What's Happening in Your Grade in February?

(this is an article from the February newsletter)

Kindergarten – Our kindergarteners seem so much more grown up after Christmas! We are in the midst of doing the mid year PALS (Phonemic Awareness Literacy Screening) and the second round of the Math Benchmark tests, as well as determining the Guided Reading Levels--a busy time for testing in Kindergarten. Also, we have been learning about Animals in winter, the Winter Season and the Five Senses, as well as preparing for Valentine's Day and our 100th Day of School which will happen this month. The Chinese New Year happens on Feb 14 this year and we are learning some interesting cultural information with that! All activities will involve reading, writing and math as we continue to develop skills in all those areas!
We love Kindergarten!

First Grade – February is a busy time for first grade. We will discuss and learn about Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, money, dental health and some of our famous presidents. Many of the tracks will also be celebrating the 100th day of school.

Second Grade - Teacher have been testing and gathering information for the upcoming parent/teacher conferences on
February 16-19, 2010 for Tracks A and B. Parent/Teacher conference will be the middle of March for Tracks C & D. The children also have been practicing for our music program on February 11. This program will be taking place here at school during school hours; so set aside this date and come support your children. During the Science rotation time, the children have been learning about plants. We even have some plants in that room. Other events for this month are Valentines parties on February 12. There is no school on Presidents Day February 15. We wish you all a Happy Valentines Day.

Third Grade - Third graders are diligently working to complete their Treasure Books by the March 1st publisher's deadline. Each student is composing and illustrating a book of poetry. How exciting that each child will be an accomplished author!
Students are working with their parents for a few minutes each evening to master multiplication facts. This program has earned the nickname "Rocket Math" as students record levels that are passed off on their rocket. How helpful it will be to know the facts when it is time to begin division in fourth grade!
The children are excited about the plans that are being made for their classroom Valentine's Party. Thank you to all of you parents who are volunteering to help with a game or craft or send in materials to make this party successful.

Fourth Grade - We can’t believe it’s February already! 4th Grade students are working hard, learning long division and double-digit multiplication. We are also preparing to begin our county reports. Look for more information to come regarding these reports. Remember, it’s still cold, so bring a coat. 4th graders are also reading to help win the Battle of the Books contest. Miss Haynie’s class won the lesson with Brandon Mull in 4th grade. Don’t forget to do your homework and practice Rocket Math!

Fifth Grade- 5th grade is continuing to work hard. We'll be doing lots of writing practice, especially in persuasive writing. This will prepare students for the DWA (directed writing assessment) that will be in February or March, depending on tracks. Of course we're also busy learning 5th grade math, science, and social studies curriculum. We'll have our annual Valentine's box contest on Friday, February 12th featuring 4 categories: Creative, Technological, Prettiest, and Funniest. A detailed note about this activity will come home with students soon. A & B track will participate in a Disability Awareness activity on February 8 (C & D tracks will have a turn in March) We'll be going on a field trip to Abravanel Hall to see the Utah Symphony perform on February 17th. All classes will be working on Student Treasure books as well. It's going to be a busy month!

Sixth Grade Our 6th grade has really been hitting the books lately! We are trying to prepare for the rigors of middle school. The 6th grade will soon take a middle school math test to determine math placements for next year. Our students should be well prepared when the time comes. This year is flying by and we still have so much more to do! We have a lot of fun activities planned for the rest of this year. Stay tuned for more details.

Two Foothills Students move on to State Reflections

Congratulations go to Ruth B. and Russel M. who have received Awards of Excellence at the Regional Reflections. They will move on to compete at the State Level.

Ruth B. (4th grade) won in Theater for her entry entitled "An African Tale." Her original puppet show tells the story of an ostrich who feels like he is the ugliest bird in all of Africa, and how he discovered that true beauty is found inside.

Russel M. (3rd grade) won in 3d art. His entry was a large eagle, very colorful and detailed, hand made from clay.

Both Ruth and Russel will compete in the Utah State Reflections in April.

Jordan School District Budget Shortfall Survey

"For the 2010-11 school year Jordan School District anticipates at least a $29.2 million shortfall. The administration has recommended solution options in the areas of: additional personnel cuts, program and service cuts, transfer of expenditures to other programs, compensation, class size, and taxes. The Board is also anticipating additional cuts from the State in the range of $2-$12 million." (from district website)

Jordan School District has asked for parent input on how to deal with this budget crisis by completing a "budget reduction survey" that is found on the district website.

For more information on the budget shortfall and to complete the survey, visit http://www.jordandistrict.org/board/budget/index.html

Foothills Student's Reflections Entries Advance to Regional Level

Jordan South Elementary Council Reflections Awards Night was held Thursday, January 7th. Of Foothill's 35 entries, six were chosen to advance to the Regional Level.

Congratulations go to the following Students:

Literature

Brook B. 6th Grade

Film/video

Garrett P. 2nd Grade

Theater

Garrett P. 2nd Grade

Ruth B. 4th Grade

3-D Art

Russell M. 3rd Grade

Musical composition

Rachel K. 6th Grade

Inclement Weather Guidelines

Students should arrive at the appropriate time for school (8:25). Generally speaking, the students will wait outside of their assigned doors prior to the start of school. During inclement weather, all students will be allowed to enter the building, regardless of the time of arrival as per the Jordan Distict School Access Guidelines. Recess (grade and lunch) will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather condition or extreme cold.

It has been determined by the School Community Council that students will be brought in the building under the following weather conditions:

• Temperature is below 20 degrees

• Wind chill factor causes extreme low temperature
• Air quality is poor
• Rain
• Other hazardous conditions, such as high winds, lightning, or other environmental concerns as deemed by the principal

Please Dress Students for the Weather.

Click Here to be Directed to Jordan School District Emergency Communications Guidelines.