December 2017

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it

under a tree! Assistant Principal’s Corner

PK: The months of October and November have proven to be exciting in the Pre-K classrooms. We have studied Fire Prevention, Bats, Pumpkins, Trees, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving. We had an exciting trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Aldersgate United Methodist. We also enjoyed a visit from local firefighters who taught us about fire safety. A trip to the Opera House to see Pete the Cat was an-other highlight for us. Our musical talents have been shining as we have learned to spell all of the color words through music. Way to go Pre-K!

Mid-Year Success Check-up

Wow! It is already December? The busier you are, the faster the times seems to fly. As we approach the mid-point of the school year, it is a good time to do a mid-year check-up. Sometimes life gets so busy that we often forget to slow down, take a breath, and see if we are headed in the right direction. The same is true for elementary students. Use the following checklist to determine if you and your child are headed in the right direction. The extend-

ed holiday break might be an excellent time to make any needed adjustments!

Did I attend parent conferences and PTA meetings? If not, this is a really good time to show your child that you really support his/her educational efforts.

Did I visit the school or check out the school website? Students always enjoy having their parents drop in and eat lunch with them. And you can often check for events and updates on the school website. (http://wde.sumterschools.net/ )

Did I regularly check homework assignments and make sure that they were completed? Homework serves as reinforcement of the skills that are being taught in the classroom. This will help ensure the academic success of your child.

Did I send my child to school ready to learn on a daily basis? Ensuring that your child starts the day with a nutritious breakfast helps get the day off to a good start. Also make sure that your child is getting the appropri-ate amount of sleep each night. This ensures that he/she is wide awake and ready to learn.

Did I make sure that my child arrived on time on a daily basis? While we know that life happens, learning to be punctual is part of becoming a responsible citizen. Even if your child is only 5 minutes late every day, it adds up: 25 minutes a week = 125 minutes a month =1250 minutes a year, which adds up to approximately

20 hours of instruction. Have I worked on helping develop my child’s organiza-

tional skills? By developing organizational skills, stu-dents are able to focus more on instruction and spend

less time in search of a missing assignment or note. Did I help my child develop study skills? It is important to

help younger students develop a plan or strategy for dealing with tests. Make sure you stay aware of when your child has tests and set aside a time for preparing for the test ahead of time, not just the night before the test.

During the holiday break, spend time with your child doing something that both of you enjoy. Play a board game or work on putting a puzzle together. Your time is the most important key to your child’s future success.

Ms. Christmas

School supplies-pencils, erasers, crayons, glue sticks, etc.

Word games Baseballs and bats

Memory games Math flash cards

Books, books, books Puzzles

Number games Sidewalk chalk

Building blocks

Legos and construction kits

Arts and crafts kits

Outdoor games

Bikes Have a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!

SANTA SUGGESTS:

KINDERGARTEN: The weather may have cooled down, however, our Kindergarteners have “warmed up” their academic skills. In December, for Reading and Social Studies, we will be comparing different versions of the Gingerbread man as well as sharing family holiday traditions. In Science, we will be learn-ing about how weather affects humans and animals. In Math, we will be building up (composing) and breaking apart (decomposing) numerals to 10. We have just finished up our first quarter parent conferences. We enjoyed meeting with you to discuss your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses. Your constant support and involvement in your child’s edu-cation will help them meet their fullest potential. Don’t forget to read to and with your child every night!!! Happy Holidays!

Eagle Eye News

Trevor Ivey, Principal Pat Christmas, Assistant Principal Dwan Beach, Curriculum Coach Lesa Shuping, School Counselor

THIRD GRADE: All of the 3rd graders have been busy studying the first settle-ments of Colonial South Carolina. Everyone seemed to enjoy learning about the early days of S.C. As a special feature of S.C. History, the third grade classes went on a field trip to the Sumter County Museum. We are planning our field trip to Camden’s Revolutionary War Site. More news on this later. We are cur-rently studying the Properties and Changes in Matter in Science. In math, we are learning many new strategies for solving multi-plication and division problems, properties of multiplication, and our multiplication time tables. In Reader’s Workshop, we are working on a detailed study of non-fiction/informational texts. We will be learning about Poetry for a few weeks in Janu-ary before the end of the 2nd Quarter. In Writer’s Workshop, students are working on their Response to Informational Text writing. Later, they will be writing some poetry and sharing with their fellow students in a Poetry Anthology.

SECOND GRADE: Second grade is sliding into knowledge. We are so excited about the rigorous challenges ahead of us this quarter. In math, we are working on two digit addition and subtraction. Remem-ber to practice at home. In reading, we are learning new strate-gies, such as making connections and asking question so that we may become self directed, critical thinkers. In writing, we are exploring various ways to share our opinions. In social studies, we are learning all about our local, state, and federal government. For science, we are still learning about matter. As a matter of fact, "Learning Matters!" Parents, please take time to work with your child at home on these concepts.

FIFTH GRADE:

With a successful 1st quarter behind us, the 5th grade is ready to take on many new challenges. In Math the students will be fin-ishing up with division, and will be working with decimals. In Science they will be studying landforms until the end of the 2nd quarter. After spending time working with narratives, the stu-dents will begin reading nonfiction and writing informational Essays in ELA. Finally in Social Studies, we will be studying WWI, the Roaring 20s, and The Great Depression. We look forward to another great quarter.

FIRST GRADE: First graders are working hard to build reading stamina for independent reading time. In math, students are mastering flu-

ency in adding and subtracting numbers. Our first grade scien-tists are asking questions and looking for answers about the

sun, moon ,light, and shadows. They are completing many hands-on activities to find answers to questions in science.

Students enjoyed the Super Moon the night of November 14th, when the moon was the closest it has been to Earth since 1948. Social Studies has been centered on likenesses and dif-

ferences in ways of living in the past and now.

FOURTH GRADE: Over the past few weeks, our Fourth Graders have been studying the Colonization of America. On November 16th, the students participated in Colonial Day. Some of the activities from that exciting learning experience included making horn books, play-ing Colonial games, making candles, and creating quilt squares. In Reader’s Workshop, our students have completed the Novel Unit, Phineas MacGuire Gets Slimed. Along with the book, stu-dents were able integrate Science by observing how mold grows on different objects. In Writer’s Workshop, the Fourth Graders are focusing on Opinion Writing and continue working on gram-mar skills and sentence structure. In Science, we are beginning our unit on Light and Sound. We are notebooking to help focus on the skills introduced in this unit. In Math, we are working on two digit by two digit multiplication and division. The students have been shown different ways to find the answer to a multipli-cation problem. They have been encouraged to use the way that works best for them. We are excited to have Reflex Math back this year . Please continue to practice multiplication facts with your child.

See any Willow Drive Teacher or student to

purchase your school card.

OUR VISION STATEMENT At Willow Drive Elementary, all students will receive the respect, en-couragement and opportunities they need to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be successful, contributing members of a global society.

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Willow Drive Elementary is to develop competent, lifelong learners by providing a thorough and effective educational program which prepares students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing society.

Nondiscrimination Statement Sumter School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in admission to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. For inquiries regarding the policy, contact the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel or the Di-rector of Specialized Programs, Sumter School District, 1345 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 or call 803-469-6900.

GUIDANCE: In parenting, remember…First comes the performance, then comes the recognition. A reward is only given after the desira-ble behavior occurs and should be given as soon as possi-ble. Always include verbal praise along with any tangible re-ward. For example, if you give your child $5 for every A on his report card, also say “You have been very responsible with your grades this term. I’m proud of you!” (from Responsible Parenting by Robert Kline, Ph.D. and Julie Kline,

Notes from the Nurse: Cold Weather and Asthma Asthma attacks occur more often during the win-ter months for many people. Two of the chal-lenges are: (1) more time is spent inside and (2) it is cold outside. According to Eric Metcalf, MPH, “while you’re indoors, you breathe in asthma triggers such as mold, pet dander, dust mites, and even fires in the fireplace. When you venture out, you could have an asthma attack from inhaling the cold air” (WebMD, 2017). For these reasons alone, students who have asthma must take precautions to avoid cold air and pre-vent asthma flare-ups. Here are a few tips:

Limit time around pets. Cover bedding, Keep your house cool and dry. Wash your hands. Stay away from people who are sick. Get your flu shot. Cover your face while outside (drape a scarf over your

mouth and nose) to prevent inhaling cold air. Take your long-term asthma medicine daily. Keep your emergency short-term inhaler with you at all

times. Know your asthma triggers. If your child has asthma, please make sure you speak with me so that we can provide the best care for your scholar.

DATES TO REMEMBER: December 1st - Interim Reports December 3rd- Choir /Step Team Christmas Parade December 4th -11th -Santa Shop December 5th—Golden Chick Spirit Night December 7th—Make-Up Pictures December 11th—PTA Winter Wonderland December 15th—SPIRIT DAY—Wear school colors!!! December 18th- 1st Grade Planetarium Field Trip December 19th—Last day before Winter Break December 20th—January 2nd—WINTER BREAK December 28th– Sonic Spirit Night January 3rd—Students return to school January 18th—End of 2nd Quarter January 15th—MARTIN L. KING, Jr. DAY -No School

January 19th — Make-up day -students have school