Justin Elementary 2013-2014 Mrs. Briseno Mrs. Knickerbocker Mrs. Morris Mrs. Wilson.

Justin Elementary 2013-2014

Mrs. Briseno

Mrs. Knickerbocker

Mrs. Morris

Mrs. Wilson

Each grade-level has a significant unit of study that marks a milestone on students’ journey through elementary school.

Kindergarten Reading CafeFirst Grade Animal Kingdom Research Projects

Second Grade Reader’s Theatre Showcase Third Grade Living Statue Museum

Fourth Grade Poetry Slam Fifth Grade Wind Turbine project

These Milestone Experiences are also opportunities for students to practice performance skills, presenting their learning in front of a live audience. Parents and the community will be invited.

Field Trip Traditions Kindergarten apple orchard, walking tour of Justin, Ft. Worth Zoo

First Grade Casa Manana Children’s Theatre & Elm Fork Nature Center

Second Grade Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History & Will Rogers Theatre

Third Grade Elm Fork Nature Center & The Nutcracker at Bass Hall

Fourth Grade Texas play in Ft. Worth National Cowgirl Museum & OLC

Fifth Grade OLC (3 times)Best Christmas Pageant Ever (play)

Ross Perot Museum (extended day)

Most venues only allow 1 or 2 parents. We will draw names if there are multiple parents wanting to attend. The cost for admission & bus range from $7-10.

Our school day is from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The building opens at 7:15 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m.

We do a lot of hands on activities, discussion and learning every day! So, if your child has to be absent, the best thing that they can do is read! We will

get them back on track once they return.

Morning MeetingsThe first 10 minutes of the day! Building a classroom culture of honesty, tolerance, and trust.

In Writer’s and Reader’s workshop students will engage in activities that

build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their

reading, writing and oral language.

Students should come to 2nd grade reading on or near a I (16) level and

leave reading on a N (30) level.

Investigations/Envisions

•Addition and Subtraction•Money and Time

•Geometry, Measurement & Fractions•Number Sense

•Graphing & Probability•Number Corner Math

•Huge focus on Problem Solving

*Process & Inquiry*Physical Systems (matter)

*Earth Systems (plants/rocks)*Life Systems (life cycle)

During the 1st six weeks, our focus is on building our classroom

community and positive citizenship.Additional skills...

*Timelines

*Current Events

*Map Skills

Homework The new suggestions will be….. Reading 15-30 minutes of reading per night, depending upon ageMath Fact fluency games , computer practice, etc. * Differentiated homework will be given as needed to fill gaps and reinforce skills.

Your child spends 7 hours a day at school. Recent research shows a flat or negative effect size on traditional homework for elementary-age students.

Reading promotes comprehension, vocabulary, conventional spelling, a sense of grammar, writing competency, and a positive attitude toward the written word.

~Routman 2000, 44

Reading at home is the most important thing you can do to help your child be successful in school.

Children who read at least 20 minutes per day encounter more than 1,000,000 words per year!

Reading at Home

Reading Round-Up

Kindergarten through 2nd grade:Read 100 minutes per week for a

total of 600 minutes per 6-weeks.

Third Grade through 5th grade:Read 25 “Just Right” Books

by the End of Year

Check-points will be announced and a school-wide celebration at the mid-way point and at the end of the year for students who have reached their goals. Watch your child’s Tuesday folder for more information coming soon.

Recess time is 12:20-12:50

We like to take the kids outside, weather permitting, so please

make sure your child is dressed accordingly.

*For safety reasons, please do not wear flip flops.

Our lunch time is from 11:5o-12:20

We do love having visitors, but we ask that you sit with your child at

our class tables or our two overflow tables. This will allow

you to enjoy your lunch with your child!

Specials are from

9:10-10:05

We will be using a lot of notebooks this year to record our thoughts and to complete activities. We will also be doing a lot of hands on activities, therefore there will not be a lot of

graded work coming home. You are more than welcome to come to school

and take a look at your child’s notebooks anytime.

*Organization

*Communication

*Planner

*Reading Log

* It is your child’s job to check their CUB and give any notes to the teacher each morning.

All second graders will be taking these tests in the spring. Results will be

shared when they come in.

*Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in October. More information will be

coming home soon.

*Email is a good way to contact your child’s teacher with any concerns. Please put your child’s name as the subject. Due

to a district filter, we might not receive your email, so if your email is not

responded to in 24 hours, please call.

*You can also check your child’s teacher’s webpage for information at

www.nisdtx.org

Please send in a note or call the office if your child’s transportation

changes. If we don’t receive a note, your child will go home their usual way. This is for the safety of

your child.

Fall 2013 PTA Traditional catalog sale with cookie dough, magazines, and gift wrap. The goal is to raise funds for….

-Red Ribbon assembly -Watch D.O.G. -“Fall Fest” to have free or reduced admission -Supper with Santa -Mr. Blue Shoes assembly-Inflatables for Field Day

Spring 2014

School Boosterthon for character development and pledges to support the activity fund.

- Classroom magazines

- Reading incentives- Field trips support- Special programs - Dog tags- Book Club books

Being a Title I school means receiving federal funding (Title I dollars) to supplement the school’s existing programs. These dollars are used for…

Identifying students experiencing academic difficulties and providing timely assistance to help these student’s meet the State’s challenging content standards

Purchasing supplemental staff/programs/materials/supplies

Conducting parental Involvement meetings/trainings/activities

Recruiting/Hiring/Retaining Highly Qualified Teachers

Being a Title I school also includes parental involvement and recognizing parents’ rights.

JustinJags

Justin Elementary Family

for taking the time to attend

Curriculum Night!

We look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to

be a wonderful year filled with exciting learning activities!