Hello Families,

It has been a short week, but it has been nice to be together again! We spent some time re-establishing expectations for learning, and we also reviewed what it's like to be able to be in a circle on the rug (something we haven't done for a while!) This class adjusts so quickly to everything -- they have had a great week!

Academics have been a little slow this week since we needed some time to review. Math never stops... so we had 3 math lessons this week! We are now learning how to add fractions and how to decompose them. Today students were coming up with equations to equal 7/8  (like 1/2 + 2/8) and using models to show their thinking. Next week, we will get  into subtracting fractions as well.

We are about to start historical fiction book clubs, but I am waiting for a few books to arrive. This week we reviewed what is meant by historical fiction, and we practiced finding certain elements of the genre in small passages. Next week, our clubs will begin in earnest.

We also "flash drafted" opinion essays this week. Many of the students were able to start and finish an essay in 2 days! We chose engaging and controversial topics that they felt strongly about. Some of these topics were: Should kids have Smartphones? Should kids be on TikTok? Should teachers give homework?  They all had PLENTY of opinions about these topics!  Next week we will begin learning how to write literary essays. So much BIG work for these little people!

I was pleased to see the letter from Mr. Alberghini about masking becoming optional starting on March 14. I know there will be some excitement about this, and it will be an adjustment! Next week, we will brainstorm as a class how it will feel, how we can continue to feel safe without masks, and how important it will be to respect each others' choices. 

I wanted to mention 2 important things: First, the read-aloud book for our historical fiction unit is a book called Number the Stars that takes place during WWII. The book does not have any graphic descriptions of war or concentration camps, but instead focuses on the resistance movement in Denmark. I know that some of the students don't know much about the atrocities of WWII, and we aren't going to discuss them in class. But they may come home asking some questions about this era, and I wanted you to be prepared.

On a related note, the second thing is about the war in Ukraine. I have been hearing a lot of talk about it among the students, and I know some kids are scared or anxious. Today we had a class conversation about it. We looked at a map and located Ukraine, we discussed some of the reasons (in general) that wars begin, we looked at pictures of Ukraine (from before the war, of course!) and we talked about what sanctions are and what refugees are. It was a pretty surface conversation, but they asked a lot of questions that I couldn't answer (like, "Will there be a WWIII?") We stuck to the basic facts and I assured them that THEY are safe.  Let me know if you have any questions about this, or about anything else!

Finally, please don't forget to sign up for a parent conference. Here is the link.

Happy Friday!