January 17, 2025

We're Halfway There!!

2024 is off and running! We've shared what we did over the break and talked about what lies ahead, including some things that make your kiddos nervous (mostly STAAR and middle school). There is always some readjustment needed coming off a long break, so we also spoke about the importance of continuing to build confidence and stamina. Confidence is a word they will hear quite a bit throughout the second half of the year. We want to help them feel more confident about STAAR and what they can do in middle school. The road to middle school for them grows shorter and shorter, and our goal remains to help them feel more prepared for the next part of their journey.

Many students said they were ready to return to school, which made us smile. Time often shifts back and forth between feeling like there isn't enough and being amazed at how quickly it moves, and more than a few students mentioned feeling like the school year is moving fast. There are many things on the horizon (interim assessments, spring Aimsweb assessments, Spring Break, STAAR) and more opportunities for growth as we go. Mr. Wahpekeche has been sharing a motto with students since the start of the year: "We seek growth over time, not perfection on a dime." This motto allows for grace when mistakes are made and helps us see them as proof we are learning, and it emphasizes how significant growth is versus perfection. And your kiddos have grown so much since the start of the year. Knowing there is more to come is exciting!

We look forward to celebrating more goals achieved and strengthening their skills across all subjects throughout the second half of the year.

Save the Date

Monday, January 20th

-NO SCHOOL (MLK Jr. Holiday)

Wednesday, January 22nd

-Reading/Language Arts Interim Assessment

Tuesday, January 28th

-Math Interim Assessment

Wednesday, January 29th

-Science Interim Assessment

Interim Testing

Beginning next week, interim testing will begin (practice STAAR). Please be sure that your child has had a good night's sleep, has a snack, and has a charged device when they come to school, along with their charger (just in case). The dates of testing are below:

• Wednesday 1/22 - Reading/Language Arts Interim Assessment

• Tuesday 1/28 - Math Interim Assessment

• Wednesday 1/29 - Science Interim Assessment

Yearbook Artwork

This year, the yearbook theme is “Gators Glow.” Draw Spike (our mascot) among glow sticks or surrounded by neon lights. Create a "dance party" scene that features silhouettes of students with glowing accessories or use abstract shapes and lines that look like they are glowing, with gradients transitioning between colors. Consider incorporating geometric patterns that resemble neon signs and lights. Make sure your picture is drawn on 8 ½ x 11” white paper, you may use color. You can add backgrounds, but no tiny details. Please put your name and teacher’s name on the back. Your picture is due by January 31st  to your homeroom teacher. Feel free to fill out the information below and attach to the back of your picture, but it is not required (you can simply write your information on the back of your illustration).

Note: One piece of art per class will go into the yearbook. Students in each class will vote on the artwork they would like to have illustrated on their homeroom’s yearbook page.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0ItUJ8VHw2cvrixHB3kg959jRxZvAxE1N5_imIzmKs/edit?tab=t.0

Information on Math Telescoping

Parents interested in telescoping information in the spring or summer can find the district dates at this site.

GCISD Math Acceleration Testing

Teacher Emails

Should the need arise for you to contact one of your child's teachers for academic questions/concerns/comments, or anything else, here are their email addresses:

6th Grade Accelerated Math (@iUPrep) - chad.baker@gcisd.net

5th-Grade Math- ashley.carter@gcisd.net

Science/Social Studies - christi.robertson@gcisd.net

ELAR - rion.wahpekeche@gcisd.net

Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our goal is to respond the same day if possible, but it may be the following morning before we can. 

Curriculum 

ELAR:

• I can identify the point of view of various texts and use evidence to support it.

• I can identify the theme of various texts and provide evidence to support my thinking.

• I can analyze literary elements, including the relationships and conflicts among characters, and explain what they contribute to the stories we read.

• I can edit drafts using standard English conventions, including prepositions, and I can identify prepositions in sentences and use them correctly in my writing.

Math: 

• I can add & subtract fractions with unlike/unequal denominators using objects and pictorial models.

• I can add and subtract decimals.

Science: 

• I can model and describe the processes that led to the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels.

Social Studies:

• How did free enterprise promote industrialization and mechanization of agriculture?

• How did new technological advances in agriculture change life in the United States, the building of the Erie Canal and the use of steam power?

• How did industrialization highlight the sectional differences in the United States?

Obstacles Make Us Stronger

January and February are tough months. We are coming off of winter vacation, and the weather keeps us trapped indoors more often (yay, inside recess). We have mid-year assessments; the next long break is a bit away. We are working hard to keep students encouraged, motivated, and engaged. We do this because your kids are worth fighting for. They deserve all we've got to give. Just as we believe in them, we hope they believe in their potential and will fight for it, no matter their obstacles.

Feedback

We know we aren't perfect. Please click the link below and give us feedback on the first two weeks of school. We'd love to improve, and we'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks in advance!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoE_vXWi42rGbnGON6X8uq5rLuCOsINgrfBgzyQa9kozcBrA/viewform?usp=sf_link