The First Day of School is Right Around the Corner!

Hello 2-4 Families,

It was great to see the students and parents at backpack drop off day and the parent meeting night. With the first day of school just days away, we have a few things we want to share with you.

ITEMS TO BRING EVERY DAY

Please remember to have your children bring a snack, water bottle and a mask with them on Tuesday.  Feel free to send extra clean masks in the backpack. Also, remember to sign up on the Sign Up Genius if your child plans to have lunch and/or milk from school.

HOMEWORK SHEET

Your children will be bringing home a "Take Home Folder" every day.  Inside will be a "Homework Sheet."  Often, we will finish our lessons in school and there will be little to no homework (other than reading, practicing spelling words and practice math facts).  When they have homework, your child will write it down throughout the day using this form:

This is the 3rd & 4th grade homework sheet. 
The form for 2nd grade will look very similar. 

• Students and parents refer to the homework sheet to determine what needs to be done each night.
• Students check off assignments as they complete them.
• Parents initial the form each night.  
• Students put the homework sheet back in his/her take home folder and return it to school the next day. 

Please help your child become as independent as possible with this routine.  Thank you for your help!

NEW MATH & RELIGION CURRICULUM

We are very excited to begin our new math and religion materials with your children!

Math-We are using the 2019 version of Math Mammoth for grades 1-7. Some notes about our new series:

• There are two student workbooks for the entire year. Students work out of one workbook until we finish and then we start the other. 
• The lesson, as well as the student work, are all within the same book. 
• Typically, students will complete the workbook activities during the day. 
• Occasionally, students may need to bring home their workbook to finish a lesson at home.
• Often, a corresponding worksheet will be assigned for homework.
• Every Friday (or last day of the week), students will bring home their workbooks so that parents can see what students have been doing in math. Looking over your child's work is an important form of communication between school and home. (The pages are not perforated so the entire book will be sent home and will need to be returned the following week.)

Sample Math Workbook 

Religion-We are using the 2020 version of Faith & Life for grades 2-8. Some information about our religion classes include:

• For 2nd grade, students will use a student book along with First Reconciliation and First Communion materials.  Mrs. Van Helvoirt will host a meeting to explain how these important sacraments will be taught in 2nd grade and how our school families will coordinate with the parish religious education program. 
• For 3rd & 4th grades, the students will have a student book along with a corresponding activity book. 

Sample Religion Student Book

Mrs. Van Helvoirt had an opportunity to show some of the parents our new materials. Please know that if you would like to discuss these with her you are more than welcome to do so. The materials have been very well vetted and we are optimistic about the success your children will have!

STEWARDSHIP OBLIGATION

Previously, students began doing volunteer work that counted toward "Stewardship Hours" beginning in 4th grade.  With the realignment of the middle school (grades 5-8), the stewardship obligation will be postponed until your children are in 5th grade.

NEW STUDENTS!

We are thrilled to welcome three new students to St. Clare School in our grades 2-4 cohort. Please check out the tab at the top called Teachers & Class Lists for first names.  I have no doubt that our returning families will join us in our efforts to be as friendly and welcoming as possible!

We are very excited to begin the 2020-2021 school year! Enjoy the weekend ahead and we'll see your students on Tuesday! ☺

Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt