Parent teacher conferences are once again upon us. This is a wonderful opportunity that we have as parents to become aware and involved in our children’s school year. This is an occasion in which to honor the relationship between teacher and parent; to strengthen the connection between home and school; to talk privately with your child’s teacher about such a precious part of your life...your child and student.

I believe that the we both have the best interest of your child in common. Let’s come together early in the year to fully reinforce that mutual goal and ensure our children are getting the support they need to be successful in school academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Parent and Teacher Conference serves as a moment to:

• Talk exclusively about your child’s strengths and weaknesses

• Answer your questions, so ask lots.

• Find out about special programs the school uses to motivate its students -

especially in the arts!!

• Learn and understand about reading and math levels

The intimacy in which this conference takes place is a good starting point to begin communicating with your child’s teacher. Embrace the time and use it to develop a sense of purpose and a direction for growth for your student this school year.

Tips to help keep your child healthy.

Children get sick when germs and viruses get into their bodies. Being outside in the cold weather does not make them get sick. The opposite is true; going out for fresh air helps limit the contact with indoor germs that are “captured” by keeping doors and windows closed during the winter. Children normally get 7-10 “colds” per year. Per District policy, all elementary students will have outdoor recess unless the temperature falls below 10 degrees; wind chill makes it below 10 degrees or other weather condition as determined by the Principal. As referenced in the parent/student handbook, a doctor's note is needed to be excused from recess. Please make sure you children come to school each day with the clothing that they need. They will go outside for fresh air and activity.

These tips apply to adults as well as children!

• One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is by hand-washing. This is simple and easy but often overlooked. Warm running water and plain soap are the most effective way to remove the germs. If water is not available, hand sanitizer could be used, but this is not as effective as the soap and water.

• Catch your cough and sneezes, in your elbow or shoulder

• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing

• Keep your hands off your face, eyes, nose and mouth

• Keep your fingers, pencils and other objects out of your mouth

• Stay home if you are sick, you cannot learn when you don't feel well and you will spread the virus and get others sick.

• Do not share personal items (drinks, cups, combs, cell phones, etc.)

• Use a tissue if needed and throw away immediately then wash your hands

• Get your flu shot every year

STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS THAT MAKE YOU AND OTHERS SICK

Joan Robinson, IAA’s former Drama Coach, was a welcome visitor at school this week. Joan will be visiting IAA regularly to lead students in Poetry Breaks. This week some fifth graders performed a spooky version of “Adventures of Isabel, Part 2” by Ogden Nash on Halloween. Welcome back, Joan!

Fourth and Fifth Grade students went to the Flynn Center recently to see the award-winning Ping Chong and Company perform Beyond Sacred: Voices of Muslim Identity. Beyond Sacred is an interview-based theater production exploring the social challenges faced by young Muslims — at school, at work, and anywhere else.

IAA Players performed Big Pumpkin at Monday Morning meeting this week in honor of Halloween. Mr. T reprised his role as the pumpkin and Ms. Jen Peake was exceptional as the witch. Thanks to all the teachers who pulled this show together in a short space of time!

Jenny Norris

Drama Teacher

5th graders have continued to learn how to compose using notation by using the online cloud-based software called Noteflight. They are learning the tool by filling in the missing notes in familiar melodies.

4th graders have been having a blast remixing short video clips and sounds using the composing tool called MadPad. Listening to musical examples and then making musical choices is a skill that can be generalized to their academic work.

3rd graders are moving smoothly from learning about the connection between musical notes and fractions to reading, writing and playing short musical compositions. We will continue to extend this learning in the next few weeks.

2nd graders have been learning about the musical differences between major and minor sounds. They learned to sing a minor melody called Falling Leaves and even turned it into a beautiful round!

Kindergarten and first graders have been singing songs and playing games that have included many pumpkins lately!