Newsletter-December 5th

There is LOTS of information to share this week!

First, please view our weekly newsletter.  We try to include as much information as possible to keep you informed of classroom happenings. :) Download December 5

If your copy of the weekly homework gets misplaced, you can download another copy here: Download Five-Star Tiered Homework 12-5 We tried to "bump up" the star values so your child may be able to choose fewer activities to complete since we would love to see students also practicing their math facts.  Mad Minutes will be coming home Tuesday-Friday.  Children who return Mad Minute practice will be recognized for their hard work by taking a bow in front of the class and receiving extra money for the treasure box.  Remember, your child does not need to complete the entire back (40 problems) in order to be recognized.  Here are some additional ideas to "mix up" practice time:

    1. You could have your child complete as many as possible in 1 minute 15 seconds and see if he/she beats the number completed in class (the answers written in pencil were done in the allotted time).

    2. You could complete some of the problems (and make a few "careless" mistakes!).  Ask your child to check your work.  When they are looking for errors, they have to solve every problem.  It's a great way to make practice a game!

    3. Practice with flashcards.  Just write a quick note that you used flashcards and your child will still be recognized for practicing.

    4. Use the PowerPoints (look on the right side for the "pages") to practice.  The computer always makes things more fun! Write a quick note that you used the PowerPoints so your child will still be recognized for his/her hard work!

    5. Call out facts while in the car, in line, setting the dinner table, etc.  Write a list of problems (2 + 1 =__, 2 + 3 = __, 5 + 2 = __, etc.) and post it on the fridge.  Have your child answer all the problems each time he/she opens the fridge.  Don't forget to let us know if you practiced!

 

Additional copies of the December specials calendar can be downloaded here: Download December

Scholastic book orders went home on Friday.  If you see something you are interested in purchasing, you may send a paper copy of the order to school (with cash or a check made payable to Varner) or order online.  If you place an order online, you will need the class activation code of GNCF3. If you place an order online, our class will also receive a free book! I will be placing the order on Wednesday, December 7th so the books should arrive before the holiday break.  Please let me know if you are purchasing an item as a gift, and we can make arrangements for a "secret pick-up."  There are additional catalogs available to browse online.  I know I found a bunch of great gifts for my little nieces, nephews, and friends' children of various ages. :)  I just can't stop buying books!  It's really a bit of an addiction at this point...

Coming up at Varner

Boosterthon Fun Run:

As of Thursday, December 1, 2011  we have collected 65% of the pledges for a school profit of over $11,600! Great job!  ( 10% of the total money collected  from each classroom  on Thursday, December 1, 2011 will be going back to the teacher to use for classroom supplies. )  If you haven't had a chance to turn in your  pledges yet, please do so as soon as you can. Our goal is 100%!  If we  get 95% of the pledges turned in by December 20, 2011, Dr. Adeli, Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Mueller will dress up as the "3 Blind Mice" for a WHOLE DAY!!  

Varner Giving Tree: Monday December 5-Friday December 12, 2011

The is Varner's holiday outreach program to Varner families.  During the weeks of December 5^th  and December 12^th, a tree will be set up in the front lobby of the school. This tree will be decorated with stars identifying the gift wishes of participating Varner families. If you would like your child to select a star from the tree, please complete and return the form that went home Friday. The counselors will assist your child in selecting a star from the tree each morning from 7:15am to 7:50am.  If you would like to come by the school to select a star yourself, then please ask the counselors or front office for assistance. After the item has been purchased, please tape the star to the UNWRAPPED gift and return it to the school counselors.  We would like all gifts to be turned in by Friday, December 16^th.  However, the absolute deadline is Monday, December 19^th.

Thank you for your generosity as we reach out to those who need our support and for working together to help teach all students about the importance of giving. Tina Carty and Amy Chupp: Varner's Professional School Counselors 770-222-3778

 

Breakfast Seminar: Tuesday,  December 6, 2011. 8:15 A.M.

Join us for an informative breakfast seminar "How can we help our children with basic reading and math skills?"  Join a few of Varner’s teachers as they discuss ways that you can reinforce basic reading and math skills with your student at home.  They will also give some tips for making homework more meaningful. So that we may plan for the light breakfast that will be served, please R.S.V.P.  by emailing the Home and School Key Team at:sandra.smith@cobbk12.org   (When emailing, please include your name and the ages of your child(ren). 

 

Chick-fil-A: Wednesday, December 7, 2011. 

Biscuits will be sold outside in the front of school for carpool students and in the lobby for bus riders. The biscuits are $2.50 each.

Movie Night: Friday, December 9, 2011 

 Smurf''s Movie      Rated: PG

Doors open at 6:35pm. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. The movie will be shown in the cafeteria. You will be able to purchase pizza, drinks, chips, popcorn, and candy at the concession stand. It is free to get in with an adult. If a Varner student is being dropped off to watch the movie, the cost is $5.00 per child. Please be prompt in picking up your child after the movie. (Parent consent and release form must be filled out.)

The movie will start promptly at 7:00pm and will end at 8:45pm. 

 All Proceeds benefit 5^th Grade Day 2012