Principally Speaking

The Charlestown Elementary School staff and I would like to encourage children to read more.  Our expectation is that your child will read or that you will read to your child each evening.

You’re encouraged to read together at the same time and in the same room, using a variety of reading materials: books, newspapers, magazines, internet articles, and picture books for young children. Research shows that children develop an enthusiasm for books and are more successful in school when their parents actively engage them in the fun of reading.  Here are some hints to get you started:
*      Set home goals for reading and put them in writing. (Post on your refrigerator.)
*      Decide together a daily time to read.
*      Make reading a daily routine.

Please make time to read regularly with your child. Also, a good way to make a variety of books available to your child is to visit the public library. So, please read with your child daily and it will take your child from being a good reader to a great reader! 

Linda Haske
Principal

Continuous improvement every child, every way every day!

Attention Charlestown Parent!!

Come join us for our 1st Charlestown Math Night. Teachers will be introducing our new math resource, Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions. Discussions about vocabulary, family letters, workbooks, and other resources in the program will all be covered. Every participant will receive a FREE Homework Pass for their student as well as a chance to win door prizes.
Oct. 9, 2008
6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Reading Night Reminder

Charlestown Elementary is hosting a Reading Night for PARENTS on Thursday, November 13th from 6:15 PM-8:00 PM.  Light refreshments and door prizes will be available.  Please no students.  Babysitting is not provided.  Mark your calendars!  More information will follow. 

Pre-K is moving right along!  We just started Theme 2, My Family, My Community.  There will be some fun activities coming home for the children to complete with their families so that we can learn more about each other.  In Math we are working on the numbers 1, 2 and 3.  We are also working on writing our names.  Next week we will start our letter of the week activities.
I wanted to share with everyone that Miss Armour has set up a webpage just for our class!  Go to http://ccps.org/teachers/alarmour and you will find lots of things.  Our specials schedule is on there as well as our classroom rules and some pictures. You can also learn some things about Miss Armour.  I will be updating this site through out the year so make sure you check back to see what we are up to! 
 

KINDERGARTEN NEWS

In Kindergarten, we will continue to work with rhyming and beginning phonemic awareness skills.  Students will identify words that begin with the same sound.  They will also begin to use their knowledge of letters and sounds to stretch spell words.  We will continue to learn new sight words and will also be learning to read color words as well as the days of the week.  In math, we will continue to identify, count, and write numbers to 20.  Other concepts which will be covered are patterns, graphing, story problems, and an introduction to money.  During the fall our Social Studies and Science concepts will include learning about Christopher Columbus, fire safety and prevention, the season of fall, and we will begin a unit on trees.  We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to Milburn Orchards on October 15.
 

First Grade
Our students have been working hard to acquire new skills.  They are gaining confidence and adapting to the routine responsibilities of first grade.
Thank you for your support with completing homework, signing the homework book, sending in supplies, informing the school in writing if a transportation change is necessary, and for sending in completed parent forms!  J
Here are some of the topics we are currently working on:
Reading/Spelling: using fiction and non-fiction reading selections to make predictions/inferences, monitor/clarify, question, evaluate, and summarize, reading, using details and sentence structure to build comprehension; using graphic organizers to respond to text, making words with short vowel sounds; and learning sight words; self-correcting; retaining learned spelling patterns to use in daily work
Writing/Handwriting: using writing frames and sentence starters; writing to inform and writing for personal expression; using correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation; using verbs; and uppercase and lowercase letter formation; and proofreading
Math: addition and subtraction facts to 18 and the strategies used to find answers; adding pennies and nickels; counting on using a number line
Social Studies: work at home to learn their addresses, phone numbers and important cell phone numbers and who to call in an emergency; U.S. Symbols; and Christopher Columbus
Science: living organisms, solids and liquids
Self-awareness: using good character traits; deciding whether something is a big or small problem, how it will affect him/her, and whether or not it needs to be discussed with an adult, ignored, or settled on his/her own
 

Second Grade News

Second Grade has been very busy over the first month of school.  The children have been busy learning the routines of second grade.
Here are some of the topics we are currently working on:
Reading/Spelling: The children are working on long and short vowel mastery.  They are also working on building vocabulary through the use of synonyms, homophones and multiple meaning words. They have finished the first theme in reading and have begun work on theme 2, Nature Walks.  They will be reading several stories about nature and animals. They are using their personal word dictionaries to assist in spelling on all written work.  The children are maintaining reading log and/or calendars at home this month which requires them to be reading 15 minutes each night in addition to their homework.  This reading documentation will be their proof to receive free personal pan pizza.
Writing/Handwriting: The children are working on writing good beginnings in their writing.  They have also been working on adding interest to their writing through the use of strong verbs using the Marcia Freeman Writi ng Program. They have written a friendly letter to a story character from our reading.  They are also working on their first major writing for second grade.  They are writing a story. They are also working on mastering manuscript letter formation.
Math: The children are mastering their addition and subtraction facts to 18.  We have discussed fact families and have explored different ways to solve problems. We have completed our first unit on Understanding Addition and Subtraction.  We have discussed several strategies for doing addition and subtraction facts, which they will continue to use in solving problems. Please practice facts daily with your child.  We are beginning a little unit on geometric shapes and measuring with centimeters.
Social Studies: The children are working on citizenship, symbols and communities.
Science: Insects are arriving.  The Painted Lady Butterflies are here and we are waiting for our mealworms.  We have been discussing different animal life cycles.
Health: We are continuing to discuss nutrition and healthy food choices.
Thank you for your continued support in signing their homework book each night.  Also thank you for your prompt response to forms sent home.
Second grade teachers
 

NEWS FROM GRADE 3
It is hard to believe the first marking period is half over and the first interim has been issued. Please remember to sign homework logs every day and look at the required assignments. Thank your for your support.
Reading-We will soon be starting our second theme called “Celebrating Traditions.”  The stories are realistic fiction and students find learning about the different cultures enjoyable. We will use all reading strategies in our whole and guided reading groups.  The students should be reading as much as possible at home each night. The county grading policy has become much more rigorous and it is important that students complete all assignments on time and to the best of their ability. Our reading theme tests are now worth three grades.  Don’t forget students have a book report due at the end of the first marking period.  All parts are due 10/16.  Additional papers and directions will be sent home again.
Math-Our next unit is a short unit on lines, line segments, and quadrilaterals. Students should be practicing flashcards (+, -, x) as part of their regular homework routine.   Multiplication mastery of facts is the requirement this year.  Addition and subtractions were a mastery requirement in first and second grades.  Students should already be proficient with these.
Writing-Third graders write for a variety of purposes in all subjects.  They are learning new strategies to help them become proficient writers.  We are finishing our final drafts of our personal narratives.  Most writing assignments in the language arts area are kept at school in a notebook. Our next assignment will be to write a story.
Spelling- Students are doing pretty well with our assessment program.  By this point students should be working toward a score of eight correctly spelled words on weekly tests. The required score for the second marking is to spell eight out of sixteen words correctly.  Remember to study those words that were missed on the pretest and on the weekly tests.
Science and Social Studies-In Science are working with the sound kit.  We will be completing some investigations using the scientific method. We are still studying Cecil County in Social Studies.

Mrs. Rogers and Ms. Ryan  

NEWS FROM FOURTH GRADE

READING : We are finishing the first theme about Journeys and will begin the next theme about American Stories with a focus on plays.  Please encourage your child to read 5 nights a week and to fill in the calendar page that was sent home earlier.  The calendar pages are due by October 10th.  If your child meets the goal of reading 5 nights a week and returns the completed calendar page on time, he or she will be able to participate in a class celebration!

MATH : Please work with your child at home on mastering basic multiplication and division facts. Your child must be able to solve a multiplication fact through 12x12 without trying to count on their fingers! It is important for your child to know the basic multiplication and division facts since much of the math program builds upon mastery of these skills.  Please take 10 minutes a night to practice some multiplication facts with your child. If you need flashcards, please write a note in your child’s homework spiral and we will make sure you get some cards for practice.

SCIENCE : We are studying Magnets and Magnetism. The students have done some hands-on activities and learned about the Scientific Method.

SOCIAL STUDIES : We are beginning to study the regions of the United States more thoroughly. We will identify the geographic features of each region as well as the states that make up each region.

TIME FOR KIDS : We use the Time For Kids magazine as part of our reading program. The magazine is filled with many interesting current events and articles that appeal to the students. The cost of the magazine subscription is $6.00. If your child has not turned in a payment, please have him or her do so as soon as possible.

WORD STUDY : We will be studying how to divide and conquer new vocabulary words that have prefixes and suffixes. We will identify the meaning of the prefix or suffix and then identify the meaning of the new word. These new words will be used in some of our writing.

Thank you for your continued support in working with your child at home. Please continue to check the Homework Spiral that should be coming home daily. Your child should have the daily homework assignments listed and you need to sign the spiral each night to indicate that you have seen what the homework assignments are. If you have a question or concern about something, please write a note in the Homework Spiral and the teacher will write a response.

Mrs. Boylan, Mrs. Ayers and Miss Wood
 

News from the Counselor
During the next two months, classroom guidance lessons will focus on personal/social development.  Students will be involved in lessons that promote self-esteem, friendship skills, and conflict resolution strategies.  
Responsibility is the character trait for the month of October.  You show responsibility by being dependable and accountable.  You also show responsibility by doing your best and never blaming others for your mistakes.  You can help promote responsibility by:

• assigning age-appropriate chores to your child
• encouraging your to take care of possessions
• encouraging your child to always do his/her best.

The follow books are also great for encouraging responsible behavior:

• The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game
• Arthur’s Computer Disaster
• The Little Red Hen

Volunteers
We are still in need of volunteers who can assist on a regular basis.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Misty Simm at 410-996-6240.

Red Ribbon Week
In October, we will celebrate Red Ribbon Week.  Our theme will be “Vote for a Drug-Free America”. Students will be participating in a variety of activities that will help them to make safe and healthy choices.

In media, students in grades 1-5 will receive four grades per quarter. Three of these assignments will be formative in nature and one of these will be summative in nature.
The formative assignments will be

• a compilation of class assignments for the first half of the quarter
• a compilation of class assignments for the second half of the quarter
• and timeliness of book returns and ethical usage of materials

The summative assignment will be

• a final activity or
• assessment for the unit of study.

Additionally, media services has created a unified grading policy document. This has also been included for your perusal.

Kindergarten media grades are a one-to-one relation. There will still be four assignments compiled per quarter, but there will be 2 formative and 2 summative assignments. Kindergarten students do not receive media grades until third quarter.
Formative assignments will include:

• Timeliness of book returns
• A compilation of class assignments

Summative assignments will include:

• final activities assessments for the units of study

  A County-wide Parent Challenge Meeting will be held on October 9, 2008 from 7:00-8:30 PM at CCPS Offices, 801 Elkton Blvd, Elkton, MD 21921. This meeting is being held in conjunction with the Gifted and Talented Parent Advisory Council's monthly meeting and a presentation about the Challenge Program in Cecil County Public Schools will be given.

  The Gifted and Talented Parent Advisory Council’s mission is to promote respectful and open communication and facilitate effective partnerships between the teachers, administrators, and families
who are involved in the education of gifted and talented students in the Cecil County Public Schools.

     If you would like more information about the GT/PAC or would like to be added to the parent email list to receive updates about the activities of the G/T PAC, please contact Kathy Ann Joseph parent coordinator, atkathyann@sandyhillcamp.com or 410-287-5554. For more information about the Challenge Program, please contact Mrs. Wooddell at 410-996-6240.
 

CCPS Elementary Library Media Grading Criteria
2008-2009

The Cecil County School Library Media curriculum is designed to teach students how to find and use information effectively.  Today’s society provides a wealth of information and it is our goal to teach students how to find, use and evaluate the information they locate in the most effective way.

Student marking period grades are earned based on age-appropriate activities that address the following skills and processes of information literacy:

1. Student uses information and research skills

• Forming quality research questions
• Learning and applying successful information seeking strategies
• Locating information in a variety of resources
• Answering questions with informational text
• Understanding how to use different types of resources (i.e., non-fiction books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, search engines)
• Recording relevant information
• Evaluating resources and information for currency, authority, and relevancy
• Forming conclusions by applying new knowledge
• Understanding library organization

2. Student uses information and technology ethically

• Respecting authors and illustrators ideas by not plagiarizing
• Learning about the copyright law
• Bringing materials back on time so others may use them
• Demonstrating appropriate care and handling of library materials

3. Student communicates in appropriate forms

• Completing final products for research projects
• Cooperating and participating in groups
• Using a variety of formats to demonstrate understanding of content

4. Student demonstrates an appreciation of literature and creative expressions of information

• Self – selecting books for independent reading
• Comprehending and applying meaning derived from literature and other creative forms of expression (i.e. poems, plays)
• Recognizing and appreciating award-winning books

Library Media Grades

Students’ grades will be calculated using four assessments during each marking period.

Kindergarten
For the first two marking periods, students will begin building library and information skills.  Students will earn report card grades beginning with the third marking period.  Grades will be earned as follows:

Consistently Evident (CE) – Student has mastered the skill(s) being assessed.

Developing (DEV)  – Student is progressing with the skill(s) being assessed.

Having Difficulty (HD) – Student continues to have difficulty with the skill(s) being assessed.
                       
1st – 5th grades
Grades will be earned from each of the sections of information literacy based on the following:

A (89.5% - 100%) – Student meets or exceeds the criteria for the assignment(s).  Student demonstrates mastery of the skill or process being assessed.
B (79.5%-89.4%) – Student meets almost all the criteria for the assignment(s).  Student shows a good understanding of the skill or process being assessed.
C (69.5%-79.4%) – Student meets some of the criteria for the assignment(s).  Student shows an average understanding of the skill or process being assessed.
D 59.5%-69.4%) – Student meets few criteria for the assignment(s).  Student lacks understanding of the skill or process being assessed. 
E (59.4% and below) – Student meets no criteria for the assignment(s).  Student lacks understanding of the skill or process being assessed.

 

 

 

You and a parent/caregiver are invited to a fun-filled story time at Charlestown Elementary School. Each month on a Thursday, there will be a story time session. Our first story time will be on Thursday, October 23rd from 10:00 am- 10:45 am. There will be stories, crafts, songs, finger plays and refreshments. Come join the fun. Please RSVP by completing the form below and returning it to school or calling the school at 410-996-6240 at least a week before the program.

                                                         

Future Dates and Themes
November 20    Thanksgiving
December 18     Holiday
January 15        Snow
February 19      Valentine’s Day
March 19           Growing
April 16             Story Day
May 21              Summer Reading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        CATCH THE READING BUG

The Cecil County Public Library is proud to announce the following students that participated in the library’s summer reading program “Catch the Reading Bug.”