December 20, 2024

 

The Mendoza Message

For

December 20, 2024

We made it through this very busy week.  I want to say “THANK YOU” to all of you for the lovely present.  I truly appreciate it.  Also, big “Thank You” to all of the parents that helped out on the field trip and again the next day for our Winter Party. Without you, it would not have been a big success.  Lastly, that you Room Parents, Ms. Denay and Ms. Metler for orgainizing the Winter Party- you did an amazing job!

The First Day of  Winter will be here tomorrow.  Right now, Mother Nature still has not decided if winter is truly here. 

We are officially on Winter Break!!  Your child will return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025. I hope everyone will have a wonderful and relaxing Winter Break.

Please note, my next newsletter will not be until we return in 2025. So, please read through this letter, and take note of what is happening our first week together in 2025.

During Break, this is a good time to go through your child’s backpack. You never know what is in there.

Also, please remember to return their AADL book at the AADL.  Your child’s AADL book is due on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Also during break, if you want to, your child can go on their laptop and do Lexia, Dreambox and/or Epic Books.  The children are doing a great job going to those programs by themselves. I would suggest no more than 20 minutes/day on a device.  I would rather your child go outside and play or just have some wonderful family time.  But your child’s laptop is there just in case.

Below are photos of this week’s activities. I hope you will enjoy them. Parents, thank you so much for making it a successful party.

Remember to look at the Lawton Lost and Found regularly especially now.

If you would like to volunteer in the building during school hours you will need to complete this background check:  Complete Volunteer Background Check 24-25

Completing the background check allows you to be with children during the school day, class parties, and to chaperone field trips.  If you think you might be helping out at any time during the year, please fill it out now.  Don’t want to wait until the last minute.

Again, here is the QR Code to the Amazon “Wish List”, since I have added some items.

Remember, please charge the laptop to 100%, so it is ready for use in the classroom for Monday. 

My blog is at https://mendozaclassroom.blogspot.com/),

And my web page is at (https://mendozaclassroom.wixsite.com/mendozaclassroom).

Information from Lawton:

TRAILS Unit 2 Update: Self Management
For our TRAILS lesson, students will start to learn self-management skills. Self-Management skills 

include strategies for responding to and managing strong thoughts and feelings in order to make helpful behavior choices. Learn more about the Unit 2 Lesson on Self Management Here: K-2 TRAILS Unit 2 Family Resources.

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Free Academic Support and Enrichment Classes for ALL AAPS STUDENTS with Varsity Tutors!  

The Ann Arbor Public Schools has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools! All AAPS students now have access to the Varsity Tutors learning resources around the clock and on demand such as  live classes, chat tutoring, fun enrichment classes, and more.  

Everything your student needs to get started can be found HERE. 

• Academic Support - Personalized Learning Courses & Homework Help

• College Preparation - Essay writing, SAT prep and practice 

• Interest-based classes - Chess, Coding, Drawing, Online Content Creation

Check out the Varsity Tutor link in Clever!

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Students & Families - Technology Virtual Help Desk

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Call:  734-997-1222

Open a ticket: family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us

Schedule an In-Person Appointment: call the Student & Family Help Desk

Ayuda en Español at 734-997-1246

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What we are doing in the classroom:

ELA: We have been finishing up our Book Clubs.

Math:  We finished Unit 4.  Next week we will be doing some review of math concepts before break.  We will start Unit 5 in January.

Social Studies: We started our Economic Unit.  We have been learning about wants and needs, scarcity, and opportunity cost.

Word Study: We have been working on learning how to write words with open and closed syllables, and words spell word with r-controlled vowels (ar, or and ore) and /er/sound: er, ir, ur and w-or.

Dates to Remember:

12/21-1/5/2025: Winter Break- NO SCHOOL

1/6/2025: School Resumes

1/20: MLK Day- NO SCHOOL

1/23: All School Assembly @ 10:0am (Highlighting Second Grade)

1/29: Early Release Day-Dismissal at 1:00pm

1/31: All School Assembly- Wayne State Dance Performance from 1:45-2:45

Here is a copy of the “Winter Break” Bingo that your children received from me.

December 13, 2024

 

The Mendoza Message 

for 

December 13, 2024

We had such a fun 70th Day of School. The students loved seeing all of the 2nd grade teachers dressed in our “70s” attire.  They also enjoyed the classroom decorations and music that we had.

This week is Spirit Week.  Here is what the children can wear if they wish to participate:

Monday-Wear a fun hat or headband

Tuesday-Wear your favorite team gear

Wednesday-Wear your silliest socks

Thursday-Wear your Lawton gear or blue/white

Friday-Pajama Day

On Friday, December 20th, the Second Grade classes will have our Winter/Snow Party from 9:30-10:30 am. All of the 2nd grade children will be doing crafts and games in the Lunchroom.  Afterwards, the children will go back to their classroom for a snack.  Please click here to the Sign-Up Genius and see how you can help out. There are still a number of slots available.

Again, we know this is going to be a very busy time of year.  If you are planning to leave early for vacation or doctor appointments, please inform the office staff and myself.

The weather has been interesting this past week. We went with temperatures in the 40s to temperatures around 18-degrees (without wind chill).  The children were very cold on Wednesday.  But of course, it will be warm again over the weekend and at the beginning of the week.  Yet, it looks like the temperatures will drop again at the end of the week. 

So, please listen to the weather reports daily.  Therefore, you can make sure your child is dressed properly for the weather-your child may need to layer their clothing.  Also, please remember to send winter gear (boots, snow pants, winter coat, hat, gloves/mittens, scarf) daily.  Wearing winter gear will keep your child dry and warm. Remember, since the children’s backpacks cannot hold all of your child’s winter gear, I suggest another bag for winter gear (like a reusable grocery bag or something like the blue IKEA bag).  Also, remember to please label all of your child’s winter items.    Labeling them with your child’s initials is just fine.

If it is left in the classroom, I can make sure they will get it back.  Another thing, please check daily that your child brought everything home.  

Again, I would suggest a ziplock baggie with dry, clean clothing that will be kept in your child’s backpack.  In the ziplock baggie should have a top, bottom, socks, underwear and a plastic bag for wet clothing.  Your child may come inside from a recess wet.  This way your child will have dry clothing to put on. 

If something did not make it home, please check Lost and Found, Lunchroom and the Bus (for those who take the bus) right away.  The quicker you notice it is missing, the quicker it will make it back home. And labeling your child’s items will make it easier to find too. FYI, when I was out, I came back to a classroom with a number of jackets in the classroom with no name inside.  So please check daily, and label your child’s items. 

Please look at the Lawton Lost and Found.  It is starting to get filled up.

If you would like to volunteer in the building during school hours you will need to complete this background check:  Complete Volunteer Background Check 24-25

Completing the background check allows you to be with children during the school day, class parties, and to chaperone field trips.  If you think you might be helping out at any time during the year, please fill it out now.  Don’t want to wait until the last minute.

Again, here is the QR Code to the Amazon “Wish List”, since I have added some items.

Remember, please charge the laptop to 100%, so it is ready for use in the classroom for Monday. 

My blog is at https://mendozaclassroom.blogspot.com/),

And my web page is at (https://mendozaclassroom.wixsite.com/mendozaclassroom).

Information from Lawton:

TRAILS Unit 1 Update: Self Awareness

This week our school goal was to identify helpful and unhelpful thoughts based on how they make us feel or act. The thought, “I can’t do it,” is an example of an unhelpful thought. We learned how we can squash unhelpful thoughts when they pop up every day!  When our thoughts aren’t helping us, we can practice bossing them back with helpful thoughts such as, ‘I can do this!’ or ‘it’s going to be okay,’ or, ‘It won’t be all bad, I’ll get through it!’ We can also think about things for which we are thankful or things we really like!”

Learn more about the Unit 1 Lesson on Self Awareness Here: K-2 TRAILS Unit 1 Family Resources.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Free Academic Support and Enrichment Classes for ALL AAPS STUDENTS with Varsity Tutors!  

The Ann Arbor Public Schools has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools! All AAPS students now have access to the Varsity Tutors learning resources around the clock and on demand such as  live classes, chat tutoring, fun enrichment classes, and more.  

Everything your student needs to get started can be found HERE. 

• Academic Support - Personalized Learning Courses & Homework Help

• College Preparation - Essay writing, SAT prep and practice 

• Interest-based classes - Chess, Coding, Drawing, Online Content Creation

Check out the Varsity Tutor link in Clever!

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Students & Families - Technology Virtual Help Desk

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Call:  734-997-1222

Open a ticket: family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us

Schedule an In-Person Appointment: call the Student & Family Help Desk

Ayuda en Español at 734-997-1246

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What we are doing in the classroom:

ELA: We have been finishing up our Book Clubs.

Math:  We finished Unit 4.  Next week we will be doing some review of math concepts before break.  We will start Unit 5 in January.

Social Studies: We started our Economic Unit.  We have been learning about wants and needs, scarcity, and opportunity cost.

Word Study: We have been working on learning how to write words with open and closed syllables, and words spell word with r-controlled vowels (ar, or and ore)

Dates to Remember:

12/16-12/20: Spirit Week (read above)

12/18: All School Assembly @ 10:0am (Highlighting First Grade)

12/19: Field Trip to Downtown AADL Library from 12:15-2:00pm

12/20: 2nd Grade Winter Party in the Lunchroom from 9:30-10:30 am

12/21-1/5/2025: Winter Break- NO SCHOOL

1/6/2025: School Resumes

1/23/25: All School Assembly @ 10:0am (Highlighting Second Grade)

December 6, 2024

 

The Mendoza Message 

for 

December 6, 2024

Snow has officially arrived for the month of December.  There is so much happening in this month.  So, please carefully read this newsletter.

On Wednesday, December 11th, the Second Grade classes will be recognizing the 70th day of school.  The children can choose to participate if they want by dressing up. Here are some ideas of school appropriate 1970s fashion : bell bottom, polyester, floral patterns, disco, wide collars, etc.  Remember, dressing up is optional. Your child can wear regular school clothing.

On Thursday, December 12th, our class will be going to the Downtown AADL. On this field trip, the children will be receiving an AADL library card. Remember, if your child has a library card already, please send in your child’s library card to school with your child on Thursday.  During our time at the AADL library, your child will be checking out one library book.

On Friday, December 2oth, the Second Grade classes will have our Winter/Snow Party from 9:30-10:30 am. All of the 2nd grade children will be doing crafts and games in the Lunch Room.  Afterwards, the children will go back to their classroom for a snack.  Please click here to the Sign-Up Genuis and see how you can help out.

Again, we know this is going to be a very busy time of year.  If you are planning to leave early for vacation or doctor appointments, please inform the office staff and myself.

The weather has been interesting this past week.  The cold temperatures are here. So, please listen to the weather reports daily.  Therefore, you can make sure your child is dressed for the weather-your child may need to layer their clothing.  Also, please remember to send winter gear (boots, snowpants, winter coat, hat, gloves/mittens, scarf) daily.  Wearing winter gear will keep your child dry and warm. Remember, since the children’s backpacks cannot hold all of your child’s winter gear, I suggest another bag for winter gear (like a reusable grocery bag or something like the blue IKEA bag).  Also, remember please label all of your child’s winter items.    Labeling them with your child’s initials is just fine.

If it is left in the classroom, I can make sure they will get it back.  Another thing, please check daily that your child brought everything home.  

Again, I would suggest a ziplock baggie with dry, clean clothing that will be kept in your child’s backpack.  In the ziplock baggie should have a top, bottom, socks, underwear and a plastic bag for wet clothing.  Your child may come inside from a recess wet.  This way your child will have dry clothing to put on. 

If something did not make it home, please check Lost and Found, Lunchroom and the Bus (for those who take the bus) right away.  The quicker you notice it is missing, the quicker it will make it back home. And labeling your child’s items will make it easier to find too. FYI, when I was out, I came back to a classroom with a number of jackets in the classroom with no name inside.  So please check daily, and label your child’s items. 

Please look at the Lawton Lost and Found.  It is starting to get filled up.

If you would like to volunteer in the building during school hours you will need to complete this background check:  Complete Volunteer Background Check 24-25

Completing the background check allows you to be with children during the school day, class parties, and to chaperone field trips.  If you think you might be helping out at any time during the year, please fill it out now.  Don’t want to wait until the last minute.

Again, here is the QR Code to the Amazon “Wish List”, since I have added some items.

Remember, please charge the laptop to 100%, so it is ready for use in the classroom for Monday. 

My blog is at https://mendozaclassroom.blogspot.com/),

And my web page is at (https://mendozaclassroom.wixsite.com/mendozaclassroom).

Information from Lawton:

Lawton Science Olympiad Student Registration for 2024-2025 - Due December 6! 

Lawton Science Olympiad 2025 - Student Registration is open! Student registration forms are due on December 6 to be considered for the 2024-2025 season. 

The WESO Tournament is on Saturday, May 10th 2025 at Pioneer High School. To participate in the Science Olympiad, you must commit to attending weekly practices, beginning in the beginning of January until May 9th. There is no registration fee to learn and participate in this program.

Details and Student Registration form is HERE.

Or on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrejbHP5SLwdei-K5om03PbMFRt9KmM63shh-KgGh0jtUuYQ/viewform?usp=sharing

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRAILS Unit 1 Update: Self Awareness

This week, our school goal was to recognize that our thoughts often occur automatically and quickly, without us even realizing it! Sometimes, these automatic thoughts can be unhelpful or even negative. While negative thoughts may FEEL true in the moment, they are often exaggerated or unhelpful, and they can lead to strong emotions and poor behavior choices. Learning how to manage these thoughts can help us feel better and make more positive decisions.

Learn more about the Unit 1 Lesson on Self Awareness Here: K-2 TRAILS Unit 1 Family Resources.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Free Academic Support and Enrichment Classes for ALL AAPS STUDENTS with Varsity Tutors!  

The Ann Arbor Public Schools has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools! All AAPS students now have access to the Varsity Tutors learning resources around the clock and on demand such as  live classes, chat tutoring, fun enrichment classes, and more.  

Everything your student needs to get started can be found HERE. 

• Academic Support - Personalized Learning Courses & Homework Help

• College Preparation - Essay writing, SAT prep and practice 

• Interest-based classes - Chess, Coding, Drawing, Online Content Creation

Check out the Varsity Tutor link in Clever!

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Students & Families - Technology Virtual Help Desk

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Call:  734-997-1222

Open a ticket: family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us

Schedule an In-Person Appointment: call the Student & Family Help Desk

Ayuda en Español at 734-997-1246

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dates to Remember:

12/11: 70th Day of School

12/12: AADL Field Trip

12/18: All School Assembly @ 10:0am (Highlighting First Grade)

12/20: 2nd Grade Winter Party in the Lunchroom from 9:30-10:30 am

12/21-1/5/2025: Winter Break- NO SCHOOL

1/6/2025: School Resumes

1/23/25: All School Assembly @ 10:0am (Highlighting Second Grade)