Community News Week of 12/1/16

Good Morning Midtown West!
It’s been a while since our last presentation. We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Today, we will continue to inform you about what is happening in the classrooms.  ENJOY THE NEWS!!! HAPPY FRIDAY!
 – Raquel 
 
Pre-K
In Gina’s Pre-K, they are reading “The Three Bears.” The class is trying to get a class pet. They will visit Petland on Monday to decide on their top three choices: a turtle, snake or mouse.
Nicole’s class is reading different versions of “The Three Little Pigs.”
Pre-K rocks!  
 - Otto

Kindergarten
The kindergartners have just published their first non-fiction book about objects. It looks like kindergarten is busy!
 – Leo

1st Grade
1st graders have started a new math unit called, “The Double Decker Bus. They are developing understanding of early Addition and Subtraction. They are using the arithmetic rack to build on their natural ability and see five as a unit. The arithmetic rack also supports the strategies of doubles and near doubles. The rack also helps them build different combinations.
 – Jane
 
2nd Grade
In second grade both classes are working on measuring the bulletin boards as part of their math investigation. Second graders also took a trip to Tarrytown last week to learn about suburban communities.
Second graders are busy reading multiple non-fiction books.
Second Grade looks busy!
 – Mia
 
3rd Grade
Third graders are learning about the growth mindset: the belief that abilities can be developed through commitments, dedication, persistence, creativity and hard work. In other words:
o   Be willing to try new things
o   Stick with hard tasks and not give up
o   Push themselves to do their best work, not just what’s “good enough”
o   Believe in themselves and their own ability to learn
 
And once they have a growth mindset, they can learn anything.
Next week, 3rd graders will be visiting Chinatown.
Don’t give up 3rd graders!
 – Alessandra
 
4th Grade
Fourth graders are learning about place value, and are writing a book of place value riddles.
They are learning about Manhattan long ago and its natural resources. They are also learning about the Native people of Lower Manhattan and the lasting impressions they left on this area.
Fourth grade is busy!
– Felix

5th Grade
5th graders continue with their historical fiction book clubs.
After locating large numbers on the 10,000 chart, they are learning addition and subtraction of large numbers by using different strategies, and using the traditional algorithm to check their answers. In the process, they are solving estimation and distance problems.
5th grade rocks !!!
 – Bethany
 
Principal’s Corner
Kay wants to thank everyone for the wonderful winter concert last night.
Kay is also very excited about the new tank that Mark has built for her pet roaches. This terrarium is safe and big enough.
 – Colin
 
MUSIC
Robin wants to thank everyone for the wonderful winter concert and hopes that everyone had fun.
– Colin

GYM
In gym all the grades are working on basketball. So far, they have finished dribbling, shooting and passing. Gym Rocks!
 – Austin
 
LIBRARY
Next Wednesday, the library committee will have its monthly meeting.
P.S. Jenny lost her voice, and we hope she feels better!
– Gabby

ART
In art, 3rd graders just finished their Picasso collages.
4th graders are continuing with watercolor paintings using hot and cool colors.
5th graders will begin their artist study on Henri Matisse . Art Rocks!
 – Rafael

CONCLUSION
That’s all for community news.
Thank you for listening. We hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
​– Alessio