Fifth Grade News

In fifth grade the students began switching classes for some of the content areas.  In Science, Mrs. Russo has started getting the students ready for the annual Invention Convention.  They are following the scientific method in preparation for the Science MCAS test in May.  The students are discovering problems that people have.  They are figuring out solutions to those problems.  Once they find a solution, they will name their invention, draw it, create a logo and write a paragraph about it.

In writing Ms. Maclean has been taking the students through the complete writing process with some creative writing assignments using the Six Traits of Writing.  They are currently writing A Dairy of an Invertebrate.  They have also been enriching their vocabulary through Elements of Vocabulary.

In Social Studies, Mrs. Dunleavy began with a study of the Aztecs and students spent time exploring the virtual capital city of Tenochtitlan on the Smart Board.  They are now starting a unit on European Exploration and continue to practice the skill of two column note taking.

We are wrapping up our Reading Street unit that covered the big question "What makes people want to do the right thing?'  A highlight was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride."  All students are reading a biography for January's genre study.  They are looking forward to getting into the computer lab to begin a PowerPoint presentation on the person's life.

No School

There will be NO SCHOOL for students on Friday January 18th and Monday January 21st.

Parent Teacher Conferences are on the 18th

Martin Luther King Day on the 21st

Informational Texts in Second Grade

The second grade has been reading informational text and discussing how working together can bring about change.  Students read a biography about Abraham Lincoln and how he worked with others to put our country back together in a time of need.  Students then chose their own significant person from history to read about and write their own mini biography.  Students worked with a plan and timeline to identify the important events in the person's life.  Next, the students will read an expository text named Scarcity, where they will learn how scarcity affects people all around the world.  The students will also learn about how working together can help meet people's needs.

The Counselor's Corner

What Are Natural and Logical Consequences to Negative Behavior?

A natural consequence is an event that normally or naturally happens to a child following his behavior unless you step in to prevent the consequences. For example, a child who refuses to wear his mittens will have cold hands.  If a child acts mean to a friend, the friend may choose not to play with him for the rest of recess or play date, whichever the case may be.  Parents who use natural consequences believe that children learn to improve their behavior when they are allowed to experience naturally occurring consequences for their own decisions and actions.  A child who does not complete a homework assignment will be unprepared for class and may need to complete homework during a preferred activity of the school day such as recess or quiet time.

Sometimes parents cannot allow for natural consequences to occur because it is dangerous to the child. For example, a parent cannot allow a young child to ride a bike into a busy street filled with traffic and experience the natural consequence of getting harmed. However, a parent can stop the child and take away bike privileges for a period of time.  This is what is known as a logical consequence.  If siblings argue incessantly, a natural consequence may be to cancel a preferred family activity.  If a child’s schoolwork is poor because of video games, removing video games and/or other electronics until the work improves would be a logical consequence.  Withholding dessert for poor schoolwork is an illogical consequence because there is no relation between the two elements.  When children see a clear and reasonable relationship between their choices and the consequences, they are more likely to change their behavior.  It can be difficult to think of logical consequences. Recently, I spent almost 30 minutes searching around my child’s school for items he left behind.  I told him he owed me 30 minutes of doing whatever I wanted him to do to pay me back for my time.  I challenge you to talk with other parents to develop your own lists of logical consequences for your children.

Adapted from SOS Help for Parents; A Practical Guide for Handling Common Everyday Behavior Problems by Lynn Clark, Ph.D.

Kindergarten Registration

Full and Half - Day Kindergarten Programs are anticipated in all schools for 2013-2014.  Space availability and enrollment may impact final determination of all Kindergarten Programs.

Please complete forms (available in school offices and the Memorial Building) and return them to the Memorial Building, 502 Cabot Street: 

 January 22, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

 January 23, 8:30 a.m. -  4:00 p.m. 

 January 24, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Please contact the school office if you have additional questions. : ) 

AIM Programs

The AIM Programs are excited to be back to school and want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!  We celebrated the holiday season by making holiday crafts and cookies.  During our holiday celebration we made our own pizza, listened to music and read aloud holiday stories.

With the new year upon on us we are looking forward to continuing our hard work in the classroom working on our individual skills and academics.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Students are working on putting together their MCAS portfolios for review.  Parents should look for their binders to be coming home to be signed in late March.

Fifth Grade Students are getting ready for the school performance, which is highly anticipated by all.

All students K-5 continue to enjoy integrating into the general education classrooms for specials and morning meetings.  This is a great opportunity for students to practice social skills and build relationships with their grade level peers.

The second half of the year promises to be a good one!  We are looking into field trip opportunities and an end of the year celebration at Lynch Park.

We want to thank all parents for their continued support and we appreciate all you have done thus far!

Happy New Year!

Wishing all of the Cove Community a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!