March is here, and it's hard to admit that we have finished two-thirds of our school year. I am not ready to admit that our students are about to complete yet another grade. They are growing up too fast, and most of us parents, if we are honest, would do all we could to slow them down. One thing we can do as parents is slow down their exposure to potential online media dangers. We would never allow our children to walk down an unknown street in an unknown city with unknown people. However, that is exactly what we are doing when we allow them to surf the internet without supervision. Often, the thrill of an iPad, smartphone, or other social media connection is more attractive and enticing to our children then reading a good book. Conversing through texts and instant messages to strangers can be more appealing than talking to family in the same house. Why would we take time in our school newsletter to even discuss these concerns at an elementary school level? Because children younger and younger are becoming more and more engaged and involved online; however, the fact that they are still children often means they are not as discerning about who they talk to as we would like for them to be.
We encourage everyone to talk with their children about the many dangers they may face in an online world. Students should be aware that almost all social media platforms list in their terms of service that account holders must be age 13 and above and almost all app stores list social media platforms as 12+ or even 17+. We encourage everyone to think hard about giving our children unfiltered access to the internet and social media platforms in elementary school. "Do not talk to strangers" in the public can be ignored online. We don't want our kids to be forced to grow up before they are mentally ready for its challenges. Parents can begin at an early age helping their children learn safe social media behaviors. Shall we pledge to "march" forward equipped to help kids learn how to properly engage online?
Parents or other individuals who are in the building for conferences or other school business are expected to report to the office to obtain a pass. You must present a state issued ID.
Phone Numbers
If you would like a time reserved or a time to meet with the principal, teacher, school counselor, or nurse, you are encouraged to call for an appoinment.
Jason Bowyer, Principal - 352-7463
Sharon Pettus, Assistant Principal - 352-7463
Amy Rostan, School Counselor - 352-0531
Katie Wootton, School Counselor - 352-7463
Brittany Barney, Nurse - 352-5411
Math and Literacy Night/ Title I Annual Meeting
Our evening will begin at 5:30 with dinner, followed by short session at 6:00pm on how to support your child in math and literacy at home.
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024, 05:30 PM
Appomattox Elementary School, Kids Place, Appomattox, VA, USA
Third Grade
As the third nine weeks come to an end, students are learning some last important skills. In reading, students practiced identifying the main idea and supporting details for nonfiction texts. Next, students took what they learned from the main idea and supporting details to help them summarize the text. After that, students learned the difference between autobiography and biography. Students will be completing the nonfiction test on summarizing, drawing conclusions, main idea and supporting details, and identifying an autobiography and biography. Finally, students will begin to review all reading skills learned for the upcoming reading SOL test that will happen in late spring.
In math, we have been covering VA SOL 3.2 a, b, and c. The students have been learning how to name and write fractions and mixed numbers represented by a given model. We have also been using fraction tiles to represent fractions and mixed numbers and to compare fractions having like & unlike denominators, using words and symbols (>, <, =, or ≠) with these as models. The last skill the students will be covering this year is measurement. In this unit, we will be covering VA SOL 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, and 3.10. We look to have this unit completed by April 11th. Finally, the third week of April students will begin reviewing all learned math skills for the upcoming Math SOL in late spring. Please continue to complete weekly math and reading homework. This helps students practice what they have learned in class.
Fourth Grade
In Math, fourth graders have finished up their unit on comparing, ordering, and recognizing fractions. Students are now working on adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. After completion of our fractions units, students will move into adding and subtracting decimals.
In History, students are working through understanding the Civil War and the events that took place during this time. When finished with the Civil War, students will move into learning about the Reconstruction of Virginia after the Civil War.
In Reading, students are identifying and understanding vocabulary from all content areas. Students are reviewing previously taught concepts such as affixes (suffixes/prefixes), as well as synonyms and antonyms to prepare for SOLs.
Fifth Grade
The fifth grade has been working hard this month learning about Oceans and our Earth in Science. The math team has been working hard in teaching students Geometry. The Language Arts team has been focused on teaching Greek and Latin roots as well as building writing and reading comprehension skills. As we approach Spring Break, please continue working with your student to read each night. Review their completed work with them and provide positive feedback in their growth.
All students are invited to participate in the annual A.E.S. Science Fair, which will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, during school hours. Students who choose to participate will decide on a project themselves, and complete the experiment at home. They will need to display all the information about what they did on a tri-fold presentation board. Students will bring their tri-fold board to school on the day of the Science Fair. If you are thinking about participating, please e-mail Mrs. Ranson for a detailed information packet. An entry form must be submitted by March 15th in order to participate. Copies of entry forms are available outside of Mrs. Ranson’s classroom.
Science Fair Project ideas:
How does the height of the ramp affect the distance my model car travels?
What is the best way to keep an ice cube from melting?
Which homemade airplane design flies best?
Which brand of paper towel is strongest?
How much sunlight is best for plant growth?
Which plant fertilizer works best?
What type of food allows mold to grow the fastest?
Which brand of glue works best on wood?
In which liquid will salt dissolve fastest?
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ranson at 352-5416 or mmranson@acpsweb.com.
February 19 -- No School - Presidents' Day
March 7 -- End of Third Nine Weeks
March 8 -- No School - Teacher Work Day
March 11 -- Fourth Nine Weeks Begins
March 12 -- Spring Picture Day
March 19 -- Title I Math and Literacy Night
March 21 -- Integrated Reading and Writing Test for 5th Grade
March 29 -- 2 Hour Early Dismissal
April 1-5 -- No School - Spring Break
April 23 -- 5th Grade Science SOLs
April 24 -- 4th Grade History SOLs
March 30 - May 1 -- Reading SOLs
May 7-8 -- Math SOLs
May 22 -- 2 Hour Early Dismissal
May 23 -- 2 Hour Early Dismissal/ Last Day of School
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