Notes From Mrs. Bell---

Another week has come and gone quickly!  We don't seem to have difficulties making use of  every minute of our school day together!  Thank you for helping your children be so responsible each morning getting them here on time so we can begin our day well.  It does make a difference if they are running late as they come in behind and it's hard to catch up as we do have something happening every minute of our busy school day! Perhaps adding an alarm clock to your child's Christmas Wish List would help them learn to be more responsible with their morning time as you prepare for school each day!  

Brr! One day we need coats, hats and gloves and the next day it's t-shirts only for recess!  Please help your child dress for this ever changing Fall weather we've been experiencing.  Some students have only come to school in short sleeve t-shirts when they needed a coat especially at first recess.  We are outside three times a day and need the proper gear to enjoy it.  Have them put a jacket, 1/4 zip jacket, sweatshirt, hoodie sweatshirt, etc. in their backpack on a daily basis to have available in or outside.  In fact, have you checked their Winter apparel yet to see if it still fits from last year...I certainly hope we don't need it until AFTER Thanksgiving, but it never hurts to be prepared just in case.  We'll enjoy all recesses outside unless Mother Nature has it too cold or it's raining.  Thank you for helping your child be ready to enjoy their recess time!

Tickets, tickets, tickets! You've probably heard your child talk about the pink PBIS tickets they've been earning this school year.  Our students are receiving tickets for exhibiting respectful, responsible and safe behavior in our designated areas.  Each week classroom teachers draw two tickets from their classroom jar.  These winners receive a student selected prize in the MP East Office.  Each classroom jar of tickets goes into our "Hawks Nest" located in the front hall.  This Friday we'll have our first PBIS Assembly awarding one student from each classroom in each grade for being respectful, responsible and safe throughout the day in all settings of the school.  Watch your email as I'll be emailing one family letting them know of the surprise award and inviting them to come share in the excitement to see and hear how their child was nominated for this outstanding behavior award!  Thank you students for working hard to be respectful, responsible and safe all day long at Mid-Prairie East Elementary School!

One of the best ways to help your child learn reading skills is to read aloud to him or her.  Reading aloud and talking about books helps your child understand stories and make sense of words.  As you read aloud, your child "makes pictures" in his or her head, imagining the story in action.  Your child's vocabulary will grow as he or she hears new exciting words and ideas.  Try reading aloud to your child - it's easy, fun and educational!  Students shared where they are keeping their October Reading Calendar posted at home.  These calendars went home on September 29th in their Homework Folders.  Please help direct your child where to place their calendar in a safe place that can be marked on daily with how much reading they are doing, hearing at home, etc.  If you misplaced it, just print one or create your own to keep track of this month's minutes.  We will be tracking minutes through April.

ClassDojo is a simple, safe classroom management app that helps teachers encourage students in class and easily communicates with parents.  Each Friday we will print our individual ClassDojo pie charts and then students will individually evaluate their week by setting goals for the next week.  I trust you'll take time to go through this with your child to see how they can improve their behavior each week.

As the first quarter comes to a close this week next week, we have plenty of tests to complete to share with you when we meet for Parent Teacher Conferences.  I'm sure they'll be eager to share a new seating arrangement for most students next week too! 

We look forward to sharing with you when you come for Parent Teacher Conferences on either Tuesday, November 7 or Thursday, November 9 from 4-8pm.  Thank you for signing up for conferences so quickly online! We have just four families yet to sign up.  Please go to the link sent to you via email or found elsewhere on our class blog to sign in and get signed up today.  My schedule allows me to meet with you for 15 minutes, so it’s important to come a bit early so we can make use of our short time together.  I will be sending home a confirmation slip on Monday, November 6 just to remind you of your scheduled conference time with me.   I am anxious to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress this quarter.  Thank you for understanding!

Each Friday we celebrate our Mid-Prairie pride by wearing our Mid-Prairie apparel! Show your school spirit and wear it proudly each Friday.  Check out the Mid-Prairie School website for ongoing apparel sales throughout the school district all year long.  Furthermore, each Wednesday we'll continue our Workout Wednesdays to promote healthier living by working out while eating healthier!  

Get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather Mother Nature 

has blessed us with this month! I'm hopeful we can get back into the fields to continue our soybean and corn harvest later this week too.  I look forward to seeing everyone Saturday afternoon/evening at the Mid-Prairie Student Boosters Color Run! I will be ready to blast you with color as you walk/run past my station!!