Happy Thanksgiving

Good Morning Everyone-

I hope you all enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving break with family and friends. Safe travels to all who will be on the roads or in the air to spend time with loved ones.


Mrs. D.

Savanna 11-16-12

Dear Parents,

        

This week has been one focused on service to others.  On Friday of last week, we discussed how the Veteran’s Day holiday began and how we an honor the men and women who work tirelessly to protect all the freedoms we enjoy each day.  To show our appreciation, the children made cards that were distributed this week to members of the military serving in our area.  We also had the opportunity to help the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy by contributing to the American Red Cross through our “Slippers for Sandy” drive.  While this will help others, it was also really fun to wear our slippers and socks throughout the day.  I was very proud of how the children expressed their care and concern for others in their notes and comments. 

The first report cards of the year will come home with your child on Monday.  As I have told the children, this is a snapshot of where they are academically today. This snapshot has the ability to change all the time.  I have also told the kids, the most important grade, to me, on this report is their work and effort grade.  Please remember that an “S” and a “C” indicate that your child is doing work at grade level.  The blue card included in the envelope goes into further detail about the Arlington County grading policy.  Please sign and return both the blue card and the blue comment sheet in the envelope by Monday, November 26th.

Below are a few important dates to put on your calendars.

        

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School

Fri. Dec. 21- Brass Rubbings

Mon. Dec.24-Tues. January 2, 2013- Holiday Break- No School

Wed. Jan. 3, 2013- School Reopens

         I hope you and your families enjoy the holiday break and the time together.  I want you all to know how thankful I am to be your child’s teacher.   Each child has touched my heart in a special and unique way. I am grateful to be part of their lives.  To all of you, thank you for sharing them with me each day.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Mrs. DiNardo

"Slippers for Sandy" Fundraiser

Good Evening Everyone-

This is a quick reminder that tomorrow we will be participating in the "Slippers for Sandy" fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  The students will be able to wear slippers (or socks) in class if they bring in a $1.00 donation for The American Red Cross to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Should you wish to contribute more to this effort, you make send in a check made payable to The American Red Cross.

Thanks you for considering a contribution to this cause.

Savanna 11-9-12

Dear Parents,

This week has been full of “teachable moments.”  The entire school was able to participate in a mock election on Monday.  After learning about the two Presidential candidates the children went to the library and cast their vote at our “poling place.”  This was a great opportunity for us to discuss civic duty, majority rule, popular vote versus the Electoral College, as well as to learn about length of terms of service.  Wednesday morning we continued our learning as we discussed the results of the election and compared the results to that of the school. We also spent time talking about Veteran’s Day and made cards to send to men and women who are currently serving our country.  Finally, we continued to collect Unicef boxes and separate the donations into coins and bills and estimating how much money has been collected to date.  All in all, a very good week of learning.

 As you know, Monday was the end of the first quarter.  Our next unit of study in Social Studies will be Ancient Greece.  We will go back in time and learn what life was life during this period.  In Science we will be continuing our learning about animals, their habitats, and adaptations.  Math will focus on adding and subtracting larger numbers, and spiral back to a mini unit on angles.  The pace of our studies will increase (just a bit) during the second quarter. I am confident that the children will be able to meet these new challenges if they keep doing the good job they have done to date. 

         Below are some important November dates to place on your calendars.  If you could please let me know if your child will not be at school on Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving I would appreciate it. 

Saturday, November 10- Tuckahoe/HB Woodlawn 5K Run

Monday, November 12- Veteran’s Day Holiday- No School

Monday, November 19- Report Cards Issued

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School

         Enjoy the weekend!  

11-2-12 Savanna

Dear Parents,

         I want to begin this note with a thank you to Jill Randles for coordinating a lovely party after our parade on Wednesday.  Thanks also to everyone who contributed to, and joined us for the parade and party.  It was a fun morning and the children enjoyed this Tuckahoe tradition.

 It is hard to believe that Monday will be the end of the first quarter.  The children have made many changes since September which can be seen in all parts of their day.  For the most part, everyone is used to the daily routines, the homework procedures, and done well with test taking.  The pace of our studies will begin to increase (just a bit) during the second quarter. I am confident that the children will be able to meet these new challenges if they keep doing the good job they have done to date.  I would like to remind you to go over your child’s assignments with them when they get home and have them explain what they need to do that evening.  If it is a long term project, use a calendar and help pace out the project.  Once your child has completed their work, review it with them, and then have them put all their work and supplies back in their backpack. 

I would like to remind everyone to let me, as well as Mirna Lopez (mirna.lopez@apsva.us) our attendance secretary, know if your child will be out for the day.  This can be done by email the day they are out.  After your child returns to school they will have both classwork and homework to make up.  They will be given a couple of days to make up any missed work.  If they need a longer amount of time to complete these assignments, please let me know.

Also with the cooler temperatures coming in, please remind your child to have a jacket, hat, mittens etc. with them as they come to school.  We do go outside everyday and we want your child to be dressed appropriately.  If your child comes home without any of these, please remember to check the lost and found for any missing items.

         Below are some important November dates to place on your calendars.  If you could please let me know if your child will not be at school on Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving I would appreciate it. 

Monday, November 5- End of First Quarter

Tuesday, November 6- Election Day

Tuesday, November 6- Teacher Work Day- No School for students

Saturday, November 10- Tuckahoe/HB Woodlawn 5K Run

Monday, November 12- Veteran’s Day Holiday- No School

Friday, November 16- Report Cards Issued

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School