are reflecting on the virtue Hospitality and what it means to be hospitable. The students are working on an 'I am from' poem and recently completed a letter to Terry Fox.
Thank you for reading our weekly blog post! Please remember to 'follow by email' on the blog so that the new blog updates are emailed to you- thanks!
Enjoy your week,
Mrs Massaro
We have now completed 3 weeks and the students are getting more used to our daily routines. This week, we introduced Social Studies and Science, in addition to Language, Math and Religion, which we began the first couple of weeks. You will find that most of our work for the Social Sciences is done through Edmodo, so please check Edmodo often with your child. Many of the reminders below are from last week's post as they still apply, but there are a few new ones so please read through:
REMINDERS:
- There will be construction taking place in our schoolyard beginning September 30th, so for this reason, our dismissal and arrival procedures will be changed starting this week to prepare the students. During the morning recess from 8-8:30am, students will remain in the hallway area outside of our classroom as the field is not used during this time and the yard will be under construction. In terms of entry into the school after recess and dismissals, students will be asked to line-up near the field and we will enter or leave the school by the stairwell near the Community Centre.
- It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide exact change for pizza orders and any other times we need to collect money. Thank you!!
- Our school Terry Fox walk will take place this Thursday. Thank you to those who have donated $2! Please ensure your child has returned their permission form for the walk- I have written a reminder in the agendas of those students who need to return this form still.
- Curriculum Night is OCTOBER 3rd, 6-7PM! Unfortunately, the BBQ has been cancelled due to the construction. Please try to attend Curriculum Night @ 6pm!
- Dress Down Day is September 27!
- P.A. Day Friday October 11th & Thanksgiving Day is Monday October 14th.
- On Edmodo, there will be posts in every subject each week. Please note that there will be a weekly Media assignment to complete online and most other subjects will have weekly discussions and assignments so please check often!
- Nelson Online: students are to complete an online Nelson activity for Math most nights. These activities correspond to the lesson taught in class. I will post the Nelson links in the Math group on Edmodo.
- The students are now on Mangahigh, which is an amazing Game Based Math site! The challenges and games are linked to the ON curriculum. Your child was given a user name/password and will work on challenges each week in class and hopefully at home. So if you notice your child enjoying online Math games at home, this is a good thing!
- NUT FREE ZONE: parents, please ensure your child does not come to school with any nut products as we have a few serious nut allergies at our school. Also, please do not send your child with edible treats for the class, even if it is for their birthday, instead, if you wish to bring a treat for the class, please bring non edible items- thank you so much for your support!
- Uniforms: parents, please ensure your child is wearing the proper uniform at school. As the weather gets cooler, please make sure your child is dressed warmly in uniform appropriate colours- thank you!
- Food Bank @ Richview Baptist Church (1548 Kipling Avenue) every Sunday 2:30-4:30pm for any families in need. Food Bank items include fresh vegetables & fruit, milk, canned goods, pasta, rice and other items at NO COST. Please share the news!
WEEKLY UPDATES:
- The students are working towards their individual badges for great behaviour as we will be celebrating these badges during our Achievement Day at the end of the month. The students are also aware of our Strike System, which means that each month, students have a warning and 3 strikes available and if all are used by the end of the month, then parents will be notified and consequences will follow such as privileges taken away. Students can receive strikes for actions such as homework incompletion, inappropriate behaviour and not following school and class procedures. At the start of a new month, all previous strikes are removed and students have a fresh start.
- In Language, we continue to work on the DAILY CAFE, particularly the Read to Self station. I am super impressed with my students as they are doing really well with this station and they are building their reading stamina! We had a big honest discussion about what we sometimes don't like about reading and we tried to figure out ways to solve these problems so that we enjoyed reading more. The students are becoming very independent at choosing just right books for their book bins and logging what they have been reading on their reading log sheet.
 |
| The FAV reading spot in the class! |
 |
| Busy reading! |
 |
| Trying to solve reading problems! |
- In Math, we are completing Chapter 1- Patterns in Mathematics this week. Students had a quiz this past week so please look for a quiz to sign this week. Students should be on Nelson Online and Mangahigh most nights reviewing lessons in class through online practice and games!
- As mentioned previously, we have started Social Studies and Science this week! In Science, we are studying Biodiversity and the students watched an excellent 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' video all about biodiversity, which the students really enjoyed! In Social Studies, we looked at mapping and are beginning our unit on Canada's Interactions with the Global Community.
- In Religion, we are reflecting on the virtue Hospitality and what it means to be hospitable. The students are working on an 'I am from' poem and recently completed a letter to Terry Fox.
 |
| Popsicle treat on a hot Friday! |
Thank you for reading our weekly blog post! Please remember to 'follow by email' on the blog so that the new blog updates are emailed to you- thanks!
Enjoy your week,
Mrs Massaro
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Back in School Mode!
Hello students, parents & cooler weather!!
We are back in school mode and have officially started Edmodo! I am so happy that my students love going on Edmodo and are enjoying learning in a 21st century kind of way. If you haven't done so already, please check out the Edmodo 'how to' videos, which can be found in a previous post on this blog so that you familiarize yourself with Edmodo and how it works. Parents, please also check your child's Edmodo account often so that you are aware of the work your child is doing online- thank you!
REMINDERS:
- Edmodo: 2 Media discussions and 1 Media assignment on Digital Citizenship is due tomorrow. I have extended the due date so that students who were unable to go online this weekend can work on these items in class tomorrow.
- Nelson Online: students are to complete an online Nelson activity for Math most nights. These activities correspond to the lesson taught in class. I will post the Nelson links in the Math group on Edmodo.
- The students are now on Mangahigh, which is an amazing Game Based Math site! The challenges and games are linked to the ON curriculum. Your child was given a username/password and will work on challenges each week in class and hopefully at home. So if you notice your child enjoying online Math games at home, this is a good thing!
- NUT FREE ZONE: parents, please ensure your child does not come to school with any nut products as we have a few serious nut allergies at our school. Also, please do not send your child with edible treats for the class, even if it is for their birthday, instead, if you wish to bring a treat for the class, please bring non edible items- thank you so much for your support!
- Uniforms: parents, please ensure your child is wearing the proper uniform at school. As the weather gets cooler, please make sure your child is dressed warmly in uniform appropriate colours- thank you!
- Terry Fox Walk: thanks to Ms. Huntley, we will be participating in a Terry Fox Walk on September 26th! We are asking for a $2 donation- thank you. Please return the permission form by this week.
- Dress Down Day is September 27!
- Food Bank @ Richview Baptist Church (1548 Kipling Avenue) every Sunday 2:30-4:30pm for any families in need. Food Bank items include fresh vegetables & fruit, milk, canned goods, pasta, rice and other items at NO COST. Please share the news!
- Curriculum Night/Family BBQ: October 3rd, 4-6pm. Please try to attend!
- P.A. Day Friday October 11th & Thanksgiving Day is Monday October 14th.
WEEKLY UPDATES:
- As mentioned above, we have officially started Edmodo! The students are learning about Digital Citizenship for Media, by viewing videos about how we should strive to be online: being kind online, being safe online, knowing how to search online and how to be a good digital citizen.
Please check out this video on the ups and downs of a digital world. The students' Media assignment is on this video:
- In Math, we have begun Chapter 1- Patterns in Mathematics. Students are using Nelson Online and Mangahigh, which are both online sites for Math, to help them reinforce the lessons taught in class.
- In Language, we have launched our DAILY CAFE, which is our Language program for the year. In the Daily Cafe, students visit different Language stations: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Work on Writing and Word Work. While most students are at their chosen Language station, I work with small strategy groups and conferencing one on one for Language development.
This past week, the students and I discussed how to choose JUST RIGHT books, rather than too easy or too challenging books. The students chose their own books for their book bins, which they were really excited about. We also discussed the different ways we read books. Towards the end of the week, we discussed out first Daily Cafe station- READ TO SELF. I am super proud of my students as they did well with this station, especially for their first time!
OTHER PICTURES:
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the blog! Please remember to 'follow by email' on the blog so that the new blog updates are emailed to you- thanks!
Have a wonderful week,
Mrs Massaro
We are back in school mode and have officially started Edmodo! I am so happy that my students love going on Edmodo and are enjoying learning in a 21st century kind of way. If you haven't done so already, please check out the Edmodo 'how to' videos, which can be found in a previous post on this blog so that you familiarize yourself with Edmodo and how it works. Parents, please also check your child's Edmodo account often so that you are aware of the work your child is doing online- thank you!
REMINDERS:
- Edmodo: 2 Media discussions and 1 Media assignment on Digital Citizenship is due tomorrow. I have extended the due date so that students who were unable to go online this weekend can work on these items in class tomorrow.
- Nelson Online: students are to complete an online Nelson activity for Math most nights. These activities correspond to the lesson taught in class. I will post the Nelson links in the Math group on Edmodo.
- The students are now on Mangahigh, which is an amazing Game Based Math site! The challenges and games are linked to the ON curriculum. Your child was given a username/password and will work on challenges each week in class and hopefully at home. So if you notice your child enjoying online Math games at home, this is a good thing!
- NUT FREE ZONE: parents, please ensure your child does not come to school with any nut products as we have a few serious nut allergies at our school. Also, please do not send your child with edible treats for the class, even if it is for their birthday, instead, if you wish to bring a treat for the class, please bring non edible items- thank you so much for your support!
- Uniforms: parents, please ensure your child is wearing the proper uniform at school. As the weather gets cooler, please make sure your child is dressed warmly in uniform appropriate colours- thank you!
- Terry Fox Walk: thanks to Ms. Huntley, we will be participating in a Terry Fox Walk on September 26th! We are asking for a $2 donation- thank you. Please return the permission form by this week.
- Dress Down Day is September 27!
- Food Bank @ Richview Baptist Church (1548 Kipling Avenue) every Sunday 2:30-4:30pm for any families in need. Food Bank items include fresh vegetables & fruit, milk, canned goods, pasta, rice and other items at NO COST. Please share the news!
- Curriculum Night/Family BBQ: October 3rd, 4-6pm. Please try to attend!
- P.A. Day Friday October 11th & Thanksgiving Day is Monday October 14th.
WEEKLY UPDATES:
- As mentioned above, we have officially started Edmodo! The students are learning about Digital Citizenship for Media, by viewing videos about how we should strive to be online: being kind online, being safe online, knowing how to search online and how to be a good digital citizen.
Please check out this video on the ups and downs of a digital world. The students' Media assignment is on this video:
 |
| Using Edmodo in the classroom |
- In Math, we have begun Chapter 1- Patterns in Mathematics. Students are using Nelson Online and Mangahigh, which are both online sites for Math, to help them reinforce the lessons taught in class.
 |
| Our Math Word Wall, which we are constantly adding to |
 |
| Mangahigh multiplication challenge with another school- the students loved this! |
 |
| Students taking charge of the tech in our class for a Math lesson! |
- In Language, we have launched our DAILY CAFE, which is our Language program for the year. In the Daily Cafe, students visit different Language stations: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Work on Writing and Word Work. While most students are at their chosen Language station, I work with small strategy groups and conferencing one on one for Language development.
This past week, the students and I discussed how to choose JUST RIGHT books, rather than too easy or too challenging books. The students chose their own books for their book bins, which they were really excited about. We also discussed the different ways we read books. Towards the end of the week, we discussed out first Daily Cafe station- READ TO SELF. I am super proud of my students as they did well with this station, especially for their first time!
 |
| Finding your own spot for Read to Self |
 |
| Your own desk for Read to Self |
OTHER PICTURES:
 |
| Getting ready for our Terry Fox Walk! |
 |
| Religion activity on our kaliedoscope of feelings within us |
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the blog! Please remember to 'follow by email' on the blog so that the new blog updates are emailed to you- thanks!
Have a wonderful week,
Mrs Massaro
Sunday, 8 September 2013
Edmodo 'how to' videos!
Hello students & parents!
Please check out the following videos on how to use Edmodo. I will be showing these videos to the students in class, but it would be a good idea for the students to watch them again at home with their parents, so that both students & parents understand how to use Edmodo. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Edmodo!
Thank you for taking the time to view these videos!
Mrs Massaro
Please check out the following videos on how to use Edmodo. I will be showing these videos to the students in class, but it would be a good idea for the students to watch them again at home with their parents, so that both students & parents understand how to use Edmodo. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Edmodo!
EDMODO SETTINGS & PROFILE
EDMODO POSTING REPLIES:
EDMODO ASSIGNMENTS:
EDMODO PLANNER
EDMODO PROGRESS
EDMODO POLLS
EDMODO BACKPACK
EDMODO DIGITAL CITIZENS
EDMODO SMALL GROUPS
EDMODO APPS
Thank you for taking the time to view these videos!
Mrs Massaro
New Beginnings!
Hello students & parents,
I hope that you are enjoying your first weekend of the new school year! We had a good first week reviewing and learning new class procedures and routines. The students have started writing in their Journals, and our Daily Cafe, which is a Language program, has begun. We discussed how to choose JUST RIGHT books rather than easy or challenging books, and the students enjoyed choosing books to fill their individual book bins from the hundreds of books in our class library. The students are also working on an "I am from" poem, which is a poem all about them!
This week, I will be signing up the students on Edmodo, which means most subjects will begin this week. Please check your child's Edmodo account frequently to check out what they are working on. You will notice that your child will want to get on the home computer almost every night to work on Edmodo. Students will also be able to work on Edmodo at school, thanks to my brother who donated laptops for our classroom!! I will also be signing up the students on Mangahigh, which is an amazing Math site filled with Math games and activities, which link to our curriculum. Please encourage your child to get on Edmodo & Mangahigh this week to get some practice with these sites- I thank you for your support! I will be posting a video on how to use Edmodo & Mangahigh on the blog hopefully in the next week or two, so please look out for it!
Students will be participating in our initial Language assessments this week. We administer Language assessments in September and February to keep track of individual student needs and strengths.
We will also be discussing the concept of Digital Citizenship in class this week, which includes:
IMPORTANT DATES/DETAILS:
Thank you to all parents for returning all forms so quickly! I appreciate your support! Please continue to check your child's agenda and Communication Duo frequently, especially in September.
Have a wonderful week and please 'follow by email' on the blog if you haven't done so already. Thank you to those who are already following!
Thank you for reading,
Mrs Massaro
I hope that you are enjoying your first weekend of the new school year! We had a good first week reviewing and learning new class procedures and routines. The students have started writing in their Journals, and our Daily Cafe, which is a Language program, has begun. We discussed how to choose JUST RIGHT books rather than easy or challenging books, and the students enjoyed choosing books to fill their individual book bins from the hundreds of books in our class library. The students are also working on an "I am from" poem, which is a poem all about them!
This week, I will be signing up the students on Edmodo, which means most subjects will begin this week. Please check your child's Edmodo account frequently to check out what they are working on. You will notice that your child will want to get on the home computer almost every night to work on Edmodo. Students will also be able to work on Edmodo at school, thanks to my brother who donated laptops for our classroom!! I will also be signing up the students on Mangahigh, which is an amazing Math site filled with Math games and activities, which link to our curriculum. Please encourage your child to get on Edmodo & Mangahigh this week to get some practice with these sites- I thank you for your support! I will be posting a video on how to use Edmodo & Mangahigh on the blog hopefully in the next week or two, so please look out for it!
Students will be participating in our initial Language assessments this week. We administer Language assessments in September and February to keep track of individual student needs and strengths.
We will also be discussing the concept of Digital Citizenship in class this week, which includes:
- Being kind online- understanding your words are powerful online, just as they are offline.
- Netiquette- how students can be clear and thoughtful communicators online.
- Smart Searching- the basics of searching online and how to avoid false/inappropriate material.
- Safety Smarts- protecting yourself and your personal information online.
- Digital Citizen- what characteristics make someone a good digital citizen.
IMPORTANT DATES/DETAILS:
- Curriculum Night will take place Thursday October 3rd in the evening- please try to attend as I am looking forward to meeting you all and we would like to share how Edmodo works during this time!
- Gym will take place on Mondays so please ensure your child brings running shoes and gym clothes if possible on Mondays. Ms. Rudy will be teaching Gym.
- French will take place the first period of every day from 8:30am- 9:05am. Mme Orelana will be teaching French.
- Violin will take place every Wednesday and Friday from 10:30am- 11:15am. Mrs O'Kane will be teaching Violin.
- Library will take place every Thursday, the last period of the day. Mrs. Nicolucci will be leading Library.
Thank you to all parents for returning all forms so quickly! I appreciate your support! Please continue to check your child's agenda and Communication Duo frequently, especially in September.
Have a wonderful week and please 'follow by email' on the blog if you haven't done so already. Thank you to those who are already following!
Thank you for reading,
Mrs Massaro
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Badges & Achievement Day!
Hello students & parents!
This year, the students will be working towards getting BADGES on Edmodo to encourage a successful and enjoyable year. The badges will be awarded on Edmodo and at the end of each month, our class will celebrate ACHIEVEMENT DAY. Achievement Day will be a celebration of the badges earned by receiving free time. Please ask your child to explain each badge as we discussed them in class.
Please take a look at the possible badge options and the free time options:
FREE TIME AWARDED:
Good luck to all students! Remember that your school year depends on the choices you make, your attitude and effort. Be positive, be honest, be kind, try your best and have fun!
A video to enjoy & think about:
Thank you,
Mrs. Massaro
This year, the students will be working towards getting BADGES on Edmodo to encourage a successful and enjoyable year. The badges will be awarded on Edmodo and at the end of each month, our class will celebrate ACHIEVEMENT DAY. Achievement Day will be a celebration of the badges earned by receiving free time. Please ask your child to explain each badge as we discussed them in class.
Please take a look at the possible badge options and the free time options:
BADGES/ACHIEVEMENT DAY!
Batting 1000!
Congrats! You had no
strikes this month! (10 POINTS-Strikes are a result of incomplete homework and behaviour issues).
Brownie Point!
Congrats! Another
adult had something good to say about you! (10 POINTS)
Random Act of
Kindness!
Congrats! Your
teacher noticed you did something extra special for someone! (10 POINTS)
Playground Protector!
Congrats! You looked
out for someone in the playground! (10 POINTS)
Good Sport!
Congrats! You made
sure everyone was included during recess! (10 POINTS)
Eco Icon!
Congrats! You began
an environmentally-friendly initiative! (10 POINTS)
Cleaning Pro!
Congrats! Your desk,
book bin and personal space were always tidy this month! (10 POINTS)
High Achiever!
Congrats! You took
the initiative and asked for extra help! (10 POINTS)
High Flier!
Congrats! You were
tops in the class on a test or assignment! (10 POINTS)
Mathlete!
Congrats! You
improved your Math mark this month! (10 POINTS)
Wordsmith!
Congrats! You
improved your Language mark this month! (10 POINTS)
Historian!
Congrats! You
improved your Social Studies mark this month! (10 POINTS)
Einstein!
Congrats! You
improved your Science mark this month! (10 POINTS)
Mozart!
Congrats! You
improved your Music mark this month! (10 POINTS)
Bonchance!
Congrats! You
improved your French mark this month! (10 POINTS)
Superhero!
Congrats! You spoke
up against bullying! (10 POINTS)
E For Effort!
Congrats! Your
teacher noticed you working extra hard this month! (10 POINTS)
Edmodo Idol!
Congrats! You
consistently participated on Edmodo this month! (10 POINTS)
Participator!
Congrats! You
frequently participated in class discussions this month! (10 POINTS)
Group Guru!
Congrats! You helped
guide your group without taking over! (10 POINTS)
Lone Star!
Congrats! You were
able to work well quietly and independently this month! (10 POINTS)
Law-Abiding Citizen!
Congrats! You
followed all school and class rules this month! (10 POINTS)
10 points= 10 free
minutes
20 points= 20 free
minutes
30 points= 30 free
minutes........
60 points= 1 hour!!
Computer
time
Painting/drawing
Library
corner/reading
Board Games
Hang
with a friend in our class
Personal
electronics (must have parent consent)
Trade
in for goodies
Visit
another class (other teacher must ok it)
Thank you,
Mrs. Massaro
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