A MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION

WELCOME!We are so happy that you

have chosen Mirada!

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION

•Car visors (with student last name and grade level) help us move the pick-up line at a more reasonable pace. Please take the time to make and then place the name card on your car visor.•Both our drop-off and pick-up lines are designed for families who do not need to get out of the car to assist their children with seat belts, getting out of car seats, needing help with backpacks, etc. If your child requires additional assistance, we ask that you park and walk to drop-off or pick-up your child. With the amount of traffic we have on campus, we must be able to move our lines quickly. Thank you for understanding.

MORE INFORMATION• For drop-off, please pull all the

way up to the designated crosswalk and be sure and pull up right behind the car in front of you. Our traffic line on Galveston becomes quite long in the mornings.

• For pick-up, once you have been signaled to move forward to the pick-up area, please pull all the way up to the final crosswalk and then again pull up right behind the car in front of you. We have designed the pick-up area to house seven (7) cars but we do need everyone to pull up as far as they can to make that happen.

• The West Parking Lot is for bus drop-off and pick-up only. The spaces are also reserved for our staff. For the safety of our bus students, traffic should not be going through this parking lot.

• No Parking Signs are posted in specific areas on Galveston. The City of Chandler strategically placed those signs for the safety of our students. When cars are parked in these “no parking” spaces they are compromising the safety of children and the law is being broken. The Chandler Police Department will ticket drivers parked illegally.

FINAL INFORMATION• Crosswalks – We ask that all adults use one of the two crosswalks that are

in our drop-off/pick-up area at all times. The safety of children as well as adults is the reason for this request.

• Pets on Campus - Guide dogs are the only pets allowed on campus. Please do not bring your pets to school unless you will be staying in the car with them. This rule is in place for both health (allergies) and safety reasons.

• Use of Playground After Hours – If you enter our outdoor campus after hours by jumping our fence, we ask that you pick-up all your trash before you leave. The playground gets a lot of evening and weekend visitors and many have been leaving a lot of trash around. Please help us keep Mirada a clean environment for our students.

Thank you for recognizing that we must operate under some specific rules, procedures and guidelines for the safety of

those on campus and that we need everyone to follow these rules and guidelines.

Five Standards

Operations and Algebraic ThinkingNumber and Operations in Base 10Measurement and DataGeometryMathematical Practices

Investigations 2-Main Resource

•Activity based•A deeper understanding of math and how to apply it.•Mathematical reasoning, problem solving strategies, and creative thinking skills.

Extending Understanding of Base Ten

Understand Multi-Digit Numbers to 1000

Fluency With Addition and Subtraction Within 100

Selecting Appropriate Strategies Based on Context and Numbers

Measurement

Describe and Analyze Shapes 2D and 3D

Decompose and Combine Shapes to Make Other Shapes

Making Sense of Problem Solving

Use Multiple Strategies to Solve Problems

• Students will practice and review math skills in a small group setting.

• Groups will be fluid and created based upon ongoing assessment.

• Students will work cooperatively.

ADE and The Kyrene School District

Arizona 2010 Mathematics Standards

or…The Common Core

http://www.azed.gov/azccrs/

An expectation of students at each grade level, putting students, parents, teachers, and school administrators on the same page, working toward shared goals.

A progression of learning expectations.

While most states already have mathematics standards in place, they vary widely from state to state in their coverage and level of rigor.

Source: http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards

Aligned with college and work expectations

Rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills

Informed by other top-performing countries so that all students are prepared to succeed in a global economy and society

A common set of standards ensures that all students, no matter where they live, will be focused on graduating from high school.

In an increasingly mobile society, families with children transferring to new schools will not have to adjust to new learning expectations.

Standards will be the same for all students in states adopting them, making transitions smoother for students.

All students must be prepared to compete with not only their American peers in the next state, but with students from around the world

Monday: Art 8:45- 9:35

Tuesday: Computer Lab 8:45-9:35

Wednesday: P.E. 8:45-9:35

Thursday: Music 8:45-9:35

Friday: Library 8:45- 9:35

*Please ensure that your child is prepared for P.E. each Wednesday by wearing tennis shoes.

Key Components of Reading

HarcourtLiterature StudyRead AloudReading GroupsLiteracy Stations

Phonemic Awareness-individual speech sounds spoken in wordsPhonics-Understanding of symbol-sound relationship in written languageVocabulary-words readers recognize or use in printComprehension-understanding the meaning embedded in textFluency-ability to read a text with accuracy, automaticity, and expression

DIBELSBeginning of Year-52 words per minute

Middle of Year-72 words per minuteEnd of Year-90 words per minute

The child reads with expression.

The child reads aloud and then retells the story or content of the selection.

Listening comprehension and reading comprehension are at the same level.

• Students will participate in literature studies to further extend their reading abilities through character analysis, higher level critical thinking questions, and group discussions.

• Groups will be created based upon student reading abilities and student interest inventories.

• Students will be exposed to a greater variety of literature genres.

• Students will participate in groups with specified roles for each team member.

• Students will work with the Wordly Wise book series in addition to other resources to build and strengthen their vocabularies.

• Students will work towards mastery of new words and integrate them into their daily conversations and writing.

• Weekly Class Password

• Nonverbal reasoning refers to a student’s abilities in the areas of spatial and abstract thinking. This also relates to how well students solve problems using shapes and figures, as well as performing hands-on tasks (such as building, puzzles, creating).

• Nonverbal reasoning is extremely important in today’s world, where so much of our daily functioning is based on technology, which is an area where most nonverbally gifted students excel.

• Nonverbally gifted students have the ability to draw conclusions based on a set of given information. In other words, they have the ability to think spatially and abstractly in order to solve problems using shapes, symbols and figures.

• They often learn/solve problems by thinking or “seeing” through their mind’s eye instead of listening verbally.

*Students will go to recess from 10:50 to 11:10 and then enter the cafeteria for lunch from 11:10 to 11:30.

• Writer’s Workshop will provide students with the opportunity to write in various forms such as narratives, poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

• Our spiraled Harcourt curriculum in conjunction with supplemental activities provided/created by the teacher will support their writing with grammar and mechanics.

• 6-Traits of Writing: Ideas and Content, Word Choice, Voice, Sentence Fluency, Organization, Conventions

• Students may bring a healthy snack to consume M, T, Th, and F afternoons (our early release schedule on Wednesday will not require a snack due to the truncated afternoon).

• To keep our room looking clean (and free of sticky messes that attract those pesky bugs) only water in a labeled bottle will be permitted in the classroom.

• Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children happyand healthy

•Place events in chronological sequence•Government & the Election•Describe past events, people, and places•Famous Americans

•Responsibilities and rights of citizenship•Symbols, songs, & traditions of the U.S.•Awareness of cultures and customs•Geography

Solids, Liquids & GasesThe Human BodyWeatherInsectsMammals

 

•Enables and encourages students to explore science concepts, and ultimately discover possible careers in the STEM fields.

• A twenty unit science program created by the Museum of Science in Boston and carefully aligned with both science and technology/engineering standards.

•EIE also works to integrate literacy, mathematical, and social studies curriculum integral to student success with the common core standards.

•This program will give Intel and parent volunteers a specific role in supporting student learning.

Integration of technology in everyday teaching:

•Our classroom contains 7 laptops and 2 desktop computers for student usage.

• We use a document camera and projector daily to share student work, model, and show teacher examples.

•We utilize the Smart board (an invaluable interactive resource to be used whole group, small group, or individually) daily.

Students will:

•Recognize and use the computer effectively.

•Use the PowerPoint and the Word Processing Software.

•Use various programs such as; Pixie, Kidspiration, and Typing Adventure.

•Use on-line, child-safe sources for various activities.

Choice Homework:

•Homework will be based on the Universal Homework Model, though tailored to our specific student needs.

•This researched-based homework model encourages a positive, intrinsic relationship with learning at home.

•Further, the choices provided foster greater student ownership and engagement in their work.

•Homework is tracked monthly as daily choices are completed in addition to more complex, specific projects assigned monthly.

•Homework Calendar•Homework Choices•Behavior Communication Sheet

• We have five class expectations that we recite each morning. • Students developed gestures for each expectation and a student is selected to lead our class in the expectations each day.

• We adhere to the school-wide positive behavior intervention system with the rainbow chart.

• School wide emphasis on leadership • Fosters creating a sustainable, safe-and-

friendly school culture for students and staff. It provides world-class professional development for teachers and administrators as it meets parent desires to be involved and for their children to be prepared for life to come.

• Common Language (7 Habits for Happy Kids)

• The Leader In Me fosters independence in students and staff through teaching goal setting, organization, time management, and planning skills.

• It fosters interdependence through teaching teamwork, conflict management (often a big one for elementary-aged children),

• providing opportunities for creativity, and through teaching analytical skill development. It also fosters renewal by presenting things in fun ways, creating a desire to learn, and practicing good health and hygiene habits.

• In 7 Habits language, independence (Habits 1-3) is being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and putting first things first. Interdependence 7 Habits language (Habits 4-6) is think win-win; seek first to understand, then to be understood; and Synergize (working together is better). Habit number 7 is called Sharpen the Saw, which is mental and physical exercise, rest, and relaxation to help keep mind and body healthy and running smoothly.

Seven Habits What are the 7 Habits of Happy Kids? Habit 1 — Be proactiveYou're in ChargeI am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2 — Begin with the End in MindHave a PlanI plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school's mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3 — Put First Things FirstWork First, Then PlayI spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

Habit 4 — Think Win-WinEveryone Can WinI balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others' "Emotional Bank Accounts". When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be UnderstoodListen Before You TalkI listen to other people's ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. Ilisten to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look peoplein the eyes when talking.

Habit 6 — SynergizeTogether Is BetterI value other people's strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, evenpeople who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people's ideasto solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutionsthan anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

Habit 7 — Sharpen The SawBalance Feels BestI take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with familyand friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.

Weekly Newsletters

Parent Correspondence-Daily Folders

Visitor Check In

After School

Birthdays

Snacks…Donations…Parties

Wednesday to Wednesday Work Week

Our volunteer schedule will begin in September.

Art Masterpiece

Science Experiments

Computer Lab

PTO Volunteers

Bulletin Boards

Field Trips

Classroom Parties

Work with Small Groups

Volunteer in our Classroom!

for taking the time to attend Curriculum Night!

I look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to be a

wonderful year filled with exciting learning activities!