December WLE TV

December 7th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/QLVzG7bsx6U

December 12th:  https://youtu.be/CatyGjBHSYc

December 19th:   https://youtu.be/CJAOHm0AHaA

December 21st:  https://safeshare.tv/x/GA5NedkyVpk

December 1st - A Week In Review

I hope you all have a very restful weekend!  

November 10th: A Week in Review

We have been beginning work with persuasive writing.  Last week Maggie shared a video with us about straws and sea turtles.  This work inspired us to begin how pollution effects our environment.  Below is the video that led to our work (it's kind of gross).

The Unit 2 Math BA will be on FRIDAY, November 17th.

Today a note went home with your child about an upcoming field trip to see the movie WONDER.  Please see the note about details regarding chaperones, lunches, and prices.  I think this is going to

be a WONDERful experience for our students.  We finished the book in class today.  Your children will probably tell you that I cried - it gets me every time:)  SO we had a discussion about how Mrs. McDonald can sometimes be too empathetic.

One last thing- information about parent teacher conferences will be coming home soon!  Conferences will be held on Thursday, December 14th.  We have a 1/2 day of school, students will be dismissed at 11:09am.

The ice cream social is on WEDNESDAY!  Hope to see you there.

Have a wonderful weekend!  

November WLE TV

November 2nd:  https://safeshare.tv/x/5NSZCU1nPEs

November 14th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/Rk85KKTc5Io

November 21st:  https://safeshare.tv/x/OWYpVRHLn5Y

November 28th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/4eTWSi3jqTE
     NEWS CREW APPLICATION FOR 4th and 5th GRADERS:  NEWS CREW APPLICATION
November 30th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/6u1xl2RGZLs

October 27th: A Week In Review

Happy Friday!  This week's Week in Review centers around our book club books. Your children have been practicing the reading comprehension skills of EMPATHY and PREDICTION.

Halloween REMINDERS

                    9:15-9:30: Students put on costumes
                    9:30-10:00:  Parade at WLE
                    10:15-11:15:  Trick-or-Treating at ESC
                    12:09: Dismissal

Any parent that would like to walk with us, is more than welcome.  I just need to know in advance if you will be joining us.

A reminder about costumes, please no masks or weapons.  There will not be time to apply make-up or hair dye or anything of that nature (it's best saved for evening costumes).  Thank you so much for your cooperation.

October 13: A Week in Review

Please enjoy our Week in Review.

Assessments

    Today, your children will be coming home with their Math BA Assessments.  Please know that I believe assessments in elementary school are tricky.  They help me as an educator.  When your child takes an assessment, I take a considerable amount of time looking over their work, deciding which skills they have mastered and which they still need more work with.  A % does not give me

that picture.  It does not define your child.  It is a quick look at how they are doing, but it doesn't tell the whole story.  Please know that I work hard each day to know the whole story of your child.  I look to see what do they know, what do they need to know, and more importantly, how can I help them reach the end goal - to be a successful learner in 4th grade.
     Your children spent a considerable about of time as well looking at their post test and pretest.  They looked for things that they now know do that they didn't before.  I spoke with each child and encouraged them to be proud of their growth.  They all grew a lot as mathematicians.  They all know more now than they did yesterday and THAT is something to celebrate.
     I am looking for your child's whole story.  To that end, be sure to ask if you have any questions or concerns.

Halloween

One 4th Grade tradition that we have at WLE, is trick-or-treating at the ESC (administration building on Ladd Rd).  Once the parade is over at WLE, we will walk across the street to trick-or-

treat.  This is the 'party' for 4th grade.  Permission slips will be coming home soon, but I wanted to give you a heads up about the timeline for the day.

                    9:15-9:30: Students put on costumes
                    9:30-10:00:  Parade at WLE
                    10:15-11:15:  Trick-or-Treating at ESC
                    12:09: Dismissal

Any parent that would like to walk with us, is more than welcome.  I just need to know in advance if you will be joining us.

A reminder about costumes, please no masks or weapons.  There will not be time to apply make-up or hair dye or anything of that nature (it's best saved for evening costumes).  Thank you so much for your cooperation.

WLE TV: October News

October 3:  https://safeshare.tv/x/44GLOpfVd30
          Western Pink Out Video:   https://safari.wlcsd.org/SAFARI/generated/embedlinks/c546b3d4826a19305cfdb11bea334662.mp4

October 5: https://safeshare.tv/x/zp0M0y2ZHoY

October 10th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/VtrlgfglQok
October 12th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/j8c_f2Wv3pk

October 17th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/cOXpcob7zQ0
October 19th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/horipP7eAkk

October 24th: No School
October 26th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/8GI7YGbH-Mc

October 31st:  https://safeshare.tv/x/YI8GnJPzYlM

A Week In Review: Episode 1

We are proud to present our FIRST Week in Review Video!  We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it!

PTA Fundraiser

Orders for the Cookie Dough/Popcorn Fundraiser are due on October 6th.  Please considering supporting WLE by purchasing an item or two.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS

https://orders.scholastic.com/H97HM

This link can be used to order books from the Scholastic Book Store.  You do not need a flyer and you can pay directly on the website.   Orders are due on October 6th.

PTA MEMBERSHIPS 

The PTA membership form was sent home last week.  Please consider joining our WLE PTA.  The PTA provides so many wonderful things for your child - including assemblies, Popcorn Fridays, Field Day t-shirts and lunch, the Spring Fair and so much more.  Please considering joining this dedicated group.  The membership is $10.  You can be involved as much or as little as you want.

Homework

I am very impressed with the homework that your children chose to complete this week.  It is evident, that the children worked hard to pick concepts that they felt strongly about or needed help with.  I was able to meet with each child, offer praise, and suggestions for next week.  The posters that were created are hanging in the hallway outside the classroom door.  Feel free to check them out next time you visit WLE.

September WLETV News

September 26th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/eioSd0Jw3OE
September 28th: https://safeshare.tv/x/wzmXHLOREKc

Week in Review: September 15th

The first full week of school was fabulous.  We are getting back into the swing of things, learning routines, and digging into the curriculum.  I have very much enjoyed getting to know your children as learners.

CURRICULUM NIGHT

I enjoyed seeing so many of you at curriculum night.  I sent home information with your child if you were unable to make it.  PLEASE let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Included in the information sent home with your child, is a detailed explanation of the 4th grade homework.   Homework will begin going home with your child each MONDAY and it will be due on Friday.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS

https://orders.scholastic.com/H97HM

This link can be used to order books from the Scholastic Book Store.  You do not need a flyer and you can pay directly on the website.   Orders are due on October 6th.

PTA MEMBERSHIPS 

The PTA membership form was sent home last week.  Please consider joining our WLE PTA.  The PTA provides so many wonderful things for your child - including assemblies, Popcorn Fridays, Field Day t-shirts and lunch, the Spring Fair and so much more.  Please considering joining this dedicated group.  The membership is $10.  You can be involved as much or as little as you want.

TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT

Please see the technology contract that is going home with your child today.  It must be returned ASAP so that your child can use the devices that we have available at school!

Welcome Back!

August 22, 2017

Dear Families,

           WELCOME BACK!  This year is going to be awesome!  4^th grade is a year full of growth both academically and socially.  I hope that this letter finds you well rested and ready to begin the school year.

            After teaching Kindergarten last year, I will be teaching 4th grade for my 14th year at WLE!  I have two daughters – Caroline and Katelyn, and a new puppy, Rose.  During the summer months, I spend lots of time with them and my husband.  My favorite memory from this summer is our family trip up north to Tawas.  We loved swimming in Lake Huron and kayaking.

            NEW FOR THIS YEAR:  We will be having a meet and greet on Wednesday, August 30^th from 3:00-5:00pm.  You can come into the classroom, have a look around, drop off supplies (if you have them), and then enjoy a Popsicle on the playground.  I am looking forward to seeing some of you then.

            Every school year, I am excited about the first day of school.  I cannot wait to greet each one of you on Tuesday, September 5^th.  I just know that we will have a great year together. 

            Please bring a favorite book and a family picture to school on the first day.  I can’t wait to see what types of books you all like to read.  We will be sharing our favorite books as a class during the first week of school.  The supply list for 4^th grade was available on the Walled Lake Elementary webpage.  If you have not been able to view it, I have included a link to the webpage for you:

https://www.wlcsd.org/downloads/walled_lake_elementary/2017-2018_supply_list.pdf.

            I am looking forward to seeing all of you on the first day of school (or at the Meet and Greet)!  Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions or concerns, my email address is ellenmcdonald@wlcsd.org.

Sincerely,

Mrs. McDonald

Kindergarten and 4th Grade Readers' Theater

The 4th graders took our FAVORITE shared reading books and turned them into plays.  They then worked together to create backgrounds and props.  Please enjoy our version of - Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Grumpy Bear, A Rumble and a Grumble, and Little Goat's Coat.

Kindergarten: A Year in Review

I am so very proud of each and every child.  They learned so many skills - both academic and friendship.  It was truly my pleasure to be with your child each day!  Thank you so much for sharing them with me.  Please enjoy this video reflection of our year together.

https://youtu.be/ULNNS9Fdw8w

June WLETV

June 6:  https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5936a7fc463d7
June 8th:

June 13th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/JJpJeRUqRqI
         Walled Lake Library Challenge:   https://safeshare.tv/x/p7AERiVgLKI
June 15th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/096MqTpDue4

May 13th: A Week in Review

There is so much happening in Kindergarten.  We have enjoyed learning about plants and animals in science.  We have been learning about adding and subtracting in Math.  In reading and writing, we are learning about how to retell a story (with props), how to write about our learning in science, and how to write pattern books.  We hope you enjoy the highlights of our learning.

We practiced retelling The Lazy Duck and Grumpy Bear with props.  The kids really got into it.  They loved using voices and retelling the story JUST LIKE THEY HEARD IT.  I hope they shared their retellings with you!  We will continue to work on this comprehension strategy for the rest of the year.

Plant our grass and pumpkin seeds was definitely a highlight of the week.  Each day they are super excited to come in and see how much their plants have grown.  They will be coming home soon!

In Math, THEY LOVED using marshmallows and toothpicks to make 3D shapes!  An activity we will repeat soon!

Mrs. Fergusen visited us for the last time!  We loved learning Spanish with her!

FIELD TRIP REMINDER

This is just a friendly field trip reminder.  We will be going to the MSU tollgate center on Thursday (May 18^th) for the Sheep to Sweater program.  The Kindergartners are very excited about going to the farm.

o   WHAT TO WEAR:  We will be outside for the WHOLE field trip.  Dress for the weather.  We will be walking around the farm; old shoes would be a good idea.

o   WHAT TO BRING:  A sack lunch with a drink.

We will be at the farm from 10:00am-1:30pm. 

Please let your child’s teacher know if you have any questions or concerns.

The Kindergarten Teachers

May WLE TV

May 2nd:  https://safeshare.tv/x/TH7Z4L_amLw
May the 4th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/WolK0RJgJvQ

May 9th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/cYPHTl_jV1E
May 11th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/D_ojbQGxGyY

May 16th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/S4i9tCp--BA
May 18th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/lMqYAAdvg4Y

May 23rd: https://safeshare.tv/x/ORugkI2Ekb0

April 28th: A Week In Review

What a week in Kindergarten.  I am so sorry that I missed science night, but I hear it was a great success.   The children that attended shared so many cool activities.

Today a note went home from PTA about ordering field day t-shirts.  Each child gets one free - paid for by the PTA.  If you plan on volunteering, you may want to order one for yourselves.  Be sure to turn in the form to school this week:)





Perhaps the most exciting event of the week was the arrival of our earthworms.  The kids loved building their earthworm habitats!  We learned about 4 things that ALL living things need to survive and then we made sure that all of those were provided for the worms.  We have been observing the change in the habitat over the week and it really it quite fascinating.

In writing, we have been working on writing pattern books.  Since the children have pretty much become experts on READING pattern books, writing them has been a breeze.  The children are so proud of their work and were so excited to take home books to share you all of you.

In reading, we have been working really hard on retelling.  When you retell a story, you first read the book and then tell the story in your own words starting at the beginning.  They had so much fun working on retelling this week with the book Lazy Duck, that we created our own books to practice further.  The children sequenced pictures from the story, glued them into a book and then labeled the pictures.  They used their "Lazy Duck" puppet to practice retelling.  I hope you have had the pleasure of hearing your child tell the story to you.

Upcoming Events:

• May 5th - WLE Spring Fair.  This is an annual event for WLE families.  I will be there working the Happy Apple Tree from 5-6pm and then selling game tickets for the games from 6-7pm.  I hope to see you there!
• May 18th - MSU Tollgate Field Trip - We will be learning how farmers use the wool from a sheep and trun it into a sweater!  Thank you for turning in your child's permission slip and money!
• June 2nd:  Field Day.  Another annual event.  If you are interested in volunteering, be sure to check out the WLE Weekly from Mrs. Nickel.
• June 7th - Kindergarten ZOO Field Trip - please return permission slips and money as soon as possible.

-June

March 31st: A Week In Review

Hello Families,

I hope this finds you well.  We have returned from Spring Break and hit the ground running.  It is amazing to me how much older the kids seem.  I have been reflecting and looking back at your children's work from the beginning of the year until now!  Let me tell you - IT IS AMAZING!  Kindergartners grow so much, so fast.
In writing, we are working hard to finish our first nonfiction book.  Your child picked and object and wrote about its attributes.  They will be bringing the books home next week in their book bags, but please return them to school.  I am keeping a portfolio of their work!

In science, we have begun our Living and Nonliving unit.  The first few lessons have the children thinking about the attributes of living and nonliving things.  We first talked about objects and had to decide if they could be stored in a box or not.  Next week, we will be setting up our worm habitats and get to observe a living thing up close and personal:)  Thank you so much for the quick replies and willingness to donate items for our science unit.


Upcoming Field Trips/Activities:
-MSU Tollgate May 18th - If you havent submitted the permission slip and payment, I will be sending home another today.  Please return it by Friday.

-Detroit Zoo - June 7th - A detailed note and permission slip will be going home soon.

-Field Day - June 2nd:  Look out for information in the WLE Weekly from Mrs. Nickel about this annual event.  It is an awesome day for the children!

April News

April 11th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/QDNgpnzHf2Y
April 13th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/S2Mkpc5tTZU

April 18th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/fe902A11KWk
                KID PRESIDENT VIDEO:  https://safeshare.tv/x/ss58f60b37d2313
April 20th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/j8Ugil7ntW0

April 27th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/GPn4-9Rr1ho

March 13: A Week in Review

Hello Families,
I hope that you enjoyed a fun filled weekend together!  It sure was an exciting weekend for sports.  This week we have our annual charity volleyball game.  The game will be held at Geisler Middle School (Pontiac Trail) at 6:30pm on TUESDAY.  The WLE Staff will be playing the Hickory Woods Staff!  All proceeds will go to Team Joseph (raising money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  I will be there playing for WLE and would love to have some cheerleaders.

This week we have been learning about non-standard measurement in class.  Non-standard means that we are using objects like cubes and sticky notes as our unit of measure.  In 1st grade, you child will learn about standard measurement for length (ruler).  Earlier in the week, each child had a piece of cut string that was exactly their height.  They went around the room to see what things in our classroom were as long as they were.  On Thursday, they used sticky notes to measure how long they were to determine if they were tall enough to ride a carnival ride.  The kids have so much fun thinking about measurement!

In Reading we have been learning about strategies that readers use to figure out unknown words.  One strategy that they have been working with is to point to the words as they read, look at the cover and pictures to think about what the story might be about, and looking at the first letter and the picture.  In writing, we have been working on saying words slowly to listen for the beginning, middle and ending sound.

 Your child will continue to bring home a book bag at least 3 times each week.  Sometimes they will be bringing a book that they have read in a reading group with me and other times they will be bringing a self selected book.

Report Cards will be available in FamilyAccess on Wednesday at 4:00 pm.   

A Week In Review: February 28th

February flew by so fast!  We have been busy in room 17 with reading and writing.  We have been learning like engineers and mathematicians as well!

Mrs. Fergusen came to visit and shared a story about going to a market in Mexico.  We learned about some Spanish words that you might find in Mexico.

To Kick off MARCH IS READING MONTH - we had visiting authors come to talk to us about how to get ideas for a story.  They also showed us how you can take a word like tree, and turn it into a picture of a tree. Additionally, Mrs. Hinterman, our media specialist sent home a note/reading log with your child last week.  Each child at WLE is challenged to read (or be read to) for 12 hours during the month of March.  As your child completes the challenge, they can send in their reading logs to school.

We had some visitors last week!  They were the Crayfish that the 3rd graders were studying.  We borrowed them for a morning and learned about the habitat that they crayfish live in!

We have been all around investigators this past week.  During morning work, one group of kids built a long tower with interlocking cubes. They laid down on the floor next to it and learned that it was 5 kindergartners long.  We also thought like an engineer and created toys that could be moved with a PUSH or a PULL.  We presented our creations to the class.  We also learned about gravity and how things that are heavier fall harder.

Finally, we finished our Pattern Book unit of study in reading.  We were able to celebrate our learning with 4th grade buddies. They love being about to talk about all the things that they have learned.  

March WLE TV

March 2nd:  https://safeshare.tv/x/uRhGox8stgI

March 7th: https://safeshare.tv/x/uoMadq42zJY
March 9th: https://safeshare.tv/x/UA-tZFME8WA

March 14th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/c3C2c8j5Z80
March 16th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/n7EAZlrzHXw

March 21st:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvC4Mh6nPBk
March 23rd:  https://safeshare.tv/x/ss58d3ca7242c85

March 28th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/18rJtl9qKqI
March 30th:  https://safeshare.tv/x/wGJj78zfHKE

The Hundredth Day of School - Valentine's Too!

We had so much fun celebrating the 100th Day of School!  The children were engaged in activities to help them think about the number 100 all day long!  I think they had a great time.

 We met with our 3rd grade buddies to make 100 piece mosaic out of square tiles!  The art work is posted outside our classroom.

 We worked on a 100 piece puzzle!

 We looked for 100 googly eyes buried in rice.

 We built a tower with 100 cups!

 Mrs. Kazmierski helped us read our valentines!

 We painted 100 gumballs on the gumball machine.

 We sorted and graphed candy conversation hearts!

                                     Some of us had time to make a necklace out of 100 beads!

It was such an exciting and fun filled day in Kindergarten!

A few reminders:
-Family Movie night is tomorrow night in the gym at 6pm.  It is a free PTA event.  Popcorn and water will be available for purchase.
-Spring picture day is on Friday (2/24).