Dear Parents,

I hope this finds you well.  As a second reminder, please make sure to send back the bottom portion of your child’s progress report signed.  If you have already done so, thank you very much.  If you would like to schedule a conference with me, please email me so we may set up a time.  My email address is <a href="mailto:agkrecik@cps.edu">agkrecik@cps.edu</a>.

Last week, we did not get to accomplish as much work as I anticipated due to the assessments we took on Tuesday and Wednesday.  This week, we plan on playing some catch-up.  Friday is Ray School’s annual Literacy Parade.  If your child plans on dressing up for the day, have your child connect the costume to a character from a favorite book.  <strong>Masks and accessories will not be allowed. </strong>In addition, if your child would like to pass out candy, make sure that they have enough for all 27 students.

Finally, a letter is being sent out this week requesting classroom fees.  The classroom fee is $85.  Classroom fees support Room 304 directly.  They are used to furnish supplies, as well as pay for class field trips.  Our classroom is in need of funding.  Please do your best to help.  Thank you to all parents who have paid classroom fees this year.

<strong>Reading</strong><strong>: </strong>This week during Reader’s Workshop, students will be responsible for completing their letters to me about the book they are reading in their Reader’s journal.  Students should continue to work towards their 5 week AR goal.  AR is worth 10% of the overall reading grade.  We will continue to read <span style="text-decoration: underline">Maniac Magee,</span> by Jerry Spinelli, as a class.  In addition, Guided reading groups will be assigned this week.  Students will be working on identifying text features in nonfiction texts.

<strong>Writing: </strong>We will continue to explore sensory detail in our own writing this week.  We will discuss simile and metaphor, and apply these techniques to enhance our writing.  Students will be expected to write at home in their Writer’s journals on Tuesday and Thursday evening.

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<strong>Math: </strong>Homework:<strong> </strong>Study links 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7.  Students will have a short quiz on Friday to review what they have learned.

<strong>Science: </strong>This week, students will work in small groups to construct and regulate sinking water clocks and plan and conduct an experiment with them. Students will also read about the history of water clocks.  Students should find 3 resources for Science fair by the end of the week.  They should cite the information and begin writing the research portion of their science project.  I will send home information about this on Monday.

<strong>Social Studies: </strong>Students will continue their group work this week to research an assigned Native American tribe.<strong> Tuesday homework:</strong> Study and review for Unit 2 exam.

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<strong>Spelling: </strong><strong>Students should study the spelling list of words attached to this overview nightly.  This week’s spelling test will be Friday.</strong>