Principal’s Message
September flew by for all of us at Allen School. It has been a very busy
month that began with “Breeze Through”, students working on getting to
know you activities and pre-assessments. Now, everyone is focused on
successfully meeting the challenges of completing activities that are
appropriate for each grade level.
Academic excellence is the priority at Allen
School. As teachers implement Writing Workshop, students are learning to
observe the world within and around them and to draft, revise, edit and
publish well-crafted narrative and expository texts. Working in
conjunction with the teachers at Taunton Forge, some members of our staff
will be joining together to assess student work and plan similar writing
experiences for our children. Writing is the foundation out of which
teachers build new images of what is possible in their classrooms.
Reflecting on our
September activities, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of
our parents who worked diligently at the Book Fair. Although figures have
not been finalized, it appears that it has been a record year for Book
Fair sales. The decorations, special activities and steadfast dedication
to this event is recognized and truly appreciated!
Back-to-School night was
also an overwhelming success. We welcomed more parents than ever and
everyone in attendance had an enjoyable and informative evening. Our
H.S.A. parent volunteers prepared an abundance of snacks that were served
with a delightful fall theme. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you
who coordinated this event. I would also like to thank the Memorial
School Jazz Combo who provided entertainment and created such a festive
atmosphere for the evening.
Our annual Halloween
Parade will take place on Monday, October 31st at 2:00 pm. As
you begin to plan for this event, parents are asked to avoid costumes
which portray violence and weapons of any kind. We hope to emphasize
positive values and not scare small children. For the purpose of
clarification, uniforms worn by U.S. Military, police and fire fighting
personnel are honored and most acceptable.
If your child does not
celebrate Halloween, we will make arrangements for him/her to work in the
media center, if you prefer. Please call the office for special
accommodations.
Allen School is off to
one of its best beginnings with great things yet to come. I encourage you
to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Continue to enjoy
the beauty of the fall season.
Christine G.
Pukenas
Principal
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Homework
helps students learn previously introduced and new concepts and it can be
a way for parents to become involved in their child’s education. Teachers
assign homework to reinforce what was learned that day, to prepare
students for the following day’s lesson, to use resources such as the
computer, encyclopedias, and libraries, and to develop good study habits.
Homework can teach children to work by themselves, encourage discipline,
and responsibility.
ü
Quiet Space. Designate a quiet and
well lit area of the house the “homework” area. Avoid having your child
work in an area with a T.V. or other distractions, such as people coming
and going. In this space have all homework materials (paper, pencils,
dictionary, etc.) handy.
ü
Time
Management. Maintain a consistent time every day for doing
homework. Don’t let the homework wait until bedtime. This routine will
convey the message that homework and school is important
ü
Do
homework together. Show your child that
the skills that they are learning are related to the things you do as an
adult. When your child is doing math, balance your checkbook. When your
child is reading, you read too.
ü
Provide
guidance, not answers. Giving your child
the answers means your child will not learn the material. Too much help
teaches your child that when things are tough, someone will do his/her
work for them.
ü
Hard work first.
Do the most difficult homework first while your
child is most alert. Easy work will seem to go by fast when your child
begins to get tired. Let your child have a short break if they are having
trouble keeping their mind on their homework and begin to get frustrated.
ü
Reward progress in homework.
Celebrate successful homework completion and
hard work with a special event (pizza, ice cream, a walk, bike ride, or
trip to the park).
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Helpful Homework
Websites
When parents
are involved in their child’s education kids do better in school. Parental
involvement can mean reading a book to your child, checking their
homework, discussing your child’s progress with their teacher, limiting TV
on school nights, or simply just asking your child, “How was school
today?” Here are some sites that will help you to make a difference in
your child’s educational life:
Disclaimer.
Helping Your Child with Homework
This is a printable booklet provided by the US Department of Education. It
discusses why teachers assign homework, what is the right amount of
homework, how to help your child, and so much more!
Homework Hub
Scholastic families has dedicated a wonderful website for families and the
homework issue. They have advice, tips, and articles on how to design a
kid-friendly workplace, study strategies, how to stop homework struggles,
and when it is time for a tutor. They also provide wonderful resources
for keeping organized, such as create a calendar to keep track of long
term projects. The building skills area also has a place to create
flashcards and other skill building games. This site is worth a look!
BJ Pinchbeck’s Homework Helper
Discovery School has searched the web for the best homework helper sites
in all content areas and organized them here! Their slogan is “If you
can’t find it here, than you just can’t find it” and I think they are
right!
Figure This!: Math Homework Help
This is a great site for parents helping their child with math homework.
Figure This! lists questions that you can ask your child if they are
having difficulty in their math homework such as, “Let’s try making a
diagram or a picture.” These questions will provide a roadmap to solving
the math problem or at least finding help.
For a complete listing of resources in All Areas, click here!
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Upcoming Events at Allen
School
October is
packed full of great happenings at Allen! Here are just a few
events that are coming up!
·
Hurricane Katrina School Supplies Drive ends Oct. 7th
·
First Grade Parent Night—Oct. 11th
·
No School—Oct. 13th.
·
Backwards/Clash Day & Papa Johns Pizza Day—Oct. 14th
·
Halloween Party and Parade—Oct. 31st.
Check out the 2005-2006 Allen School Calendar for a complete listing of
all activities throughout the year!
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What's New on Allen's
Website?
The Allen
School website changes often! Make sure you check it daily!
·
Pumpkin Scientists: Check out Mrs. Wilson’s Am Kindergarten class
exploring the science of pumpkins!
·
Johnny Appleseed: Check out photos from 2nd Grade’s
celebration of Johnny Appleseed Day!
·
The Counselor’s Corner: Homework kit available, Guidance classes
beginning, Peer Mediators working hard, and Peace Week! Kids can learn how
to deal with bully, work on a great working together Clifford site for K-2
and students in grades 3-5 can respond to a McGruff site.
·
October Lunch Menu: The lunch menu for October has now been posted!
·
Allen Alligator Day: Check out the Allen Homepage for photos from
Alligator Day!
·
Nurse’s Page: Halloween Safety Tips and fun Safety Quiz game from
Hershey’s. Great Group Costume Ideas and healthy treat alternatives!
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