by Baylee F., Student Contributor, Miss Angeli’s 2nd Grade Class
Let me tell you about my field trip to the Natural History Museum
My Trip To The Natural History Museum
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Monthly Archives: March 2012
Reading Rainbow
March 16, 2012
Kindergarten – 1st Grade – 2nd Grade – 3rd Grade – 4th Grade – 5th Grade
LM Speech Team Finishes First
Just In…La Mariposa wins the 1st Place Large School Team Award!
More than fifty La Mariposa Tigers competed Monday in the annual PVEF 3rd Grade Speech Tournament. Every LM third grader prepared a speech to give in front of their class and 40% were chosen to be a part of the speech team and move on to city-wide tournament where 13 schools were represented. The team has been practicing together during lunch for two weeks. Students participated in one of four categories: Storytelling, Poetry, Expos/Demo, or Dual. Learn more about the categories…
Tiger Teachers Take ‘Impact II’ Award…again
To no surprise, not only are LM students successful, but their teachers are, too! For the second year in a row, second grade teachers Christie Kyriacou and Stacy Quiles will be receiving an Impact II Award. This year’s project: ”From Pen Pals to Tech Pals”. Continue reading
‘Unsinkable Molly Brown’ Visits LM
Each year in the beginning of March it is Women in History Week at La Mariposa. Orginating from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and facilitated by the PTA, volunteers in this program portray women of diverse backgrounds and cultures who have made their mark on history. Students in all grades are captivated as these great women are brought to life before their eyes. Our guests this year were: Continue reading
Becoming a Reality: New High School Update
If you read my previous post on this subject. “A New Camarillo High School: Fact of Fairytale”, you might recall a major obstacle to the timeline of getting the high school built to open in the fall of 2015: the annexation of the property into city limits. Continue reading
Spring Into Science: Experiments & Day Trips for the Break
Experiments
After science night we had a few of you ask us how you can make crystals at home. First of all, it’s really easy and I’m including some links below. Secondly, it made me think how Spring Break is the perfect time to do a little experimenting with the kids at home– Continue reading
Ever ‘Pet’ A Musical Instrument?
On March 15, La Mariposa 3rd Graders did just that! Each year we are lucky to have the New West Symphony (NWS) Music Van bring instruments for our students to try out.
Tiny Tigers Buddy-Up To ‘Bumble Bee’
WOOooo – WOOooo, Toot – Toot, VROOOoooom! For the last month our tiniest tigers have been counting, creating, reading, and writing all about all kinds of vehicles. To wrap up their transportation unit, the La Mariposa tradition of Transportation Day took place on March 25. Continue reading
Making Parent Conferences Work For Your Child
Adapted from “Making the Conference Work for You”, CAPTA.org
During the Conference
Establish rapport – As an icebreaker, take notice of something that reflects well upon the teacher. For example, thank the teacher for having made thoughtful notes on your child’s homework or for the special attention in helping your child learn to multiply.
Ask questions – Questions you ask during the conference can help you express your hopes for the student’s success in class and for the teacher. It’s a good idea to ask the important questions first, in case time runs out. The teacher’s answers should help you both work together to help your child.
If your child receives special services (e.g., gifted and talented programs, speech or occupational therapy), be sure to ask about the frequency of services and your child’s progress.
Address problems – Parent-teacher conferences are a good time to discuss any difficulties (either academic or behavioral) a child might be having at school. When problems arise, parents will want to
- Avoid angry or apologetic reactions. Instead, ask for examples.
- Ask what is being done about the problem and what strategies seem to help at school.
- Develop an action plan that may include steps that parents can take at home and steps the teacher will take when the problem comes up at school.
- Schedule a follow-up conference and decide on the best way to stay in touch (phone, e-mail, or letters sent to the home).
Develop an action plan – If the student needs help with a behavioral or an academic issue, you and the teacher should agree on specific plans—that you both will work on—to help your child do better. Be sure you understand what the teacher suggests. If it’s not clear, ask him or her to explain. Set up a way to check on your child’s progress. You and the teacher can decide how best to stay in touch, such as through phone calls, notes, or additional meetings.
Ending the conference – End the conference by reviewing what you discussed and restating your action plan. This is also a good time to set up your next meeting.
After the Conference – Talking to your child.
When discussing the conference with the child afterward, stress the good things that were covered and be direct about problems that were identified. If an action plan is in place, explain to the child what was arranged.
When an action plan is in place, consider the following: Watch your child’s behavior and check on classwork and homework. Ask how the student feels about schoolwork. Stay in touch with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress. Express appreciation as progress is made.
A good way to promote a continuing relationship with the teacher is to say “thank-you” with a note or a telephone call. Continuing to keep in touch with the teacher, even if things are going well, can play an important role in helping the child do better in school.
When a child knows parents and teachers are regularly working together, the child will see that education is a high priority requiring commitment and effort.
Questions to ask during the conference:
- What subject does my student like most? Least?
- What can I do to help my student with subjects he finds difficult? How can I help my student study? Prepare for class? Improve his work? A good time to ask these questions is when the teacher gives you samples of your son’s or daughter’s work.
- Is my student trying as hard as he can?
- Does my student participate in class discussions and activities?
- Is my student in different classes or groups for different subjects? Which ones? How are the groups determined?
- How well does my student get along with others?
- Has my student missed classes?
- Have you noticed changes in the way my student acts? For example, have you noticed squinting, tiredness, or moodiness that might be a sign of physical or other problems?
- How are you measuring my student’s progress? Through tests? Portfolios? Class participation? Projects?
- What kinds of tests do you give? What do the tests show about my student’s progress? How does my student handle taking tests?
