Dear Intermediate School Families,
Below is a message from our wonderful school adjustment counselors, and then a look into our science and social studies classes. Have a nice end to the week and a lovely weekend.
As we approach the middle of the school year, it is a good time to reflect with your students on what they have learned so far, and what they hope to achieve by the end of this school year. Goal setting is a common January topic, and the timing lines up nicely with a chance to recharge student focus and motivation. In this article from Psychology Today, a review of the literature shows that setting and working towards specific goals helps to increase a person’s achievement, motivation, and self-confidence. Sometimes the idea of setting a goal and identifying steps to achieve those goals can be overwhelming. Here’s an additional resource from Understood.org on 8 Steps to Help Your Child Set Personal Goals.
We also have become aware of a resource in the community that may be useful for some of our families. It is called “A Bed for Every Child” and is available to help families who are in need of a twin bed for a child in their household. Requests need to be made by a community provider. If you are interested in this program, please reach out to one of the school adjustment counselors (Kyla Maderios kmaderios@freelake.org or Maranda Pennini mpennini@freelake.org) and we will be happy to help!
Grade Four Social Studies:
We continue to learn about the land, water, climate, landmarks, products, and natural resources of the East Coast. Students are expected to know the states, capitals, and abbreviations of the region they’re studying. We encourage students to practice at home!
Grade Four Science:
We have been exploring rock patterns and the way rock layers provide evidence to show that land has changed overtime. We have been looking into the ways that weathering and erosion change land overtime. Some agents of weathering and erosion are gravity, water, wind, and ice; and we are engaging in hands-on activities which represent these processes.
Grade Five Social Studies:
We are gearing up to learn about the contributions made by some important historical figures, as well as the significance of the major battles of the Revolutionary War.
Grade Five Science:
Current;yu, we are studying space. Students are learning that the Sun appears much brighter and larger than other stars because it’s the closest to Earth. They are also learning why we have day and night, why shadows change shape and direction throughout the day, why the Moon changes in appearance throughout the month, and why we see different constellations at different times of the year. Be on the lookout with your child for shadows and the appearance of the Sun, the Moon, and stars. Clear winter evenings are a great time to look for constellations like the Big Dipper and Orion. Have conversations about what you notice in the sky and when you notice it.
PTO Corner:
We have some exciting events coming up at GRAIS. Keep a look out for more information and volunteer/donation opportunities as we get closer.
2/14 - Sweets & Treats Staff Appreciation
3/22 - Mardi GRAIS Spring Social
4/29 - 5/3 BOGO Book Fair
As information is confirmed for each event we will post on our social media and send out our SignUp Genius for any volunteer or donations opportunities. We are now on Instagram! Follow graispto on Instagram as well as on Facebook. Feel free to reach out to the GRAIS PTO board with any questions (graispto@gmail.com).
REMINDER: There will be no February meeting. Our next meeting will be 3/19 at 7pm.
Spring MCAS Dates:
Grade Five ELA MCAS – April 2nd & 3rd
Grade Four ELA MCAS – April 4th & 5th
Grade Five Math MCAS – May 13th & 14th
Grade Four Math MCAS – May 15th & 16th
Grade Five Science MCAS – May 20th & 21st
Dates to Remember:
Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. – February 2nd
February Break – 19th through the 23rd
No School – March 5th
ELA/Math Games Event for GRAIS Students and their Caring Adults – March 21st at 5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
PTO’s Mardi GRAIS Drop-off Evening Social – March 22nd from 6 - 8 p.m.
Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. – April 1st
No School – April 12th
Spring Vacation – April 15th through the 19th
Scholastic Book Fair – April 29th through May 3rd
Grade Five Science MCAS – May 20th & 21st
No School – May 27th
Nature’s Classroom- June 4th - 7th
Survivor Day – June 14th
Anticipated Last Day of School – June 18th
Frequently Requested Contact Information:
Nature’s Classroom Coordinator
Stacey Snyder at 508 923 3506 extension 3011 or ssnyder@freelake.org
First Student Bus Company
Ken Rezendes at 508 763 9260 or kenneth.rezendes@firstgroup.com
Respectfully,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 X3150