Families~
WOW! October already!!! We are really rolling right now with our routines and expectations. The students have settled in nicely and they are feeling pretty good about meeting some of those high expectations we set at the beginning of the year. Here's a couple updates:
1. Conferences. Notes went home yesterday for times to sign up. Please send it back ASAP to ensure we find a time that works for you. As the note indicated, I LOVE for students to attend the conference as well - I've done that every year and it allows for FULL transparency between that perfect triangle we mentioned at curriculum night - student, parent, teacher together. If you wish for them not to attend, I support that choice as well :)
2. Personality types. Hopefully your child has come home and discussed their MBTI letters with you! They have explored all the links provided on the blog during class, and they have been VERY excited to learn about some possible strengths and weaknesses in themselves. In addition, the main reason we take the tests is to understand that not everyone in the class may think and feel the same way they do, yet we need to find a way to be respectful of ALL classmates thoughts/feelings. What a beautiful and important thought process when you consider the way the world is today!
3. Multiplication. Starting THIS Friday, we will be doing a 3 minute timed multiplication test for the rest of the year. We start with only the x0,1,2,3,4, and 5 fact families. This does include problems like 9x4, because it is a 4 fact. Please buy flashcards, find games through my blog or other websites, and encourage your students to practice whenever possible. We will have all facts MEMORIZED up to 10x10 by the end of the year, and hopefully these first "basic" facts memorized by Thanksgiving. We're looking to improve our score each week, so please assist at home any way you can!
4. Continued work at home. For the 178th time, PLEASE check their planners nightly as everything we are doing in class can be found in there. In addition, they can work on MobyMax, DreamBox, or Typing Club on a nightly basis.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Up and Running!!!
Dear Families~
We are already a month into the school year!!!! WHAT??? Seems crazy, so I'm here with a few updates and reminders that I'd love for you to help me out with:
1. Antidisestablishmentarianism. Yes. It really is happening on Friday. Please help your child break down the word to ensure they will spell it right on Friday. And no, I'm not totally insane. We talk so much in school about being gritty and never giving up and having a growth mindset! Once they know they can spell the longest word in the English language, they can and will conquer ANYTHING! (Plus, it works to my advantage when they are struggling with something later in the year and say/feel that they won't ever get it, I just look at them and say, "Spell antidisestablishmentarianism," and that reminds them what hard work feels like. (There's normally a method to my madness).
2. Similarly, there is a continents and oceans quiz on Friday. They have a study guide. Please help ensure they are ready!
3. CHECK THEIR PLANNERS WITH THEM!!! I know it's easier for you to just grab the planner and check their folder by yourself, but PLEASE don't. Instead, look over their tests with them to help them learn from the mistakes that were made. And please go over their planner and allow them to explain what they learned here.
4. They have their usernames/passwords for multiple sites on my blog. MobyMax is a great opportunity for the individual child because they preassess them in each academic area and only give your child lessons that are on their level (whether that means reading like a 1st grader or a 7th grader) and progresses them through! TypingClub will help them meet my expectation that they will at least know the keys on the keyboard by the end of the year. Math and Reading games through the interactive classroom are broken down by standard/skill. Encourage them to spend 15 minutes a night on one of those sites. It WILL make a huge difference in their growth throughout the year.
5. YOU ROCK!!! I know I'm asking a lot in terms of supporting their learning at home, but come on, that's what you signed up for as a parent right? 😂 I at least say Please a lot! Have a great week, and sorry this is so long!
We are already a month into the school year!!!! WHAT??? Seems crazy, so I'm here with a few updates and reminders that I'd love for you to help me out with:
1. Antidisestablishmentarianism. Yes. It really is happening on Friday. Please help your child break down the word to ensure they will spell it right on Friday. And no, I'm not totally insane. We talk so much in school about being gritty and never giving up and having a growth mindset! Once they know they can spell the longest word in the English language, they can and will conquer ANYTHING! (Plus, it works to my advantage when they are struggling with something later in the year and say/feel that they won't ever get it, I just look at them and say, "Spell antidisestablishmentarianism," and that reminds them what hard work feels like. (There's normally a method to my madness).
2. Similarly, there is a continents and oceans quiz on Friday. They have a study guide. Please help ensure they are ready!
3. CHECK THEIR PLANNERS WITH THEM!!! I know it's easier for you to just grab the planner and check their folder by yourself, but PLEASE don't. Instead, look over their tests with them to help them learn from the mistakes that were made. And please go over their planner and allow them to explain what they learned here.
4. They have their usernames/passwords for multiple sites on my blog. MobyMax is a great opportunity for the individual child because they preassess them in each academic area and only give your child lessons that are on their level (whether that means reading like a 1st grader or a 7th grader) and progresses them through! TypingClub will help them meet my expectation that they will at least know the keys on the keyboard by the end of the year. Math and Reading games through the interactive classroom are broken down by standard/skill. Encourage them to spend 15 minutes a night on one of those sites. It WILL make a huge difference in their growth throughout the year.
5. YOU ROCK!!! I know I'm asking a lot in terms of supporting their learning at home, but come on, that's what you signed up for as a parent right? 😂 I at least say Please a lot! Have a great week, and sorry this is so long!
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
New School Year
Dear Past Families~
Hahaha...you thought you were done with me :) Actually, that's what this message is about! I'm getting ready to "roll over" my blog so my new families can subscribe. Your job should be pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Jump below this message to the bottom of the email.
2. Look at the second line that says To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.3. It will pop up in a second window and just confirm that you will unsubscribe.
4. Smile to know you're finally FINALLY done with me!
Thanks again to each of you for making last year an awesome one. As always, please feel free to stop me or email me with ANY concerns you have this school year! Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!
~Mr. Buono
Hahaha...you thought you were done with me :) Actually, that's what this message is about! I'm getting ready to "roll over" my blog so my new families can subscribe. Your job should be pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Jump below this message to the bottom of the email.
2. Look at the second line that says To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.3. It will pop up in a second window and just confirm that you will unsubscribe.
4. Smile to know you're finally FINALLY done with me!
Thanks again to each of you for making last year an awesome one. As always, please feel free to stop me or email me with ANY concerns you have this school year! Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!
~Mr. Buono
Friday, January 19, 2018
Mid-Year Update!!!
Families~
YAY FOR 2018!!! As we start a new year, we also start a new quarter. Here's an update on some things we just finished up as well as a look ahead:
1. Report Cards - 2nd Quarter report cards are available online TONIGHT @ 4:00. I have showed all the students their report cards individually and addressed any concerns I had as well as their own concerns.
2. STAR (Standardized) Tests - We took our Mid-year STAR tests and the students did really well! I individually conferenced with each student to see if they made their individual goals. Those scores will be sent from the district as soon as they are finalized.
3. Upcoming Field Trip - The field trip to the Little White School Museum is coming up. It is scheduled for MONDAY, March 5th (one of the sheets I sent home had a misprint...SORRY!) The students will need a disposable lunch on that day. Our chaperones are all set, and thanks to all who volunteered...YOU ROCK!
4. Overall Reflection/Moving Forward - The halfway point is a perfect time to reflect so we can move forward in the most successful way possible. By now, most students are taking accountability for their success this year. They can also tell you what has made them feel that way: studying multiplication facts, engaged during the day through participation, working hard in Power 1/2 Hour when they visit different teachers, and enjoying reading self-chosen books more than ever! I still believe another big piece is having those conversations about school at home, so please keep checking the planners and talking to your children about how they feel school is going!
As always, please reach out if you have any concerns moving forward. I truly want this to be a year your child will always remember as magical!!!
YAY FOR 2018!!! As we start a new year, we also start a new quarter. Here's an update on some things we just finished up as well as a look ahead:
1. Report Cards - 2nd Quarter report cards are available online TONIGHT @ 4:00. I have showed all the students their report cards individually and addressed any concerns I had as well as their own concerns.
2. STAR (Standardized) Tests - We took our Mid-year STAR tests and the students did really well! I individually conferenced with each student to see if they made their individual goals. Those scores will be sent from the district as soon as they are finalized.
3. Upcoming Field Trip - The field trip to the Little White School Museum is coming up. It is scheduled for MONDAY, March 5th (one of the sheets I sent home had a misprint...SORRY!) The students will need a disposable lunch on that day. Our chaperones are all set, and thanks to all who volunteered...YOU ROCK!
4. Overall Reflection/Moving Forward - The halfway point is a perfect time to reflect so we can move forward in the most successful way possible. By now, most students are taking accountability for their success this year. They can also tell you what has made them feel that way: studying multiplication facts, engaged during the day through participation, working hard in Power 1/2 Hour when they visit different teachers, and enjoying reading self-chosen books more than ever! I still believe another big piece is having those conversations about school at home, so please keep checking the planners and talking to your children about how they feel school is going!
As always, please reach out if you have any concerns moving forward. I truly want this to be a year your child will always remember as magical!!!
Monday, November 6, 2017
End of 1st Quarter Update
Families~
Thank you so much for meeting with me during conferences. It's always nice to sit down and talk about the progress made thus far, but more importantly the future goals of each student. I appreciate your time and support during that process.
In class, we've just gotten started on a lot of 2nd Quarter skills and projects. The students learning their multiplication facts will be a HUGE part of math the entire rest of the school year. We are still working on any number x0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10. Most students are well underway with that process as they are hard workers and are excited for the challenge. Some great study strategies at home include flash cards, the online game called Math Magician, MobyMax Fact Fluency, or one of the best ways is to print off timed sheets (the link is under the Math tab off to the side of this blog) and have the students set a 3 minute timer. This is EXACTLY what the Friday tests include. The rest of the year (and 4th grade) is such a struggle for students who do not master their facts with memorization.
In addition, any skills we discussed as potential struggles for your child can be addressed by them continuing on MobyMax and Dreambox, both which cater exactly to the needs of the individual child. Oh, and keep trying to encourage reading at home, but again, only if you are ready to help in the process of falling in love with reading. Have conversations about any books they've been interested in and assist them in finding similar books they can get from our school library or Oswego Library. Don't let them say they don't enjoy books, because they are TOTALLY ENTHRALLED with the books we do as read alouds (BFG, The Twits, Bunnicula, The Whangdoodles).
Looking forward to a productive middle of the year, even with all the breaks from we school that are upcoming. As always, we will find a way to RISE ABOVE IT!
Thank you so much for meeting with me during conferences. It's always nice to sit down and talk about the progress made thus far, but more importantly the future goals of each student. I appreciate your time and support during that process.
In class, we've just gotten started on a lot of 2nd Quarter skills and projects. The students learning their multiplication facts will be a HUGE part of math the entire rest of the school year. We are still working on any number x0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10. Most students are well underway with that process as they are hard workers and are excited for the challenge. Some great study strategies at home include flash cards, the online game called Math Magician, MobyMax Fact Fluency, or one of the best ways is to print off timed sheets (the link is under the Math tab off to the side of this blog) and have the students set a 3 minute timer. This is EXACTLY what the Friday tests include. The rest of the year (and 4th grade) is such a struggle for students who do not master their facts with memorization.
In addition, any skills we discussed as potential struggles for your child can be addressed by them continuing on MobyMax and Dreambox, both which cater exactly to the needs of the individual child. Oh, and keep trying to encourage reading at home, but again, only if you are ready to help in the process of falling in love with reading. Have conversations about any books they've been interested in and assist them in finding similar books they can get from our school library or Oswego Library. Don't let them say they don't enjoy books, because they are TOTALLY ENTHRALLED with the books we do as read alouds (BFG, The Twits, Bunnicula, The Whangdoodles).
Looking forward to a productive middle of the year, even with all the breaks from we school that are upcoming. As always, we will find a way to RISE ABOVE IT!
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
First Post of 2017-2018
Parents~
If you are receiving this, YOU ROCK! Thanks for signing up to get blog updates throughout the year. Once again, I promise the updates won't stress you out :) This year has honestly been AMAZING! I'm sure we'll hit a rough patch at some point, but for right now, we are really cruising through our days. Here’s a few things going on:
1). While things during the school days are going swimmingly, I'm a little concerned about the follow-up piece at home. The great news is, we have a very honest class this year. The bad news is that they are honest about what is not happening at home on a nightly basis. Last Monday night, we circled to look over our Math Review sheet for our test, and a little less than half the class admitted to looking the sheet over L. Then, again last night, we had multiple students bring their Math game back incomplete. I know I've said it a few times, but please make sure you are talking with your child about the day as you look at their planner WITH them. That element is going to be vital all year long. Thank you so much for your help with this.
If you are receiving this, YOU ROCK! Thanks for signing up to get blog updates throughout the year. Once again, I promise the updates won't stress you out :) This year has honestly been AMAZING! I'm sure we'll hit a rough patch at some point, but for right now, we are really cruising through our days. Here’s a few things going on:
1). While things during the school days are going swimmingly, I'm a little concerned about the follow-up piece at home. The great news is, we have a very honest class this year. The bad news is that they are honest about what is not happening at home on a nightly basis. Last Monday night, we circled to look over our Math Review sheet for our test, and a little less than half the class admitted to looking the sheet over L. Then, again last night, we had multiple students bring their Math game back incomplete. I know I've said it a few times, but please make sure you are talking with your child about the day as you look at their planner WITH them. That element is going to be vital all year long. Thank you so much for your help with this.
2). Boosterthon FUNRUN is tomorrow at 9:05 for our grade
level. Parents are welcome to come cheer
their children on during the run! Our
class alone raised over $1,000!!!! ARE
YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! That’s unbelievable…thanks for the hard work on your end!
3). I guess I forgot to update our class schedule on the
Curriculum Night Brochure (Busted!). I’m
so sorry for this confusion…I promise the Specials tab on the blog is correct!
Sorry to be a little bit of a downer on my first post of the year, but I really want to make sure we are all setting some easy routines for the students that will lead to maximize success. I promise my next post will be way more upbeat and not so long. Thanks for reading and have a great week!
~Mr. Buono
Sorry to be a little bit of a downer on my first post of the year, but I really want to make sure we are all setting some easy routines for the students that will lead to maximize success. I promise my next post will be way more upbeat and not so long. Thanks for reading and have a great week!
~Mr. Buono
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Mr. Buono's Blog!!!
Dear '16-'17 Families~
Hahaha...you thought you were done with me :) Actually, that's what this message is about! I'm getting ready to "roll over" my blog so my new families can subscribe. Your job should be pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Jump below this message to the bottom of the email.
2. Look at the second line that says To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
3. It will pop up in a second window and just confirm that you will unsubscribe.
4. Smile to know you're finally FINALLY done with me!
Thanks again to each of you for making last year an awesome one. As always, please feel free to stop me or email me with ANY concerns you have this school year! Enjoy your next few weeks!
~Mr. Buono
Hahaha...you thought you were done with me :) Actually, that's what this message is about! I'm getting ready to "roll over" my blog so my new families can subscribe. Your job should be pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Jump below this message to the bottom of the email.
2. Look at the second line that says To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
3. It will pop up in a second window and just confirm that you will unsubscribe.
4. Smile to know you're finally FINALLY done with me!
Thanks again to each of you for making last year an awesome one. As always, please feel free to stop me or email me with ANY concerns you have this school year! Enjoy your next few weeks!
~Mr. Buono
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