February/March 2008                                         

Dear Parents,
       
        I can’t believe it’s already vacation!  With all the illnesses going around, I think it couldn’t have come at a better time.  Last week alone, I had as many as eleven children absent in a single day.  I hope everyone has a happy and healthy vacation!
Last week we celebrated “Connecticut Loves to Read” at our school.  Our guest author was Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.  We read one her books, The Kindness Quilt, and followed-up with a special project the committee asked each class to participate in.  Each student made a kindness square that was put together to make a quilt.  It is hanging in the lobby of the school. It looks great! 
        Nancy Elizabeth Wallace met with our class on Tuesday.   She talked about the process of writing a book. Her speech contained information about where her ideas come from, how the illustrations were created and how the publisher helps her to put it altogether to create a book. We all learned so much, and the children came away with a greater appreciation of what it takes to be a great author/illustrator.
On Wednesday, Mrs. Finch came into our class to share the book Cinderella Bigfoot by Black Lagoon author Mike Thayler.  She also did a very fun vocabulary lesson with us.  
On Thursday, a guest from the Madison community, Joseph Barbato, better known as “Papa Joe” shared the book “Casey at the Bat.” He spoke with the class about how important it is to use your imagination as you read. He asked several students to pretend they were characters in the story, which really brought the book to life.  The kids loved it.  He was also generous enough to give each student a coupon for a free ice cream.
        On Friday, Brown School students come over to share their favorite books with our classes.  They are good role models for our children.  The boys and girls read to small groups of children. It is always fun for the kids to see a familiar face, and the teacher as well!  
        As you can see, “Connecticut Loves to Read” was a full week of a variety of opportunities for the children to experience the love of reading.
        Right after vacation, we will be finishing up practicing the skills and strategies we have been working on to support student success on the Connecticut State Mastery Tests.  The testing will begin on March 4th, and we will be testing for 6 days over the next 2 weeks. Look for more information to follow from the school regarding the CMT process.  It is very important that your child gets plenty of rest and relaxation during this time.  Be sure they eat a healthy breakfast and bring a snack each day.  There will be no homework during this time.
        Thank you for all your support with all the activities that have recently taken place in school.  It is greatly appreciated.  Have a wonderful vacation!