News from Mrs. Belak
On-line Resources
Common Sense Media: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Our Mission: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the media and entertainment lives of kids and families. We exist because media and entertainment profoundly impact the social, emotional, and physical development of our nation's children. As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume.
Practical Parenting: http://www.practicalparenting.com/ Vicki Lansky's Bio:Vicki Lansky's practical, common sense approach to parenting and household management is familiar to thousands throughout the world. Her books, audiotapes, newsletter, media appearances, magazine and newspaper articles and reviews, make her one of America's most popular and visible parenting figures. According to one parenting newspaper, "If you have young children and you don't use Vicki Lansky's books as a reference, you are working too hard!"
Please Stop the Rollercoaster!! http://www.pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/about/ Mission: Founded by Sue Blaney, ChangeWorks Publishing delivers programs and products that educate, empower and connect parents of teenagers and those who work with them. Sue Blaney is the author of the nationally acclaimed “Please Stop the Rollercoaster! How Parents of Teenagers Can Smooth Out the Ride,” a parent discussion group program in a book.
Classroom Guidance
November classwork finishedup our units on Bullying with appreciating the importance of different Points of View, reading The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and playing Bully Buster Bingo. Our second graders developed a Range Of Feelings chart that was so popular, several other classes requested a copy of it for their bulletin board.
In October, we worked on bullying; what it is and what to do if it happens to you or you see it. We also discussed Drug/Substance Awareness and thanks to PTA support, each student received a token reminder of the importance of healthy lifestyles and choices.
In September, we worked on introduction to School and Study Skills including listening, note taking, homework planning and reading skills. We also conducted a Bus Safety lesson for grades K and 1. Our own Howard Brown brought a bus and the students practiced proper behavior on the bus and safe exits and street crossings.
NECAP
NECAP testing was completed October: Grades 3-6 participated in the Reading and Math portions of the statewide academic testing, and 5th will also participate in the Writing portion. Called the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program), this test will assess our students' progress in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics, meeting the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
NECAP is a comprehensive set of tests that cover a broad range of learning expectations in reading and mathematics. The tests include multiple choice items, short answer items, constructing response items, and writing prompts. Students' performance on these tests will help the state assess the school's Annual Yearly Progress in the content areas.