Important Update

We have had a great start to the school year, and we are now pros at our procedures and daily routine!

In an effort to streamline information at TPS, our class will be moving to Google Classroom for all homework effective immediately.  Each student in the class has been given an email account and password to log into the G Suite; I will share this information with you individually. To log into our Google Classroom follow these steps:

1. Go the the Google search engine.

2. Click the "add email" button. 

3. Type in your child's email and password

4. Once logged in, click on the G Suite (the array of 3x3 dots in the right corner of the screen). 

5. Click on classroom. 

I have already added our class to the student's accounts, so you will not need to put in any kind of code. Once in our class you will see the words stream, classwork, people & "grades on the top of the screen. We will mostly use stream and classwork for our class. 

Think of stream as our new "blog." This is where important announcements and updates will be listed. You can also leave comments in this section if you would like. Our class blog (Wallace's World of Primary) will no longer be updated. 

Think of classwork as homework. The reading log and all homework will be on here. Please note that paper homework will no longer be handed out or turned in. ALL homework is now virtual. 

Once in the classwork tab you will the topics reading, math, writing, social studies/ science, George & Scout only and Aiden, Elizabeth & Georgia only. 

At this time, the reading log is in the Reading section; and I will be able to monitor your child's progress individually directly from the Google Classroom, so there is nothing to copy or print out for reading at this time. 

Starting next Monday, the math section will contain math homework for the week. This will change weekly and contain sheets that will contain practice on topics that were covered the previous week. I recommend printing this out once on Monday, and you will have all the work you will need for the week. I suggest you spread the work out through the week instead of completing it all at once. There is no need to return completed homework unless your child needs that as a form of accountability. If you would like to return the work to me you can take a picture or scan in the work and email it to me. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or need help navigating the Classroom or G Suite. 

Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year!

 I'm so excited to be back at school! This year is going to be different, which means we have the opportunity to be creative and start something new! I look forward to starting the best school year yet! 

Important dates: 

• 8/10-  9:00-9:30- Orientation for all primary families. We will meet in the commons (lunchroom) and end in the classroom. 
• 8/11- teacher workday- no school for students
• 8/12- first day of school! 
• 8/28- teacher workday- no school for students

My notes from orientation: 

• Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My email is jwallace@thepiedmontschool.com. Also, don't forget to sign up for the remind app. Book bags are not checked daily, so If in doubt text me, many reminders from the office don't always pertain to primary. 
• Please refrain from negative and personal comments about the other children at the school.
• Primary is k-2, lower school is 3-5, upper school is 6-8. 
• Keep homework simple and routine orientated
• daily:
• reading log
• Xtramath (more information will follow next week) 
• weekly/ multiple times a week
• math sheet (this will start in a week or 2)
• Fundations packet (this will start next week) 
• Your child will have an account on Reading Eggs, Math Seeds, Lexia and Google Classroom. I will send home more information about this in your child's homework folder in the following weeks. 
• Please complete and return the questionnaire from orientation.
• Supplies this year are not communal, so your child will need the following:
• facemask (please send in an extra mask to keep at school) 
• pencil box
• folder for homework
• scissors
• basic school supplies are provided by the school (crayons, pencils, glue stick, etc.)
• (optional but recommended) extra set of clothes to keep in the office. Don't forget socks and underwear, and remember to keep it season neutral. Extra shoes would be great if possible. Please send clothes in a ziplock bag with your child's name on it. 
• Please do NOT send the following: 
• binder of any kind
• liquid glue
• permanent "Sharpie" markers
• fidget spinners
• toys/stuffed animals
• Use back door if you want to bring your child in the building. 
• We will have a snack in the classroom daily. Please keep this separate from lunch, and labeled with "snack." Unfortunately we will no longer hand out spoons/forks in the classroom. Please no drinks for snack other than water. 
• Dismissal for primary is 2:20- We will always be the first to dismiss. Please do not feel bad about "jumping" the car line. 

Cheers!

-Mr. Wallace

End of Year Announcements

What a wacky spring this has been! I want to give a huge "shout out" to all of you. I know these last few months have been difficult, and I don't think that any of us saw what was coming. I am very proud of all the kids in the class. The following are a few important dates:

5/11- FaceTime/ Zoom sessions with Mr. Wallace
5/13- Google Hangout with Miss. Rohl
5/18- Final FaceTime/ Zoom session for the 2019-2020 school year
5/19- 8:30-10:00 drive-through to pick up end-of-year packets for primary families

If you are not returning to TPS for the 2020-2021 school year please return the Fundations magnet boards, letters, dry-erase boards and any school owned books when picking up your end of year packets. If you are returning for the 2020-2021 school year, those supplies can be returned when we come back in the fall. If your child is missing any personal items at school please let me know before the 19th so that I can look for them and return them to you when you pick up your packets.

I very much look forward to seeing everyone again (even if it's from a distance)! Please have a fun and safe summer, and if there is anything you need please let me know!

-Mr. Wallace

*I hope you enjoy this little slideshow I put together to celebrate the end of the year!

April in the Know

Our class at the HP library on the "set" of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."

 
 Greetings Primary TPS Families! It's been 3 weeks since we have been on campus, but to me it feels like so much longer! I miss seeing the kid's bright faces in the morning, but I agree that we need to respect the CDC guidelines for social distancing during this uncertain time. I will do my best to keep you updated through the blog, texts and FaceTime.

I have throughly enjoyed FaceTiming with your kids this month. We will continue our FaceTime appointments beginning April 20th. Unfortunately many of you were not able to meet this morning, but if you would like a make-up session this week, please let me know. At this point, please plan on a FaceTime/Zoom session during your time slot every Monday for the remainder of the school year:

• April 20th
• April 27th
• May 4th
• May 11th
• May 18th

We made raindrop "stained glass" during our unit on weather. 

Next week we are encouraging families to take a break from distance learning, and enjoy some down time. Of course, if you ever have any questions, or need anything please feel free to reach out to me!

I'm excited to announce that Miss. Rohl will also host a Zoom math/science class every Wednesday as well, so please be on the look-out for an email from her on how to log-in! 

Congratulations to our Panther of the Month, Emmitt! Way to go, Emmitt!

The following are some pictures from our trip to Arabian Nights and our impromptu side trip to Yum Yum's at UNCG. Please be keep healthy and safe! 

March in the Know

This month our themes are family, community, neighbors, transportation  & of course Ireland and St. Patrick. We had a fantastic day at Greenhill Art Gallery; it was a wonderful break from school on a chilly and drizzly day. The kids in this class never cease to amaze me with their creativity! Be sure to check out the pictures below taken on this fun day. 

Congratulations to Lawson for being our Panther of the Month; he was also chosen to take the National Mythology Exam! He was only one of a few from K-12 to be chosen! 

There is a drama field trip planned for Wednesday, March 11th. and a school trip on Wednesday, 3/25. Please keep in mind these are not trips planned my me and permission forms will NOT be sent home. If you would like your child to remain at school these days please let me know directly. 

The Dinosaur group has just started unit 9 in Fundations, so please look for the new homework packet in their bookbags. The Pandas are working on encoding CVC words and writing upper case letters. Please continue to reinforce correct letter formation at home, and even as part of a homework routine. If you would like any materials to assist with this, please let me know. 

Important Dates:

3/5- library books due

3/11- drama field trip "Arabian Nights" at UNCG

3/12- library trip 

3/13- 11:00 dismissal 

3/25- Millis Center field trip 

4/2- library trip 

4/9- school-wide production of "The Lion King" 

4/10/-4/17- school closed for Easter vacation 

5/7- 11:00 dismissal 

5/8- teacher workday

5/21- field trip to the Transportation Museum

5/22- last day of school/ primary graduation 

February in the Know

I enjoyed meeting with those of you who signed up for the optional mid-year conference. We will meet again in May for end of year conferences. Our theme this month is weather, which seemed especially appropriate last week! We have some fun trips planned this month including a trip to Greenhill Art Gallery in Greensboro.

Valentine's Day is this Friday; contrary to what was mentioned in the Panther's Den, we are distributing Valentines to our class ONLY.  If you decide to participate, your child will only need 10 Valentines. Writing "to" and "from" is optional.

Please continue to work on Xtramath and read daily with your child. The reading log may seem to be unnecessary, but I have tried to make it as simple as possible. However, doing this homework is a critical step to teach accountability. Learning this now will save a lot of heartache next year especially if they are transitioning out of primary. 

We have been working with some JYA (9th-12th grade) students on Friday who have been teaching us some Latin! We are currently practicing numbers 1-10. It has been so neat to see how excited our class gets when these big kids come in, and the JYA kids are great with our class.

Please note the following dates:

• 2/13 library trip 
• 2/14 11:00 dismissal
• 2/17 school closed for President's Day
• 2/25 field trip to Greenhill Art Gallery

Our kids are showing off the necklaces they made while learning the Roman numerals for I-X

Keegan and Kendall are showing their school spirit on the 100th day of school. 

January in the Know

I hope that everyone had a wonderful break! January is always a good time to reflect as well as set goals for the future. This month I will start mid-year assessments and make goals for the remainder of the year. We are also switching up our schedule just a bit to allow for more individualized time with the kids. Since the first day of school we have been counting down to the 100th day of school; we will make it to the 100th day this month, and we will have a special day packed with "hundred" themed activities including a trip to the Dollar Tree. Our themes for January are: house and home, Asian culture & Chinese New year. The following are a few important dates:

• Mon. 1/6 first day back for students
• Thurs. 1/9 library trip
• Mon. 1/20 school closed
• Tues. 1/28 100th day- field trip to the Dollar Tree 

A huge thank you to Mrs. Montgomery and Mrs. Garner for planning our class Christmas party, and thank you to Mrs. Tapia for teaching a lesson on Christmas in Mexico. The time and effort you put into making a special event for our kids is very much appreciated, and I know the kids had a blast!

November/December In The Know

November and December are always busy months, and we have a lot of fun and exciting things planned to do before the end of 2019! Our themes for November are Native Americans, Pilgrims, turkeys and forest animals. We have been working on our "thankful books" with Mrs. Tiffany, and we have created some new stations for our guided reading rotations.  Our next trip to the library is this Thursday, and our next class theme day is Turkey Day, which will be on Friday, 11/22. We will bake bread, make butter, build fine motor skills through a special craft and learn about the the early settlers who came to America.

December always goes by so quickly! There is always so much to do and not a lot of time to do it in.  We should be receiving our class books back from Student Treasures Publishing soon; we'll be combining our book reading and class Christmas party this year which will be on Friday, 12/13. We are excited about our Christmas Around the World unit featuring: Scotland, Italy, Sweden, Mexico & the United States. If your family has any traditions we would love to have you be a "guest speaker" in the classroom! Please let me know ASAP if you would like to participate.

The following are a few important dates:

• 11/7- library field trip 
• 11/11- school closed for Veteran's day
• 11/22- class "Turkey Day" 
• 11/26- 11:00 dismissal 
• 11/27-12/2- School closed for Thanksgiving
• 12/12- library field trip 
• 12/13 @ 12:45- class book reading (Parents encouraged to join us!)
• 12/13 @ 1:00- class Christmas party (Parents encouraged to join us!) 
• 12/19- pajama day- 11:00 dismissal 
• 12/20-1/6- school closed for Christmas vacation

The following are Show & Tell themes: 

• 11/8- book
• 11/15- toy
• 11/22- kid's choice
• 12/6- book
• 12/13- toy

We had a great time at our class Halloween party! Here are a few snapshots from the day: 

Class Books!

Please check your child's backpack for fliers about Student Treasures Publishing. We are finalizing our class book, and we will send it off to be published next week. If you would like to receive a copy of the book please complete the form and return it to school ASAP. We need to send off the parent forms with the manuscript on 10/22, so I'll need those forms before Wednesday, please.

Show and Tell

Show & Tell is something that I had gotten away from a few years back because I wanted to keep our time purely academic, or at least what I considered academic. However, more and more research has come out in support of the responsive classroom and the value of teaching "no-tech" communication skills. The more I have researched, the more I believe show and tell time is valuable and academic. Of course show and tell builds community, and the kids have fun, but it also gives the kids the opportunity to communicate and share by building the following skills: speaking and listening, how to be an audience and introduce themselves, how to ask inquiry based questions, make connections between student responses and experiences, anticipate and observe, practice critical reasoning skills, practice storytelling, use and listen to vocabulary, use descriptive language and increase confidence. It's also a great opportunity for those kids who struggle with speech to practice speaking in front of a group in a safe space.

Show and tell for our class is every Friday. The show and tell topics for October/November are the following:

• 10/18- book

• 10/25- toy

• 11/8- book

• 11/15- toy

• 11/22- kid's choice 

October in the Know

Dates at a glance:

• 10/10- library trip (books are due)
• 10/30- end of 1st trimester/ "pumpkin day" 
• 10/31- students may wear costumes/ class party at HP library/ 11:00 dismissal 
• 11/1- teacher workday

This month we will learn about autumn and the changing seasons. We will have our "pumpkin day" on 10/30. During this day, we will use pumpkins to explore concepts in STEM. Our class party will be off campus this year due to our only being in school until 11:00. The High Point Public Library does a wonderful job with Halloween activities, and they have offered to open early that day so that our class can take part in the festivities! We strongly encourage kids to wear costumes, but no super scary costumes or masks, please. 

New reading logs went home last week, and new Fundations packets will be coming home soon. We will start working on this year's class book tomorrow! Our theme is "The ABCs of Christmas." Be sure to look for fliers in your child's folder soon. It is completely optional to purchase a book; however, most of the kids usually want one. This is a fun opportunity for our class, and an excellent opportunity for them to go through the writing/publishing process. Please note this in not a fundraiser, and the school does not receive any profit from the sale of the books. 

We have partnered with JYA this year for reading buddies! On Wednesdays the high school students come to our classroom and they get the opportunity to read to, and be read to by our class! I'm excited about this partnership, and I know the kids are too. 

The following are a few snapshots from our apple farm trip! Thank you so much to the parents who helped chaperone. 

Book Club Opportunity

I wanted to add this to the blog- This is a wonderful opportunity for our 2nd graders. If you had to choose one after school activity, I would highly recommend this one; Mrs. Davis does an amazing job with this book club!

 Book Club: Chocolate Fever- Sign up by 9/26! Mrs. Davis will be offering a fall book club for 2nd-6th graders. Book Club is on Tuesdays and will be 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, and 11/19. Book club is $50 and includes a copy of the book for all members. Any participants who need transportation to Covenant after school program after Book Club must let Mrs. Davis know upon registration. To register, contact the front office.

Apple Farm Field Trip!

In a couple of weeks our class will take a field trip to Millstone Creek Apple Orchard! We have been learning a lot about apples this month, and I know the kids are excited about visiting the farm. Tomorrow you will find a form about the trip, please complete the form and return it to school as soon as you can.

Homework

Recently, there have been several studies done on the effectiveness of reading logs. I believe firmly in accountability; however, accountability for reading at home does not necessarily mean keeping up with a daily reading log. Some recent studies show that reading logs actually hinder young readers because it turns reading into "work" and not something that is done for pleasure.  Some studies suggest that this is a factor in why struggling early readers are reluctant life-long readers. With this in mind I've decided to tweak our homework routine. Instead of keeping up with a reading log (thank you to those who have been doing this!) I will send home a monthly sheet like the one below:

Have your child color one leaf for each (5-10 for kindergarten, 10-15 for 1st, and 15-20 for 2nd) minute block of reading. I will collect the sheets at the end of the month.

Hopefully this will help make the homework process more streamlined and painless as possible.  I hope you know that I am not a "worksheet teacher," and I certainly do NOT believe in the "drill and kill" method. I also believe that homework practice needs to be independent- Students practicing a skill incorrectly is simply reinforcing negative habits. The following is a quote from Dr. Jean Feldman's blog, "Dr. Jean & Friends."

"My daughter brought up the point that many parents WANT homework and are impressed with lengthy assignments because they think it will make their children smarter. In the book Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators,Teachers, and Parents, Harris Cooper put together a variety of research studies on homework. He found that in elementary school, homework has almost no impact on academic achievement. In middle school, the results are mixed. In high school, moderate levels of homework can help the learning process." -Dr. Jean Feldman

Homework should be meaningful and helpful. In the primary grades math facts practice, sight word practice and reading practice are really the only things that I recommend be practiced at home. To help with this I recommend the following for nightly homework:

• Xtramath for math fact practice (< 5 minutes)
• read aloud on-level text OR listen to good literature (5-20 minutes)
• Literacy skill practice - Reading Eggs (< 20 minutes) 

September In The Know

Our themes for September are "school days" & "apples." We will use these themes to introduce both narrative and expository writing, explore the difference between fiction and nonfiction literary genres,  learn about pollination and improve our counting skills. We are excited about our trip to Millstone Creek Apple Orchard this month! This is a great family-run farm that is very student friendly. The class will have the opportunity to learn about and taste different apple varieties, learn about tree grafting first-hand, make apple cider and of course we will go on a hayride through the farm just for fun! Johnny Appleseed Day is on the 23rd. During this day we will read and write about John Chapman as well use our math skills to make some apple goodies at school!

This month we will review correct letter formation and letter sounds. A common error many students make is not forming letters from the top to the bottom. Please encourage correct letter formation at home using the Fundations homework packet as a reference. Also, many students want to add the schwa sound to the end of many letter sounds, for example /b/-buh. When you hear those sounds just tell your child to "clip" the sound, and they will know what you are talking about. I am telling the students to "clip" these sounds in class as well. I know this may sound picky, but it truly makes a difference for emergent readers. The video below explains this in better detail:

The following are our show-and-tell themes for Friday:

• 8/30-toy
• 9/6-book
• 9/13-toy
• 9/20-book

-Show-and-tell items must be small enough to fit in a backpack, and they may not be alive. I encourage students to take pictures of any living items they want to share.

Math this month is all about place value up to 100 and building number sense. I would really love for the kids to have a solid foundation in the basics before moving to more abstract concepts.  

We will have our parent-teacher (IIP) conferences the first week of October. During this time we will look at beginning of the year data and set goals for the year. Please be sure to look for a Sign-up Genius in your email inbox soon for dates and times to sign-up. Of course, I'm always available to meet if you have questions before October. 

Upcoming Dates: 

• 8/30- 11:00 dismissal
• 9/2- no school 
• 9/6-book show-and-tell
• 9/13-toy show-and-tell
• 9/19- library trip- Please send in booster/ car seats
• 9/20- book show-and-tell
• 9/23- Johnny Appleseed Day
• 9/25 (tentative date-permission forms will come home soon)- apple farm field trip Please send in booster/ car seats
• 9/26- 11:00 dismissal 
• 9/27- no school
• 9/30-10/11- parent/teacher conferences

Welcome!

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! 

It has been so great getting to know the kids this week; this is definitely a special group! We have been working on assessments and leveling this week; next week we will start our regular schedule. I have had to adjust the schedule slightly from the one that was sent home in your packet during orientation. During our 9:30-10:00 rotation I will split the class in half to allow for more individualized time in enrichment and computer lab. Each group will receive two days of enrichment and 2 days of computer lab. On Mondays the class will have guidance with Mrs. Linn and Technology with Mr. Davis.

Homework will start on Monday. You will find a Fundations packet and a reading log in your child's folder on Monday. Your child has also been set up with an Xtramath.com account. I recommend you complete the Xtramath sessions nightly to help your child remember their math facts. Please see the video clip below for Xtramath directions (fliers will be sent home on Monday). I will check the folders periodically and provide an incentive for the students who are consecutively keeping up with their log. Perhaps the most important thing that you can do with your child is read with them for at least 20 minutes daily.

Important dates:

• August 30- 11:00 dismissal
• September 2- Labor day- no school 
• September 19- library field trip 

On my commute to school I like to listen to Podcasts; A podcast that I have recently come across is titled "The Early Childhood Research Podcast." I have copied links below to a show about Dyslexia and struggling readers. They did a great job explaining what Dyslexia is and how to help kids in the primary grades. I thought it was well done and wanted to share that with you. 

I'm so excited for this school year; I know it is going to be terrific! 

-Mr. Wallace

Click here for the Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-early-childhood-research-podcast/id1039178520?i=1000401431947

Click here for the transcript/website- https://www.lizs-early-learning-spot.com/dyslexia-and-early-intervention-23/

Happy Summer!

It has truly been a pleasure teaching your child this year! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about summer work. Below is the video I made for the awards ceremony. I hope you have a fun and safe summer! I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus in August!

Help with sight words

Many of you asked about sight/spelling words during our conference. My system is as follows:

1. Show words with magnets. 
2. Take away a letter(s) and ask what's missing. 
3. Have kids build the words on their own.
4. Kids push up the letters.
5. Kids table trace the letters. 
6. Have kids cover the word and write it on a whiteboard (they can peek at the covered up word if they need to). 
7. Spell a previously learned word.
8. Spell the new word again. 

End of Year Notes

We've made it to the last week of school! Things usually get pretty hectic this time of year so I thought I would send out a few notes and reminders:

• Tomorrow (5/21) we will follow a regular morning schedule, but the afternoon is reserved for "electronics day." Our class will be in the classroom in the afternoon instead of going to specials. The kids are welcome to bring in any electronic device/ hand-held video games.  However, violent games are discouraged. 
• Wednesday is "Fun Day." Our class is going to Tumblebees Gym in the morning, and the family picnic is in the afternoon. *The picnic is an unstructured event that you are welcome to attend. If you decide to come, I recommend you bring your own chairs/picnic blanket. There will be no academics/class this day. 
• Thursday is the last day at school. We will watch a movie and clean the classroom this day. 
• Friday is the awards ceremony at St. Mary's fellowship hall from 8:30-9:30. 

Strawberry Farm Field Trip

Our trip to the strawberry farm is this Wednesday (5/8). It looks like the weather will cooperate with us, so we are looking forward to a nice day! You are more than welcome to join us at the farm 6121 Riverdale Dr. in High Point. We will arrive at the farm around 9:00 and plan to leave around 11:15. We are planning on having a picnic at the farm, so please send a bagged lunch. If you ordered lunch your child can either have it when we return to school or take it home with them after school. Also, please have your child wear their field trip shirt on Wednesday.