Dear Parents and Portal Students,
As the holidays draw near, we all seem to become more and more busy. Not only is it a hectic time at home, and at work for the parents, but it’s also a time when there are many activities in addition to the normal amount of work at school for your child. Just like adults, students may be feeling the stress of a very active and sometimes manic time of the year. It’s a good time for families to take a big breath, relax, and slow down if possible. Taking time to talk to your child about school activities can help reduce stress and keep everyone centered so that they can celebrate and enjoy their time together. And the best part of the season is.......just nine days until our vacation!
Fine Arts Performance News:
As you know, our performance of Geology Rocks is this Thursday, at 6:30. Please have all performers here by 6:00pm. They should report to their classrooms for costuming!
We usually have treats for the performers and family after the show. We currently just have enough to feed the performers, but not the families. We are asking that every family bring a little something to share. Some ideas might be:
- vegetable tray
- fruit tray
- meat tray
- crackers
- cookies
- drinks (gallon jugs are preferred)
- water
- juice
- milk
-any other yummy finger food item that you and your family would
enjoy sharing. Thank you for helping to be part of our team!
Mega Skill of the Month - Initiative!
Initiative can be defined as the readiness and ability to be the one to start something. For each of our students, initiative can be shown by enthusiastically beginning any necessary task: class work, homework, chores around the house, personal cleanliness, good manners, etc. The point is to be ready to begin and to DO IT! Especially in this holiday season, taking the initiative to do the next right thing is something that everyone can appreciate.
Essay in Social Studies:
We have finished taking notes and have begun the outline portion of our essay. Students are working in class, but may continue to use their notes at home if they would like to work at home too.
Important Dates to Remember:
12/10 Kitchen Science Due
12/11 GEOLOGY ROCKS PERFORMANCE 6:30pm! Students should arrive at school NO LATER THAN 6:00pm.
12/16 Winter Band Concert 7:00pm
12/18 Final typed copy of Native American Essay is due
12/18 Field Trip to the Nutcracker Ballet; bring sack lunch!
12/19 4th grade math- test on Ch. 4/5 (multiplication/division concepts)
12/19 Spirit Day - Crazy Hair
12/21 - 1/5 Winter Recess
California Trivia
Q: After raiding the nests of other birds, which bird found in CA replaces the eggs with its own?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
December's First Reminders!
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
We hope you all enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday with friends and families. Now, our focus returns to school activities for the next few weeks, including our exciting fine arts performance next week! Of course, there are other curricular and social events coming up, so please read on for more news......
Mega Skill of the Month - Initiative!
Initiative can be defined as the readiness and ability to be the one to start something. For each of our students, initiative can be shown by enthusiastically beginning any necessary task: class work, homework, chores around the house, personal cleanliness, good manners, etc. The point is to be ready to begin and to DO IT! Especially in this holiday season, taking the initiative to do the next right thing is something that everyone can appreciate.
Essay in Social Studies:
We are working on our first research essay this year. The students will be using classroom materials to write about a Native American Tribe. The students are researching and note taking with a partner as well as working on a structured outline. They will then write their essay from the outlines they have created. A form with details and dates is coming home today and is to be signed and returned tomorrow. Thank you!
Next Unit in Science:
We are currently completing a short personal health unit called “Too Good for Drugs.” When we complete this course, our classes will begin our next major unit for the year, entitled “Environments.” The focus will be on ecosystem development, maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and interdependence within ecosystems. We’ll begin some preliminary reading and setup prior to the holiday break, then dive in to the investigations in the new year!
Fine Arts Performance News:
Thank you to the volunteers who have already started helping us prepare for our performance on December 11. Our backdrop will be put up this weekend, and our costume requirements were shared with students today. As always, some clothing items and props are provided by us, and some items are student responsibilities. Ask your actor what he or she might need to be prepared- we’ve asked our cast to be ready as soon as possible! If you offered to volunteer and haven’t been contacted regarding your availability or food donation, please let us know!
Important Dates to Remember:
12/3, 12/4 Oral Presentations
12/3 Barnes and Noble/Willow Street Pizza Night 4pm-???
12/5 Report Cards go home
12/8 Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly 1:40pm
12/10 Kitchen Science Due
12/11 GEOLOGY ROCKS PERFORMANCE 6:30pm!
12/18 Final typed copy of Native American Essay is due
12/18 Field Trip to the Nutcracker Ballet
12/19 Spirit Day - Crazy Hair
12/21 - 1/5 Winter Recess
California Trivia
Q: At what oceanside amusement park in CA can a person ride a wooden roller coaster and a 1911 carousel?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
We hope you all enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday with friends and families. Now, our focus returns to school activities for the next few weeks, including our exciting fine arts performance next week! Of course, there are other curricular and social events coming up, so please read on for more news......
Mega Skill of the Month - Initiative!
Initiative can be defined as the readiness and ability to be the one to start something. For each of our students, initiative can be shown by enthusiastically beginning any necessary task: class work, homework, chores around the house, personal cleanliness, good manners, etc. The point is to be ready to begin and to DO IT! Especially in this holiday season, taking the initiative to do the next right thing is something that everyone can appreciate.
Essay in Social Studies:
We are working on our first research essay this year. The students will be using classroom materials to write about a Native American Tribe. The students are researching and note taking with a partner as well as working on a structured outline. They will then write their essay from the outlines they have created. A form with details and dates is coming home today and is to be signed and returned tomorrow. Thank you!
Next Unit in Science:
We are currently completing a short personal health unit called “Too Good for Drugs.” When we complete this course, our classes will begin our next major unit for the year, entitled “Environments.” The focus will be on ecosystem development, maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and interdependence within ecosystems. We’ll begin some preliminary reading and setup prior to the holiday break, then dive in to the investigations in the new year!
Fine Arts Performance News:
Thank you to the volunteers who have already started helping us prepare for our performance on December 11. Our backdrop will be put up this weekend, and our costume requirements were shared with students today. As always, some clothing items and props are provided by us, and some items are student responsibilities. Ask your actor what he or she might need to be prepared- we’ve asked our cast to be ready as soon as possible! If you offered to volunteer and haven’t been contacted regarding your availability or food donation, please let us know!
Important Dates to Remember:
12/3, 12/4 Oral Presentations
12/3 Barnes and Noble/Willow Street Pizza Night 4pm-???
12/5 Report Cards go home
12/8 Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly 1:40pm
12/10 Kitchen Science Due
12/11 GEOLOGY ROCKS PERFORMANCE 6:30pm!
12/18 Final typed copy of Native American Essay is due
12/18 Field Trip to the Nutcracker Ballet
12/19 Spirit Day - Crazy Hair
12/21 - 1/5 Winter Recess
California Trivia
Q: At what oceanside amusement park in CA can a person ride a wooden roller coaster and a 1911 carousel?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17-21 Reminders
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
Our first trimester has come to a close; it hardly seems possible that we’ve already spent 1/3 of our school year together! November is a great month to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with friends or family, and I’m sure you’re beginning to make plans for your own personal time. For teachers, this month is also our time to evaluate student performance for report cards; for students, the month provides an opportunity to reflect on their efforts thus far, and to apply their knowledge to the best of their ability in the second trimester. To be sure, this month has a great mixture of social and academic activities- a perfect setting for a balanced, well-rounded life!
NASA Trip:
Both classes have now had the opportunity to visit NASA! What a great trip it was! Students had the opportunity to see themselves in the roles of astronauts, engineers, and research scientists on a simulated space mission performing a variety of tasks and experiments. They also worked with scientific information gathered from space missions and high altitude flights to better understand our planet. Students explored the principles of flight, the use of wind tunnels, and computers to design rotorcraft and experienced basic concepts in the area of physics.
A big “Thank you” to all of the parents who helped with the chaperone duties. Both the adults and students had many positive comments to share. Be sure to ask your child about their favorite part of the trip if you haven’t had a chance to talk about it!
Fine Arts Performance News:
We have started organizing volunteers for our performance on December 11. Thank you to all who have offered to help. You will be contacted soon regarding your availability or food donation!
Important Dates to Remember:
11/18 - Math Olympiads 12:30 p.m. (Rm. 22 for Room 20 & 21 students)
11/19 - PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
11/21 - Spirit Day - Sports Day!
11/24 -Social Studies Test on Native Americans
11/25 -5th grade math test on integers
11/26 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Holiday Break- No school.
12/1 - SSC Meeting
12/5 -Report Cards go home.
12/10 -Kitchen Science Due
California Trivia
Q: The Santa Clara Valley, famous for its fruit trees, was transformed in the 1970’s and 1980’s by what tiny manmade object?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Our first trimester has come to a close; it hardly seems possible that we’ve already spent 1/3 of our school year together! November is a great month to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with friends or family, and I’m sure you’re beginning to make plans for your own personal time. For teachers, this month is also our time to evaluate student performance for report cards; for students, the month provides an opportunity to reflect on their efforts thus far, and to apply their knowledge to the best of their ability in the second trimester. To be sure, this month has a great mixture of social and academic activities- a perfect setting for a balanced, well-rounded life!
NASA Trip:
Both classes have now had the opportunity to visit NASA! What a great trip it was! Students had the opportunity to see themselves in the roles of astronauts, engineers, and research scientists on a simulated space mission performing a variety of tasks and experiments. They also worked with scientific information gathered from space missions and high altitude flights to better understand our planet. Students explored the principles of flight, the use of wind tunnels, and computers to design rotorcraft and experienced basic concepts in the area of physics.
A big “Thank you” to all of the parents who helped with the chaperone duties. Both the adults and students had many positive comments to share. Be sure to ask your child about their favorite part of the trip if you haven’t had a chance to talk about it!
Fine Arts Performance News:
We have started organizing volunteers for our performance on December 11. Thank you to all who have offered to help. You will be contacted soon regarding your availability or food donation!
Important Dates to Remember:
11/18 - Math Olympiads 12:30 p.m. (Rm. 22 for Room 20 & 21 students)
11/19 - PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
11/21 - Spirit Day - Sports Day!
11/24 -Social Studies Test on Native Americans
11/25 -5th grade math test on integers
11/26 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Holiday Break- No school.
12/1 - SSC Meeting
12/5 -Report Cards go home.
12/10 -Kitchen Science Due
California Trivia
Q: The Santa Clara Valley, famous for its fruit trees, was transformed in the 1970’s and 1980’s by what tiny manmade object?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Monday, November 3, 2008
November is Here- Weekly Reminders!
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
We hope you had a fun and spooky Halloween! Here at school, there were a lot of fantastic, inventive costumes for our parade. Luckily, the rain held off, and we got to parade and then have our ice cream social.
Classroom Volunteer Opportunity!
We’ll be starting our first literature circles of the year next week and we need parents to help us out!! The job is really very simple and it’s VERY fun. It consists of coming into the class room for four days (30-45 minutes per day) and listening to a small group of children discuss what they’ve read. Your job is to listen and observe. Are all students participating, taking turns, being respectful? Are they knowledgeable about what they’ve read? Have they completed the written assignment? There is a check off sheet that you fill out as the students are meeting. Talk to parents who’ve done it before - they’ll tell you how fun it is!! We need at least 6 parents for both rooms 20 and 21.
Please email us right away if you’re interested!
Here are the dates and times:
All sessions will go from 8:10 a.m. until approximately 9:00.
Wed. 11/12
Mon. 11/17
Wed. 11/19
Mon. 11/24
If you are interested in volunteering and would like to observe an introduction to literature circles for the students, we will be talking to our classes at 8:15 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4.
Mega Skill for November:
November’s Mega Skill for Portal students and staff is Problem-Solving.
This skill encompasses all aspects of our lives; it has academic, social,
and physical components. Be sure to model effective problem-solving at
home, and we’ll do the same here on campus. Together, we can have a world that knows how to work toward solutions!
5th Grade Parent News Update on Human Growth & Development Preview:
The date for our parents to preview the materials used for our 5th grade
Human Growth & Development curriculum has been changed to Wed., November 12 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal multi-use room. Please let your family room teacher know if you will be attending.
Fine Arts Performance News:
Thank you to all of the parents who have returned the blue volunteer sheets! We will be contacting you soon. If you’d like to volunteer, but haven’t turned in the form, please do so as soon as possible. Thanks!
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues, 11/4 Election Day- Get Out and VOTE!!!
Wed, 11/05 Vision screening for 5th grader has been cancelled.
Wed, 11/05 Year of the Boar test
Thurs, 11/6 NASA/Ames field trip for Miss Scourkes’ class
Friday, 11/7 4th grade math test- Chapter 3
Friday, 11/7 5th grade algebra test
Mon, 11/10 & Tues, 11/11 NO SCHOOL- VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY
Wed, 11/12 Human Growth & Development Preview (5th grade parents ONLY) from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal Multi-use room
Thurs, 11/13 NASA/Ames field trip for Mr. Roels’ class
California Trivia
Q: What is the largest flying bird in North America?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
We hope you had a fun and spooky Halloween! Here at school, there were a lot of fantastic, inventive costumes for our parade. Luckily, the rain held off, and we got to parade and then have our ice cream social.
Classroom Volunteer Opportunity!
We’ll be starting our first literature circles of the year next week and we need parents to help us out!! The job is really very simple and it’s VERY fun. It consists of coming into the class room for four days (30-45 minutes per day) and listening to a small group of children discuss what they’ve read. Your job is to listen and observe. Are all students participating, taking turns, being respectful? Are they knowledgeable about what they’ve read? Have they completed the written assignment? There is a check off sheet that you fill out as the students are meeting. Talk to parents who’ve done it before - they’ll tell you how fun it is!! We need at least 6 parents for both rooms 20 and 21.
Please email us right away if you’re interested!
Here are the dates and times:
All sessions will go from 8:10 a.m. until approximately 9:00.
Wed. 11/12
Mon. 11/17
Wed. 11/19
Mon. 11/24
If you are interested in volunteering and would like to observe an introduction to literature circles for the students, we will be talking to our classes at 8:15 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4.
Mega Skill for November:
November’s Mega Skill for Portal students and staff is Problem-Solving.
This skill encompasses all aspects of our lives; it has academic, social,
and physical components. Be sure to model effective problem-solving at
home, and we’ll do the same here on campus. Together, we can have a world that knows how to work toward solutions!
5th Grade Parent News Update on Human Growth & Development Preview:
The date for our parents to preview the materials used for our 5th grade
Human Growth & Development curriculum has been changed to Wed., November 12 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal multi-use room. Please let your family room teacher know if you will be attending.
Fine Arts Performance News:
Thank you to all of the parents who have returned the blue volunteer sheets! We will be contacting you soon. If you’d like to volunteer, but haven’t turned in the form, please do so as soon as possible. Thanks!
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues, 11/4 Election Day- Get Out and VOTE!!!
Wed, 11/05 Vision screening for 5th grader has been cancelled.
Wed, 11/05 Year of the Boar test
Thurs, 11/6 NASA/Ames field trip for Miss Scourkes’ class
Friday, 11/7 4th grade math test- Chapter 3
Friday, 11/7 5th grade algebra test
Mon, 11/10 & Tues, 11/11 NO SCHOOL- VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY
Wed, 11/12 Human Growth & Development Preview (5th grade parents ONLY) from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal Multi-use room
Thurs, 11/13 NASA/Ames field trip for Mr. Roels’ class
California Trivia
Q: What is the largest flying bird in North America?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
(Almost) November Reminders
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
Can you believe it’s almost November? The end of this month is a festive time for many of us, especially our kids! This Friday is Halloween, which will include our after-school Parade. Please help your student be prepared for FUN by helping them organize themselves during the week with their school responsibilities. This way, the weekend can be carefree for one and all!
Spelling Homework Key Items; note that the schedule for THIS week is slightly different due to our staff Learning Day:
Tonight, Tuesday, students are to sort their words into the focus sorts, write the sorts on binder paper in their organized categories, and then write a sentence describing each of the categories.
Wednesday evening students will be writing meaningful sentences.
Thursday there will be an activity/game exploration in class, and there will be a practice test given at home
Friday the homework is due ( list/rules, sentences, practice test) and the test is will be given in class.
Mega Skill for November:
November’s Mega Skill for Portal students and staff is Problem-Solving. This skill encompasses all aspects of our lives; it has academic, social, and physical components. Be sure to model effective problem-solving at home, and we’ll do the same here on campus. Together, we can have a world that knows how to work toward solutions!
5th Grade Parent News Update on Human Growth & Development Preview:
The date for our parents to preview the materials used for our 5th grade Human Growth & Development curriculum has been changed to Wed., November 12 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal multi-use room. Please let your family room teacher know if you will be attending.
Fine Arts Performance News:
Our “Geology Rocks” Fine Arts Performance is looming on the horizon! Our actual show for families and friends will be on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pm. This week, we will be sending home a bright blue “interest sheet” to find out who would like to help with stage decoration, costumes, food, and other “behind the scenes” details for our show. If you have an interest in our performing arts, please return these blue forms as soon as possible.
Important Dates to Remember:
Thurs. 10/30 “Ransom of Red Chief” at Sunnyvale Comm. Theatre (bag lunch needed for this day) Note: no chaperones required for this trip
Fri. 10/31 Halloween Parade @3pm
Tues, 11/4 Election Day- Get Out and VOTE!!!
Wed, 11/05 Vision Screening for 5th graders. Please make sure your child has their glasses/contact lenses on this date!
Thurs, 11/6 NASA/Ames field trip for Miss Scourkes’ class
Friday, 11/7 4th grade math test- Chapter 3
Mon, 11/10 & Tues, 11/11 NO SCHOOL- VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY
Wed, 11/12 Human Growth & Development Preview (5th grade parents ONLY) from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal Multi-use room
Thurs, 11/13 NASA/Ames field trip for Mr. Roels’ class
California Trivia
Q: San Francisco rests on how many hills?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Can you believe it’s almost November? The end of this month is a festive time for many of us, especially our kids! This Friday is Halloween, which will include our after-school Parade. Please help your student be prepared for FUN by helping them organize themselves during the week with their school responsibilities. This way, the weekend can be carefree for one and all!
Spelling Homework Key Items; note that the schedule for THIS week is slightly different due to our staff Learning Day:
Tonight, Tuesday, students are to sort their words into the focus sorts, write the sorts on binder paper in their organized categories, and then write a sentence describing each of the categories.
Wednesday evening students will be writing meaningful sentences.
Thursday there will be an activity/game exploration in class, and there will be a practice test given at home
Friday the homework is due ( list/rules, sentences, practice test) and the test is will be given in class.
Mega Skill for November:
November’s Mega Skill for Portal students and staff is Problem-Solving. This skill encompasses all aspects of our lives; it has academic, social, and physical components. Be sure to model effective problem-solving at home, and we’ll do the same here on campus. Together, we can have a world that knows how to work toward solutions!
5th Grade Parent News Update on Human Growth & Development Preview:
The date for our parents to preview the materials used for our 5th grade Human Growth & Development curriculum has been changed to Wed., November 12 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal multi-use room. Please let your family room teacher know if you will be attending.
Fine Arts Performance News:
Our “Geology Rocks” Fine Arts Performance is looming on the horizon! Our actual show for families and friends will be on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pm. This week, we will be sending home a bright blue “interest sheet” to find out who would like to help with stage decoration, costumes, food, and other “behind the scenes” details for our show. If you have an interest in our performing arts, please return these blue forms as soon as possible.
Important Dates to Remember:
Thurs. 10/30 “Ransom of Red Chief” at Sunnyvale Comm. Theatre (bag lunch needed for this day) Note: no chaperones required for this trip
Fri. 10/31 Halloween Parade @3pm
Tues, 11/4 Election Day- Get Out and VOTE!!!
Wed, 11/05 Vision Screening for 5th graders. Please make sure your child has their glasses/contact lenses on this date!
Thurs, 11/6 NASA/Ames field trip for Miss Scourkes’ class
Friday, 11/7 4th grade math test- Chapter 3
Mon, 11/10 & Tues, 11/11 NO SCHOOL- VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY
Wed, 11/12 Human Growth & Development Preview (5th grade parents ONLY) from 6:30-8:30pm in the Portal Multi-use room
Thurs, 11/13 NASA/Ames field trip for Mr. Roels’ class
California Trivia
Q: San Francisco rests on how many hills?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Week of October 20th: Reminders
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
Welcome back to school! We hope you had a fun, healthy, and productive
break. It was great to see everyone back in class this morning; all of us
seemed genuinely happy to be back in the comfortable environment of our
village!
Spelling Homework Key Items:
Tonight, Monday, students are to sort their words into the focus sorts,
write the sorts on binder paper in their organized categories, and then
write a sentence describing each of the categories.
Tuesday evening students will be writing meaningful sentences.
Wednesday there will be an activity/game exploration in class
Thursday there will be a practice test given at home
Friday the homework is due ( list/rules, sentences, practice test) and the
test is will be given in class.
Fine Arts Performance News:
As you may have heard, our “Geology Rocks” Fine Arts Performance is
beginning to take shape. Our actual show for families and friends will be
on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pm. Next week, we will be sending home an
“interest sheet” to find out who would like to help with stage decoration,
costumes, food, and other “behind the scenes” details for our show. If you
have an interest in our performing arts, keep your eyes open for this
invitation to participate next week!
Important Dates to Remember:
Mon. 10/20 Red Ribbon Week
Mon. 10/20 School Site Council 3:00
Wed. 10/22 PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 10/22 FIRST Kitchen Science is due :)
Fri. 10/24 Spirit Day- wear RED to school!!!!!
Mon. 10/27 Learning Day for Teachers. No school for students.
Thurs. 10/30 “Ransom of Red Chief” at Sunnyvale Comm. Theatre (bag lunch
needed for this day) Note: no chaperones required for this trip
Fri. 10/31 Halloween Parade @3pm
California Trivia
Q: What percentage of the state's water comes from Northern CA?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Welcome back to school! We hope you had a fun, healthy, and productive
break. It was great to see everyone back in class this morning; all of us
seemed genuinely happy to be back in the comfortable environment of our
village!
Spelling Homework Key Items:
Tonight, Monday, students are to sort their words into the focus sorts,
write the sorts on binder paper in their organized categories, and then
write a sentence describing each of the categories.
Tuesday evening students will be writing meaningful sentences.
Wednesday there will be an activity/game exploration in class
Thursday there will be a practice test given at home
Friday the homework is due ( list/rules, sentences, practice test) and the
test is will be given in class.
Fine Arts Performance News:
As you may have heard, our “Geology Rocks” Fine Arts Performance is
beginning to take shape. Our actual show for families and friends will be
on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pm. Next week, we will be sending home an
“interest sheet” to find out who would like to help with stage decoration,
costumes, food, and other “behind the scenes” details for our show. If you
have an interest in our performing arts, keep your eyes open for this
invitation to participate next week!
Important Dates to Remember:
Mon. 10/20 Red Ribbon Week
Mon. 10/20 School Site Council 3:00
Wed. 10/22 PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 10/22 FIRST Kitchen Science is due :)
Fri. 10/24 Spirit Day- wear RED to school!!!!!
Mon. 10/27 Learning Day for Teachers. No school for students.
Thurs. 10/30 “Ransom of Red Chief” at Sunnyvale Comm. Theatre (bag lunch
needed for this day) Note: no chaperones required for this trip
Fri. 10/31 Halloween Parade @3pm
California Trivia
Q: What percentage of the state's water comes from Northern CA?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Ms. Scourkes
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sept. 29 Reminders are Here!
Dear Parents,
Spelling Program Begins!
As of today we’ve started our new spelling program! This program focuses on word study, not just memorization. Students received their words today in class and sorted them into categories based on patterns they saw. We discussed different patterns and sorts and then disclosed the focus sorts for this week.
Tonight, Monday, students are to sort their words into the focus sorts, write the sorts on binder paper in their organized categories, and then write a sentence describing each of the categories.
Tuesday evening students will be writing meaningful sentences.
Wednesday there will be an activity/game exploration in class
Thursday there will be a practice test given at home
Friday the homework is due ( list/rules, sentences, practice test) and the test is will be given in class.
Some additional information about the research behind word studies is given below:
Word study provides students with opportunities to investigate and
understand the patterns in words. Knowledge of these patterns means that students needn't learn to spell one word at a time.
Take, for example, the difference between "hard c" (as in cat) and "soft c"
(as in cell). After collecting many words containing the letter "c,"
students discover that "c" is usually hard when followed by consonants (as in clue and crayon) and the vowels "a," "o," and "u" (as in cat, cot, and cut). In contrast, "c" is usually soft when followed by "i", "e," and "y"
(as in circus, celery, and cycle).
Of course, for every rule there are exceptions that threaten the rule.
Students learn, though, that spelling patterns exist and that these patterns help to explain how to spell, read, and write words. Word study is also designed to build word knowledge that can be applied to
both reading and spelling. Because it is closely tied to reading instruction, it also develops students' abilities in phonics, word recognition, and vocabulary. Word meaning will also be developed through this program as we learn root words, suffixes, and prefixes and their relationship to spelling.
Fine Arts Performance
Auditions are under way and we’ve had a great time listening to the students sing and perform their memorized lines. We’ll continue to audition throughout the week.
More specific information will come home after the break regarding volunteer opportunities for helping us with performance tasks.
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
New Opportunity!
The Rockhopper teachers would like to produce a compilation DVD featuring all of the wonderful events of the year for our classrooms. We would truly love it if we could have a parent volunteer for each classroom to do the video editing throughout the year. This job would entail downloading video, photographs, and music to make a formatted video presentation. You will need to be familiar with Mac computers and the iMovie application. Although there will be some time required throughout the year, most of the DVD preparation will occur in the last trimester. Please contact your family room teacher if you’re interested.
Thank you to the parents who helped with the salt dough maps project. We couldn’t have done it without you! They turned out great!
Thank you to Mrs. Hart and Mr. Cuyle for volunteering to take pictures of our class activities for the school yearbook! Kudos to you
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues. 9/30 Parent/Principal Exchange 8:15 a.m.
Wed. 10/1 Project Cornerstone Meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Mon. 10/6 Portal Fall Break begins; no school
Mon. 10/20 School resumes; beginning of Red Ribbon Week
Mon. 10/20 School Site Council 3:00
Wed. 10/22 PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
California Trivia Question
Q: What CA town’s name, when spelled backwards, is a form of poetry?
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Spelling Program Begins!
As of today we’ve started our new spelling program! This program focuses on word study, not just memorization. Students received their words today in class and sorted them into categories based on patterns they saw. We discussed different patterns and sorts and then disclosed the focus sorts for this week.
Tonight, Monday, students are to sort their words into the focus sorts, write the sorts on binder paper in their organized categories, and then write a sentence describing each of the categories.
Tuesday evening students will be writing meaningful sentences.
Wednesday there will be an activity/game exploration in class
Thursday there will be a practice test given at home
Friday the homework is due ( list/rules, sentences, practice test) and the test is will be given in class.
Some additional information about the research behind word studies is given below:
Word study provides students with opportunities to investigate and
understand the patterns in words. Knowledge of these patterns means that students needn't learn to spell one word at a time.
Take, for example, the difference between "hard c" (as in cat) and "soft c"
(as in cell). After collecting many words containing the letter "c,"
students discover that "c" is usually hard when followed by consonants (as in clue and crayon) and the vowels "a," "o," and "u" (as in cat, cot, and cut). In contrast, "c" is usually soft when followed by "i", "e," and "y"
(as in circus, celery, and cycle).
Of course, for every rule there are exceptions that threaten the rule.
Students learn, though, that spelling patterns exist and that these patterns help to explain how to spell, read, and write words. Word study is also designed to build word knowledge that can be applied to
both reading and spelling. Because it is closely tied to reading instruction, it also develops students' abilities in phonics, word recognition, and vocabulary. Word meaning will also be developed through this program as we learn root words, suffixes, and prefixes and their relationship to spelling.
Fine Arts Performance
Auditions are under way and we’ve had a great time listening to the students sing and perform their memorized lines. We’ll continue to audition throughout the week.
More specific information will come home after the break regarding volunteer opportunities for helping us with performance tasks.
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
New Opportunity!
The Rockhopper teachers would like to produce a compilation DVD featuring all of the wonderful events of the year for our classrooms. We would truly love it if we could have a parent volunteer for each classroom to do the video editing throughout the year. This job would entail downloading video, photographs, and music to make a formatted video presentation. You will need to be familiar with Mac computers and the iMovie application. Although there will be some time required throughout the year, most of the DVD preparation will occur in the last trimester. Please contact your family room teacher if you’re interested.
Thank you to the parents who helped with the salt dough maps project. We couldn’t have done it without you! They turned out great!
Thank you to Mrs. Hart and Mr. Cuyle for volunteering to take pictures of our class activities for the school yearbook! Kudos to you
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues. 9/30 Parent/Principal Exchange 8:15 a.m.
Wed. 10/1 Project Cornerstone Meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Mon. 10/6 Portal Fall Break begins; no school
Mon. 10/20 School resumes; beginning of Red Ribbon Week
Mon. 10/20 School Site Council 3:00
Wed. 10/22 PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
California Trivia Question
Q: What CA town’s name, when spelled backwards, is a form of poetry?
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Monday, September 22, 2008
September 22-26 Reminders
Dear Parents,
Thanks for taking the time to meet with us these past two weeks; we’re confident that our students will be able to achieve their goals with the support and encouragement of families and teachers working together. There are many exciting events coming up, so please read on...
NASA AMES Field Trip confirmed dates! Our classrooms were just confirmed for our first field trips this year! We will be heading to Moffett Field in Mountain View for the Ames Exploration Encounter, an educational program designed to inspire positive attitudes about science, math and technology. Miss Scourkes’ class will be going on Thursday, Nov. 6, and Mr. Roels’ class will attend one week later on Nov. 13, 2008. We will be gone all day, so students will need a bag lunch.
The field trip slips have already been sent home! If you haven’t returned your slip yet, please do so as soon as possible. There is a space on the form for chaperones, but if you are interested, you can also e-mail us at your earliest opportunity!
Fine Arts Performance is coming......
This year our fine arts performance will be “Geology Rocks”- a fabulous detective tale to be performed on Thursday, December 11th at 6:30pm. We will be doing auditions for roles in the play beginning next Monday during lunch. Encourage your son/daughter to memorize a few lines on the audition sheet provided this week, practice the simple song verse also included, and wish them the best as they continue their Portal thespian career! Parents- if you are interested in helping with performance backdrops, costuming, or other day of the event organizing, please let us know!
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
Project Cornerstone Volunteers
Thank you to Judy Hart, Cathy Cuyle, and Weihong Iben for graciously volunteering to be our Project Cornerstone volunteers for this year. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in our classrooms soon.
Photographers Needed!
We currently need room parents to be photographers of major events that happen this year. If you enjoy photography, please contact Michelle Wissig at: wissigfam@comcast.net or 857-4819 for more information about the opportunity. Thank you!
! IMPORTANT !
Our School Needs Your Donation Support!
If you have already made your Donation, Thank you for supporting Murdock-Portal, your school of choice! If you still are waiting to make your donation, please do so as soon as you can. Continuing school programs rely on our parent financial support, so we’re counting on you to keep our unique school environment alive and vigorous!
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues. 9/23 SJ Police Department Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 PSCO meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 4th grade math test; Chapter 2
Thur. 9/25 SSC meeting at 3:00 p.m.
Thur. 9/25 Learning Plans go home with students
Thur. 9/25 Schoolwide Apple Tech Training for staff- teachers on site; substitute teachers in the classroom
Fri. 9/26 Schoolwide Apple Tech Training for staff- teachers on site; substitute teachers in the classroom
Fri. 9/26 School Spirit Day – Hat Day!
Fri. 9/26 Lunch on the Lawn at 11:45 a.m.
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
Mon. 10/6 Portal Fall Break begins; no school
Mon. 10/20 School resumes; beginning of Red Ribbon Week
California Trivia Question
Q: What mural on Stockton Street in San Francisco is half a block long?
Good luck and have a great day!
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Thanks for taking the time to meet with us these past two weeks; we’re confident that our students will be able to achieve their goals with the support and encouragement of families and teachers working together. There are many exciting events coming up, so please read on...
NASA AMES Field Trip confirmed dates! Our classrooms were just confirmed for our first field trips this year! We will be heading to Moffett Field in Mountain View for the Ames Exploration Encounter, an educational program designed to inspire positive attitudes about science, math and technology. Miss Scourkes’ class will be going on Thursday, Nov. 6, and Mr. Roels’ class will attend one week later on Nov. 13, 2008. We will be gone all day, so students will need a bag lunch.
The field trip slips have already been sent home! If you haven’t returned your slip yet, please do so as soon as possible. There is a space on the form for chaperones, but if you are interested, you can also e-mail us at your earliest opportunity!
Fine Arts Performance is coming......
This year our fine arts performance will be “Geology Rocks”- a fabulous detective tale to be performed on Thursday, December 11th at 6:30pm. We will be doing auditions for roles in the play beginning next Monday during lunch. Encourage your son/daughter to memorize a few lines on the audition sheet provided this week, practice the simple song verse also included, and wish them the best as they continue their Portal thespian career! Parents- if you are interested in helping with performance backdrops, costuming, or other day of the event organizing, please let us know!
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
Project Cornerstone Volunteers
Thank you to Judy Hart, Cathy Cuyle, and Weihong Iben for graciously volunteering to be our Project Cornerstone volunteers for this year. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in our classrooms soon.
Photographers Needed!
We currently need room parents to be photographers of major events that happen this year. If you enjoy photography, please contact Michelle Wissig at: wissigfam@comcast.net or 857-4819 for more information about the opportunity. Thank you!
! IMPORTANT !
Our School Needs Your Donation Support!
If you have already made your Donation, Thank you for supporting Murdock-Portal, your school of choice! If you still are waiting to make your donation, please do so as soon as you can. Continuing school programs rely on our parent financial support, so we’re counting on you to keep our unique school environment alive and vigorous!
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues. 9/23 SJ Police Department Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 PSCO meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 4th grade math test; Chapter 2
Thur. 9/25 SSC meeting at 3:00 p.m.
Thur. 9/25 Learning Plans go home with students
Thur. 9/25 Schoolwide Apple Tech Training for staff- teachers on site; substitute teachers in the classroom
Fri. 9/26 Schoolwide Apple Tech Training for staff- teachers on site; substitute teachers in the classroom
Fri. 9/26 School Spirit Day – Hat Day!
Fri. 9/26 Lunch on the Lawn at 11:45 a.m.
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
Mon. 10/6 Portal Fall Break begins; no school
Mon. 10/20 School resumes; beginning of Red Ribbon Week
California Trivia Question
Q: What mural on Stockton Street in San Francisco is half a block long?
Good luck and have a great day!
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Weekly Reminders for the Week of Sept. 15
Subject: Weekly Reminders 9/15
Dear Parents,
Conferences are in full swing now, and I’m having a great time sharing your child’s learning with you! It’s great to see familiar faces and to meet new parents. The students are doing a great job during the conferences and are giving valuable feedback as we discuss their goals. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week when I can talk with everyone I haven’t had a chance to talk with so far!
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
Thank you to the parents who volunteered to help in the classroom with our social studies project next Monday, September 22! This should be a fun project for all. Please arrive at 12:15 if you can, and I’ll show you what I’d like done, and if you are able to stay until 2:50 for clean up help, I’d really appreciate it. I’m really looking forward to this project!
Photographers Needed!
We currently need room parents to be photographers of major events that happen this year. If you enjoy photography, please contact Michelle Wissig at: wissigfam@comcast.net or 857-4819 for more information about the opportunity. Thank you!
! IMPORTANT !
Our School Needs Your Donation Support!
Welcome back to a new school year at Murdock-Portal. Here is a reminder, that your school of choice needs your Donation urgently. Please pay your donation by September 15th. Our Direct Donation Goal is $260,000. To date, we have received $135,300, which is 52% of our goal. We do not have funds to pay the district bill due in October because there are 208 families still to make their donation payment. PLEASE bring your check to the office by September 15th.
The New Technology Fund has a target of $55,000 and has so far raised $5,100 This is specifically for Technology upgrades and equipment for all students, all grades, for this school year 08-09. Forgot your Technology donation? It’s not too late, You can still donate $100 and it will be included in your fall tax receipts. Forms are in the office.
Do you know?
· Parents ranked specialist classes as the number one priority in the recent survey. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for art, music, and hands-on-science teachers.
· Parents ranked in-class technology as the second highest priority. PSCO funds upgrades of hardware, software, and other equipment that is needed in the classrooms, so that our teachers and students have direct access to technology.
· Parents ranked PE as the third highest priority in the recent survey. The district only supports PE for grades 4/5. Currently 90 minutes of PE is being funded by PSCO for grades K-3.
· The district only supports Instructional Assistants for special education. Currently, we have six 3-hr IAs for grades K-3 and three 5-hour IAs for grades 4/5. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for IAs. IAs often work closely with one or two students on the side, so that the teachers can concentrate on moving the class along for the rest of the students.
TO KEEP THESE PROGRAMS GOING WE NEED YOUR DONATION TODAY!
* All Donations are 100% Tax deductible! *
* Your Company may match your Donation! *
After the Sept. 15th deadline, to encourage donations, members of the PSCO Board will contact parents who have not yet responded to the Direct Donation campaign.
If you have already made your Donation, Thank you for supporting Murdock-Portal, your school of choice!
Thank-you for your on-going support,
Julie Ales (Principal) Elizabeth Delandro, Seema Shah, Paula Rowe, John Rowe, Geeta Garg, Sita Rani (PSCO Board members)
Important Dates to Remember:
Fri. 9/19 Staff Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
Tues. 9/23 Room 20 Field Trip to NASA AMES center!
Tues. 9/23 SJ Police Department Presentation. 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 4th grade Math: Chapter 2 test
Wed. 9/24 PSCO meeting at 6:30
Thur. 9/25 SSC meeting at 3:00
Thur. 9/25 Learning Plans go home with students
Fri. 9/26 School Spirit Day – Hat Day!
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
California Trivia Question
Q: Much of the California coastline was created by what geological process?
Good luck and have a great day!
Mr. Roels
Dear Parents,
Conferences are in full swing now, and I’m having a great time sharing your child’s learning with you! It’s great to see familiar faces and to meet new parents. The students are doing a great job during the conferences and are giving valuable feedback as we discuss their goals. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week when I can talk with everyone I haven’t had a chance to talk with so far!
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
Thank you to the parents who volunteered to help in the classroom with our social studies project next Monday, September 22! This should be a fun project for all. Please arrive at 12:15 if you can, and I’ll show you what I’d like done, and if you are able to stay until 2:50 for clean up help, I’d really appreciate it. I’m really looking forward to this project!
Photographers Needed!
We currently need room parents to be photographers of major events that happen this year. If you enjoy photography, please contact Michelle Wissig at: wissigfam@comcast.net or 857-4819 for more information about the opportunity. Thank you!
! IMPORTANT !
Our School Needs Your Donation Support!
Welcome back to a new school year at Murdock-Portal. Here is a reminder, that your school of choice needs your Donation urgently. Please pay your donation by September 15th. Our Direct Donation Goal is $260,000. To date, we have received $135,300, which is 52% of our goal. We do not have funds to pay the district bill due in October because there are 208 families still to make their donation payment. PLEASE bring your check to the office by September 15th.
The New Technology Fund has a target of $55,000 and has so far raised $5,100 This is specifically for Technology upgrades and equipment for all students, all grades, for this school year 08-09. Forgot your Technology donation? It’s not too late, You can still donate $100 and it will be included in your fall tax receipts. Forms are in the office.
Do you know?
· Parents ranked specialist classes as the number one priority in the recent survey. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for art, music, and hands-on-science teachers.
· Parents ranked in-class technology as the second highest priority. PSCO funds upgrades of hardware, software, and other equipment that is needed in the classrooms, so that our teachers and students have direct access to technology.
· Parents ranked PE as the third highest priority in the recent survey. The district only supports PE for grades 4/5. Currently 90 minutes of PE is being funded by PSCO for grades K-3.
· The district only supports Instructional Assistants for special education. Currently, we have six 3-hr IAs for grades K-3 and three 5-hour IAs for grades 4/5. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for IAs. IAs often work closely with one or two students on the side, so that the teachers can concentrate on moving the class along for the rest of the students.
TO KEEP THESE PROGRAMS GOING WE NEED YOUR DONATION TODAY!
* All Donations are 100% Tax deductible! *
* Your Company may match your Donation! *
After the Sept. 15th deadline, to encourage donations, members of the PSCO Board will contact parents who have not yet responded to the Direct Donation campaign.
If you have already made your Donation, Thank you for supporting Murdock-Portal, your school of choice!
Thank-you for your on-going support,
Julie Ales (Principal) Elizabeth Delandro, Seema Shah, Paula Rowe, John Rowe, Geeta Garg, Sita Rani (PSCO Board members)
Important Dates to Remember:
Fri. 9/19 Staff Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
Tues. 9/23 Room 20 Field Trip to NASA AMES center!
Tues. 9/23 SJ Police Department Presentation. 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 4th grade Math: Chapter 2 test
Wed. 9/24 PSCO meeting at 6:30
Thur. 9/25 SSC meeting at 3:00
Thur. 9/25 Learning Plans go home with students
Fri. 9/26 School Spirit Day – Hat Day!
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
California Trivia Question
Q: Much of the California coastline was created by what geological process?
Good luck and have a great day!
Mr. Roels
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sept. 8 Weekly Reminders
Dear Parents,
Busy, busy, busy! Please read below to stay in touch with all the wonderful happenings of Portal!
Family Fun Night!
On Saturday September 13, from 4:00 -7:00, we’ll be having our annual Family Fun Night! This is a great event to get to know other families and children in our community, or help our school out by volunteering! We have many students that have offered to help, but we are in need of more parent volunteers and would really appreciate it if you could help out. Questions? Call Anurita Gupta (408)446-1455; e-mail: anuritag@hotmail.com
Megaskill of the Month: Caring!
Today we had a wonderful Wildlife Assembly that taught us about the true relationship between wildlife and our human population. By caring for the needs of all creatures, we can make a difference!
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
Social Studies Projects
1. Parents are needed to make salt and flour dough mixture for our California models. (Miss Scourkes will send home the easy recipe if you’re interested). Please contact her before 9/18!
2. Parents needed to help in class to make salt dough models of California. Management and set up help is what’s needed on 9/22 from 12:15 – 2:00. Please let Miss Scourkes know if you’d like to help!
Project Cornerstone Volunteers
If you didn’t sign up for the ABC Project Cornerstone meeting and you would like to volunteer, please show up at the training on Monday, 9/15 from 8:15-8:45. You will need to contact Jen Harrington, the Project Cornerstone Parent Volunteer Coordinator at: harringtonjen@gmail.com if you wish to attend the meeting.
Photographers Needed!
We currently need room parents to be photographers of major events that happen this year. If you enjoy photography, please contact Michelle Wissig at: wissigfam@comcast.net or 857-4819 for more information about the opportunity. Thank you!
! IMPORTANT !
Our School Needs Your Donation Support!
Welcome back to a new school year at Murdock-Portal. Here is a reminder, that your school of choice needs your Donation urgently. Please pay your donation by September 15th. Our Direct Donation Goal is $260,000. To date, we have received $135,300, which is 52% of our goal. We do not have funds to pay the district bill due in October because there are 208 families still to make their donation payment. PLEASE bring your check to the office by September 15th.
The New Technology Fund has a target of $55,000 and has so far raised $5,100 This is specifically for Technology upgrades and equipment for all students, all grades, for this school year 08-09. Forgot your Technology donation? It’s not too late, You can still donate $100 and it will be included in your fall tax receipts. Forms are in the office.
Do you know?
· Parents ranked specialist classes as the number one priority in the recent survey. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for art, music, and hands-on-science teachers.
· Parents ranked in-class technology as the second highest priority. PSCO funds upgrades of hardware, software, and other equipment that is needed in the classrooms, so that our teachers and students have direct access to technology.
· Parents ranked PE as the third highest priority in the recent survey. The district only supports PE for grades 4/5. Currently 90 minutes of PE is being funded by PSCO for grades K-3.
· The district only supports Instructional Assistants for special education. Currently, we have six 3-hr IAs for grades K-3 and three 5-hour IAs for grades 4/5. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for IAs. IAs often work closely with one or two students on the side, so that the teachers can concentrate on moving the class along for the rest of the students.
TO KEEP THESE PROGRAMS GOING WE NEED YOUR DONATION TODAY!
* All Donations are 100% Tax deductible! *
* Your Company may match your Donation! *
After the Sept. 15th deadline, to encourage donations, members of the PSCO Board will contact parents who have not yet responded to the Direct Donation campaign.
If you have already made your Donation, Thank you for supporting Murdock-Portal, your school of choice!
Thank-you for your on-going support,
Julie Ales (Principal) Elizabeth Delandro, Seema Shah, Paula Rowe, John Rowe, Geeta Garg, Sita Rani (PSCO Board members)
Important Dates to Remember:
Wed. 9/10 - Thur. 9/18 Parent Teacher Conferences. 12:30 Dismissal!
Fri. 9/11- Thur. 9/18 Book Fair in the multi-use room
Sat. 9/13 Family Fun Night 4:00-7:00
Mon. 9/15 Project Cornerstone Training 8:15- 9:45
Fri. 9/19 Staff Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
Tues. 9/23 SJ Police Department Presentation. 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 PSCO meeting at 6:30
Thur. 9/25 SSC meeting at 3:00
Thur. 9/25 Learning Plans go home with students
Fri. 9/26 School Spirit Day – Hat Day!
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
California Trivia Question
Q: What California site hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960?
Good luck and have a great day! Mr. Roels
Busy, busy, busy! Please read below to stay in touch with all the wonderful happenings of Portal!
Family Fun Night!
On Saturday September 13, from 4:00 -7:00, we’ll be having our annual Family Fun Night! This is a great event to get to know other families and children in our community, or help our school out by volunteering! We have many students that have offered to help, but we are in need of more parent volunteers and would really appreciate it if you could help out. Questions? Call Anurita Gupta (408)446-1455; e-mail: anuritag@hotmail.com
Megaskill of the Month: Caring!
Today we had a wonderful Wildlife Assembly that taught us about the true relationship between wildlife and our human population. By caring for the needs of all creatures, we can make a difference!
Volunteer Opportunity Mania!
Social Studies Projects
1. Parents are needed to make salt and flour dough mixture for our California models. (Miss Scourkes will send home the easy recipe if you’re interested). Please contact her before 9/18!
2. Parents needed to help in class to make salt dough models of California. Management and set up help is what’s needed on 9/22 from 12:15 – 2:00. Please let Miss Scourkes know if you’d like to help!
Project Cornerstone Volunteers
If you didn’t sign up for the ABC Project Cornerstone meeting and you would like to volunteer, please show up at the training on Monday, 9/15 from 8:15-8:45. You will need to contact Jen Harrington, the Project Cornerstone Parent Volunteer Coordinator at: harringtonjen@gmail.com if you wish to attend the meeting.
Photographers Needed!
We currently need room parents to be photographers of major events that happen this year. If you enjoy photography, please contact Michelle Wissig at: wissigfam@comcast.net or 857-4819 for more information about the opportunity. Thank you!
! IMPORTANT !
Our School Needs Your Donation Support!
Welcome back to a new school year at Murdock-Portal. Here is a reminder, that your school of choice needs your Donation urgently. Please pay your donation by September 15th. Our Direct Donation Goal is $260,000. To date, we have received $135,300, which is 52% of our goal. We do not have funds to pay the district bill due in October because there are 208 families still to make their donation payment. PLEASE bring your check to the office by September 15th.
The New Technology Fund has a target of $55,000 and has so far raised $5,100 This is specifically for Technology upgrades and equipment for all students, all grades, for this school year 08-09. Forgot your Technology donation? It’s not too late, You can still donate $100 and it will be included in your fall tax receipts. Forms are in the office.
Do you know?
· Parents ranked specialist classes as the number one priority in the recent survey. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for art, music, and hands-on-science teachers.
· Parents ranked in-class technology as the second highest priority. PSCO funds upgrades of hardware, software, and other equipment that is needed in the classrooms, so that our teachers and students have direct access to technology.
· Parents ranked PE as the third highest priority in the recent survey. The district only supports PE for grades 4/5. Currently 90 minutes of PE is being funded by PSCO for grades K-3.
· The district only supports Instructional Assistants for special education. Currently, we have six 3-hr IAs for grades K-3 and three 5-hour IAs for grades 4/5. Direct donations are used to pay the salaries for IAs. IAs often work closely with one or two students on the side, so that the teachers can concentrate on moving the class along for the rest of the students.
TO KEEP THESE PROGRAMS GOING WE NEED YOUR DONATION TODAY!
* All Donations are 100% Tax deductible! *
* Your Company may match your Donation! *
After the Sept. 15th deadline, to encourage donations, members of the PSCO Board will contact parents who have not yet responded to the Direct Donation campaign.
If you have already made your Donation, Thank you for supporting Murdock-Portal, your school of choice!
Thank-you for your on-going support,
Julie Ales (Principal) Elizabeth Delandro, Seema Shah, Paula Rowe, John Rowe, Geeta Garg, Sita Rani (PSCO Board members)
Important Dates to Remember:
Wed. 9/10 - Thur. 9/18 Parent Teacher Conferences. 12:30 Dismissal!
Fri. 9/11- Thur. 9/18 Book Fair in the multi-use room
Sat. 9/13 Family Fun Night 4:00-7:00
Mon. 9/15 Project Cornerstone Training 8:15- 9:45
Fri. 9/19 Staff Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
Tues. 9/23 SJ Police Department Presentation. 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 9/24 PSCO meeting at 6:30
Thur. 9/25 SSC meeting at 3:00
Thur. 9/25 Learning Plans go home with students
Fri. 9/26 School Spirit Day – Hat Day!
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
California Trivia Question
Q: What California site hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960?
Good luck and have a great day! Mr. Roels
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Weekly Reminder for Sept 2-5
Dear Parents,
The parent teacher conference slips and a sheet for you to fill out regarding information your child were sent home in the last couple of days. Thank you for the quick responses regarding your input of your child and the scheduling of your conference. The majority of you have already replied! If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the forms yet, if you would please do so as soon as possible. This helps me be more effective when preparing for conferences. Thank you!
Family Fun Night!
On Saturday September 13, from 4:00 -7:00, we’ll be having our annual Family Fun Night! This is a great event to get to know other families and children in our community as well as help our school out by volunteering! We have many students that have offered to help, but we are in need of more parent volunteers and would really appreciate it if you could help out. Questions? Call Anurita Gupta (408)446-1455; e-mail: anuritag@hotmail.com
Megaskill of the Month: Caring!
This month our megaskill is caring. Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget to take the time to slow down and show someone that we care. Throughout the month we’ll be discussing this concept in class and working on ways to show each other we care. It’s a great opportunity for share your ideas on this topic with your child at home.
Project Cornerstone - Training Day to be announced soon! Watch for upcoming announcements!
Important Dates to Remember:
Thur. 9/4 4th grade math test on Chapter 1
Mon. 9/8 Wildlife Associates Assembly
Wed. 9/10 - Thur. 9/18 Parent Teacher Conferences. 12:30 Dismissal!
Fri. 9/12 - Thur.9/18 Book Fair in the multi-use room
Sat. 9/13 Family Fun Night
Fri. 9/19 Staff Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
California Trivia Question
Q: What Southern California city's name is derived from the Spanish word for “good fortune”? (Students may Email their responses back to me tonight!)
Good luck and have a great day! Mr. Roels
The parent teacher conference slips and a sheet for you to fill out regarding information your child were sent home in the last couple of days. Thank you for the quick responses regarding your input of your child and the scheduling of your conference. The majority of you have already replied! If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the forms yet, if you would please do so as soon as possible. This helps me be more effective when preparing for conferences. Thank you!
Family Fun Night!
On Saturday September 13, from 4:00 -7:00, we’ll be having our annual Family Fun Night! This is a great event to get to know other families and children in our community as well as help our school out by volunteering! We have many students that have offered to help, but we are in need of more parent volunteers and would really appreciate it if you could help out. Questions? Call Anurita Gupta (408)446-1455; e-mail: anuritag@hotmail.com
Megaskill of the Month: Caring!
This month our megaskill is caring. Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget to take the time to slow down and show someone that we care. Throughout the month we’ll be discussing this concept in class and working on ways to show each other we care. It’s a great opportunity for share your ideas on this topic with your child at home.
Project Cornerstone - Training Day to be announced soon! Watch for upcoming announcements!
Important Dates to Remember:
Thur. 9/4 4th grade math test on Chapter 1
Mon. 9/8 Wildlife Associates Assembly
Wed. 9/10 - Thur. 9/18 Parent Teacher Conferences. 12:30 Dismissal!
Fri. 9/12 - Thur.9/18 Book Fair in the multi-use room
Sat. 9/13 Family Fun Night
Fri. 9/19 Staff Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
Mon. 9/29 Social Studies Geography Test
California Trivia Question
Q: What Southern California city's name is derived from the Spanish word for “good fortune”? (Students may Email their responses back to me tonight!)
Good luck and have a great day! Mr. Roels
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Reminders 8/25/08
Dear Parents,
Welcome to our first Weekly Reminders! Please be sure to share them with your child!
We’ve made it through our two week Olympic studies unit and now we’re beginning our first core literature book! Students have been doing a nice job of learning and following procedures in the Rockhopper Village. Homework is recorded each period and at the end of the day, so please feel free to check your child’s homework recording sheet or to ask to look in their binders to see what we’re up to. The home/school journals seem to be very successful and we’d like to thank you for being active participants in this program.
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues. 8/26 Parent Volunteer Training 11:00 am
Tues. 8/26 Project Cornerstone Parent Informational meeting 6:30 p.m. - Multiuse Room
Wed. 8/27 PSCO Meeting 6:30pm
Thur. 8/28 Picture Day
Fri. 8/29 Lunch on the Lawn 11:45am
Thur. 9/4 4th grade math test on Chapter 1
Mon. 9/8 Wildlife Associates Assembly
Wed. 9/10 - Thur. 9/18 Parent Teacher Conferences (12:30pm dismissal)
Sat. 9/13 Family Fun Night
Thank You, Thank You!
Thank you for all of the wonderful classroom supplies that have been donated! We truly appreciate it!
Also, thank you so much for signing up to volunteer in our classrooms and the school! We are currently working on sorting out our lists and will be contacting you soon!
California Trivia Question
Q: What three crops beginning with the letter “A” are grown almost exclusively in California?
(Students may email their responses back to me!)
Good luck and have a great day!
Chris Roels
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Welcome to our first Weekly Reminders! Please be sure to share them with your child!
We’ve made it through our two week Olympic studies unit and now we’re beginning our first core literature book! Students have been doing a nice job of learning and following procedures in the Rockhopper Village. Homework is recorded each period and at the end of the day, so please feel free to check your child’s homework recording sheet or to ask to look in their binders to see what we’re up to. The home/school journals seem to be very successful and we’d like to thank you for being active participants in this program.
Important Dates to Remember:
Tues. 8/26 Parent Volunteer Training 11:00 am
Tues. 8/26 Project Cornerstone Parent Informational meeting 6:30 p.m. - Multiuse Room
Wed. 8/27 PSCO Meeting 6:30pm
Thur. 8/28 Picture Day
Fri. 8/29 Lunch on the Lawn 11:45am
Thur. 9/4 4th grade math test on Chapter 1
Mon. 9/8 Wildlife Associates Assembly
Wed. 9/10 - Thur. 9/18 Parent Teacher Conferences (12:30pm dismissal)
Sat. 9/13 Family Fun Night
Thank You, Thank You!
Thank you for all of the wonderful classroom supplies that have been donated! We truly appreciate it!
Also, thank you so much for signing up to volunteer in our classrooms and the school! We are currently working on sorting out our lists and will be contacting you soon!
California Trivia Question
Q: What three crops beginning with the letter “A” are grown almost exclusively in California?
(Students may email their responses back to me!)
Good luck and have a great day!
Chris Roels
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
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