December

Hello parents,

What a busy couple weeks we’re having here at CJDS! The excitement of Hanukkah is in the air! If only we would get a little bit of snow today or tomorrow….!

In reading, we’ve begun our 2nd reading curriculum of the year, Junior Great Books. The report from the kids is that it’s “much better and more fun” than Jacob’s Ladder. That’s a positive report, if you ask me!  We did our first Shared Inquiry session yesterday, in which the kids sustain a peer-to-peer conversation based on one question that I provide to the class. It’s pretty fun and makes the kids really think deeply about the topic. Ask your child how it went! Third graders also took the first quiz based on the story The Fisherman and his Wife. You can check their homework folder to see how they did today. 

This week in PBL, Mrs. Gamlin is celebrating the Hour of Code. The kids are doing more sophisticated technology than I am familiar with! They love creating the characters and programming them to carry out certain tasks. They’re also working hard on their PowerPoint presentations.

Taekwondo took place today and I’m always impressed with their stealth moves. Take a look at the pictures below to see them in action.

We’ve been talking a lot about being respectful and kind every day. The kids set goals this week based on the question, “How can I show kindness?” Ask your child if they met their goal this week! If not, we will keep working. The chapter book, Ugly,  I’m reading to the class focuses on kindness, empathy, acceptance and strength. Everyone really loves the book and begs for more when I end a chapter!

Next week, there will only be homework on Monday night because of Hanukkah. The kids are lucky enough to have a daily one hour Hanukkah assembly starting next Tuesday and going through the last day of Hanukkah!

Stay warm this weekend! Shabbat Shalom!