Garfield March Newsletter

Spring has sprung, for the moment anyway, and our Garfield Braves are bursting with energy! We've had a wonderful few weeks filled with learning and growth, and we're excited about what's ahead. Your children continue to amaze us with their hard work and enthusiasm, and we're seeing fantastic progress in classrooms, on the playground, and during school events. We encourage you to keep supporting them at home by celebrating their efforts, big and small.

We have some exciting events coming up. Spring break is just around the corner, from March 17th] to March 24th, offering a chance for everyone to relax and recharge. We're also thrilled to invite you to the Garfield Braves Spring Music Concerts! Your children have been working hard to prepare, and they'll be showcasing their musical talents. Be on the look out for our 2nd and 3rd grade concert and our Kindergarten and 1st grade music night. Please come and support them!

In the classroom, our teachers are focusing on completing our 3rd 9 week standard, and you can help at home by keeping an eye on the learning that is happening in your child's class through grade level or class newsletters or Dojo messages. We'll also be emphasizing Perserverance, Fairness, and Staying on Task through our Boys Town Skills, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home. I will be sharing more resources at the bottom of this months newsletter. Your partnership is crucial to your child's success, and we appreciate your continued support. We're committed to providing a positive and enriching learning environment for all our Garfield Braves. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school office. Let's make this spring a season of growth and joy for our children!

What Are the Kansas State Assessments?

Think of the KAP as a yearly check-up for your child's learning. Just like a doctor checks their physical health, these tests check how well they're grasping the key concepts they're learning in school. They're designed to see if students are meeting the state's educational standards.

What Do They Measure?

These assessments focus on three main subjects:

• English Language Arts (ELA): This checks how well your child reads, writes, and understands what they read. It looks at things like reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
• Math: This measures their understanding of math concepts, from basic arithmetic in elementary school to more advanced algebra and geometry in later grades.
• Science: This assesses their knowledge of scientific concepts and their ability to think like a scientist.

Your child will typically take these tests in grades 3 through 8, and again in 10th (ELA and Math) and 5th, 8th, and 11th(Science).

Why Do They Matter?

• These tests help teachers understand where your child is excelling and where they might need extra help.
• They give schools and the state an overall picture of how well students are learning.
• They help ensure that all students in Kansas are receiving a quality education.

  
  

How Can You Help Your Child Prepare at Home?

You don't need to be a teacher to help your child succeed! Here are some simple things you can do:

• Make Reading a Habit: Encourage your child to read every day, even if it's just for 20 minutes. Talk about what they're reading to check their understanding.
• Practice Math Skills: Review math facts, play math games, and find ways to incorporate math into everyday activities, like cooking or measuring.
• Encourage Curiosity About Science: Explore science together! Do simple experiments, visit science museums, or watch educational shows.
• Get Familiar with the Test Format: The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) website and many school districts offer practice tests. Have your child take a practice test to get comfortable with the types of questions they'll see.
• Ensure Good Habits: Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time, especially during testing days.
• Stay Positive: Encourage your child to do their best and remind them that these tests are just one measure of their learning. Avoid creating unnecessary stress.
• Communicate with the Teacher: Stay in touch with your child's teacher to understand their progress and any areas where they might need extra help.
• KSDE Resources: The Kansas State Department of Education website is your best official resource.

We're so proud of our 2nd graders for meeting their February reading goals! Congratulations to all the students! And what a perfect day to enjoy lunch outdoors.

We're so proud of our 4th graders! They recently participated in an exciting coding challenge using mini Sphero robots. The students were tasked with programming their Spheros to complete various tasks, and they demonstrated incredible creativity and problem-solving skills.

A huge congratulations to Mr. Davis's class for winning the challenge with an impressive score of 11,300 points! Their teamwork and coding expertise were truly outstanding. As a reward for their hard work, they enjoyed some delicious homemade chocolate cookies.

We were so proud of our 4th graders' 'Garfield Famous Kansans Wax Museum' presented on Friday, February 28th. Each student demonstrated their expertise on a Kansan who made a real impact.

This month, as a school, we'll be embarking on a shared journey of discovery through ReadWorks! We'll be diving into some fascinating topics, exploring the incredible journeys and contributions of women throughout history as we celebrate Women's History Month, and you might see some related materials coming home. In addition, we'll be exploring the exciting worlds of sports and athletics, and the fascinating field of architecture and design. Your child will discover the dedication and innovation behind these diverse areas. ReadWorks, our fantastic online resource, will provide engaging reading passages and activities that allow us to learn about these themes together, fostering a sense of shared learning and helping students further develop their reading skills and comprehension. It’s a great way for them to practice and learn more about the inspiring stories of women who have shaped our world, the dedication of athletes, and the creative minds behind our buildings and spaces

"Encyclopaedia Britannica Kids: Look at Her Go! Women Athletes Who Played to Win":

• This book introduces young readers to various female athletes and their achievements. It's a great way to inspire a love of sports and highlight the strength and determination of women in athletics.

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines" by Jeanne Walker Harvey:

• This book tells the story of Maya Lin, the architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It's a fantastic introduction to architecture and design, as well as a powerful story of artistic vision.

"The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander:

• This Newbery Medal-winning novel is written in verse and tells the story of twin basketball players. It explores themes of family, friendship, and sportsmanship.

Books from the "Who Was...?" series, such as "Who Was Babe Ruth?" or "Who Was Jackie Robinson?"

• These books provide excellent biographical information on famous sports figures.

• This board book introduces basic shapes through the lens of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic architecture. It's a great way to combine early learning with design appreciation.

Perseverance: This means sticking with a task even when it's challenging.

• At Home: Encourage your child to complete items (chores/activities) even when they feel difficult. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Praise their effort and resilience, not just the outcome. If they are learning a new skill, like riding a bike, encourage them to keep trying.

• At Home: Model fair behavior in your own interactions. Discuss the importance of taking turns, sharing, and resolving conflicts peacefully. During family games, emphasize playing by the rules and being a good sport. Discuss situations from daily life and ask your child how they could be fair in those situations.

• At Home: Create a designated study space free from distractions. Help your child establish a routine for completing homework and chores. Use a timer to help them focus on specific tasks. Encourage them to finish one task before starting another. When they are distracted, gently remind them of the task at hand.

Don't miss our 2nd and 3rd graders as they bring the hits of the 50's and 60's to life in their performance of "Off Their Rockers"! Join us on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 PM at the OHS Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 6:15 PM.