This is Winter? Or is it just a hasty spring? This is time to plan some family time- how about reading over a warm cup of cocoa? Our students are working for hot cocoa by keeping referrals to under 12 for January..did we make it?

Make sure your child brings a jacket, hat and boots.  

Do you know Mr. Swanson?  He is our fabulous teaching assistant but he is also a certified teacher . He leads an after school fitness program that is gaining in popularity. He is a young man of great character and I feel grateful to have him in the classroom. What an asset to D131!

Back to cozy family time.....READ EVERY NIGHT AND AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE !  YOU KNOW KNOWLEDGE IS POWER  SO READ AND SHARE THE POWER! 

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST STATISTICS WE ALL MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!  JOHNSON CAN BE PROUD OF OUR GAINS THIS YEAR IN READING .IT IS CRITICAL TO YOUR CHILDS LOVE OF READING TO SEE YOU ENJOYING READING AS LEISURE! THANKS FOR DOING THIS FOR YOUR CHILD. ITS USE OF YOUR FREE TIME THAT WILL PAY YOU BACK SEVERAL FOLD!

I am very excited about this year being in a new room and starting the Language curriculum,and The Daily Five system that allows students to build "autonomy" in literacy. I will help the students gain stamina ( time spent on task) to determine the right fit books, read to someone, work on words (vocabulary), listen to reading read to themselves, and write critically with purpose and understanding. 

Check out The Daily 5 Cafe on the web  to see what it is all about-

We also have a new Science Fusion series which will get us all excited about the natural and physical world we live in.  Speaking of Science, Mr. Heitz is head of the Green Team and I am assisting leadership. Look for information to sign up for our club to beging making a difference to reuse, recycle and reduce our resources here at Johnson. We planted shrubs and bulbs with parents and our business partner at Home Depot. We have the garden tilled for school and community to plant and harvest. 

I hope you can volunteer some time with us at Johnson or in the classrooms. Light up two special eyes with pride when you are able to take part in our day  or a special event.

Mrs. Sowa