September News Letter

Happy September!

We'd like to take this opportunity to tell you how much we are enjoying your students in the Academic Support classroom!  We're off to a great start. Fifth grade students are already adjusting to classroom routines and figuring out how life at a larger school works. Sixth grade students have hit the ground running and seem to relish their position as the role models in the school.

Thanks to all parents who attended our parent information night. If you were unable to make it, here is a link to our slideshow presentation with all of our contact information and other important information:

GRADE 5

GRADE 6

We will be posting a monthly "newsletter" blog that updates you on the goings-on in the Academic Support classroom.  The following summarizes our focus for September to date:

Establishing Routines

During AS, students participate in team-building activities (having a safe environment where students feel free to ask questions and make mistakes is of critical importance), mindfulness practice (helps students regulate emotions and focus), using the agenda as the FIRST to-do list, as well as focusing on what’s happening in their pod classrooms in terms of assessments and assignments.

Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness is simply the ability to bring awareness to what’s happening in the here and now. Students have practiced bringing their attention to their posture (mindful bodies) and to the sounds they hear around them (mindful listening).  We will introduce a new way to be mindful each week. Practices help train attention, help students recognize when they're becoming disregulated so they can manage extreme emotions, and it's been our experience that most students seem to appreciate 5 minutes to regroup.

Agenda Use

In AS, students always take time to fill out their agendas; this sounds simple and students are provided with time in their classrooms, but some students really struggle with this skill!  As we enter October, our focus will be on establishing the TOP 3 for each day of the week. These are the 3 (or more) assignments that are a priority - either due the very next day or studying required for an assessment.  This will be written at the bottom of their daily column in the agenda and should serve as a guide to help students bring home only what they need.  If your student is still not proficient in these skills, don't worry.  It's early!  

Review of Content

Students learn from each other and enjoy group study activities.  We often study for tests or quizzes together using Mrs. Kemp's ridiculous accented quizzes, Quizlet Live or Quizziz.  Students need to sign up for Quizlet, so expect an email. We will be generating ideas for how to study at home as the year progresses.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

EXTRA HELP - We will be available for extra help on Thursday afternoons until 4:15 beginning this Thursday, September 19.  PLEASE email us if your student plans to attend.  Pick your student up promptly at 4:15 in front of the building.

kempv@sau25.net or odellm@sau25.net

SUPPLIES - 

Students don't need anything special for Academic Support, although they are expected to bring all folders/notebooks/agenda/chromebook and pencils to our class every day. If your student doesn't have a binder and it's within your means to provide one, that would help them carry their supplies throughout the school. If you would like your student to have a binder, but it would cause hardship (we know they're "wicked" expensive), let us know as we have a limited budget and can help. An example of one that is helpful is located here.

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email or call!

Warmest regards,

Ginny and Mike