What's Happening in your Grade in November?

KINDERGARTEN no report.

FIRST GRADE November is a month of Thanksgiving. We will be doing many activities that focus on Thanksgiving. We will be studying about customs and traditions such as popcorn and butter making. We will also be studying nutrition--learning the food pyramid and understanding what kinds of foods we should be eating to live a healthy lifestyle. We will also be learning about good hygiene--being good to your nose and cold prevention. We always encourage our students and their parents to read at home to reinforce the skills taught at school.

As we head into November, SECOND GRADERS will be learning about Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims in Reading and Language Arts. In Math, we will be extending our present skills with money and measuring. We will continue to practice adding and subtracting with two and three digits (without regrouping). We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.

THE THIRD GRADE would like to thank the Rotary Club for donating dictionaries to our students. They are becoming better at spelling and writing because of them. We are also excited to meet with parents for Parent Teacher Conferences. This year the 3rd grade is going on a field trip to the Clark Planetarium. Tracks A and B are going on Tuesday, November 23rd. Our team wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

FOURTH GRADE Tips for not being a TURKEY in 4th grade this month:

Twenty minutes or reading a night.
Use common sense and dress for the weather
Recorders will be ordered
Keep practicing multiplication facts
Everyone come to Parent Teacher Conferences
Yearn to learn!

FIFTH GRADERS continue to work hard. In math we're tackling long division and beginning fractions. Colonial America will come alive for students in Social Studies. Many 5th graders are learning their states, capitals, and postal abbreviations. Mrs. Onaderra, our literacy specialist, is helping our students become fantastic writers. She's especially focusing on persuasive writing with them to prepare them for our State Writing Assessment we will take in February. Continue to encourage your students to study weekly spelling and vocabulary words and be prepared on all their book reports and poem recitations. We're proud of how hard our students are working!

Did you know that SIXTH GRADE has a Guidance Program? We meet together as a grade and discuss how important it is to show kindness and respect for others. We focus on a specific character trait each session. These include extending the hand of friendship, responsibility, integrity, individual differences, bullying, moving past mistakes, setting goals, truthfulness, etc. Sometimes we even have guest speakers present these important messages. We have really seen a difference in the way the kids interact and treat each other! We enjoy working with your awesome kids!

Affordable Health Care Option

The Outreach Secretary for the Health Services Department of Jordan School District wanted us to share the following information with our parents that do not currently have health coverage and do not qualify for Medicad.

Primary Care Network (PCN) is a health plan offered by the Utah Department of Health and covers services administered by a Primary Care Physician. Enrollment is based on family size and household income with priority given to families with children.

Open Enrollment is November 8th - 22nd.

Please visit the PCN website for more information.

Boxtops Contest Results

Outstanding! Excellent job!

Our Fall contest earned us $2384 from Box Tops and 4520 Labels which are doubled by Campbell's this fall for a grand total of 9040 Labels! The winning class was White (D track) followed by a close second with Craven (C track). Each student in these two classes received a mini pumpkin! Other top classes included Foster AM, Foster PM, M. Brown, Tipton PM, and Colvin PM - - each student in these classes received a mini bag of popcorn and a couple mini pumpkins to decorate their room with. Thanks for your amazing support of Box Tops and Labels. Please keep saving your Box Tops and Labels over the next couple months since our 2nd Annual Boys vs. Girls Battle of the Box Tops and Labels will be from Jan 3 till Feb 18. The winner will have their t-shirt worn by Mrs. Yost: "We Won! Girls Rule!" or "We Won! Boys Rule!" So remember to: Cut That Out!

UPDATE: The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend their money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. (Check out the PTA website to see the list from September and October.) Here's what more teachers have purchased:

Cox (2nd grade): Art supplies.
Yates (3rd grade): 24 Dictionaries to be used everyday for spelling.
Rudd (3rd grade): White boards, dry erase markers and totes for students work/assignments.
M. Brown (4th grade): Building Fluency books, folders, notebooks, classroom supplies.

PTA President-Elect Needed

Often as parents we wonder about the programs that are running at the school. Are they meeting the needs? Are they good enough? Is enough being done? We may ask ourselves: "What are they doing about it?" or "When are they going to do such-and-such" or we may even wonder: "What are they thinking?"

You are "they." You, the parent of a Foothills student are "they" of the PTA. The P in PTA stands for Parents. All of us siting on the board are busy parents just like you. For most of us, a neighbor or friend begged us to come and serve with them and so we do. We are are "they."

We are begging you now. You don't need special skills, all you need is willingness. We need a President Elect to join us now and learn the ropes of PTA so that he/she will be ready to lead in 2011-2012.

So come make new friends. It's not as hard as you think. You may even have fun. And you will have the satisfaction that you've made a difference in the lives of lots of children.

If you have even a little interest in becoming part of the PTA board in any way contact the school who will put you in touch with the PTA president. Or leave a comment here on this site.

Book Fair Volunteers Needed

We are having a Book Fair in the school library during Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 3rd and 4th and then again on Nov 17th and 18th. Book Fair is a great way to get books into the hands of your children and encourage their love of reading. It's also an opportunity for you to donate books to the classrooms.

Volunteers are needed for the following days:

Thursday November 4th from 3:15-5:15

Wednesday November 17th from 3:15-5:15

Thursday, November 18th from 3:15-5:15

Help is also needed taking down the book fair on Friday Nov. 5th at 9:30

and Friday Nov. 19th at 9:30.

If you can help call Adrien at 3 02-11 31.

Volunteers will receive a $5.00 credit toward anything at the book fair.

Parent Teacher Conferences A,B,C Schedule Online

Starting October 20th through October 27th you can schedule your A,B,&C track parent-teacher conferences online at this link: https://www.canyoncreeksoftware.com/scheduler/ut/jordan/index.cfm

The school's password is "mustangs".

When you schedule your appointment you'll be given a Confirmation Number that you can use to go in an view or reschedule your appointment if needed.

And information sheet with step by step instructions will be coming home this week with your student. If you need help with scheduling please call the school at 302-8599.

Reflections Rules and Entry Form Links

Summery of Reflection Categories and Links to Complete Rules and Entry Forms

Theme: "Together We Can"

***Entry Form (PDF)***
***Media Consent Form (PDF)***

Entry Forms and Rules in Spanish

Complete rules can be found at the links below or copies of the rules may be picked up at the front office. Please read through official rules before entering to be sure your entry will not be disqualified. The following summery is provided only for convenience. Each student is responsible for following all the official rules of participation.


General Participation Rules can be found Here.

You may also read this article from this site for more general information about Reflections.

Rules Summaries

Literature
Link to Offical Rules. Please read before entering. (PDF)

· May be fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry or drama (not a collection)

· May not exceed 2,000 words

· Submit one original and two copies, Number all pages

· Illustrations may be included but will not be judged

· Paper not to exceed 8 ½ x 11 inches

· Write student’s name on back of each page; submit in manila folder with Official Entry form in a sheet protector attached to the back with masking tape.



Photography
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Original black & white, color, or group of images.

· All images included must have been taken by the student. Collages of photos not taken by the student should be entered as Visual Art.

· Not to exceed 11 x 14 inches

· Mount on cardboard mat or poster board, do not frame (must be 2D)

· Protection with shrink wrap or plastic cover is highly recommended

· Official Entry form taped to the back of the photograph in plastic protector and attach to the back of the photograph with masking tape.



Musical Composition
Link to Official Rules. Please Read before entering (PDF).

· Voice, instruments or combination. Lyrics or instrumental

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Entire composition must be the original work of the student.

· Use of notation software is permitted in the printing of the score. Midi or algorithmic composition software is not permitted.

· Student doesn’t have to be the performer.

· Notation required for Middle/Junior level (6th grade), not required for primary level or intermediate level.

· Record the performance on CD (audio recording)– write name, grade, state and year on cardboard or plastic container

· Pack CD in a large envelope with score (if required)

· Secure Entry form in a plastic sheet protector to outside of envelope with tape.



Visual Arts
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Paint, drawing, print, collage, photographic collage, etching, punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork.

· Must be flat no more than 3/8 inch thick

· Not to exceed 24 x 30 inches including mat.

· Mount on cardboard mat or poster board, do not frame (must be 2D).

· Protection with shrink wrap or plastic cover is highly recommended

· Official Entry form in sheet protector, taped to the back of artwork



Choreography/Dance
Link to the Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Must be original choreographed dance (your own moves and combinations)

· Recorded on DVD. .MPG/.MPEG, .MOV/.QT (quick time), .WMV (windows media). Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Up to three dancers – the choreographer doesn’t have to be the dancer.

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Write name, grade, state and year on cardboard or plastic container of CD

· Pack CD in large envelope

· Secure Entry form in a sheet protector to outside of envelope with tape



Film/Video
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, media presentations. No PowerPoint!

· Student must be director, screenwriter and cameraperson

· If using computer, the student must do the work

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Acceptable Formats: .MPG/.MPEG, .MOV/.QT (quick time), .WMV (windows media). Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Write name, grade, state and year on cardboard or plastic container of CD

· Pack CD in large envelope

· Secure Entry form in sheet protector to outside of envelope



Theater
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Mime, storytelling, monologue, puppeteering or one act

· All script, costumes and sets must be the work of the student.

· Up to three performers may be used, the student does not have to be one of the performers.

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Recorded on DVD. .MPG/.MPEG, .MOV/.QT (quick time), .WMV (windows media). Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Write name, grade, state and year on cardboard or plastic container of CD

· Pack CD in large envelope with a copy of the script

· Secure Entry form in sheet protector to outside of envelope



Thee Dimensional Artistic Creations
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF)

· Any art having length, breadth and depth

· Sculpture, Jewelry, Visual Arts, Ceramics. (no kits, or precast ceramics)

· No size limit but must be movable.

· Attach copy of completed Entry form in a sheet protector. List materials used, and process.

· Photographs of advancing 3-D art entries will be taken by the PTA for the next level of competition.

Reflections General Information

"Together We Can"

Entries Due: October 22nd

What is Reflections?

· Reflections is a nationwide arts program sponsored by PTA. The program “provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts.” (www.pta.org)

Who May Enter?

· Every student is invited to enter as many or as few of the seven categories as they would like (only one entry per category). The categories are: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Dance, Film/Video, Theater*, and 3D-Art*.

· Reflections projects are generally done outside of the classroom. Though teachers may encourage students to submit class work as Reflections entries.

· All Reflections entries must be the work of only one student.

How Do I Enter?

· Read the official rules for the category you would like to enter. Official rules are available from a link found at the Utah PTA website or copies are provided at the front office.

A summery of the category requirements and specific links to rules and entry forms can be found on this website.

· Follow the guidelines carefully so that you don’t get disqualified.

· Do your very best work! (Students must do their own work.)

· Completely fill out the entry form, include signatures.

· Turn in your entry by the due date.


How Are Entries Judged?

· Each entry is judged in three areas: creativity, artistic merit and interpretation of theme.

· Entries receiving Awards of Merit will move on to compete at council, regional, state and national* levels.

· The Grade Divisions are as follows: Primary K-2; Intermediate 3-5; Middle/Junior 6-8.


Incentives

Students receive a treat for every entry they turn in. The class with the most entries will have a fun class activity and all entries will be awarded ribbons. The top 5 entries in each category chosen to go on to the next level will receive a gift card.


Remember, this is a fun chance to be creative and to express artistic talent. Not every entry can win, but everyone is a winner by entering. Have fun!


*3D-Art and Theater are Utah PTA pilot programs and do not go on to national competition.
Did you know that in 2007 Utah had more per-capita national Reflection winners than any other state?

Did you know that last year Foothill’s Elementary has had two entries make it all the way to the state level?

Red Ribbon Week October 4-8

I Aim to be Drug Free

Please take time to sign and return the Red Ribbon Pledge that accompanied your Red Ribbon week letter. All the student's pledges will be displayed on their classroom door.

Monday: "I Aim to be Cool and Drug Free"
Wear: Your cool shades (sunglasses) to school
Activity: Make a target and darts in your class to display in the cafeteria.

Tuesday: "I Aim to Put a Cap on Drugs"
Wear: Your favorite hat
Activity: Assembly

Wednesday: "I Aim to Sock it to Drugs"
Wear: Your craziest pair of socks, mismatched socks
Activity: Sock Hop, There will be fun music and events outside at recess.

Thursday: "I Aim to Turn My Back on Drugs"
Wear: Your shirt backwards
Activity: Fill balloons with classroom pledges

Friday: "I Aim to Take a Stand for a Drug Free Land"
Wear: Red White and Blue
Activity: Students who have family that are in the armed services, law enforcement or safety/protection professions are invited to come to school for lunch. Please sign up by Wednesday if you want to buy a school lunch. Don't forget to come dressed in uniform! We will also have fire fighters and their trucks on the playground at lunch recess. Students can take the opportunity to visit with these heroes in our community and tell them thanks.

What's Happening in Your Grade in October?

From last year’s box tops collections, teachers were able to spend 2$ per student. In each grade’s report are some of the things they have purchased thus far.

In October KINDERGARTEN will center many activities around the upcoming holiday of Halloween. We will continue to spotlight a letter each day. We will be learning spooky songs and participating in our fun Halloween party that we have planned. A unit that we will be focusing on is Autumn. We will be learning the different characteristics of the current season.

Box Tops: Colvin: Train/map set for geography & social studies; construction sets for fine motor skills.


In FIRST GRADE Our first grade students will be doing lots of exciting things in October. We will be learning about fire safety and the season of fall. We will be participating in the Red Ribbon Week activities and talking about taking care of our bodies. We will be doing some fun Halloween learning activities as well!


During October, SECOND GRADERS will continue to work on learning new skills with reading, language arts and math. We will be exploring a new part of our curriculum--outer space. We are continuing to practice for our music program in the new year. October is a fun month with Halloween activities and our first party. Please continue to have your children read 20 minutes a day and complete their weekly homework packets.

Box Tops: Eastman: Organizing tubs for math games and centers.

The THIRD GRADE is super excited about the Jog-A-Thon. Thank you for your support in this awesome fundraising activity! We are also pleased to announce the classes that had 10 days of perfect attendance: Miss Gilan, Ms. Droz, Ms. Webster and Mrs. Weldy. The classes are doing an awesome job collecting box tops and Campbell soup labels. We are off to an awesome start and look forward to conferences with you in November.

Box Tops: Webster: Notebook/composition books for reading, math and science; folders for each student and stickers/erasers. Weldy: Tools and materials to make artist trading cards. Gilan: Notebooks, pens, markers, and erasers.

FOURTH GRADE will be working on many things during October: addition, subtraction, multiplication, Native Americans, Mountain Men, Utah environments, rocks and minerals, and much more. Watch for information about Halloween parties - D track will have theirs before they go off track. 4th graders on tracks A, B, and C will present a short Halloween program after the parade on Friday, October 29. As is starts to get colder, please send your child to school appropriately dressed for the weather.

Box Tops: D. Brown: Electric pencil sharpener, recordable DVDs and DVD cases. Draper: Folders, colored pencils, positive stickers, twizzlers and name tags. White: Foam dice, playing cards (both for math box homework) and Torch Awards Medals for making homework goals.

FIFTH GRADE is working busily in many subject areas. We are working hard in writing with Mrs. Onederra. She is our school's reading specialist and is working twice a week with each class to make them EXCELLENT writers. We enjoy having her expertise in our school. We are continually working hard in math; learning more about graphs, addition and subtracting whole numbers and decimals as well as multiplication. Most classes are studying Changing of the Earth's Surfaces for Science. We’re having a great learning year with fantastic students!!

Box Tops: Alm: Friday's rewards and Friday's drawing items. Hebertson: Candy for Friday reward activities and for drawings. Opie: Candy for rewards and auctions; marbles and buckets for incentive program.

SIXTH GRADE is planning a Star Party! We have been studying stars and constellations in science class and now we can put our new knowledge to practice! On Oct. 11 at dusk, we have invited the Salt Lake Astronomical Society to bring their professional telescopes and let all sixth graders and their families look through them. They will answer our questions and teach us even more about the moon, planets, star clusters, other galaxies, nebulas, binary stars, etc. We realize this is a school night (Monday), however, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of our students to look through these types of telescopes. To add to the good time, we have made plans to sell doughnuts, drinks, and glow lights. The Foothills 6th Grade Star Party should be an exciting event that you won't want to miss. We hope to see you there!

Box Tops Contest Ends Oct 8th

Hey, hurry up and - - cut that out!

The Box Tops and Campbell's Labels Fall Contest ends Oct 8th at the start of school! Please turn in as many Box Tops and Campbell's Labels as you can! (Campbell's Labels is doubling EVERY label we send in this fall! Wow!)

The winning class will receive mini-pumpkins and a story from Mrs. Yost.

Stay tuned for who the winning class is!

UPDATE: The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend their money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. In the September newsletter you read what 11 teachers as well as the 1st Grade and 6th Grade Teams had purchased so far. (Check out the PTA website to see the list from September.) Here's what more teachers have purchased: Colvin (Kndrgrtn): Train/map set for geography & social studies; construction sets for fine motor skills. Eastman (2nd grade): Organizing tubs for math games and centers. Webster (3rd grade): Notebook and composition books for reading, math and science work; folders for each student and stickers/erasers. Weldy (3rd grade): Tools and materials to make artist trading cards. Gilan (3rd grade): Notebooks, pens, markers, and erasers. D. Brown (4th grade): Electric pencil sharpener, recordable DVDs and DVD cases. Draper (4th grade): Folders, colored pencils, positive stickers, twizzlers and name tags. White (4th grade): Foam dice, playing cards (both for math box homework) and Torch Awards Medals for making homework goals. Alm (5th grade): Friday's rewards and Friday's drawing items. Hebertson (5th grade): Candy for Friday reward activities and for drawings (kids who earn tickets for good behavior, 100% on spelling/vocab, getting planners signed, etc.). Opie (5th grade): Candy for 5th grade rewards and auctions; marbles and buckets for incentive program.