Hello Parents and Students

Math

I told the class yesterday that we would have the math test next Tuesday, however they appear competent at the skills we are revising in class so I am bringing it forward to this Friday, November 20th.

Here are the skills that will be covered on the unit four test:

*divide decimal numbers by whole numbers with no remainders
*write and solve number sentences with variables for division number stories
*find the quotient and remainder of a whole number divided by a 1-digit whole number
* find the quotient and remainder of a whole number divided by a 2-digit whole number
*make magnitude estimates for quotients of whole and decimal numbers divided by whole numbers
*interpret the remainder in division number stories
*determine the value of a variable; use this value to complete a number sentence
*know place value to hundredths

Reading

For our second interactive read-a-loud, we started reading I am David today by Anne Holm. I have used this before as a class text and realize it is a powerful book as it deals with World War Two and issues of the Holocaust. Naturally this brings up some very sad issues so I just wanted you to be aware there may be some questions coming your way as the kids sort out some of this new information.I have told them there is no need for them to do any extra research on the topic at home however I know that for some of them they are naturally interested in topics of war and I can’t control what they seek to find out. I know from personal experience that some of the things I have learned about concentration camps etc, have been extremely disturbing and I would rather not have some of those images in my head, naturally I also don’t want them weighing down on your son and daughter so please, use your discretion and best judgement with this issue. Mrs Boyer is helping me find some other suitable texts to use in class with the students as we go on this journey together.

Writing

We have our second personal narrative due on Thursday November 26th. The students will decide by this Friday which story they want to start publishing next week by looking through the ideas they have been learning about and working on in class.

In other news

It is not too late to join up for Friday’s Family Literacy Event. Send an e mail to barbara.boyer@saschina.org if you are still interested.
Also, students should wear their house-shirts this Friday, and are encouraged to every Friday from now on to support house spirit. Points will be awarded each Friday for every house shirt worn.

Love of Reading Week will be launched this Friday before the family literacy event with an all elementary school assembly in our auditorium, as always you are welcome to join us.

Monday, Nov.23 is Wear a Word to school day, children are encouraged to come to school with words on their clothing! This might be something already written on an item of clothing or something they attach, even a poem!

Tuesday, Nov. 24 is Hats Off to Reading day, children are encouraged to come to school wearing their favorite hats!

Wednesday, Nov. 25 is Exercise your Reading Minds day, children are encouraged to come to school wearing workout clothes!

Thursday, Nov. 26 Cuddle Up to Reading day, children are encouraged to come to school wearing their Pajamas! Always my personal favorite…

As well as our Giving Tree program starting this week, Mrs Toa is running a second hand clothing drive and we encourage you to send in as many used (but not abused) items of clothing as possible, especially warm clothing that no longer fits/is worn by your child. I know I am looking forward to a clean out, I have so many things I don’t wear and some people have so little, it will be good for my family and I to go through this task together. Please give what you can by sending clothing and shoes in with your child. The Used Clothing Drive will be running from November 23 through to December 11. Boxes will be placed outside the Library and near the Cafeteria.
Clothing goes to Li Min School and those in need around our school.

Please take a moment to read this letter about personal safety from our Counselors.

Dear Parents:

The guidance theme for the month of November is Coping Skills and Personal Safety.  Our last lesson is personal safety.  Personal safety is a life skill, giving children information relevant to them, teaching and practicing skills to handle the information, and building their self-esteem so that they fell confident to use the skills.

Our lesson will consist of the following:
•    Counselors will help the students define “private body parts”.  These are the parts of the body covered by their bathing suits.
•    Counselors will teach the students the three touching rules.
(a)    It is never all right for someone to touch your private body parts except to keep you clean and healthy.
(b)    If someone breaks the touching rule, say “No!”  and run away.
(c)    Tell a trusted adult.  If that adult doesn’t help you, keep telling until you get the help need and deserve.
•    Counselors will inform the students that it is never their fault if someone else touches their private body parts.

We thank you for your support in teaching your child about personal safety.  Because we will only have 40 minutes to discuss this important topic, we are asking for your help with the following homework.

•    Let your child hear the safety rules from you as well as from the counselors.
•    Please give your children the actual vocabulary for their private body parts as this helps them better understand the rules.
•    Please ask your child to practice saying “No!” with you.
•    Help your child to identify trusted adults in his/her life.

Please know that Shanghai American School has adopted a child protection policy.  This lesson is aligned with the policy and will be an annual event.

Once again we thank you for your continued support of the elementary guidance program.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s grade level counselor.

Warmly,

Jeanine Merrill  and Edward Woods
ES  Counselors – Pudong Campus