Dear MPE Families,

 

Thank you to Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak for their presentation on how to help your child develop study skills at Tuesday night’s PTA Meeting.  Additionally, the Genesis Parent Portal will open at 3PM today for you to check your child’s report cards (for students in grades 1-5). 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

4/15 – 4/19 – Schools Closed, Spring Break

4/23 – Spring ASE Begins

4/26 – Spirit Day – Wear Blue and White or MPE Apparel

5/1 Multicultural Night, 5/2 Rain Date for Multicultural Night

 

In the classrooms:

 

Kindergarten readers learned that non-fiction books are like taking a trip.  Reading about a penguin?  It’s like being in the Antarctic.  Reading about stars?  It’s like being in space.  During writing, students wrote non-fiction books about animals.  Students wrote at least two sentences about an animal and then illustrated it with lots of details.  They figured out the new pattern on the April calendar, which featured 3-D shapes.  During math, students learned about capacity.  How many scoops of rice fit into a container?  They then chose another container and made a new prediction about how many scoops would fit into it.  We discussed why their estimates changed, depending on the size and width of the containers.  Students are also busy preparing for a very special science delivery…

 

This week the first graders used what they learned about character traits to complete their character projects using a book of their choice. During writing, the first graders worked hard on their persuasive letters to try to convince readers to agree to give them something that they really want. During math, students are completing their place value unit so they can start learning subtraction strategies after break. In science, students were busy researching the life cycle of frogs and prepared to take care of their tadpoles when they arrive after break!

In second grade, students were very excited to use what they learned about the economy to sell their goods or services on Market Day!  Each student or group planned a good or service to sell, made an advertisement for their product, and determined a good market price for their products.  In math, students finished up their unit on time by reviewing concepts in math centers.  In language arts, students delved deeper into fairy tales and compared story structures to prepare to write their own fractured fairy tale. 

This week in third grade, students finished up their fraction unit by learning about fractions on a number line and comparing two fractions using models. In science, students continued to learn about simple machines and how they make work easier. In social studies, students learned about Jamestown and John Smith. In reading and writing, students explored different opinion texts and supported their opinions with reasons. 

Fourth graders finished their fraction unit with a test this week. Students will move into decimals next! Students have some fun games and activities prepared for this unit. In reading, all classes are now reading Hatchet. While reading this book, students will respond in their journals as well as make connections, inferences and predictions to the text. Students will also use this book as a starting point for learning how to write a literary essay. During science, the classes will move into their Forces and Motions Unit this week. They will do lots of hands on learning in this unit! Students finished up their study of the Northeast and will move into a “tour” of the Southeast soon!

 

During science this week, fifth grade students finished up discussing the geosphere lessons in the Earth Systems Unit.  Students will analyze how the eruption of Mount St. Helens was both a constructive and destructive force that affected the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere of the Earth. The students will identify both the short-term and long-term effects and include a model or illustration to support their analysis. During social studies this week, fifth grade students discussed the tension between the colonies and Great Britain through a jig-saw strategy.  When the activity is completed, each group will make a Kahoot! to review each section. 

 

Enjoy the vacation!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

We had another great week at MPE!

 

The MPE Student Council is busy collecting supplies for the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter from April 5^th – April 12^th. 

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is in need of supplies! We are going to purchase items from their Amazon Wish list. You can send in…

1. Cash (please label envelope to Student Council)

Or send in….

2. Paper Towels
3. Sponges
4. Puppy Training Pads
5. New or used blankets, towels, sheets, or pillowcases
6. New or used leashes

Upcoming Events:

 

April 8 – Jenkinson’s Penguin Assembly – K-3

April 9 – 5^th grade group picture taken for yearbook

          PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child. 

April 11 - Rain date for 5^th grade group picture

April 12 – Gr. 1-5 MP2 grades on Parent Portal after 3:00 p.m.

April 15 – 19 – Schools closed for Spring Break

April 28 – Livingston Pickup Day – see attached flyer

 

 

Meanwhile, in the classrooms…

 

This week the kindergarteners were busy completing STEM activities during science.  Each day, the children rotated to a new center where they were asked to imagine a plan to try and improve something or solve a problem.  The children worked together to come up with a plan.  They learned that working  as a team helps to get a job done.  During writing workshop, the children learned how to gather accurate information about an animal they may know a lot about.  This will be their first piece of nonfiction writing.  They welcomed the new month with their April song during shared reading.  During reading workshop, the children compared fiction and nonfiction books.  One thing the children noticed is that nonfiction books give true information. 

 

This week, first graders began reading the novel Henry and Mudge The First Book! Students learned how to look closely at the characters, Henry and Mudge, to better understand how characters change in stories. During writing, students started to write and plan out a persuasive letter that they wanted to write to someone. They worked on writing to convince their reader to understand their point of view! During math, students focused on comparing numbers and learned how to use the greater than, less than and equal to symbols to make number sentences true. In science, students were so excited to begin learning about life cycles in preparation for their tadpoles that will be arriving in a few weeks! 

 

Second graders were excited to start their new reading and writing units this week with an introduction to fairy tales! They explored many different traditional fairy tales, as well as “fractured,” or reimagined, versions of these tales (Think, “The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig” or “Chickerella”). After actively investigating on their own, students came together to devise a list of common elements often found in fairy tales. During math, students continued practicing reading and writing time on both analog and digital clocks, and in social studies they continued learning about the economy through various read-aloud books.

 

In the third grade, students continued their study of traditional literature, focusing on tall tales this week. Students also began their study of opinion essays in writing, as well as, fractions in math. During social studies, the students learned about Christopher Columbus and Henry Hudson. They specifically learned about their sponsors, hardships, and motivations for exploring. During science, students learned more about simple machines and studied examples of them in their daily lives and how each machine helps make lives easier.

 

Fourth graders had a blast during science where they finished up their body system unit.  They participated in really interesting respiratory stations where they learned all about their pulse and how it can change with activity.  They really enjoyed visits from Dr. Narang, a pediatric hematologist as well as Dr. Baskies, an orthopedic surgeon.  During social studies, students finished up their unit on government with a project of their choice.  Students look forward to seeing slideshows on the Bill of Rights, mobiles on the branches of government, timelines of past presidents, plus many other choices.  During math, students are getting close to the end of their fractions unit.  Students have learned how to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers and even how to multiply fractions!  During reading, students finished up their historical fiction book clubs and were busy drafting their historical fiction stories in writing as well. 

 

This week in fifth grade, the students continued to think, talk, and write about common themes across different texts. They also continued to draft their comparative literary essays.  They are hard at work creating well thought out and carefully crafted writing passages.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

The month of April is World Autism Month.  Throughout the month, students will participate in activities and discussions regarding acceptance and inclusion in the classroom.  This year, MPE will “light it up” blue to raise our awareness for autism.  Please send your child to school wearing blue on Tuesday, April 2nd.

 

Upcoming Events:

April 1 – Deadline to purchase yearbooks. 

To order, visit ybpay.lifetouch.com and use yearbook ID 2050819.

Grade 5 presentation by Holocaust survivor

April 2 – Lifetouch Spring Picture Day – Individual Photos Only

April 5 – PTA Used Book Sale – all books $1.00

April 8 – Jenkinson’s Penguin Assembly – K-3

April 9 – 5^th grade group picture taken for yearbook

April 11 - Rain date for 5^th grade group picture

April 12 – Gr. 1-5 MP2 grades on Parent Portal after 3:00 p.m.

April 15 – 19 – Schools closed for Spring Break

 

In the classrooms…

Kindergarten students furthered their study about weather by learning about wind. They discovered that wind is moving air. As engineers, they planned and designed wind tracks which they then blew a puff ball through. During math, students did a round of math rotations that involved using teen numbers. They practiced counting, writing and reviewing the concept that a teen number is 10 + _.  During reading workshop, students worked on the concept of retelling. Remembering all the important parts of a book and using key words like first, then, next and last helped them to understand the books they read.

 

First grade students read stories by Kevin Henkes to identify story elements, characters, setting, problems and solutions.  During writing, they worked on persuasive writing and learned how to expand upon their writing using more details.  During math, students worked on 10 more, 10 less, 1 more, 1 less, and greater than or less than.  Finally, during social studies, students continued their study on famous women throughout history. 

This week in second grade, students started their new unit in math: time! Students learned the parts of a clock, as well as how to tell time to the hour, half hour, quarter hour, and nearest five minutes. In social studies, students began their new unit on economics. First, students were able to identify needs and wants within their own lives. Then, they learned all about goods, services, consumers, and producers.

 

Third grade students were busy learning all about area and perimeter during math class.  Students continued their study of Native Americans.  They made Navajo sand paintings on Monday and had their “Day in Clay” assembly on Tuesday.  Thank you to the MPE PTA for hosting such a fun and educational event.  During science, students learned all about friction and are looking forward to learning about simple machines.  During reading, students learned about “tall tales” and had fun discussing the exaggeration of the events in these tales.  Finally, during writing, students continued to practice responding to different writing prompts such as essay prompts and story prompts.                        

 

This week, the fourth graders had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Baskies, an orthopedic surgeon. This presentation on bones was a great way to end their unit on human bodies. During math, students continued to learn about adding and subtracting fractions as well as mixed numbers.  In reading, most classes began the grade-level novel, Hatchet.  Students focused on summarizing, character development, and the theme of survival as they read.  During writing, students published their historical fiction writing. In social studies, some classes are working on the final portion of the government unit while others continued the train tour of the Northeast by studying population.

 

Fifth grade students were busy working with decimals. Students practiced adding, subtracting and rounding decimals which allowed them to successfully plan out a shopping trip and keep within their budget. Students also really enjoyed their trip to BiZTown where they were able to simulate the economics of a town and the businesses located there. They have a new appreciation for what their parents do on a daily basis! 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

We had a great week at MPE.  Please read below for information about what your child learned this week.  Thank you to the MPE PTA for a wonderful PTA Bash on Thursday night which helped to raise funding to improve the MPE Playground.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

March 25 – Gr 5 Trip to Biztown

March 26 – Gr 3 Day in Clay

March 28 – Gr 2 Trip to Museum of Early Trades and Crafts

March 29 – Spirit Day

 

Change of Date: April 9th - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child. 

 

The 5^th Grade Moving Up Ceremony and Clap-out will take place on Wednesday, June 19^th. 

 

Meanwhile, in the classrooms…

 

The kindergarteners learned about weather and spring!  They read a poem called “Welcome to Spring” and another poem called “Good-bye and Hello”.  They brainstormed things they knew about the changes happening outside, and talked about how their clothing is changing to reflect the temperature.  Kindergarteners learned a song called, “What’s the Weather Like Today?” and then painted a weather picture to reflect one of the weather types featured in the song.  In math, students completed their teen number books.  They practiced showing how many items you have to add to a set of 10 to get a new teen number.  During handwriting, students learned what letters fit in their new double-lined paper.  Many lower case letters fit, but upper case letters never fit!

 

The first graders continued their character study unit during reading workshop. This week, students focused on how characters change from the beginning, middle and end of the story and how to locate text evidence to support their ideas. During writing, students focused on their book of persuasive reviews and elaborated on details to support their claims. During math, students learned how to use place value to solve place value puzzles to find numbers one more or less, and ten more or less than a given number. During social studies, students continued to study famous women for Women’s History Month and explained what accomplishments they made and how it influenced others. 

 

Second grade students continued their work in series book clubs.  Students eagerly took notes, and discussed and elaborated upon their ideas about characters, problems, and the author's message in their books.  In writing, students moved from the planning stage to drafting and revising/editing their opinions about their "Little Ant".  By week's end, students will have gone through the whole writing process for this piece!  During math, students solidified their ability to count and use money by playing review games and working in differentiated centers with small groups and partnerships.  

 

This week, third graders began a math unit on area and perimeter. In writing, students continued to write for different purposes by carefully reading various prompts. During reading, third graders continued with their traditional unit by looking at the different point of views of characters in fables. During social studies, students learned about the Navajo Tribe and their use of sand paintings. In science, students worked on understanding friction and force before starting to learn about simple machines. 

 

This week, the fourth graders had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Narang, who shared with students how their blood works. This was one of their culminating activities for the end of their body systems unit. It was so interesting! The students also created brochures of one of the amazing systems of their bodies to share!  During math, students moved into adding and subtracting fractions and will soon learn some new games to help them review these skills.  Book clubs are wrapping up and class novels are beginning! Students focused on summarizing, character development and the theme of survival as they read their class novel. In writing, students typed their final drafts of their historical fiction writing.  In social studies, students finished up their unit on the United States Government, culminating with a final project. Students were given the option of choosing one of many different final projects. Some wrote books, others made slideshows and some even created timelines of all of the presidents! Finally, all classes enjoyed their trip to Jockey Hollow. It was great to see where Washington’s Troops stayed during the American Revolution.

 

This week in fifth grade science, students created a convection current, and demonstrated their understanding by diagramming and acting out what happened in the model. Students learned that scientists believe convection currents in the mantle cause the movement of Earth’s plates. Next, the students discussed tectonic plate movement/Continental Drift Theory.  Students also created their own tectonic plates using graham crackers and shaving cream. 

 

In fifth grade social studies, students analyzed and responded to three dilemmas faced by Africans during enslavement: trading slaves for guns in West Africa, surviving the Middle Passage, and living as a slave in the colonies.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

Thank you to all of the staff and families for great parent/teacher conferences.  Please read below to learn more about what your child learned during class this week!

 

Upcoming Events

 

March 15 – Used Book Collection ends

March 20 – Gr 4 Trip to Jockey Hollow – 4B and 4T

March 21 – PTA fundraiser “The Bash”  7:00 p.m.

March 22 – Gr 4 Trip to Jockey Hollow – 4A and 4S

March 25 – Gr 5 Trip to Biztown

March 26 – Gr 3 Day in Clay

March 28 – Gr 2 Trip to Museum of Early Trades and Crafts

March 29 – Spirit Day

 

Change of Date: April 9^th - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child.  

 

In the classrooms…

 

This week kindergarten students were so excited to complete their first three page story during writing workshop.  The children had to write what they like to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  They were also given the choice to add an extra page to write about their favorite dessert.  Students learned that before they are ready to “fancy up” their story, they need to edit their work.  They were taught how to use a checklist to see if their writing contained the following: spaces, capital and lowercase letters, and punctuation.  Once editing was complete, they  were ready to fancy their writing up!   Nutrition has also been a theme this past week.  During interactive writing, students worked together to add foods they know, to the four food groups.  During English Language Arts, the children were able to draw, label, and list  the healthy foods in their belly.  Students talked about the importance of eating a well-balanced meal which includes: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy and meat.  Kindergarten decided that pizza has all the food groups and makes for a well-balanced  meal!  What do you think?

 

First graders learned about different characters like Chrysanthemum and Lily from Lily's Purple Plastic Purse during reading! Students looked closely at various character traits and located evidence in the stories to support their thinking. During writing, students learned how to write to persuade their audience, by having an opinion about topics and naming three reasons to support their beliefs. During math, students began their Place Value Unit. Students explored famous women in history during social studies. Students had a great week! 

 

Second graders did a wonderful job writing their persuasive letters and have now started brainstorming ideas for a new opinion piece. After reading the book Hey, Little Ant, they came up with reasons for whether the ant in the story should be squished or saved! Keep an eye on second grade’s hallway displays to learn more about your student’s opinion. In science, students have been investigating rapid and slow changes to our Earth. In math, students have been learning all about money, including counting groups of coins, finding different ways to make a total value, and learning how to make change from a purchase. Maybe they can help you make small purchases in stores now!

 

The third grade continued their investigation of traditional literature. Students read more types of fables to understand the moral of the story and character traits that lead to the outcome of the fable. Students also learned how to write for a purpose. The classes learned how to brainstorm ideas quickly and how to write for a specific task (finish a story, writing a letter, etc.) During math, the third grade learned the properties of multiplication that will help them in solving number sentences with larger numbers. During social studies, the classes finished up their study of the Cheyenne Tribe, while in science, the classes ended their study of magnets and will soon begin to discuss work, force and friction!  

 

Fourth grade math was all about fractions!  Students learned how to simplify, build to higher terms, compare them, and convert them!  During reading, students enjoyed their historical fiction book clubs.  They learned how to think deeply and critically about these amazing books, and loved participating in class discussions about their read aloud, Number the Stars.  During writing, students began to write historical fiction stories.  With so much background from their reading, this will help make the task easier.  Fourth grade students really enjoyed getting to cycle to the different classes to learn about the body systems.  Whether it was making skeletons to learn the names of the bones, making model brains or lungs, or hands-on experiments with digestion, they had a blast learning the information!  They are looking forward to working on a brochure as a final project for this unit.

 

During English Language Arts, fifth graders spent time working through Interpretation Stations (Write Around Station, Photograph Station, Song Lyrics Station, Timeline Station, Statistics Station).  These stations taught them how to better analyze themes across the texts within each station, and then to analyze themes across the stations.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

Please see below for the list of upcoming events at MPE.  We look forward to our upcoming parent/teacher conferences next week!

 

We had a very successful week at MPE celebrating Read Across America.  Students and staff participated in a variety of events to celebrate their love of reading.  Attached are pictures from our campfire reading.  Students also competed  in the Seuss Olympics where they participated in different fun activities!

 

Thank you to Mrs. Goeller, The Read Across America Committee, and all of our MPE Staff for organizing and participating in these events! 

 

Upcoming

 

March 13, 14 15 – Parent Teacher Conferences 12:15 p.m. dismissal

                                  PTA ½ day activities – 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.

March 14 – PTA Playground Meeting – 7:30  P.M. in the MPE Media Center – All are welcome to attend

March 15 – Used Book Collection ends

March 20 – Gr 4 Trip to Jockey Hollow – 4B and 4T

March 21 – PTA fundraiser “The Bash”  7:00 p.m.

March 22 – Gr 4 Trip to Jockey Hollow – 4A and 4S

March 25 – Gr 5 Trip to Biztown

March 26 – Gr 3 Day in Clay

March 28 – Gr 2 Trip to Museum of Early Trades and Crafts

March 29 – Spirit Day

 

Change of Date: April 9^th - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child.  

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

MPE Bingo Night will be held tonight from 6:00-7:30PM in the MPM Cafeteria.  We look forward to seeing all of you there!!

 

Please read the article below regarding the importance of reading to your child(ren).

 

https://happyyouhappyfamily.com/raising-smart-kids/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=gottman

 

Upcoming Parent Conferences – For our spring parent conferences, the date and time you chose in the fall will remain the same for the spring (the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday will correlate to Wednesday, Thursday Friday).  For example, if you had a Monday conference at 2 in the fall, your conference will be on Wednesday at 2 in the spring (Wednesday, March 13^th).  If your conference was on a Tuesday, it will be Thursday, March 14^th, etc.  This streamlines the scheduling process and allows ample time to plan in advance of our conferences.  Thank you and we look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming conferences!  

 

Additionally, please read the attached letter regarding the class placement process at MPE for the 2019-2020 School Year.

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

February 28^th – Weather Assembly for Grades 3, 4, 5

 

Read Across America Events

Friday March 1^st – Pajama Day

Monday, March 4^th – Crazy Sock Day

Tuesday, March 5^th – Wear Green

Wednesday, March 6^th – Wear Your Clothes Backwards or Inside Out

Thursday, March 7^th – College T-Shirt Day

Friday, March 8^th – Wear Your Favorite Hat

 

CHANGE OF DATE: April 9^th - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child.  

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

We had a great week at MPE!! Please read below for upcoming events and the weekly update!

 

Our First Parent Academy on Homework For K-5 Parents

 

Last year, the District conducted a survey through the Health and Wellness Committee, within which there were many of questions asked by teachers, students, and parents regarding homework. The results of this survey helped us to continue our work in the District with teachers towards making homework meaningful and manageable.

 

It also prompted our first Parent Academy on Homework: HOMEWORK–TAKING THE WORK OUT OF HOME, which will be held on February 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Riker Hill Elementary School for all parents of students in grades K-5. We are so excited to offer a night of strategies to support our K-5 families as they manage all of the demands in their lives. We will have nearly 20 staff members, who are experts in their grade levels and their content areas, to offer suggestions across several break-out sessions. We hope you can make it! Please RSVP if you wish to attend. We hope to see you there!

 

Upcoming Parent Conferences – For our spring parent conferences, the date and time you chose in the fall will remain the same for the spring (the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday will correlate to Wednesday, Thursday Friday).  For example, if you had a Monday conference at 2 in the fall, your conference will be on Wednesday at 2 in the spring (Wednesday, March 13^th).  If your conference was on a Tuesday, it will be Thursday, March 14^th, etc.  This streamlines the scheduling process and allows ample time to plan in advance of our conferences.  Thank you and we look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming conferences!  

 

Additionally, please read the attached letter regarding the class placement process at MPE for the 2019-2020 School Year.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

February 15^th and 18^th – School is Closed for President’s Day

 

February 22 – MPE Bingo Night held from 6:00-7:30PM in the MPM Cafeteria

February 22 – Spirit Day – wear MPE Apparel or blue and white

 

February 28^th – Weather Assembly for Grades 3, 4, 5

 

CHANGE OF DATE: April 9^th - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child.  

 

 

Meanwhile, in the classrooms…

 

Love is in the air in Kindergarten!  The children were busy getting ready for Valentine’s Day.  During shared reading, the children looked for sight words, rhyming words and 1-2 syllable words using their Valentine Poems.  During language arts, the kindergarteners had lots of fun marble painting their Valentine Cards for their special someone at home.  They also used their writing skills to tell their valentine how much they were loved.  During reading workshop, the children continued to “Share Like A Pizza”.  The children discussed and worked with their reading partner to determine how they would like to share.  Some of their choices were to use 3 finger retell, see saw reading, tell about your favorite part, play shared reading, etc.  During math, the children continued to estimate, measure and compare lengths of different objects. 

 

First graders enjoyed getting ready to celebrate Valentine's Day this week! They made "mailboxes" for their friends to deliver special valentine cards. During writing, students worked on putting together their “All About” books which they worked really hard on over the last few weeks. During math, students learned how to solve for a missing addend. They look forward to celebrating the 100th day of school on Tuesday! Remember, feel free to dress up like you're 100 years old if you'd like to honor the special day! :) 

 

This week in reading, second graders were excited to start their fiction unit about series books. They began with identifying story elements in the second grade core novel, Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery, and as they continue on to other books in the Cam Jansen Series, they will look for patterns in the characters and plots to help them make predictions. Over the next few weeks, students will also be participating in their own series book clubs in which they will be discussing a different series with a small group. During math, students continued to investigate subtraction with regrouping, and during social studies they learned all about the past and present of their wonderful town, Livingston.

 

The third grade has begun working on new units in reading and science! The students focused on reading traditional literature, understanding traits of each kind (myths, legends, fables, and tall tales).  During science, students began to understand magnets in their Forces and Motion Unit. The classes finished up their unit in writing on Literary Essays. In math, the classes learned the 3 and 4 times tables and are working on mastering their multiplication facts! During social studies, the classes applied their knowledge of the Cheyenne to the P.P.E.C.S., a variety of “lenses” to deepen their understanding of the tribe.

 

Fourth graders finished up their division unit during math.  They learned all about how to solve long division problems.  They are looking forward to starting their fraction unit.  During reading, students are well into their unit on historical fiction.  They enjoyed their read aloud, Number the Stars, and learned how historical timelines blend in with characters’ personal timelines.  They will soon be working on reading chapter books with their groups, but have also enjoyed reading some historical fiction picture books so far.  During writing, students worked on a debate essay and shared opinions about whether or not people should be buying plastic water bottles.  During science, students learned all about the human body.  For this unit, they will try to learn what it’s like to be a 5^th grader, cycling to each of the other three classes to learn about the skeletal/muscular systems, nervous system, digestive system, and the circulatory/respiratory system.  Lastly, during social studies, students learned all about the government and its three branches.  Make sure to listen for students reciting the Preamble in the hallways!  Students will be learning this shortly, and it will be stuck in their heads since it will be set to music.

 

During English Language Arts, fifth graders learned specific writing goals and techniques that will enable them to lift the level of their argument writing. They spent time in their Schoology Accounts working toward a final draft of an argument essay.

 

In the art room, Ms. Abrams’ classes were busy. Kindergarteners just finished a big painting unit about color and shape. They painted using geometric and free-form shapes, primary and secondary colors, and tints. Now they are drawing an Asian Dragon using shapes. First graders have been studying how to draw people in action by drawing each other doing winter activities. Second graders are doing metal sculpture that is flat on the back  – ask them about “repouss”.  Third graders are studying how artists make things look 3-D by drawing cityscapes using overlapping, movement up the page, size, and atmospheric perspective. Fourth graders are just finishing up their 3-D masks on a theme. They expressed their ideas using symbols and art elements such as color and line. Fifth graders built wood sculptures after studying artists Louise Nevelson, Marisol, and Brancusi and now are creating golden dragons in scratchboard with plenty of texture.

 

Have a great long weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

Students had an excellent time at Global Play Day! Please see the attached picture!

 

Upcoming Parent Conferences – For our spring parent conferences, the date and time you choose in the fall will remain the same for the spring (the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday will correlate to Wednesday, Thursday Friday).  For example, if you had a Monday conference at 2 in the fall, your conference will be on Wednesday at 2 in the spring (Wednesday, March 13^th).  If your conference was on a Tuesday, it will be Thursday, March 14^th, etc.  This streamlines the scheduling process and allows ample time to plan in advance of our conferences.  Thank you and we look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming conferences!  Additionally, please read the attached letter regarding the class placement process at MPE for the 2019-2020 School Year.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

February 12 - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs.Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child.  

 

February 13 – PTA Valentine’s Day Boutique – please send money in an envelope if your child would like to buy something

 

February 15^th and 18^th – School is Closed for President’s Day

 

February 22 – MPE Bingo Night held from 6:00-7:30PM in the MPM Cafeteria

February 22 – Spirit Day – wear MPE Apparel or blue and white

 

February 28^th – Weather Assembly for Grades 3, 4, 5

 

Meanwhile, in the classrooms…

 

Kindergarten students learned about Chinese New Year. They identified the animals of the Chinese Zodiac and learned that this year is the year of the pig. During math, the children have begun to explore measurement. They know that you can compare two objects, and see which one is longer and which one is shorter. They went on hunts around the room looking for different sized objects to compare.  During reading workshop time, students were introduced to how readers can read a book, and “Share Like a Pizza”.  Ask your children to name the many ways they listed things on their class “pizza” to share a book with a reading partner.

 

The first graders used their knowledge of nonfiction text features to write their own nonfiction books on topics they were experts on. During math, students continued to learn their addition facts using addition strategies. This week they learned how to add ten to a number. During science, students studied the sources of light. Students learned to identify what objects gave off light and which did not. Next week, students will begin to experiment with translucency. 

 

Second grade students worked hard to publish all the research they have done about the polar people, polar animals, or polar lands.  During social studies, students learned what causes communities to change over time, and how those changes occur slowly.  Finally, during math, students were immersed in subtraction, using manipulatives to help them visualize how to regroup when necessary. 

 

This week in third grade, students continued to learn about multiplication and division with the 4, 0, and 1 fact families. During reading, students wrapped up their non-fiction unit by comparing and contrasting articles and understanding cause and effect relationships. In writing, students continued their literary essay unit by reading both fiction and non-fiction text and identified the main idea and evidence to support their thinking. During science, students finished their weather unit by learning about natural disasters. Finally, during social studies, students finished making their totem poles and reading Kwakiutl legends. 

 

Fourth graders students finished up their division unit this week.  Students started their new historical fiction units in both reading and writing. Students will work in book clubs to read and discuss different historical fiction texts.  During writing,  students began to work on creating their own historical fiction stories.  During social studies, students were excited to learn about the three branches of their government.  During science, students began to work on their unit on body systems. The students will study the Digestive System, Circulatory System, Nervous System, Skeletal System, and Muscular System.

 

Fifth grade students completed their performance tasks during science class.  They analyzed data and charts about different ecosystems.  During social studies, students finished their study of the early English settlements and began to compare the various colonies.  To complete their study, students will create a billboard for a British Colony to persuade other students to settle in their colony.    

 

 

Call for Safety Information to Parents

 

The main office at MPE must be contacted when children are absent or tardy for any reason.  Absences must be reported to the office by 8:00 a.m. by calling the attendance line at 973-535-8000, ext. 7105.  Emails to main office staff or teachers are discouraged as staff can either be out themselves or emails may not be read or forwarded until later in the day.  We appreciate your cooperation!  Families who do not call school to report absences will receive an automated phone call at about 9:00 a.m.  Any families receiving calls must call the school at 973-535-8000 X8141 as soon as possible thereafter to report their children's absences. 

 

Dismissal Information

 

Please send a note with your child detailing any changes to dismissal plans (if the change is known the day before, please feel free to email it).  Please do NOT send an email to your child’s teacher during the school day with any changes.  Staff are not able to check their email during the day as they are busy teaching!  Additionally, changes to dismissal plans should be called in to the front office by 1:00P.M. at the latest.  When late changes are made, it is very difficult to communicate them with your child’s teacher without interrupting classroom instruction. 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

 

Dear MPE Families,

 

We had a great week at MPE.  Please read below to learn more about what your child learned this week! 

 

We had another family meeting this week.  Please see the attached picture from one of our family groups.  The students learned more about mindfulness and completed a breathing exercise to calm their minds and bodies.  They read Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee MacLean and created a peaceful pinwheel where they could practice their mindful breathing in upcoming weeks.  Each classroom at MPE now has peaceful pinwheels for students to utilize when they need a break!   Please take a moment to ask your child about their family meeting experience!

 

Read Across America Events

Monday, March 4^th – Crazy Sock Day

Tuesday, March 5^th – Wear Green

Wednesday, March 6^th – Wear Your Clothes Backwards or Inside Out

Thursday, March 7^th – College T-Shirt Day

Friday, March 8^th – Wear Your Favorite Hat

 

CHANGE OF DATE: April 9^th - PTA General Meeting - MPE Media Center, 7:30PM

Mrs. Barbag and Mrs. Szostak will be presenting on how to develop study skills and organizational habits with your child.  

 

Meanwhile, in the classrooms…

 

Kindergarteners have been learning about taking care of their teeth. They conducted an experiment to see what drinks stain their teeth. By dipping eggs overnight in tea, fruit punch, orange soda and water and then brushing them with toothpaste, students were able to see the effects on their teeth. They concluded that the next time they are thirsty, it’s best to get a glass of water! Students finished writing and sharing stories about what they see around them. As they become better writers, they will challenge themselves to write more than one sentence and remember to start with a capital letter and end with punctuation. During math, students used tens frames to practice counting to 10 and develop number sense. It is easier to count out 8 objects knowing 8 is 3 more than 5!

 

In first grade students learned about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  They learned about who these important men were in our history.  Students also discussed how their life continues to impact the world today.   

 

This week in second grade, students started their new unit in science! After learning about the four layers of the Earth, students learned about various landforms and bodies of water. In reading, they have begun to work in their fiction book clubs. In their book club groups, they are working on developing meaningful and respectful discussions on the series books they are reading. In math, students learned how to “subtract across zeros,” as well as how to determine important information in subtraction word problems to be able to solve.

 

Third grade students continued working with their multiplication and division unit, focusing on the 8 and 9 facts.  Please continue to encourage your student to practice their flashcards made in class for at least 10 minutes a night.  During reading, students studied different fictional texts.  This week, they learned that authors include important messages and write using sensory details to create a mood.  During science, students studied how magnets repel and attract different objects.  During social studies, students finished their study on the Cheyenne Native Americans.  If you have not done so, please send in a (large) brown paper bag for an upcoming pictograph project that will be done with the students.

 

Fourth graders were busy reading in their historical fiction book clubs and having discussions with their peers regarding characters’ perspectives and theme.  In writing, students continued to draft their historical fiction stories. They learned how to create a plot with a rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.  The mathematicians continued to study fractions through centers, songs, and games.  They also learned about equivalent fractions this week. During science, students continued their current unit of the human body systems by rotating through different fourth grade classrooms. During social studies, students learned about their nation’s government by reading the Preamble and Constitution.    

 

In fifth grade math, students were busy multiplying and dividing fractions.  Catchy phrases like "Simply, Cancel, Multiply and Keep, Change, Flip" help them to remember the steps.  Students are now ready to apply all of their knowledge to real word situations.  During word study, students learned the spelling and definitions of words with the prefixes mono-, bi- and tri-.  

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thank you,

 

Emily Sortino, Ed.D.

Principal

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School