Happy Spring Break!!



Just a quick update on what we'll be doing when we come back to school in April.



Language Arts: We'll continue reading our novels and meeting as Literature Circles. We've also been completing Reader's Response papers and answering comprehension questions for chapters. It certainly looks like everyone's enjoying their books!



Math: Angles! Right angles...obtuse angles...acute angles... we'll be measuring and identifying angles most of the week!



Science: Our composting is coming along quite nicely! Our worms are comfortable in thier dirt, food, and paper strips. While watching them, we are also talking about rocks and minerals. There are sooo many ways you can sort minerals - ask your child about the "hardness" test we did! We'll also be talking about erosion and weathering.



Cursive: Our next letters will be V and W.



Writing: We're continuing writing narratives during our Writer's Workshop.

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I'm sure you've heard by now that our teachers' union, FCTA, has initiated a work to contract action with its members beginning today. I want to assure you that your child's instruction will not be impacted by this decision. Your kids will continue to have challenging, thought provoking lessons and assignments...the same quality of instruction they have had all along.



However, there will be a few things impacted and I just wanted to give you a heads up.



My 45 minute planning periods will HAVE to be spent preparing lessons...in order to make sure instruction is not impacted. I use my mornings, evenings, and weekends to write my weekly emails, do my blog, grade papers, write weekly checklists, and plan for the week . I'm not sure I'll be able to do as thorough a job as I like during this time ahead. Also, I respond to and answer many emails in off hours - This is something I like to do...but will only do during my planning time.



Typically, I am at school every morning at 7:00 am and I leave around 5:00...that is NOT a complaint...I happen to LOVE what I do and I like having time to plan, organize, and make sure I'm 100% ready for my week...I will not be doing that, so something will have to give. And last, I really do try to get your kids' work back to them graded as quickly as I can...and that quick turnaround will definitely be affected.





It is my hope the work to contract action will be resolved as the BOE and FCTA enter into negotiations. Your support is always appreciated, and I just hope I have yours as I join my colleagues and stand up for something I am incredibly passionate about....teaching your kids.



I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing Spring Break and I look forward to seeing your kids on April 10th!! Can you believe we'll be apart that long?!?!



Faith Humerick