BUBBLES’ BLOG

MARCH 2016 NEWS

S. B. BUTLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

IMPORTANT DATES / EVENTS

Wed, Mar 2nd Read Across America – Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Fri, Mar 4th Roller Skating with NEA @ Galaxy 5-7pm

Sat, Mar 5th Applebee’s Breakfast to Benefit 8-10am5th Grade Sturbridge Trip

Fri, Mar 11th Professional Development for TeachersNo School for Students

Sat, Mar 12th Chorus student to Hartford Wolfpack 3:00pm

Tues, Mar 15th PTO Meeting – Media Center 6:30-7:30pm

Thurs, Mar 17th Wellness Day!!

Friday, Mar 18th Report Cards Go Home

Fri, Mar 18th – Thurs, Mar 24th Book Fair!! – Media Center

Tues, Mar 22nd – Parent Teacher ConferencesThurs, Mar 24th Early Dismissal Days for Students

Fri, Mar 25th Good Friday – No School for Students & Staff

Fri, Apr 8th Movie Night 6pm – 8pm

Tues, Apr 12th PTO Meeting – Media Center 6:30 – 7:30pm

Thurs, Apr 14th Kindergarten – Getting to Know You 6pm

Apr 18th – 22nd Spring Break – No School for Students & Staff

Wed, Apr 27th Math & Science Night 6:30 – 8:30pm

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

Dear S.B. Butler Families,

We have started a Character Education program at Butler that focuses on the Six Pillars of Character. (Respect, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship) Students and staff were introduced to the program during our All-School meeting last week. Each trait was explained and modeled for students. Teachers and staff will recognize students by using the “Character Counts” tickets that are different colors, based upon the different trait that was demonstrated by a student. For example, an orange ticket may be given to a student that demonstrates “Caring”. These tickets will then be posted on our Character Wall in the gym and students will be recognized during our morning announcements. (BNN) The program is just another great way to involve our students in building a positive school climate at SBB.

As a connection to our Character Education program, Mrs. Pombrio has been collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste for children and families in Nicaragua. Mrs. Pombrio and her son will travel to Nicaragua during April vacation as a member of the Medical Brigade. She spoke to students during morning announcements about her upcoming adventure and how they could help. She will bring all of the donated toothbrushes and toothpaste with her as a caring gesture from our students, staff, and families at S.B. Butler Elementary School.

Lastly, Mrs. Martelle will be offering an afterschool music program for students in grades 3-5 a Production of “Cinderella…If the Shoe Fits.” The program will begin in April. Please be on the look-out for more information coming home in early March.

I look forward to seeing you at our Parent/Teacher conferences in March and around the school!

In Partnership,

Steve Wheeler

From the Office

Some attendance reminders from the Student Handbook:

Absence notification is a two-part process:

1. Parents/guardians are expected to telephone school on the day the child is absent. Please state your name, child’s name, teacher’s name and reason for absence.

These phone calls are extremely important because this information is matched with the attendance information which the teachers enter into the computer by 9:00 A.M. This also provides a cross check to insure that all students who were expected to attend school have arrived safely.

2. Parents are expected to write a note of excuse upon the student’s return to school.

EXCUSED ABSENCES:

* Illness or injury * Suspension from school* Death in the family * Participation in an educational program organized and/or* Religious obligation sponsored by a recognized institution of learning* Court appearance * Any situation deemed legitimate by the building principal * School-sponsored activity

All other absences, including absences on scheduled school days for family vacations, shall be deemed unexcused.

Health Room

Mrs. Grater & Mrs. Donnel

Parents please remind your child to dress appropriately for cold weather. Teachers have been sending students to the health room to borrow winter attire for recess. Warm jackets, hats, gloves, and mittens are still required while the weather remains cold. Even though we are all looking forward to Spring’s arrival it’s still a few weeks away.

Practice Good Health habits: Wash hands often, eat healthy, exercise, get rest as needed – including a good night sleep. Remember keeping our bodies strong and healthy will help us get through what’s left of the cold and flu season.

KindergartenMrs. Horler & Mrs. Whitten

In the month of March the kindergarteners will focus their attention on fairy tales and folk tales. The children will take part in reading, singing, and chanting their favorite parts of

each classic fairy tale. We will compare and contrast different versions of fairy tales such as: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and Jack and the Beanstalk to name a few. In Math, kindergarteners

will continue to work with teen numbers, practice addition and subtraction stories, and be introduced to some 3-dimensional shapes. The students enjoyed writing their small moments during writing workshop and now look forward to our next unit in writing: How-to books (informational writing). In March during science, we will be taking a look at the season of spring.

Please remember to send in a healthy snack each day and a set of extra clothes

to be kept at school – spring brings wet and muddy recess days and it’s nice to be able to change out of messy clothes.

First Grade Mrs. Celtruda & Mrs. Grigg

In math, the first graders are exploring place value as well as word problems. They will be learning strategies for adding into the teens and adding tens. Students will also be working on word problems. As always please continue to help your child practice the math facts at home to build fluency.

In reading, we continue to make text connections such as “How does this book remind you of another book, or something in your life?” The children are also enjoying reading non-fiction books as we tie reading into science and social studies. It is always beneficial for children to practice the first grade sight words at home.

In writing, we have begun our unit on opinion writing. The first graders are learning to state their opinion with a “catchy hello,” give multiple reasons for their opinion, and have a conclusion. We continue to emphasize proper letter formation, spaces between words, and going back to read their own writing to edit and revise. Read Across America Day will be celebrated Wednesday March 2nd. The children may dress up as their favorite book character. It does not have to be a Dr. Seuss character. We will also be having guest readers from the Groton Senior Center!

Second Grade Mrs. Bailey & Mrs. Westkott

We have been working so hard in second grade. We have enjoyed many trade books this month on various topics including Washington and Lincoln. Ask your child to share a fun fact that they learned!

In math we have continued to learn strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems with and without ungrouping. We are also working on problems involving dollar bills and a variety of coins.

We look forward to seeing you at March Conferences. Look for a reminder slip coming home soon.

Thank you for your continued support. Happy Spring!

Third GradeMrs. Gwaltney & Mrs. Zuliani

We can’t believe we are more than half-way through third grade! The time is flying by as we work hard toward our end of the year goals. We look forward to discussing all the progress we’ve made at March conferences.

In Reading, we are learning strategies to make meaning of complex texts. Students read and reread stories to gain understanding with each reading. They are learning to attend to the title, pictures, vocabulary and other nuances of a text assist their comprehension. Third graders love discussing great texts with their peers!

In Math, we have begun our unit on fractions. Students will learn how to represent fractions, compare them and locate them on a number line. They will also develop an understanding of equivalent fractions. There are lots of opportunities to explore fractions at home. Cooking, sharing food, telling time and measuring items around the house are fun ways to discuss fractions with your children at home.

We have wrapped up our unit on rocks and minerals. Thank you to the Pequotsepos Nature Center for coming into our classes. The kids loved the hands-on activities with rocks and minerals. We will visit the Nature Center in April to enhance what we’ve learned in Science.

Fourth GradeMrs. Burdick, Mrs. Genovese & Mrs. O’Connell

In reading, we will be finishing our unit on reading history and begin reading poetry. The fourth graders will shift their focus from personal opinion essays to persuasive essays in writing.

In math, we will be continuing our unit of fractions and begin the next unit on fractions and decimals. Please continue to have your children practice their basic math facts daily.

We will continue to study the water cycle in science and the Midwest Region in social studies.

Fifth GradeMrs. Hubbard & Mrs. Wilson

We are looking forward to the upcoming flapjack breakfast at Applebee’s, thank you to everyone who has already volunteered to work and has purchased tickets.

In writing, we have started our Argument Unit. Students are very passionate about the topic: should chocolate milk be allowed in school or not. We are conducting research for both sides and students are asked to take a stance. In math, we are beginning our fourth unit, multiplying and dividing decimals. In reading, we are learning about the craft of figurative language. We will be focusing on similes and metaphors, personification, hyperbole, allusions, alliteration, idioms, and onomatopoeia. Students will be conducting various science experiments in preparation for the Science Connecticut Mastery Test on March 16th.

Upcoming events include: March 5th – Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfast March 16th – Science CMT March 29th – Field trip to the Connecticut Science Museum April 8th – Invention Convention

ReadingMrs. Fridinger & Mrs. Pombrio

SBB Celebrates Read Across America Day, March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday!

This year at SBB, we are honored to have senior citizens from the Groton Senior Center

and a CT State Judge come to read to our students on Read Across America Day. Students love Dr. Seuss and his hilarious books and they are truly delighted when guest readers come to share a book or two.

Did you know that the first-ever Read Across America Day was held on March 2, 1998? It

was sponsored by the National Education Association, and NEA officials estimated that at least half a million educators and millions of children were part of that first celebration. They were joined by celebrities, athletes, governors, mayors, firefighters, politicians, judges and many others. The charge was for every child in every school in every community to be in the company

of a book the evening of March 2, in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. That tradition continues today.

In the spirit of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day, an NEA staff member, Anita Merian, penned the following plea for participation:

It’s never too cold, too wet or too hot,To pick up a book, And share what you’ve got.

You’re never too old, too wacky or wild, To pick up a book, And read to a child.

In churches and chambers, Let’s gather around, Let’s pick up a book, Let’s pass it around.

There are children around you, children in need, Of someone who’ll hug, Someone who’ll read.

So join us March 2nd, In your own special way, And make this America’s Read to Kids Day.

Be sure to read with your children every day!Mrs. Fridinger and Mrs. Pombrio

Special Education Teachers and Speech-Language PathologistsMrs. Salovitz, Mrs. Harris,

Mrs. Buttermore & Miss Kasparek

March is here and that means Spring and St. Patrick’s Day are on the way! Let’s celebrate all things green with a delicious Lucky Lime Float. Not only is this a tasty treat, but you can work on important skills such as following directions, measuring, sequencing, and vocabulary.

Lucky Lime Float

Put 1 scoop lime sherbet into a mug and add Sprite. Garnish with whipped cream, green sugar sprinkles, and a perfect cherry on top. Enjoy!

Math NewsMrs. Fleming

Children today are very tech savvy! Many have access to computers, iPads, cell phones, and tablets so parents often ask if there are games or apps their children can use on these devices. The answer is yes! Many are free and some are very inexpensive. These apps are a great use for iTunes gift cards! Here are some apps you might want to download that might make math a little more fun, challenging, or make more sense!

Math Training for Kids - 3 difficulty levels in the 4 basic operations

Einstein Math Academy – various game modes ranging from numbers and symbols to operations

Mathamateer – Kids build a rocket ship by completing math challenges and earning money to complete it.

Let’s Do the Math - Word problems and exercises that focus on addition and subtraction

Marble Math Junior – Varying difficulty levels of math problems in which kids solve math problems by collecting numbers and bonuses while going through a marble maze.

Mathly Hollows - Kids use math skills to work towards the Master Wizard of Math title.

Music Classes Are Making Lovely Music at SBB!Mrs. Martelle, Mrs. Stevenson & Mr. Schneider

The SB Butler Chorus is comprised of fourth and fifth grade students.  We rehearse every Friday from 2:30-3:15. The Chorus performs two concerts every year. The spring concert will be on Tuesday, May 17th at approximately 6:45 p.m., following the 2nd grade play, in the SB Butler gym.  These concerts include a wide variety of music plus movement. 

Spring Instrumental Concert: Wednesday, June 1, 2016 (6:30pm) at SB Butler

Don’t forget! We will be performing at the Hartford Wolfpack hockey game on Saturday, March 12th at 3pm when they will play the Lehigh Valley

Phantoms.

Art with Ms. Whitchelo

Students have been busy creating amazing pieces that will be all display at the art show in May, here are a few of the things we have been working on!

5 th Grade : 5th Grade students have been doing projects using shading and perspective. For our outer space pictures, we practice using chalk to create shade and highlights.

4 th Grade : Students in 4th grade are exploring positive/negative space, as well as geometric and organic shapes. We are combining our new knowledge of both concepts by creating Notan paper collages.

3 rd Grade : Students in 3rd grade are exploring new materials and facial proportions by creating large chalk self-portraits.

2 nd Grade : 2nd grade students are exploring warm and cool colors through the artwork of Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

1 st Grade : 1st Grade students are learning about the artist Henri Rousseau, and are drawing our own versions of his Tigers.

Kindergarten: Kindergarten students are working on shape recognition and motor skills by drawing castles.

Pre-School / ABA: Pre-school and ABA students are working on ripping, and being able to follow a path. We ripped tin foil and glued down pieces that followed the path of letters.

Consistency: An Essential Ingredient To ParentingThis article was excerpted from the Parenting Assistance Line.

What does “consistency” mean: Consistency means that rules and expectations are the same from one time to another. Consistency makes the child’s world predictable and less confusing. It frees their minds of worry about what might happen and teaches them accountability for their actions. It takes a great deal of patience and determination to parent consistently. However, watching your children develop into secure, responsible, and confident young adults is well worth it!

Why is consistency important?

Consistency gives a child a sense of security. They learn they can rely on their parents and trust that their needs will be met. This helps in the bonding process.

Children with consistent parents experience less anxiety.

Developing a daily routine with regular rising times, bedtimes, after school schedules, and meal times will cultivate a more peaceful home life.

Consistency helps a child develop a sense of responsibility because they know what their parents expect from them.

Children who have consistent rules with predictable consequences are less likely to “push the limits” and constantly test their parents by misbehaving. They learn quickly that “no” means “no”.

Investing early in consistent parenting pays off huge dividends later. There will be considerably less temper tantrums, arguing and bargaining as the children grow.

Without consistency children must “guess” daily what actions are appropriate. They wonder if everything that takes place happens because he or she did something to make it happen.

Inconsistent parenting causes confusion, poor self-esteem and oftentimes very negative values.

How can I be a more consistent parent?

Consider carefully what values are important to you and your family and make your rules accordingly. Setting up too many rules for young children will overwhelm both you and them. Pick three or four to start with and increase them as your child matures.

Make certain the rules and consequences you set in place are ones you are prepared to enforce.

Life is hectic and some days it seems easier to just let some things slide. However, by doing this you are giving your child an incentive to push boundaries and test your limits.

Both parents will not always agree upon every rule and consequence. Talk these issues over privately and strive towards a workable compromise.

Remember to be consistent with your praise of positive behaviors. This teaches your child what pleases you and reinforces appropriate conduct.

Some parents find that developing reward charts using stickers or stars help them to remain on track. If this doesn’t work for your family try something else such as posting a list of rules and consequences where they can be easily seen.

Each child has a unique temperament. Adjust your approach to fit the child. Some children are easily guided while another may be somewhat stubborn and persistent.

Dr. Nancy Anderson, school psychologist at Butler Elementary School, provides consultation to any parent requiring help for issues related to their child’s educational achievement. Contact Dr. Anderson at nanderson1@groton.k12.ct.us.