Happy Friday!

·      Expect pictures from our Egyptian celebration!!

·      THANK YOU!!!! To all of our parent helpers that take their time in and out of the classroom. We have had a very busy 2 weeks and have hand no problem with family involvement, THANK YOU!

·      Virtue of the month: Courage

Courage is also an important part of achieving academic and moral excellence for students. In our studies we must have the courage to attempt difficult problems and to be resilient when we are wrong. Courage is also necessary to stand up for what is right, particularly when the right thing to do is not easy or popular. Help us by recognizing when your child acts courageously in the month of November. 

·      Winter Concert

This year the Archway Arete Winter Concert will be held on Wednesday, November 18th at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts located at 4132 E. Pecos Road in Gilbert. The KG-2nd grade concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. with students arriving promptly at 4:45 p.m. The 3rd-5th grade concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. with students arriving at 6:30 p.m.  Be sure your child is dressed appropriately. Boys are expected to wear a white button down shirt with black pants and black shoes, for the girls, a white shirt with black skirt, tights, and shoes. I am looking forward to the performance!

·      No school next Wednesday, November 11^th in recognition of Veteran’s Day

Next week…

Math

This past week we took a few extra days to continue to work on adding and subtracting within 20 using specific Singapore strategies.  I appreciate the patience at home when completing homework.  These strategies are difficult and take time to understand, with perseverance and practice I know this will be a skill that is easy mastered as the year continues. We will be working within 20 all year long! Next week we are onto our 2D and 3D shapes! Please check the nightly math homework assignments carefully. There will be a test to follow the week after, once the entire unit has been taught.

Literature

Students will continue to read from “Frog and Toad Are Friends” chapter 5 and work on comprehension follow up over all 5 chapters next week.  We are having a fun time reading about the adventures of Frog and Toad.  The next book in the series is “Frog and Toad All Year” if your child does not have a copy, please send one in on Monday or Tuesday of next week! 

Science

Onto….THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM!! We will be learning about the pathway of the blood and the importance of cell transportation with nutrients and oxygen.   

History

Continuing with Judaism, specifically focusing on .the Torah, Synagogues, the Star of David, and Hanukkah!  In the World History and Geography section, we introduce children to not only ancient civilizations but also to topics in the history of world religions.  Many people who contributed to the Core Knowledge curriculum agreed that religion is a shaping force in the history of civilization and thus should be apart of what our children know about.  In introducing children to the history of world religions, we focus on major symbols, figures, and stories.  Our goal is to be descriptive, not prescriptive, and to maintain a sense of respect and balance. As we share about the symbols, figures, and stories I am sure that I mention to our scholars these are practices and beliefs of the people of that religion.  If you practice one of our studied religions please feel free to send in any symbols to share!