February 2018

ESM News @ Mary Hooker

Ms. Thompson

Greetings ESM Family! February flew past us at ESM! There are so many things to celebrate from the last month, as

you will see on the following pages. One of which is our Teacher and Paraeducator of the Year!

The honor of Teacher of the Year is given to a teacher each year who exhibits exemplary

teaching skills, is dedicated to the belief that all children can learn, is active in

community and humanitarian activities, as well as goes above and beyond the call of

duty each day with his/her students. This year, Ms. Amy Couch was selected by her

colleagues to represent ESM as our Teacher of the Year 2018. She now moves on to

the district round of interviews, where a committee will select the District Teacher of

the Year to represent Hartford Public School over the next year.

The honor of Paradeducator of the Year is given to

a paraeducator each year who assists teachers

with building and maintaining effective

instructional teams and learner-centered supportive environments. The paraeducator

chosen supports his or her student(s) with engaging learning opportunities, challenges

him/her to meet their goals, and supports him/her in developing academic and social-

emotional skills. This year, ESM has chosen Ms. Angela Edwards as our Paraeducator of

the Year. She will now go on to the district-wide competition where they will select one

paraeducator of the year to represent Hartford Public Schools.

In other exciting news, ESM received their accreditation report from the National

Association for the Education of Young Children and we passed with flying colors! We

believe strongly at ESM, that there is direct correlation between a high-quality early

childhood program and a child’s positive long-term outcomes in life, especially an

increase in academic and social-emotional learning. NAEYC Accreditation process allowed for our Pre-K staff and

administration to further develop our shared understanding and commitment to quality, aligned to the NAEYC Early Childhood

standards. As a family, it is important to look for and choose early-childhood and Pre-K programs accredited by NAEYC as the

distinction ensures that your children will receive a high-quality, research-based education that will prepare them for future

success. NAEYC Accreditation also opens up programs for professional learning and development for our staff members so

they can continue to improve their craft. Be sure to congratulate the Pre-K staff on receiving this distinction! They dedicated

MANY hours over the last year and a half to prepare their portfolio and their classrooms for our accreditation visit. This is a

well-deserved honor that highlights the amazing work they do with our youngest students day in and day out!

Enjoy reading about all the wonderful events and activities at ESM! It is an honor and a privilege to work with you as we strive

after our vision:

Our vision is that students will be successful, thoughtful citizens who pursue high schools, colleges, and careers of choice.

And, that they will be passionate environmental stewards, problem solvers, and understand the importance of sustainability

and technology. Our student will vote, volunteer, and promote diversity as compassionate, inclusive community members.”

Sincerely Yours,

Ms. Couch with a group of 6th grade students, Mrs. Hays, and Ms. Akerley on a Project Oceanology field trip in 2017.

Ms. Edwards escorting a student into the Middle School Formal Dance in 2017

1st Grade First grade has been working hard the month of February. We have been mastering the concept of place value and, comparison of numbers and addition and subtraction to 40. We are so very excited to see how the children have progressed. Children are working hard on reading and learning word families to help them become master decoders! We have had the pleasure of working with one of our Master Scientists, Mr. Cappaert, to discover planting and seeds. We look forward to more discoveries with him around ESM! This month we are looking forward to our first field trip to the Wadsworth Athenaeum! We have been studying Central Message in the story and how the author teaches us lessons through exciting character adventures. Please be sure to check children’s backpacks daily for notices!

2nd Grade The Science Expo was a great success! Each of the second grade classes worked very hard on creating their STEM projects and are proud to share their classroom awards! In Science, we continue to learn about different types of soil by conducting several hands-on activities. Ask your child about the different types of soils we have learned about. Which is the most fertile and the best for planting crops? Additionally, the second round of clusters is well underway! Thanks you for all the empty cans and supplies to help our service learning project get started! Ask your child about what we are doing and why… they are very excited! In reading, we have been working hard to discover the steps in a procedural text are connected. When cooking or making something, ask your child what would happen if you left out a step or ask what step comes next. Our learning is becoming more apparent as we delve into more difficult topics in Math. We have been using place value to add and subtract double and triple digit numbers while composing and decomposing numbers!

PreKindergarten February was filled with many fun activities. We started the month by completing our unit on animals, we ended with a week learning about creepy crawly things! It was so much fun to look at the parts of insects and arachnids and to learn how to tell the difference between the two. Did you know that an insect has three body parts and six legs and an arachnid has only two body parts, but eight legs! This month we started a new unit titled winter. We have been spending time learning all about how to dress for the winter, what animals do in the winter and some fun activities we can do in the winter. We have read many fun stories, such as The Mitten, by Jan Brett and worked a lot on retelling. We even pretended to be the animals squished into the mitten and acted out the story, it was a ton of fun! In addition to the many stories we read, we also learned many winter songs and even had a sight word snow ball fight. Next month we are on to a unit titled Splash and Dig.

Kindergarten Our kindergartners were busy in February! Coming up in March we will begin working on Unit 6: It’s Our Town in ELA. We are answering the big question “How are communities different?” We have learned about different places people live, places to go and things to do in different communities, different types of transportation, and even how using maps and signs can keep us safe. We are continuing to work on learning our letters and sounds as well as identifying the beginning and ending sounds in words, and blending sounds to make words, and segmenting sounds in words. We are learning about setting, or where a story takes place as well as characters, and story sequence. We are retelling stories in our own words, identifying parts of a book and discussing the important jobs authors and illustrators have. In math, we are continuing our work on Module 3 and are comparing length, weight, capacity, and numbers to 10. In science we are finishing our unit on weather. We are continuing view weather related movies in the science theater. We will learn about the forces of nature, and earlier in the month got to meet the Zula Patrol! We enjoyed the Hartford Performs presentation by Lou Del Bianco and heard stories and sang songs from around the world. We will be participating in a Hands-On Drumming workshop next!!

The kindergarten classes are teaming up with fifth grade for our service learning project again this year! Please be on the lookout for more information on our upcoming pet supply drive! We’d love it if you would continue to help your child at home by completing homework, reading and practicing the sight words! We appreciate your continued support!

3rd Grade Third grade is excited to dive into fiction text and opinion writing. We are starting our study of the classic Peter Pan. Students will be focusing on character traits, what motivates a character as well as how writer's spark imagination through the characters. As students get to know each character through their actions and words, they will use text evidence to form opinions about the various personalities in the novel. When students are reading at home encourage them to form opinions and to use text evidence to support their thinking.

In math we are going to begin our unit on fractions. For many this can be a challenging skill. When cooking or baking with your child, or even splitting a pizza, take the opportunity to show them how fractions are applied to their daily life. As always homework helpers are available as well as Zearn for extra practice.

4th Grade The fourth grade continues to work hard in the month of February. They continued with fractions in math and are moving forward at a rapid pace. We are encouraging students to continue to practice outside of school hours. In reading the students are getting close to the end of the book, The Hope Chest. Many are amazed at how different times were back in the early 1900’s. They have a better appreciation for what they have today. We have started a new unit in science that deals with forces and motion. The students will look at what causes things to move and come to a stop. We look forward to the warmer weather and the months ahead.

5th Grade In 5th grade ELA we have become researching experts alongside Meg Lowman. The students have been using their inferencing skills using quotes to better understand her work. They have also been determining the main idea of text while understanding the meaning of new scientific and academic words. We have even had the chance to put our scientific and reading skills learned to work by conducting an interview with Mr. Cappaert to learn more about one of our very own in-house scientists. We are now moving into our culminating project within the rainforest where students will read and write like a scientist in creating field journals.

This month in math the 5th graders have been working on multiplying unit fractions and non-unit fractions. In Intervention the students were very excited to use laptops and show off their knowledge of this topic by competing with

each other on Kahoot! Students have also been working on relating multiplication of fractions to multiplication of decimals, practicing the conversion of measurements, and solving word problems using tape diagrams. In the upcoming weeks we will move into lessons on the division of fractions and decimals.

Fifth grade scientists have blasted off into outer space! Students will be studying the Earth, Sun and Moon, with a focus on how these three celestial bodies work together to sustain life on Earth. Specifically, students will be studying rotation and revolution, the phases of the moon and how seasons occur on Earth, among other important topics. Students will quickly realize that the Earth, Sun and Moon are a team that rely on each other. Be ready for your student to come home with lots of new information about our Solar System!

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Resident Scientists Grade 5 science enrichment is tapping maple trees on our nature trail for sap! We have partnered with Knox and the Hartford Maple Sugar Club to provide sap for boiling into maple syrup. In a few weeks we will get to taste our products! Grade 2 is continuing their study of soils as we focus on water holding capacity and soil horizons. Grade 3 science enrichment is learning about fingerprints.

Over the winter months, our 8 hens did not lay a lot of eggs. That’s because the decrease in sunlight affects the chickens. It’s not just the shorter duration of light (photoperiod), but also the decrease in intensity. Overall, chickens’ body systems are a lot more sensitive to light than humans are. Both photoperiod and light intensity stimulate a chicken’s pineal gland, which is the gland sending the signal for egg production. This winter, our egg production dropped from about 5-6 eggs a day in October, to 0-2 eggs a day in January. Now that we have gained over a half an hour back in daylight since the solstice, we have been getting about 4-5 eggs

a day. Since last spring, we have been tracking our daily collections and even weighing each egg. This data can help us track seasonal changes in our flock. On a related note: 4-5 eggs a day means at least two dozen eggs a week, so let Mrs. Hays or Mr. Clark know if your family would like some fresh ESM eggs!!

6th Grade In math, students will be applying their knowledge from the entire Expressions and Equations module to solve equations in real-world, contextual problems. They will construct tables in order to analyze equations with two variables from real-life contexts. They will represent equations by plotting values from tables on a coordinate grid. In ELA students just started our third unit. We are analyzing the novel Bud, Not Buddy which is set during The Great Depression. We have been working on identifying and explaining the literal meaning of figurative language, and identifying the tone, and mood of our story using the author’s descriptions and word choices. Students are very engaged and excited about this new study! Sixth grade Scientists are exploring heat transfer and the design process in a new Next Generation Science Standards unit called Penguin Habitat (focus area: Antarctica). Students will be participating in a design challenge to keep the heat out of a penguin habitat, which will impact the colonies’ chance of survival.

7th Grade In the month of February, 7th grade has been working hard for the final

weeks of Trimester 2. They even got to celebrate their good behavior

at the middle school dance on February 9th where the chocolate

fountain and photo booth were big hits. In math, students have been

writing expressions and solving equations for variables. Their pre-

algebra work is in full swing. They are also finishing up unit two, "The

Power of Words," by writing

their own personal narratives.

Some great creativity is in the

works! In social studies, they

are finishing the Trunk Project.

Some local college professors,

as well as younger grade

students, will be coming to view their presentations about migration.

Parents are reminded to check PowerSchool often for missing

assignments and how students are doing in each class.

8th Grade Students Finish TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD with Essays and Projects

8th grade students are finishing the reading of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in English / Language Arts. The final individual work was an essay about Atticus and whether or not he made the right decision in defending Tom Robinson. Students were graded on their ability to use evidence from the text (Reading Literature Standard 1), their support of their claim of whether or not Atticus made the right decision (Writing Standard 4), and whether their writing was appropriate to the task (Writing Standard 8). The majority of students did outstanding work on these essays. The essays were typed so they can be printed out and added to the Student Success Plan folders that will be forwarded to high schools. Grades are available in Power School.

The last thing we will be working on to finish our unit on TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a Reader's Theater script and production. Students are working in groups for this project. Each group will choose a key quote from the novel that illustrates one of the book's themes, such as "Following the Golden Rule" or "Taking a Stand." Students will then write a script of a scene from the novel that supports the chosen theme. Finally, students will act out their script. Our next book will be "Unbroken" by Lauren Hillenbrand. This is a special young adult version of the adult bestseller.

Art Our seventh and eighth graders just finished a pottery series using hand building techniques to create planters. Their unique creations are drying so that they can be fired and glazed.

Our youngest students (pre-k) are studying and creating different types of bears. Last week they learned about texture and created grizzly bears with puffy paint and this week they will be learning about cool colors and use process painting to create polar bears!

Library Media Another busy month in the library. The Prek have been listening to stories that focus on their theme of winter. They enjoyed meeting a new character of Tack the Penguin. They are focusing on writing their name on their paper, the title of the story and their favorite part of the book. Currently Ms. Akerely’s class is focusing on digital literacy and then the Pebblego database which starts the research process. The fourth (Mr. Ralph) and fifth (Ms. Sanchez) grades are finally coming to the library. Being their first time coming they are having fun doing scavenger hunts, learning about the databases, and on digital literacy and citizenship using lesson on common sense media. Grade seven and eight will be looking at different careers and what is needed to succeed.

Coming next month all students in grade 2 to 8 will be able to vote in the Nutmeg Award. This will be done in their classrooms. The Nutmeg Book Award encourages children in grades 2-12 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of nominated titles. Encourage your child to read as many of the books in their category.

The library just received the Boundless library card that links the school library with the public library. The cards for grades k-4 need to be given to parents, which can be done during conferences on March 15 and 16. The older students were given their cards. This card can be used at the school OR public library. Please take advantage of this wonderful resource.

Don’t forget to check out your public library to see what programs are being offered for students. The Campfield Branch located on Campfield Avenue is offering many after school free programs. Check out the Hartford Public Library website to get more information: http://www.hplct.org

Congratulations Grade 3. Ms. Oriente’s class borrowed a total of 136 books for the month

of February.

Physical Education Ms. Degrandis class had so much fun dancing and learning to hula with Hartford Performs and Moana’s Aunt. These PK students got to participate in some active clap patterns, dance and rhythm circles. Grades 5-6 are now learning lifesaving techniques through CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and basic first aid training. 5th and 6th grade students are also learning about peer pressure and internet safety in Health. Grades 7 & 8 are starting the curriculum Safe Dates and are learning how to form healthy peer and dating relationships.

Music Students in Third Grade are focusing on basic note reading using various wood and metal barred instruments, as well as the recorder. The instruments are being used for large and small group activities during class time.

Students in Second Grade are exploring music and literacy through stories and reader’s theater.

Kindergarten is exploring steady beat, rhythm, high and low through movement, singing, and instrumental playing.

Fifth Grade will be exploring music through many decades from the twentieth century. Music activities include instrumental performing and arranging.

Seventh and Eighth Grade are connecting rhythm patterns with basic song form using various percussion instruments as well as wood and metal barred instruments.

The second session of Enrichment Clusters continues for students participating in Disney, The Movies, The Music, a mini-musical. It is a collaborative effort for the school year with Mrs. Sanchez (Fifth Grade Teacher). A performance will be scheduled for later on in the school year.

The ESM Instrumental Program includes students from 5th through 8th grade. Students meet once a week during their scheduled instrumental time. The following instruments are being offered for the program: drums, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, and trumpet.

PBIS: HAWKS Rule! Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establish behavioral supports for all students in Pk-8. Students have been honored with the ESM Feather of Honor every Friday in each of their classes. A ESM feather is in recognition of that students outstanding behavior in the classroom or during Unified Arts. Regularly, feather winners are acknowledged during morning announcements and the feathers are displayed in the front entrance. Hawk of the Month celebrations are held monthly to recognize one student representative from each class. The Hawk of the Month is determined by how well the students have followed the HAWKS Rules during that month and they must have also received a Feather of Honor during that month. Hawk of the Month celebrations are a great way to reward the exceptional students with a pizza party and chance to win great prizes! These celebrations are sponsored by Mega Education and Jeffrey Dressler. Mega Education provides awesome prizes, raffles and promotes exemplary student behavior. Thank you for your support!

ESM Library Media Center

Book Check Out Statistics February 2018

February and March HAWKS of the

Month Celebration

Thursday, March 22nd at 4:30pm ESM Gymnatorium

Pizza Served and Prizes Awarded!

Come celebrate your student’s accomplishments!