Classroom News: Circus Edition

Next Thursday, November 16th at 6:00 pm, all EMES students will be participating in a Circus Performance in the U32 gym.  It would be great if students can show up at around 5:50 pm to meet up with our class to sit together.  (Please do not show up before 5:45, as the gym will not be open yet.)

For this event, students should wear dark colored pants and a solid color t-shirt (any color) without any writing or prints on it.  They should also wear their sneakers.

Please let me know as soon as possible if your child will not be able to participate in this event, so we can plan ahead for our groupings for our act in the performance.

The circus residency has been such an amazing learning opportunity for the kids and they are very excited to show you what they have learned!

Please let me know if you have any questions.  See you at the circus!

Making Unifix Cube Maps of our Classroom

After examining my Unifix cube classroom map and playing a "treasure hunt" game to find hidden wood chips, students worked in pairs to make their own Unifix cube map of our classroom.  They needed to decide which objects and furniture to include in their maps and how to represent them using the cubes.  Check out some of our maps and teamwork!

E.C.O.: Becoming Geese and Making Maps Outdoors!

On Wednesday morning, we went outside for E.C.O. (Educating Children Outdoors).  We started with a quick sharing circle about things that we are thankful for.  Then, we played a game where students became migrating geese.  In groups of five, they created a V-shaped formation and began to flap and honk as they "flew" across the playground field.  When they heard the chime, they needed to switch the leaders of their flock.  We gained a good appreciation for how hard it is for geese to fly such long distances!

Next, we worked in small groups to create maps of the ECO woods using natural objects, such as sticks, leaves, cones, and rocks.  Students worked together to construct their maps and then examine them to make sure that everything was in the correct location.  Once we finished, we had a "map museum" where each group presented their map to the other groups and answered questions about their work.  Ask your child about some of the places that they created on their maps.

Classroom News

What an interesting start to the week!  Students were excited to share stories from the wind storm!  I hope that everyone has power or gets it back very soon!

Today, we had our first all-school celebration since we filled our school PBIS “tree”.  Ask your child what activity they participated in.  Also, a big thanks to Joseph and his family for sharing a delicious popcorn treat for snack this morning!

During our literacy times, we read an interesting Scholastic News article about animals that sound scary, such as the ghost bat and the skeletorus spider.  We learned lots of new information about these animals, which helped us form our own opinions about whether or not they are really frightening.  This article will come home in the next Friday folder.  It would be great if students can reread this article at home and share their facts and opinions about these creepy creatures with you!

Tomorrow, we are planning to go outside for an ECO mapping lesson.  Please help your child come prepared to spend part of the morning outside.  Students should have a jacket or coat, outdoor shoes, and warm layers. They may also want to bring a hat and gloves so they stay warm.  

Please let me know at conferences if you are interested in helping out with future ECO lessons.  These lessons will usually take place on Wednesday mornings or Thursday afternoons, but this may vary depending on weather.

Also, please help your child keep their Halloween candy at home.  This helps everyone stay healthy and focused during the school day.  Thanks!

EMES Holiday Feast:

The EMES Holiday Feast is this Friday, November 3rd.  If you are planning to attend, please return your form to the cafeteria so they can plan for the correct number of guests.  Hope to see you there!

Conference Day: Friday, November 10th:  (no school for students)

Conference confirmation forms are coming home today. If you haven't signed up for a time, please send me an email with some times that work for you.

Circus Residency and Performance:

EMES will participate in a Circus Residency from November 6th to 17th.  Please join us for the circus performance at U32 on Thursday, November 16th!

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Open House:

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us for the EMES Open House last night!  We had an incredible turnout!  I am sending home copies of the math games so kids can continue playing them at home. 

EMES Monster Mash:

The Monster Mash will be on Friday, October 27th from from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  The games will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and dancing from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.  The cost is $5 per family and the proceeds go to support the EMES PTNO.

EMES Holiday Feast:

The Holiday Feast will on Friday, November 3rd.  Hope you can join us for this wonderful event!  The schedule is:

• 11:15-11:50:  PreK/Kindergarten
• 11:50-12:25:  Grades 1-3
• 12:25-1:00:  Grades 4-6

Conference Day: (no school for students)

Our first conference day of the year is coming up on Friday, November 10th.  I will have some other evening times available for conferences as well.  Please keep an eye out for a conference sign-up this week.

Circus Residency and Performance:

EMES will participate in a Circus Residency from November 6th to 17th.  Please join us for the circus performance at U32 on Thursday, November 16th!

Scholastic Book Order:

I am sending home the October Scholastic book order.  Please return your form and payment by next Friday, October 27th. Let me know if you need any help with your order.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend!

P.E. Lab at the Millstone Trails in Barre!

On Wednesday, we participated in our very first P.E. Lab with Mr. Blanchard.  Students did a fantastic job setting goals, trying out new skills, and having a "growth mindset".  It was wonderful to see students challenging themselves and having a fun time with classmates and adults.

A big thank you to Mr. Blanchard for organizing this trip and sharing his expertise in rock climbing!  Also, thanks so much to our wonderful parent volunteers, Bobbi-Jo, Darci, Marlena, Rosemond, and Shawn, who drove students to Millstone and helped them as they tried rock climbing, slacklining, and hiking!  I appreciate everyone's support with making this special opportunity possible for our students!