Mr. Gant, "What is Going On?"

On Being a Champion
by Mattie Stepaneck

A champion is a winner,
A hero.
Someone who never gives up
Even when the going gets rough.
A champion is a member of a
Winning team.
Someone who overcomes challenges
Even when it requires creative solutions.
A champion is an optimist,
A hopeful spirit.
Someone who plays the game,
Even when the game is called life.
There can be a champion in each of us,
If we live as a winner,
If we live as a member of a team,
If we live with a hopeful spirit,
For life.

Parents,
This poem will remain on my site for the duration of the year. It goes without saying that children and parents should open their hearts to its message. I'm proud to say that as a class we have memorized this poem. I look forward to the challenge of them memorizing it individually.

The year is going so fast.I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed being a part of the academic development of your child. We have a unique group and each of them are special in their own way.

As we start a new month, here is what to expect:

In math, your student will learn how to subtract. They did great with addition so I'm certain they will do well in this chapter. Since these two skills are a foundation for further learning, your child has to master them both. If you have addition and subtraction flash cards at home, please take a few minutes a few times a week and work with your child.

Language Arts will consist of reading "Spiders at Work" and "Web Wonders." Your child will also learn how to indentify important and unimporant information in a text. Drawing conclusions and antonyms and synonyms will also be explored.

Science will include discussions, activities and computer research on how animals grow and change. Learning will include the life cycle of a cockroach, butterfly, amphibians and mammals.

Character development will be the main topic in Health. We will continue to learn about responsibility. Respect and how to make the right decisions will also be a regular topic of discussion and stories.

REMINDERS:
We are having a food drive for Thanksgiving and are taking up a collection for the troops. Inforamtion has been sent home regarding this. So far, donations in our class have been minimal.

The marking period will come to a close this month. Report cards will be issued.

We have parent visitation on the 19th.

The book fair will be in the Library the week of the 17th.

We have a lot of days off this month. Remember to check your calendar.

Continue to check out your child's assigment book. They are told in advance when they are having a test.

Continue to encourage your child and show them that you truly care about their education. Remind them that they have to put forth an effort. As you are well aware, their attitude and study habits now are a prerequiste for what it will be like a week from now, a year from now and ten years from now. Together, we can make it a good one.

That is all for now and "That's What's Going On."

Email: Gant