It’s hard to believe we’re already in November! We have worked hard this school year, and I’m proud of the progress our Giants are making. And while the calendar keeps moving, the learning doesn’t stop!
Our students continue to explore through hands-on learning in our Exploration Block while strengthening the reading and math skills and building the knowledge they need to tackle the problems and challenges put in front of them. Our sixth-graders are wrapping up their Mysteries unit, while our fifth-graders are saying goodbye to Mesoamerica and heading into the world of Global Architecture. Across both grade levels, we’re continuing to push students to think, read, write, problem-solve, and explain their thinking.
A reminder that Wednesday, Nov. 11, is an e-learning day. Our teachers will spend the morning engaged in professional learning as we continue strengthening instruction at Justice. Later that afternoon, teachers will have time set aside to connect with families. This is not another formal round of parent/teacher conferences like September, but we always want you to know that the door for communication is open. Teachers may be reaching out to families by phone, and if you have something you would like to discuss, you are welcome to contact your child’s teacher. If you would prefer to meet with your child’s teacher rather than receive a phone call, you may also request a meeting for that afternoon or any other time.
One of the most powerful things you can do at home is still one of the simplest: READ! Read together, have everyone in the family read for 20 minutes, start a family reading streak, challenge each other to finish a certain number of pages each week, or let your child stay up 15 minutes later if that extra time is spent reading. It doesn’t have to feel like homework. The goal is simply to make reading part of your family routine.
And as our math becomes more rigorous, solid multiplication and division facts are incredibly important. Practice in the car, use flash cards, make it a race against the clock, or ask a few facts while making dinner. The more automatic those facts become, the more brainpower students have available for the challenging math they are learning in class.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us. If you’re looking for something more specific you can work on with your child at home, reach out to your child’s teacher. They can help point you toward the skills that will make the biggest difference for your student.
We’ve accomplished a lot already, Giants — and we still have plenty of learning and growing ahead of us!
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