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READING and MATH NEWS

We are thrilled to be beginning a great new year!  Reading and Math scores showed great improvement last year and we are celebrating! Children had an opportunity to get an ice cream treat for a job well done.

 

I would like to welcome 2 new members to “my team,” (I was a team of  1), Mrs. Connie Dunnock, Reading facilitator and former 5th grade teacher and Mr. Jon Harper, Math facilitator who recently taught in Talbot County.  They will be working with teachers and modeling lessons to ensure quality instruction.  My role continues to be PD (Professional Development) Coach.  My job is to ensure that best practices in education are being introduced to staff and that children are appropriately placed in reading classes at their instructional level.  Yes, I am the “testing lady.”

 

Our message for both Math and Reading is to make sure your child does his/her homework every night.  All studies reinforce the need for children to read  at least 20 minutes each day.  The more you read the better a reader you will be.  We are also working on reading orally with expression and accuracy.  Your child does not need to “race through” to see how fast they can read, rather it is more important that they are accurate in what they read.  Many children omit, substitute, or add words to the reading selection.  We are emphasizing that you ”read what is on the page.” Our goal is 98% accuracy.

 

It is so important that your child do Math homework each night.  It is very hard to keep up with the math concepts if they are not completing  homework.  The pace is faster and homework gives extra practice and reinforcement time for concepts.  Don’t forget to look at the Parent  Peek on the back so you will know what your child did in class that day.  We  even have Parent Peek in Spanish.  Let your child’s teacher know if you would like yours in Spanish.

We participated in the St. Jude’s Math-A-Thon, but our totals are not yet in.  Thank you to all who participated.

 

We still continue to have our “Floatin” Through Fluency” Club.  These are the students that have mastered their math facts at flash speed.  We have an indoor swimming event in late January or February for students that have reached the designated January benchmark.

 

In early June all students that have reached fluency go to the Dorchester County outside pool.  Make sure your child is studying their facts nightly so they can be part of these events.

 

We thank you for all you do to support your child’s education.

Cathy Hanson

__________________________                                                    MATH

Math has gotten off to an incredible start!  Students have been practicing their facts and some are even at the Fluency level already.  Students have collected about $500 for  the Math-a-Thon and some are still collecting money.  If you  participated in the Math-a-Thon please turn in all of your money next week.

 

Please make sure that your child is taking the time to study math facts each night.  If your child needs another practice sheet have him/her see Mr. Harper to get one.  Also, continue to stress the importance of the math homework each night.  Last year’s MSA math scores were great, and I am quite confident that at the pace we are going  this year’s scores will be the best yet.  So keep practicing your facts and spending time on your homework each night.

Jon Harper