~FaLliNg LeAvEs fALLiNg LeAveS~

Hi everyone!  

I can't believe how fast the first month of September has flown by!  October is going to be just as busy as we are able to wrap up a few things and start on some more!  

First off, I just wanted to send a thanks out to those parents who were able to come and help out for our Galt Gardens field trip! The students always learn great information on this trip and we had a beautiful day for it!  Our next field trip to Fort Whoop Up is on Wednesday October 12th from 1:00 to 2:00.  We have had lots of parent drivers sign up to help but I think we are still in need of a driver for 3 more students.  If you're able to help us out that would be great! Even if your can just do pick ups and drop offs it's always a help.  

This week in particular there are lots of things going on at MMH.  The first is the kick off of our Character Education Assemblies.  There will be a  number of these throughout the year, as we are focusing on Character Education from Kindergarten to Grade 5.  What will happen is that on Wednesday October 5th, all students at MMH will be divided into their MMH "Families".  Each family will consist of 1 teacher, along with approx. 25 students from all grade levels.  On Wednesday, students will meet with their Families for the first time, to discuss the months Character Education theme.  In particular, September and October we are focusing on "Making a Difference: Bucket Philosophy".  Then, after we have met with our families to discuss the the theme, we will move into the gym for our first Character Education Assembly at 1:25.  I think our Grade 2s in particular are really going to enjoy getting split up with the whole school, as it will give them an opportunity to not only meet new teachers, but to meet new students at different Grade levels!  I'm so excited for this to kick off this week!  

Along with our first Character Ed. Assembly, we will also be having our first Science test, regarding our units on Magnets.  Students will bring home their Magnet Unit (Monday or Tuesday), and then we will have our test on Wednesday.  Please go over their units with them to help them prepare, and also go over their Notebook Evaluation that will be stapled to the front.  

We will also be kicking off our Home Reading program this week- probably on Wednesday!  Your child will be bringing home one book that is at their reading level from Monday to Thursday- There will be no home reading on Friday.  Along with their book, they will also have a Home Reading Log Book.  This is a place for parents to write the title of the book, the date it was read, as to leave me a comment about how their reading was.  The comment section does not have to be complete every night, but it would be very helpful if you left a comment for the first couple of nights, in regards to the reading level of the book. For example, you could just write something small like "Just right" , or "Too hard", or "Did Great!".  

The reading program that the Grade 2s use is called Reading A to Z.  It consists of levelled books, both fiction and non fiction.  It's important to note that even within levels, there are harder books, and easier books.  Levels are determined by the students reading capabilities, as well as their comprehension.  Quite often at this age, students can read a text well, but their comprehension might not be as high.  You can assist in this by watching for errors, asking questions about the text, and just having conversations about what they just read.  

I understand that home lives can be quite busy, and that sometimes it will be difficult to find the time to read 1 book per night. I want the students (and parents!) to enjoy home reading, and not for it to be a pain!!  If you find that there are some nights where you couldn't find the time, please just comment in the log book and ask for the same book again, and that way our Home Reading Parent Helper will know not to switch it.  Thank you in advance for the time you put in with your child in this area!

For those parents who signed up for Home Reading Exchange at the beginning of the year, I will be emailing you later this week in regards to what days/ times, and you can start coming in next week.  

Thank you to those people who brought in cans!   Please keep 'em coming!  If you read the MMH newsletter, our school Art Room is also collecting big Yogurt containers and lids as well!  

I've added a few days to the October Calendar-  such as the Scholastic Book Fair and our first Hot Lunch date!  Watch for more info coming home about these events.  

I think that's it for now!

Here's to a great week!

-Anna Tsentouros

OCTOBER

Tuesday 4th- First After School Skate: 4-5 @ Nic Sheran 

Wednesday 5th- WALK TO SCHOOL DAY 

Wednesday 5th- Character Education Assembly 1:25-1:55

Monday 10th- Thanksgiving Day- No school

Tuesday 11th- After School Skate 4-5 @ Nic Sheran Arena

Wednesday 12th- Fort Whoop Up Field trip 1-2:30

Wednesday 12th- School Council Meeting @ 7pm

Thursday 13th- Friday 14th- Scholastic Book Fair at MMH!

Friday 14th- Morgan's Special Friday

Tuesday 18th- Galt Museum Field Trip 12:30-2:30

Tuesday 18th- After School Skate 4-5 @ Nic Sheran Arena

Wednesday 19th- Hot Lunch!

Wednesday 19th- RCMP Guest Speaker for Grade 2s

Thursday 20th- Friday 21st- Professional Learning Day for Teachers, No School for Students

Tuesday 25th- Picture Retake Day

Tuesday 25th- After School Skate 4-5 @ Nic Sheran Arena

Friday 28th- Brooke T. Special Friday

Monday 31st- Halloween Parade