February 2013

Principars Message
H a p p y N e w Y e a r - 2 0 1 3 ! W e u s h e r e d in t h e N e w Y e a r and have b e e n b r a v i n g t h e f r i g i d t e m p e r a t u r e s a t M a s t r i c o l a . T h e snowmen have been all b u t abandoned by t h e c h i l d r e n w h o can't w a i t f o r t h e 20^+ d e g r e e w e a t h er t o r e t u r n . T h e second q u a r t e r ended on Friday, J a n uary 25^*^ w h i c h means we're half way t h r o u g h t h e s c h o o l y e a r . W e ' r e a l s o c l o s i n g i n o n t h e 100^^ d a y o f school! Z e r o t h e H e r o and s i d e k i c k will b e visiting t h e kindergarten February and f i r s t grade classrooms on Friday, Be sure t o ask your c h i l d r e n all about i t ! G r e e t i n g s M a s t r i c o l a Family, W h e r e has t h e y e a r gone? I t seems like j u s t y e s t e r day we welcomed everyone back f o r t h e f i r s t day o f s c h o o l a n d now h e r e w e a r e a t t h e m i d - w a y p o i n t w i t h w i n t e r almost behind us. S p r i n g will soon b e h e r e and b e f o r e w e know i t , t h e i n c r e d i b l e P A T T g r o u p and t h e J M E S t e a m will b e holding o u r annual F i e l d Day event. D u r i n g t h e m o n t h o f J a n u a r y a l l K - 4^*^ g r a d e s t u d e n t s w e r e given s e v e r a l B e n c h m a r k Benchmark domains;

Assistant PpincipaFs Message

Assessments

to monitor

T h e safety of our students and s t a f f a t Mastricola has always been a n d will continue t o b e o u r number one priority. W e routinely conduct various safety d r i l l s , looking f o r ways t o improve our r e s p o n s e t i m e a n d p r e p a r e d n e s s . I a m a l w a y s i m p r e s s e d b y how e f f i cient our students and s t a f f conduct t h e s e drills. O u r S a f e t y C o m m i t t e e is w o r k i n g d i l i g e n t l y w i t h o u r s t a f f , d i s t r i c t , police and f i r e o f f i c i a l s t o improve M a s t r i c o la's r e p u t a t i o n a s a s e c u r e and prepared building. comments, Please f e e l f r e e t o contact me w i t h any

t h e i r a c a d e m i c p r o g r e s s . T h e F o u n t a s & Pinnell L i t e r a c y

Assessment m e a s u r e s r e a d i n g in t h e f i v e P h o n e m i c Awareness, P h o n i c s , V o c a b u l a r y ,

Comprehension and Fluency. T h e D i s t r i c t W r i t i n g prompts were administered as was t h e Everyday M a t h Mid-Year

Assessment.

T h e d a t a is c o l l e c t e d a n d a n a -

lyzed by t h e t e a c h e r s and then discussed at our B.L.I.N.G. meetings which a r e an important part o f our Response t o I n t e r v e n t i o n ( R t l ) process. During t h e s e m e e t i n g s t h e t e a m s look a t t h e d a t a t o d e t e r m i n e t h e needs o f t h e s t u d e n t s and t o s e t instructional goals.

concerns or

questions.

Best wishes. J a y E. G r a t t o n , A s s i s t a n t Principal

(continued on back page)

PATT Presidents' Message

W h e w ! ! W e c a n h a r d l y b e l i e v e t h e s c h o o l y e a r i s h a l f o v e r ! ! W e w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k a l l w h o w e r e a b l e t o p a r t i c i p a t e in t h e C h a r l e s t o n W r a p a n d S q u a r e 1 A r t f u n d r a i s e r s . W i t h y o u r g e n e r o s i t y , t h e P A T T is a b l e t o b r i n g p r o g r a m s s u c h as t h e D i s c o v e r y M u s e u m , H a m p s t e a d P l a y e r s a n d T i g e r T h e a t e r t o J M E S t o e n r i c h t h e c l a s s r o o m p r o g r a m s . W e look f o r w a r d t o s e e i n g y o u a t N u t h i n ' b u t G o o d T i m e s in F e b r u a r y , o r a t P r i n c i p a l s ' S t o r y H o u r a n d t h e S p r i n g Book F a i r in M a r c h ; a n d don't f o r g e t t o l a c e up y o u r r u n n i n g s h o e s f o r t h e J M E S F u n R u n in A p r i l . D e t a i l s o n t h e s e events will b e s e n t home soon. L a s t l y , a r e y o u l o o k i n g f o r a m o r e a c t i v e r o l e in t h e P A T T ? N o m i n a t i o n s o p e n f o r t h e 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 P A T T E x e c u t i v e B o a r d a t t h e F e b r u a r y m e e t i n g . Please j o i n us! Thanks f o r your support! Nicole Williams & N a n c y Phillips - P A T T P r e s i d e n t s

Preschool
L u c k y f o r us, w c hove had l o t s o f snow t o play in, t a l k a b o u t , r e a d a b o u t and b u i l d w i t h . B o t h c l a s s e s have b e e n busy building r e a l and paper snow people! Students p r a c t i c e d t r a c i n g and c u t t i n g small, medium and large circles f o r snow people. T h e y have e n j o y e d learning how t o w o r k a s a t e a m t o build snow people and a p r e t e n d c a m p f i r e in t h e snow. S o m e o f our f a v o r i t e b o o k s t h i s w i n t e r a r e T h e B i g g e s t , B e s t Snowman, T h e B i g g e s t S n o w m a n E v e r , T h e r e W a s a Cold L a d y W h o S w a l l o w e d S o m e S n o w , and O w l M o o n . A l l t h e c l a s s e s also had l o t s o f o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o play w i t h shaving c r e a m and w h i t e play d o u g h ( s p a r k l y and m i n t y smelling.)

Kindergarten
K i n d e r g a r t e n e r s say, " I f I w e r e P r e s i d e n t I would..." **Change H a l l o w e e n t o t w o d a y s . " *'Read b o o k s a b o u t b e i n g p r e s i d e n t . " "Go on s t a g e t o t e l l people t o b e s a f e . " " B e giving and b e kind." "Go on vacation." " T e l l a b o u t t h e p r o b l e m s h e r e in M e r r i m a c k . " "Go s e e t h e whole U n i t e d S t a t e s . " " M a k e a r u l e so n o b o d y h i t s . " "Pick f l o w e r s . "

" L o o k a t t h e sl[Qrs."
" E a t all t h e v e g e t a b l e s . " " M a k e a law t o b e h e a l t h y . " " T u r n e v e r y girl into a princess." "Help animals t h a t a r e sick." " B e s a d b e c a u s e I ' d h a v e t o l i v e in a d i f f e r e n t h o u s e t h a n my mom."

First Grade
First grade M a t h blocks

classes are

have b e e n v e r y busy t h i s q u a r t e r ! A l l c h i l d r e n a r e into a w o n d e r f u l r o u t i n e o f learning. R e a d i n g and

very busy w i t h activities

as everyone

c o n t i n u e s , on t h e i r own learning p a t h .

N o v e m b e r and D e c e m b e r b r o u g h t s o m e learning s i t u a t i o n s involving s h a r i n g and r e s p e c t i n g o t h e r s . W e c e l e b r a t e d a day most o f us won't s e e again, 12-12-12! W h a t a w o n d e r f u l n u m b e r t o e x p l o r e . M o n t h s o f t h e y e a r b e c a m e a popular r e v i e w . Animals and t h e i r m i g r a t i o n o r h i b e r n a t i o n w e r e also i n t e r e s t i n g t o d i s c u s s . I n J a n u a r y , we c e l e b r a t e d t h e s t a r t o f our new y e a r , 2 0 1 3 ! A f a v o r i t e s t o r y , " T h e M i t t e n " , had us w r i t i n g and c o m p l e t i n g o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s . R e t e l l i n g is an i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f our c u r r i c u l u m and t h i s s t o r y h e l p s us w i t h t h a t . A r c t i c and A n t a r c t i c animals have b e e n e x p l o r e d t h r o u g h r e a d i n g , songs p o e t r y and a r t . W e hope you e n j o y e d our "Polar Pals" a s s e m b l y ! W e all look f o r w a r d t o s e e w h a t F e b r u a r y b r i n g s . H o p e f u l l y not t o o much snow! W e will s u r e l y b e d i s c u s s i n g t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f f r i e n d s h i p ! E n j o y t h e s e c o l d d a y s w i t h s o m e h o t c h o c o l a t e and snuggles t h r o u g h some f a v o r i t e b o o k s in t h e company o f y o u r c h i l d !

Second Grade
S e c o n d g r a d e r s w e r e b u s y l e a r n e r s in s e c o n d q u a r t e r . O u r b u s i e s t t i m e was p r e p a r i n g f o r and p e r f o r m i n g our " H o l i d a y s A r o u n d t h e W o r l d " a s s e m b l y , w h i c h aligns w i t h our s o c i a l studies curriculum. S t u d e n t s a r e t o b e congratulated f o r t h e i r f a n t a s t i c work reading and singing w i t h f l u e n c y , v o i c e and volume. Please c h e c k out our s l i d e s h o w on t h e s c h o o l web page!

Third Grade
W e a r e sliding right into winter! W e have been busy working on creative writing p r o j e c t s . When visiting J M E S , please t a k e time to view our proj e c t s t h a t hang in t h e 3"^"^ grade wing. Find out what snowmen do at night. During t h e s e cold winter months a great family a c t i v i t y would be to have your t h i r d grader teach you how to play Everyday M a t h games such as "Baseball Multiplication" and **Number T o p - I t . " These games are also available online. Our students have been busy learning t h e scient i f i c process through hands-on experiments. W e have covered everything f r o m volcanoes t o inf l a t i n g balloons. Be sure to ask you child which experiment was t h e i r f a v o r i t e . W e a r e beginning our unit of study on t h e similarities and d i f f e r e n c e s of many N a t i v e A m e r i can cultures.

Please r e m e m b e r t o p r a c t i c e m a t h f a c t s and r e a d n i g h t l y in a d d i t i o n t o h o m e w o r k a s s i g n ments. W i n t e r has a r r i v e d ! D r e s s i n g in l a y e r s can help y o u r c h i l d f e e l c o m f o r t a b l e all d a y and in all a r e a s o f t h e s c h o o l . W r i t i n g y o u r child's name in c l o t h i n g is v e r y h e l p f u l . M a n y w i n t e r i t e m s look a l i k e .

Fonrtli Grade
F o u r t h g r a d e has s t a r t e d t h e N e w Y e a r o f f w i t h m y s t e r y . T h a n k s t o our s u p p o r t i v e s t a f f , s t u d e n t s o p e n e d " m y s t e r y m a i l " and u s e d t h e i r i n f e r e n c e s k i l l s t o i d e n t i f y t h e s e n d e r using t h r e e clues. W e have also b e g u n r e a d i n g T h e LemonQde W a r b y J a c q u e l i n e D a v i e s in a n t i c i p a t i o n o f I n m a t h , we a r e solving d i v i s i o n p r o b l e m s , m e a s u r i n g a n g l e s w i t h p r o t r a c her visit t o J M E S .

t o r s , and i n v e s t i g a t i n g f r a c t i o n s . T h e f o u r t h g r a d e will b e e x t e n d i n g t h e i r l e a r n i n g a b o u t N e w H a m p s h i r e b y e x a m i n i n g how g e o g r a p h y s h a p e s c u l t u r e . A n upcoming q u e s t i o n in s o c i a l s t u d i e s r e v o l v e s a r o u n d an inquiry r e g a r d i n g l a n d f o r m s a r o u n d t h e g l o b e and how i s s u e s s u c h as e r o s i o n impacts daily life. C o n n e c t e d t o t h i s l e a r n i n g is our upcoming science unit on r o c k s . T o keep us h e a l t h y f o r all t h i s learning, we h a v e t h e F i t K i d s unit looking a t t h e c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n n u t r i t i o n , d a i l y a c t i v i t y and our g r o w i n g b o d i e s . W i t h o u t a d o u b t , w e a r e moving along in 4^^^ g r a d e !

Technology Corner
During Computer classes, f i r s t g r a d e r s continue to p r a c t i c e using t h e m o u s e b y c r e a t i n g p r o j e c t s using K i d P i x . T h e y a r e also l e a r n i n g how t o u s e t h e k e y b o a r d more by typing

Math Corner
M a t h is a b u s y t i m e o f day a t J M E S . O u r s t u d e n t s are h a r d a t w o r k learning b a s i c m a t h f a c t s in e a c h o f t h e o p e r a t i o n s , a d d i t i o n , s u b t r a c t i o n , m u l t i p l i c a t i o n and d i v i s i o n , as well as new c o n c e p t s p r e s e n t e d t h r o u g h t h e Everyday M a t h program. W i n t e r m a t h learning t y p i c a l -

sentences and

playing

a game

called "Keyboard Climbers". Second g r a d e r s used PowerPoint t o c r e a t e a minibook. T h e y l e a r n e d how t o i n s e r t , r e s i z e and r o t a t e clipart. T h i r d g r a d e r s w r o t e a n d f o r m a t t e d an a c r o s t i c p o e m a b o u t w i n t e r . T h e y a l s o c r e a t e d a p o s t e r (using C o m i c Life) about t h e i r resolutions f o r 2013. T h e f o u r t h g r a d e r s used E x c e l t o c r e a t e a b o u t w e a t h e r . T h e y also u s e d t h e

ly f e a t u r e s t h e m a t h s p i r a l , w h i c h is a unique compon e n t o f E v e r y d a y M a t h . Y o u may ask " W h a t is t h i s type of a spiral?" I n a s p i r a l c u r r i c u l u m , learning is s p r e a d out o v e r t i m e r a t h e r t h a n b e i n g c o n c e n t r a t e d in s h o r t e r p e r i o d s . M a t e r i a l is r e v i s i t e d r e p e a t e d l y o v e r m o n t h s and a c r o s s g r a d e s . S t u d i e s have s h o w n t h a t a s p i r a l e d app r o a c h leads t o b e t t e r l o n g - t e r m m a s t e r y o f f a c t s , s k i l l s , and c o n c e p t s . W i t h t h i s in m i n d , as you a p p r o a c h e a c h night's h o m e w o r k , o r

a graph camera on the

computer t o t a k e photos o f t h e m s e l v e s and make a poster about t h e i r 2013 resolutions. T h i r d and F o u r t h g r a d e r s a r e c o n t i n u i n g t o u s e a t y p ing p r o g r a m c a l l e d " T y p i n g W e b " t o l e a r n how t o t y p e . T h i s is s o m e t h i n g t h a t t h e y can use at h o m e . P l e a s e feel f r e e to contact their classroom teacher or t h e c o m p u t e r t e a c h e r f o r login i n f o r m a t i o n . I n a d d i t i o n , ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ a l l s t u d e n t s h a v e b e e n using " B i g U n i v e r s e " t o w r i t e b o o k s and " E v e r y d a y M a t h t o play s o m e m a t h games.

Home/ink, a

conversation This tech-

a b o u t w h a t y o u r c h i l d a l r e a d y knows a b o u t t h e t a s k is

a great

bridge to deepening understanding.

nique s e r v e s a s a r e m i n d e r t h a t t h e m a t e r i a l is not e n t i r e l y new, j u s t " d e e p e r " and is p r e p a r i n g f o r f u t u r e learning. R e m e m b e r t h a t t h e E v e r y d a y M a t h m a t e r i a l s may b e a c c e s s e d a t home via y o u r child's online a c c o u n t , o r t h r o u g h t h e paper c o p i e s o f t h e "Family L e t t e r " d e l i v e r e d a t t h e beginning o f e a c h new u n i t . ^ ,5*^

1^^^^^ r e a d a n d
I^^^^^B O n l i n e "

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Mfss Gillam Computer Tech Educator

Mrs. Romero Math Facilitator

10

lb

Literacy Corner
I t is d i f f i c u l t to believe t h a t we are finishing up t h e second quarter! All of t h e t e a c h e r s and students at J M E S have been working hard to ensure each child's success. Your child spends a great an\ount of time here with us, do you o f t e n wonder t h e s p e c i f i c s of instruction? H e r e is what literacy instruction looks like f o r your child. Teachers conduct ongoing assessments, as well as benchmark assessments to d e t e r mine your child's progress on specific standards and overall literacy ability. Based on t h e s e assessments, your child's teacher matches his or her instruction to those needs. A variety of teaching methods are used to keep all children motivated and e x c i t e d . Each student also participates in "Intervention and E x tension" lessons provided by t h e grade level to help meet t h e needs of all students. You can help extend your child's hard work at school by reading and discussing those books with them nightly at home. Please call or email me with any questions you may have (michelle.romein@merrimack.kl2.nh.us). Mrs. Romein Language Arts Coordinator

Music
W e a r e approaching t h e midpoint o f t h e y e a r and music

Fitness Fim News

T h e t h i r d and f o u r t h g r a d e s a r e c u r r e n t l y f i n i s h i n g a n e x t e n s i v e unit on v o l l e y b a l l . T h e y h a v e l e a r n e d t h e p r o p e r w a y t o pass, s e t , s p i k e , and s e r v e . W e a r e having f u n applying t h e s k i l l s in a c l a s s v o l l e y b a l l game. N e x t m o n t h , t h e y will b e s t a r t i n g a new unit on nut r i t i o n and t h e importance of eating healthy f o o d s t h r o u g h various movement games and exercises.

classes are m o v i n g a l o n g w i t h new m a t e r i a l in e v e r y

grade. O u r f i r s t g r a d e r s have been learning about r h y t h m . T h e y have been reading and p e r f o r m i n g patt e r n s using q u a r t e r n o t e s , e i g h t h n o t e s a n d q u a r t e r rests. O u r second g r a d e r s have s t a r t e d t h e i r unit on f a m i l i e s of instruments. B e s u r e t o ask t h e m about t h e many i n s t r u m e n t s t h e y saw and even played in class throughout t h e unit.

Grade three c o n t i n u e s t o p u s h f o r w a r d w i t h o u r r e c o r d e r s a n d i s now a t t h e p o i n t w h e r e p r a c t i c e w i l l b e c o m e m o r e i m p o r t a n t as w e are m o v i n g t h r o u g h some m o r e d i f f i c u l t m a t e r i a l in t h e book. The f o u r t h graders learned about Andrew Lloyd W e b ber a s a composer o f t h e month a s a n i n t r o d u c t i o n into what a musical is. T h a t i n t r o d u c t i o n has led us t o w h e r e w e are now w i t h b e g i n n i n g t o l e a r n a n d p r a c t i c e m u s i c a n d a c t i n g f o r o u r annual f o u r t h g r a d e m u s i c a l . I t is a n e x c i t i n g y e a r w i t h o u r n e w a r t s c u r r i c u l u m i n place and a m o r e f o c u s e d d i s t r i c t a p p r o a c h t o t h e a r t s . I look f o r w a r d t o t h e m a n y p e r f o r m a n c e s w e have t h r o u g h o u t t h e r e m a i n d e r o f t h e y e a r .

T h e f i r s t and s e c o n d g r a d e s a r e s t a r t i n g a new unit on t h r o w i n g a n d c a t c h i n g . T h e y will b e learning t h e p r o p e r w a y t o t h r o w a ball o v e r h a n d , u n d e r h a n d , a s well a s s u c c e s s f u l c a t c h i n g t e c h n i q u e s a n d a p p l y i n g t h e i r new s k i l l s in g a m e - l i k e s i t u a t i o n s . Don't f o r g e t a b o u t J u m p R o p e Club M o n d a y mornings 8 - 8 : 3 0 a m . Keep moving!

Mr. Saunders Music Teacher

Mrs. Cleasby P.E. Teacher

Art
This t e r m grade one s t u d e n t s w o r k e d on drawing t h e human f i g u r e . They began w i t h a collage a c t i v i t y where we discussed t h e importance of adding t h e limbs and j o i n t s t o t h e body to show action. They t h e n skillfully applied t h e i r learning and c r e a t e d t h e most adorable elves drawings ever and later on in t h e t e r m , when c r e a t i n g r e i n d e e r and penguins. Second grade achieved d e l i g h t f u l r e s u l t s in t h e i r family p o r t r a i t paintings in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". T h e y also had lots o f fun in making a collaged holiday ornament. W i t h lots more t o learn b e f o r e t h e t e r m ended lessons on color and learning about a r t i s t s J e f f Koons and his famous " A r t Car", N a t h a n Sa\No>/ds famous Lego sculptures and George Rodrigue's "Blue Dog" s e r i e s ensued. The kids t h e n enjoyed working w i t h warm and cool colors in t h e i r own painted version o f "Blue Dog". T h i r d grade diligently worked on c r e a t i n g a r a t h e r large collage w i t h inspiration f r o m E r i c Carle's art in Rooster's O f f t o S e e t h e W o r l d . I n t h i s lesson t h e y implemented a r t smart t r i c k s to c r e a t e painted papers in t h e fashion o f E r i c Carle himself! A printmaking experience using r e c y c l e d materials was next on t h e agenda. Printing t h e i r f i r s t real block prints as part o f an ambitious multimedia painting are c u r r e n t l y receiving t h e i r finishing touches in t h e a r t room at t h i s very moment. Early in t h e t e r m grade f o u r lessons went f o r w a r d w i t h new learning in t h e i r shaded harvest drawings. T h e kids learned about gray scale and using shading to c r e a t e t h e illusion o f d e p t h and shape. The kids were e x c i t e d t o be able t o enhance t h e i r plain pencil drawings. Hoping t o bring on a snow s t o r m each child enjoyed c r e a t i n g huge 3D paper snowf lake sculptures.

Mrs. Bosiak Art Teacher

Library News
This winter t h e library is sponsoring t h e annual Geography T -shirt c o n t e s t on Feb. S^^. The theme is islands. P r i z e s will be given f o r t h e biggest island, smallest island, biggest and smallest island nations and t h e island f u r t h e s t away f r o m Merrimack. Please remember t o r e g i s t e r your child's t s h i r t . E x t r a f o r m s are available in t h e library. Handmade t s h i r t s are encouraged. P i c t u r e s will be taken o f t h e handmade s h i r t s and added t o a PowerPoint o f homemade s h i r t s throughout t h e years. T h e r e is a map contest on t h e library bulletin board where t h e s t u d e n t s can i d e n t i f y t h e islands and t h e country t h e y belong t o f r o m t h e map clues. Forms are due Feb. 15^^ P r i z e s will be awarded f o r b o t h contests. W h a t do you do w i t h all t h o s e plastic bags you came back f r o m t h e mall or t h e g r o c e r y s t o r e w i t h ? Here's an idea. The library is encouraging all s t u d e n t s t o put t h e i r library books in a plastic bag b e f o r e putting t h e book in t h e i r bookbag to bring t o and f r o m school. Nobody wants t o hurt t h e books, but t h e r e have been numerous times when a w a t e r b o t t l e or t h e r m o s has opened up, drenching t h e contents o f the bookbag. I f t h e book is not p r o t e c t e d by a plastic bag, it is usually ruined and has t o be paid f o r . F o r all s t u d e n t s who r e t u r n t h e i r library book p r o t e c t e d by a plastic bag, the library will give t h a t s t u d e n t a S T I C K E R every time. S e e how many s t i c k e r s you can get t h i s year!

Guidance Office
"The Power o f Choice" O n e o f t h e g r e a t p e r k s o f p a r e n t i n g is being a b l e t o d e t e r m i n e t h e 'choices' k i d s have. W h e n c h i l d r e n begin t o push t h e b o u n d a r i e s , t h e y a r e a t t e m p t i n g t o gain some c o n t r o l in t h e i r lives a n d , i t is i m p o r t a n t t o help t h e m do so s a f e l y . T h a t s a i d , l e t me e x p l a i n t h e power o f c h o i c e . A t t h e r i p e old age o f s e v e n , c h i l d r e n begin t o t r y t o

\r\creasz

p e r s o n a l power.

T h e y do t h i s b y r e f u s i n g t o

c o m p l e t e t a s k s t h e y d i d 'just y e s t e r d a y , ' t h e y will t r y t o b a r g a i n f o r c h a n g e s in t h e i r r o u t i n e o r t h e y will f l a t out have a m e l t d o w n w h e n a s k e d t o c o m p l e t e a t a s k . A s a d u l t s , we n e e d t o b e r e a d y ! C h o i c e e m p o w e r s a c h i l d , even t h o u g h e i t h e r c h o i c e s a t i s f i e s t h e a d u l t ! "You may w e a r y o u r snow c l o t h e s t o s c h o o l o r c a r r y t h e m . " "You may c l e a n y o u r r o o m now or in 10 m i n u t e s - I will s e t t h e t i m e r . " ( t h i s is e s p e c i a l l y e f f e c t i v e when' in 10 minutes' means missing t h e s t a r t o f t h e i r f a v o r i t e T V show). "Do y o u r h o m e w o r k now o r a f t e r d i n n e r -when you would have had video game t i m e . " E a c h o f t h e s e is an e x a m p l e o f c h o i c e w i t h o u t c h o i c e . Giving a c h i l d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o c h o o s e h e l p s t h e m f e e l in c o n t r o l o f t h e i r w o r l d , t h u s allowing t h e b o u n d a r i e s t o s t r e t c h naturally. Making e i t h e r choice acceptable, allows you t o maintain a s e n s e o f c o n t r o I whi le lead i ng y o u r c h i Id i n a positive direction. V V

Mrs. Wyman Librarian

Mrs. Hoover Guidance Counselor

Science
Scientists At Work!
T h e t h e m e t h i s q u a r t e r f o r f i r s t g r a d e i s : " A n i m a l s in W i n t e r . " T h e s t u d e n t s a r e l e a r n i n g w h i c h a n i m a l s h i b e r n a t e a n d w h i c h a n i m a l s m i g r a t e . O n e o f t h e a n i m a l s b e i n g s t u d i e d is t h e p o l a r b e a r . B e s u r e t o a s k y o u r f i r s t g r a d e r t o t e l l y o u one f a c t about polar b e a r s . S e c o n d g r a d e r s a r e w r a p p i n g up t h e i r u n i t o n f o r c e a n d m o t i o n . T h e s e l u c k y s c i e n t i s t s g o t t o e x p l o r e v e h i c l e s in m o t i o n in t h e s c i e n c e l a b . N e x t , s e c o n d g r a d e r s a r e m o v i n g o n t o s t u d y p h a s e s o f t h e m o o n . T h i r d g r a d e r s h a v e b e e n h a r d a t w o r k r e s e a r c h i n g , h y p o t h e s i z i n g , a n d a n a l y z i n g t h r o u g h m a n y d i f f e r e n t e x p e r i m e n t s in t h e l a b . A s k y o u c h i l d w h i c h e x p e r i m e n t w a s t h e i r f a v o r i t e - I n f l a t i n g a b a l l o o n o r t h e L e a k y P e n n y ? W e a r e w r a p p i n g up our m a t t e r unit and will b e moving on t o our w e a t h e r unit. F o u r t h g r a d e r s a r e f i n i s h i n g up t h e i r u n i t o n w e a t h e r . T h e y h a v e j u s t b e g u n t h e * T i t K i d s P r o g r a m . " T h i s is a one h o u r l e s s o n , o n c e a w e e k , o n n u t r i t i o n a n d f i t n e s s . A s k y o u r f o u r t h g r a d e r w h a t i t t a k e s t o b e a f i t kid!

Mrs. Cordeiro Science Facilitator

Viipse's Corner
I n f l u e n z a ( f l u ) s e a s o n is upon us h e r e in N e w Hampshire. H o p e f u l l y everyone has r e c e i v e d t h e i r f l u v a c c i n e f o r t h e y e a r ; i f n o t , i t is n o t t o o late. Although t h e f l u has been early and wides p r e a d in N e w H a m p s h i r e , w e h a v e s e e n l i t t l e o f it h e r e a t J M E S . A s I s a y t h i s , I a m k n o c k i n g on wood a s I a m s u r e w e will h a v e c a s e s in t h e f u t u r e . I t is e x t r e m e l y h e l p f u l t o m e i f , w h e n c a l l ing a s t u d e n t in s i c k , you a l s o i n c l u d e w h a t s y m p t o m s y o u r c h i l d is e x p e r i e n c i n g . T h i s e n a b l e s m e t o k e e p u p d a t e d o n t h e h e a l t h o f t h o s e in o u r b u i l d i n g a n d in o u r c o m m u n i t y . T o help p r e v e n t t h e f l u (and o t h e r i l l n e s s e s ) f r o m a t t a c k i n g , remember t o keep y o u r s e l f s t r o n g w i t h g o o d h a n d w a s h i n g , e a t i n g g o o d , nut r i t i o u s f o o d s , a n d g e t t i n g 8-10 h o u r s o f s l e e p nightly. In health, yeterms

Social Studies
JAAES students are continuing to work hard in t h e area of Social S t u d i e s . T h e whole school c e l e b r a t e d Day w i t h a school wide assembly. Thank you t o all family members who a r e veterans. W e apprecia t e your service t o our country. T h i s quarter, grade levels have worked on t h e following skills and essential questions: Grade 1: "How are countries/communities c e l e b r a t e d ? " and " W h o a r e our leaders?" Grade 2: W o r l d Cultures and Holidays around t h e world Check out t h e slide show on our school webpagel Grade 3: AAap skills using t h e "AAap Champ A t l a s " and N a t i v e Americans. Grade 4 : -Understanding 3 branches of government and N H geography - I n t e g r a t i n g t h e N H landmarks and landf orms w i t h an erosion study in

science.
S t u d e n t s are looking f o r w a r d to more f i e l d t r i p s in t h e spring!

Linda S. Freeman, RN

Mrs. Adams Social Science

Facilitator

Wellness Notes
T h e W e l l n e s s C o m m i t t e e h a s b e e n b u s y planning s o m e c r e a t i v e " i n d o o r " a c t i v i t i e s f o r J A A E S s t u d e n t s . I n J a n u a r y e a c h c l a s s will h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d o s p e c i a l ''Jump into J a n u a r y " a c t i v i t i e s w i t h AArs. C l e a s by. ''Dance into D e c e m b e r " w a s s u c h a b i g h i t t h a t w e will h a v e i t a g a i n o n F r i d a y , F e b r u a r y 22"^.

T h e W e l l n e s s C o m m i t t e e is s t i l l c o l l e c t i n g p i c t u r e s o f a c t i v i t i e s t h a t y o u r c h i l d r e n p a r t i c i p a t e d i n . W i n t e r / s n o w f u n p i c t u r e s will b e a n i c e a d d i t i o n t o o u r b u l l e t i n b o a r d .

E v e n t h o u g h t h e w e a t h e r is c o l d e r , s t a y i n g h y d r a t e d is i m p o r t a n t ; i t h e l p s y o u t o b e a l e r t as well a s help y o u s t a y h e a l t h y .

P r i n c i p a l Message Cont'd

O n another very important note, studies show t h a t developing

good

h a b i t s e a r l y i m p r o v e s s t u d e n t success i n s c h o o l a n d l a t e r l i f e . A t M a s t r i c o l a we have a n A t t e n d a n c e T e a m t h a t m e e t s monthly t o r e view d a t a o n s t u d e n t a t t e n d a n c e and t a r d i e s . T h e p r i m a r y goal o f t h e T e a m is t o r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r o f u n e x c u s e d

absences and

lower

t h e n u m b e r o f t a r d i e s across t h e s c h o o l c o m m u n i t y so c h i l d r e n are p r e s e n t and r e a d y t o learn. T h e y note t r e n d s and use p o s i t i v e i n t e r ventions and supports f o r c h i l d r e n and families. O v e r t h e n e x t seve r a l months, w e will

What I Love About Winter By Douglas Florian

announce an

"Arrive to School on Time

Day".

T h e c l a s s r o o m s t h a t h a v e 1007o o f t h e i r s t u d e n t s t o s c h o o l o n t i m e t h a t day will be t h a n k e d by our A t t e n d a n c e T e a m . S o many o f our s t u d e n t s and families have a l r e a d y been s u c c e s s f u l w i t h daily a t t e n d a n c e , w e e n c o u r a g e y o u t o s h a r e y o u r s t r a t e g i e s w i t h us.

Frozen lakes Hot Pancakes Lots of snow Hot cocoa Skates and skis Evergreen trees Funny hats Thermostats

A f t e r y o u h a v e an o p p o r t u n i t y t o r e a d t h r o u g h y o u r c h i l d ' s r e p o r t c a r d and comments, please b e s u r e t o sign and r e t u r n t h e r e p o r t (NECAP) level comc a r d e n v e l o p e t o l e t u s know t h a t y o u h a v e r e v i e w e d t h e m . A l s o i n c l u d e d are t h e N e w E n g l a n d C o m m o n Assessment P r o g r a m report reading and m a t h r e s u l t s f o r our t h i r d and f o u r t h g r a d e students'

cards.

Finally, in t h e r e p o r t c o r d envelope is

a grade

pamphlet outlining s t u d e n t e x p e c t a t i o n s and curriculum information. W e h o p e t h i s i n f o r m a t i o n is h e l p f u l as i t is i n c l u d e d t o i m p r o v e continued support. munication f r o m school t o home. A s always, w e thank you f o r your

Warm regards, E m i l i e D.

Sunsets blaze
Principal

Carter,

Holidays Snowball flights Fireplace nights Chimneys steaming Winter dreaming