Garden City Elementary School

November 2009

“BEE” A STAR (SHINE) At Garden City

 

Be Involved in Your Child’s Education

 

Attendance at “Math All-Stars Night” was a grand slam!  Following a baseball theme, parents participated in a “make-and-take” session.  Mathematics games that can be used to assist students with math facts and skills were created.  While students in grades 3, 4 and 5 assisted their parents, younger students watched a movie, worked with math manipulatives and ate Cracker Jacks.  A grand time was had by all.  The Garden City staff is committed to our students and families!  Please plan to attend the remaining monthly family involvement activities.  Your children need you to be involved in their school.

 

Nov. 10             Grades 4 & 5 Program

Dec. 8                      Grade 1 Program

Dec. 16                     Holiday Sing-Along (9:00 a.m.)

Jan. 12                     FCAT / Science Night

Jan. 26                    Kindergarten Literacy Open House

Feb. 9                      Grade 2 Program

Mar. 9                      Kindergarten Program

Apr. 13                     Arts Showcase

Apr. 22                    Science Fair

May 1                       Grade 3 Program

 

All activities begin at 6:30 p.m.

 

The November character trait is patriotism. 

The Superintendent’s Book of the Month is Barack Obama:  Son Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes.  This book focuses on patriotism – the love and devotion to one’s country.

 

 

 

The PTA Carnival was a great success!  Thank you all for showing your support and attending! We hope everyone had a great time! Thank you to all the parents who donated food and basket items!!  Thank you to all volunteers who helped organize, set up and take down, and who worked the game and food booths.  We couldn’t have done it without you!!

 

A HUGE thank you to the following businesses that donated items to the PTA:

·       Mr. Jeff Rogers from Lem Turner McDonald’s for the bounce house

·       Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant

·       Wing – It Restaurant

·       Olive Garden Restaurant

·       Renna’s Pizza Restaurant

·       Boston’s the Gourmet Pizza Restaurant

·       Denny’s Restaurant

·       Orange Tree Restaurant

·       Hair Cuttery

·       Massage Heights

·       Nail Studio & Spa

·       Maids 2 Go Cleaning Service

·       Winn Dixie

·       Flowers Bakery

·       Pat Laster

·       Mr. Lonnie Miller – Fraternal Order of Police

·       Jerry Woodall – Southwest Airlines

·       Ms. Gordon from Gordon Christian Academy who donated her time as well as the popcorn and cotton candy

 

You are greatly appreciated.

We’re hoping that Garden City families will support these businesses!

November

Book of the Month

This Land Is Your Land

By Woody Guthrie

 

Since Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land” in the 1940’s, it has become one of the best-loved folk songs in America.

• Ms. Bias’ kindergarten students will begin a new unit in Social Studies in which students will discuss and explore the world around us.  The students will be able to answer the question “Why is Earth like a big home?”
• Ms. Broughton’s and Ms. Turner’s kindergarten students will practice their reading skills by predicting, summarizing and drawing conclusions.
• Ms. Deckert’s kindergarten students will continue narrative writing this month.  They will practice writing with a beginning, middle and end daily with interactive writing and individual writing.  They will begin using letters and words in writing pieces.
• Ms. Short’s kindergarten students are studying moving objects in Science and wellness of the body in Health.
• First grade students will begin report writing in Writers Workshop and addition facts in Mathematics.
• Ms. Alexander’s second grade students are studying comparing and contrasting in Readers Workshop.  They are working with money in Mathematics.
• Ms. Cook’s second grade class’ reading theme is “Nature Walk.”  They will enhance this unit with some outdoor reading on our trail and butterfly garden area.  They will finish reading the chapter books, The Sign of the Beaver and Donavan’s Word Jar.  They are ready to start reading The Year of Miss Agnes.
• Ms. McCray’s second grade students have made a smooth transition into a new classroom and a new teacher.  Thanks to parents for your cooperation and support.
• Ms. Prophitt’s and Ms. Washington’s second grade students have begun “The Great Poet Race”, a reading activity which allows second graders to develop fluency while sharing new poems they have read.  Please support your children and allow them to read a poem to you.
• Ms. Small’s second grade students will work on telling time and story problems in Math.  They are learning about graphic organizers, to help them understand what’s being read, in Readers Workshop.
• Ms. Solomon’s second grade students will study ways of living in Social Studies.  They will focus on compare and contrast in Readers Workshop.
• Ms. Atkins’ and Ms. Tompkins’ third graders will begin working on geometry skills in Math.
• Ms. Blaylock’s and Ms. Sheffield’s third grade students are working on author’s viewpoint and main idea in Reading.  They are learning multiplication facts in Mathematics.
• Ms. Cooper’s and Ms. Naccarato’s third grade students will study Native Americans this month. Students will make a Native American home and will re-enact the first Thanksgiving with a feast on November 20.
• Ms. Ms. Rollins’ third graders will study Native Americans and explorers this month.
• Ms. Bliss’ and Ms. Herbert’s fourth grade students continue their study of the first settlers in Florida during Social Studies.  They will study fractions in Mathematics.
• Ms. Peterson’s fourth grade students are studying Florida and its land in Social Studies.  They will study fractions in Mathematics.
• Ms. Wilder’s fourth grade students will study pilgrims and their journey to America this month.
• Mr. Betts’ and Ms. Young’s fifth graders will continue writing personal narratives in Writers Workshop.  They are studying the 13 colonies in Social Studies.
• Ms. Britt’s and Dawson’s fifth grade students are working on fact and opinion, story structure and predicting outcomes in Readers Workshop.  They are beginning a Math unit on fractions, decimals and percents.
• Ms. Greenfield’s fifth grades are working on fact and opinion, story structure and predicting outcomes in Readers Workshop.  They will be working on the relationship between fractions, decimals and percents in Mathematics.
• Ms. Fraser’s media classes have been learning the different parts of a Media Center such as the fiction, non-fiction, reference and biography sections.
• Ms. Gibson’s art classes will continue their work with color and visualization. Check out their art work in our main hallway.
• Ms. Hampton’s primary grades music students will be learning verses and refrains, style in music and will revisit ostinatos this month.  First graders will prepare for their December program.  Intermediate grades will study meter in music, style in music, and identifying steps, skips and repeated notes found in various compositions.
• Ms. Karpus’ PE students will focus on team sports this month – kickball.
• Garden City students are required to read at least 20 minutes every night.  Reading is important!

 

         

There have been numerous confirmed cases of the new Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus (also called Swine Flu) reported across the United States, as well as in Duval County. Our school district works closely with the local, state and national health agencies to investigate any illnesses and/or infections.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus in people is characterized by these symptoms:

Fever (100º or more)	Sore throat	Cough	Fatigue
Body aches	Headache	Chills

The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious up to one day before symptoms begin and continuing 5-10 days, after illness onset. This period can last even longer in young children and those with weakened immune systems. If you or your child has flu-like symptoms, monitor yourselves for the symptoms, and consult your physician.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. We want to remind parents of the importance of prevention and how to stay safe.

YOU CAN HELP TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF NOVEL INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS by teaching your child to:

Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home until you have been symptom and “fever free” for 24 hours, whichever is longer, except to seek medical care or for other necessities.  Keep away from other household members as much as possible.

WARNING:  Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid salicylates) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s Syndrome.

For more information For more information on Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, please visit the following website: http://www.myflusafety.com

 

Kindergarten

D. Adams

I. Green

T. Johnson-Lee

J. Lewis

J. Morrow

J. Smith

L. Stewart

 

Grade 1

L. Boston

J. Herndon

D. May

S. Murray

K. Pressley

J. Williams

 

Grade 2

A. Bradley

A. Brown

J. Fowler

T. Green

P. Harvey

B. Royal

T. Sanders

 

Grade 3

L. Bryant

K. Connell

J. Hickson

R. Jackson

D. Johnson

J. Sampson

A. Stevenson

 

Grade 4

D. Clark

S. Edgecombe

L. Rollins

T. Ross

R. Thomas

 

Grade 5

J. Coney

T. Dempsey

D. Jones

A. Hussain

J. Turner

• Ms. Deckert’s kindergarten students have become pen pals with a kindergarten class in Reque, Peru.  The classes have exchanged letters.

·        R. Duncan, Ms. Cook’s class, modeled in a fashion show at her church.

·        Ms. Bliss and Ms. Herbert are very impressed with the writing produced by their students.

·        J. Ford demonstrated an act of kindness to a first grader who uses a walker at school.

• All PTA Carnival Volunteers …YOU ARE THE BEST!

·        C. C. Borden Construction, Inc. / Mr. Allen Borden

·        Ms. Nancy Burnett

·        Ms. Jacquenee Wynn                        Ms. Amy Merrills

·        Ms. Joi Hatcher                                  Ms. Tonya Sanders

·        Ms. Tracey Chastine                           Ms. Robin Mayo

·        Ms. Jackson                                        Ms. Qunta Hatch

·        Ms. Carrie Thrift                                 Mr. Corey Clark

·        Mr. Paul Moise                                    Ms. Lisa Tinsley

·        Mr. & Mrs. Juan Deloney                  Ms. Bowens

·        Ms. Robin Turner                               Ms. Johnson

·        Ms. Cynthia Williams                         Ms. Cruzen

·        Ms. Kata Brown                                  Mr. Perkins

·        Ms. Frances Strickland                      Ms. Katrina Duncan

·        Ms. Charayma Medina                        Ms. Debra Hopkins

·        Ms. LaTonia Bellamy                         Ms. R. Coney

·        Ms. Kimberly Linwood                       Garden City Staff

·        Ms. Ruby Jones

·        Ms. Julie Wilson

·        Ms. Fowler

• Chaperones are needed for the kindergarten fieldtrip to the Fire Station on November 10-14, 2009.  A volunteer card is required to volunteer.
• Chaperones are needed for the second grade fieldtrip to the Jewish Alliance Center to see “Welcome to America” on November 23, 2009.  A volunteer card is required to volunteer.
•  Reading and tutors are needed to assist students with Reading and Math.  Please call Ms. Joseph at 924-3130.
• Help is needed to make costumes for the grades 4 and 5 PTA program.  Call Ms. Wilder at 924-3130.

Wish List          
Ms. Bias wishes for donations of snacks, brown paper lunch bags and dried beans.

·        Ms. Broughton and Ms. Turner wish for donations of snacks and copy paper.

·        Ms. Deckert wishes for donations of snacks, glue sticks and band aids.

·        Ms. Short wishes for donations of snacks and juice.

• Ms. Carley and Ms. Frison wish for donations of baby wipes.
• Ms. Jackson wishes for donations of glitter and cotton balls,
• Ms. Lampkin wishes for donations of tissue and Lysol spray.
• Ms. Alexander wishes for donations of Fun Friday treats.
• Ms. McCray wishes for donations of books, an electric pencil sharpener and carpet for the classroom reading area.
• Ms. Prophitt and Ms. Washington wish for donations of books, bookmarks and other literacy related items for Great Poet Race winners.
• Ms. Small wishes for donations of Fun Friday treats and hand soap.
• Ms. Solomon wishes for donations of notebook paper, pencils and tissue.

·        Ms. Blaylock and Ms. Sheffield wish for donations of pencils and Lysol spray.

·        Ms. Cooper and Ms. Naccarato wish for donations of Clorox wipes and an electric pencil sharpener.

·        Ms. Joseph wishes for donations of Clorox wipes.

·         Ms. Wilder wishes for donations of tissue and copy paper.

·        Mr. Betts and Ms. Young wish for donations of tissue, pencils and Clorox wipes.

·        Ms. Britt and Ms. Dawson wish for donations of copy paper.

·        Ms. Greenfield wishes for donations of tissue, hand sanitizer and copy paper.

·        Ms. Fraser wishes for donations of bookmarks.

·        Ms. Gibson wishes for donations of egg cartons, yarn of any color and empty cereal boxes.

·        Mrs. Sapp wishes that all families would join the PTA ($5.00 per family) and attend our monthly Family Involvement activities.

We hope that you are proud of your school.  There are a lot of wonderful things happening at Garden City Elementary School!