Analyze

Our Critical Vocabulary word for the week is Analyze. Analyze means to break apart. When we analyze a character, we are looking at their thoughts, feelings, their motivations.

Our word of the Week is Shelter. Shelter can be a noun or a verb.

In Social Studies, we are reviewing Map Skills. Some key vocabulary words are: Compass Rose; Longitude, Latitude, Equator, Prime Meridien, North, East, South, West.

In Math, we are reviewing Math Skills. Tomorrow we will be playing Math Jeopardy! Stay tuned.

We had our first Media day. Your son/daughter borrowed two books. If it is fiction, then they are chapter books. I will be signing up the class with Learning Ally. This is something they can use at home. It provides the audio version to the text. They will be able to access not just fiction but their class texts if available. This will take the burden off reading and keep on the focus on comprehension.

There's a Boy in the Girls Bathroom by Louis Sachar

Buy the Book

“Give me a dollar or I’ll spit on you.” 

That’s Bradley Chalkers for you. He’s the oldest kid in the fifth grade. He tells enormous lies. He picks fights with girls, and the teachers say he has serious behavior problems. No one likes him—except Carla, the new school counselor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and she even enjoys his far-fetched stories. Carla knows that Bradley could change, if only he weren’t afraid to try.

But when you feel like the most hated kid in the whole school, believing in yourself can be the hardest thing in the world. 

Buy the Book

We are enjoying the story. We have read the first 9 chapters. Bradley Chalkers is something else!

Welcome!

Dear Parents,

         Welcome to another school year! I look forward to working with you this year.  I know that we will have a great school year together! 

This is my 20^th year as an educator, but my first at this school.  I began my career in New York City and taught there for 7 years.  I moved to Charlotte County in 2003 and worked there for about 10 years. I worked for Sarasota County for 1.5 years and I’m so excited to be working at Atwater Elementary this year! 

Our class will be using Class Dojo and I hope you will accept the invite included in this packet to keep up with how your child is behaving and participating in the classroom. I have also included a brief questionnaire for you to complete that will help me get to know your child better.

Communication

Please be sure to check and sign your child’s agenda planner every day.  If you have any questions or comments you can record them there.

Homework

Your child will receive homework in a designated folder. Homework is a very important part of your child’s education because it is a follow-up of what is learned in the classroom.  Parents, please take the time to check your child’s homework folder every night.  If for some reason your child is not able to complete his or her homework, please write a note just letting me know so this can be excused.

School Supply List

Please see the list provided in the take-home folder for your child’s grade level supplies.

Transportation Home

It is very important that you inform me or the school of any changes in how your child goes home in writing.  Otherwise, your child will be sent home the usual way.

Birthdays

If your child has an upcoming birthday and you would like to send a special treat, I am requesting that you let me know what day you are coming in advance.

How to reach me

I can be contacted at school by calling (941) 257-2317 or via 

email at the following: michelle.rice@sarasotaschools.net

Reminder: Open House is September 8th from 6-7:30pm.  This will be an opportunity for you to see what we have been doing so far and to schedule individual conferences. I am looking forward to a happy and successful school year!