[TNS-list] Dyanthe's Weekly Letter: 1.4.16

[Dyanthe Spielberg]

Happy New Year Neighborhood School Families!

I hope that you had a wonderful break and were able to enjoy some downtime
with friends, family and by yourself! : )

It looks like we may be in store for some winter temperatures this week.  Just
a reminder: cold weather does not keep our students inside at recess.
Children need to play outside in every kind of weather (yes, that includes
snow when nature allows).  Our Pre-K - 2nd graders play outside for 50
minutes (!) and our 3rd - 5th graders are outside for 25 minutes.  It is
very important that children come to school dressed for the weather.  Please
make sure your child has all the necessary accessories (hat, scarf, mittens
and coat) to stay warm and active!

At TNS, we look at children and measure their development on an individual
continuum.  Teachers use techniques of assessment such as anecdotal notes,
running records and writing and math samples to analyze individual
student’s progress.  If you are interested in learning more about the ways
in which TNS teachers assess student learning, I encourage you to come to
our discussion on Thursday, January 28th at 8:40am in the auditorium.
Teachers, from Pre-K/K to 5th grade will share the ways they “measure”
student growth and make decisions about class instruction, and the place
state testing plays in instruction and curriculum.  Please join us!

Mark Your Calendars:

   -

   The Diversity Committee meets this Wednesday at drop-off in the small
   cafeteria.
   -

   My next Morning Hour is Wednesday, January 13th at 8:30am in the PTA
   Room.  Please join us for what promises to be an interesting discussion
   about multiaged classrooms (this topic came out of our last conversation).
   I encourage you to read this short article ahead of time: Mixed-Age
   Grouping: What Does the Research Say, and How Can Parents Use This
   Information?
   <http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/mixed.age.group.pn.html>
   -

   Our PTA Meeting will be Thursday, January 14th at 8:30am in the PTA Room.
   -

   Every class goes ice skating two times during the winter.  Please note
   upcoming trips:
   -

      January 22 & February 26: Debbie, Judy, Chelsea & Olivia, Christie &
      Meg, Grace, Desmond & Hannah and Sofia’s classes.
      -

      February 5:  Laurie, Dianne & Shaquawn, Dara, Erin, Jane, Laura &
      Michiko and Alexis & Corinthia’s classes.


Warmly,

Dyanthe
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