1. education
2. school

Brandon Valley
School District
Fred Assam Elementary
January, 2015
ASSAM ANCHOR
Important Reminders:
NO SCHOOL
January 19
MARTIN LUTHER
KING DAY
PARENT-TEACHER
CONFERENCES
February 9—MS
(early dismissal at
1:00)
February 10—
Elementary/HS
(early dismissal at
1:00)
NO SCHOOL
February 13—COMP
DAY
February 16—
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Fred Assam Elementary School
7700 E. Willowwood Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Telephone:
605-582-1500
Fax:
605-332-0947
Goal Setting and New Year’s Resolutions
For many of us, New Year’s resolutions are grandly made and easily broken. Why?
Because a resolution is just that – a decision. To make a life change, you need more
than a decision. You need a plan. The plan is the guide to put your decision into
action so that you can reach your goal. It’s up to you to take steps to get closer to
your goal. Learning how to set goals takes practice.
Teachers set goals for their classrooms as well as for our school. Teachers write
Student Learning Objectives in order to target specific skill areas. These objectives
are written with the SMART criteria of specific, measurable, attainable, rigorous/
results focused, and time-bound. I CAN statements help children understand what
they are learning and why.
Goals are also set for our school. At the beginning of each school year, we set goals
in the academic and behavior areas. Based on testing data of our students, we make
a decision on exactly what our students already know and what they need to learn.
We then gather around the table and make a plan. This plan then defines the action
we take to help each student reach these goals.
Once we go into our ‘action mode’ or learning, we need to believe we can do it! We
support each other and encourage students to do their best. Along the way, we try
different interventions and strategies to make sure that the goals are within students’
reach. Setbacks sometimes happen but we don’t give up! To quote Henry Ford, “If
you think you can or can’t, you’re right.”
Recently, our students completed their Middle-of-the-Year reading testing. Within
any goal setting process, you must acknowledge your achievements. Reaching
goals takes hard work and we are very proud of our efforts!
At the beginning of this school year, 76% of FAE students were on track to meet
grade level benchmark in reading. Currently, 89% of FAE students are on track to
meet grade level benchmark in reading according to our latest testing results.
Yes, we took a few moments to celebrate our success, but now it’s back to the table
to study data and recreate our plan for the next semester of learning.
Thank-you parents and grandparents for helping your student reach their goals!
Working toward goals can improve your life in many ways. Once you’ve accomplished a goal, you’ll know it can be done and you’ll have confidence for your next
goal. Thank-you for creating learning environments that result in success!
Susan Foster – proud principal
Fred Assam Elementary School
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS
NO SCHOOL
January 19
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
PARENT-TEACHER
CONFERENCES
February 9—MS
(early dismissal at 1:00)
February 10—Elementary/HS
(early dismissal at 1:00)
The 2nd Quarter ended December
23, 2014. Look for report cards to
come home with students January
9, 2015.
Just a reminder: Family Access is a great tool to use to check
on your student’s grades throughout the school year.
NO SCHOOL
February 13—COMP DAY
February 16—PRESIDENT’S DAY
2nd SEMESTER BUS PASSES
Second semester bus passes can be purchased at the Transportation Department located at 812 Redwood Blvd. Their hours are
6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. The fee is $75 per
student; maximum fee will be $175 per family. Open enrolled
students who were assessed the $150 bus pass fee will be required to pay $150 for the 2nd semester bus pass also. Second
semester bus passes are due by January 15, 2015. Please call the
Transportation Department at 582-3514 with any questions.
Breakfast Reminder
On days with late starts, NO BREAKFAST is
served at school
The staff at Fred Assam Elementary would like to say
“thank you” for remembering us at Christmas time. The
Christmas treats and gifts were very much appreciated!!
A big “Thank You” also to the parent volunteers who
helped us with student supervision so we could enjoy
our staff Christmas breakfast. Thank you!
Morning Drop Off Rules
We want to emphasize that there is NO student supervision before 7:30 a.m. PLEASE
DO NOT DROP YOUR STUDENT
OFF BEFORE 7:30!
What Not To Wear (to PE)
Boots are wonderful! They keep your feet warm in
the cold winter weather! They keep moisture out and
they slip right on! For the same reasons, boots are
awful! Worn all day inside, they keep our feet TOO
warm. They cause feet to become sweaty. They don’t
have the support of shoes and feet slide around, creating problems with gait (the way we walk). Wearing boots (or shoes that do not support the feet
properly) all day, day after day, can have a long-term
effect on posture, hips, knees, back and feet. Boots
also leave marks on the floor, and not just the gym
floor. They are hard on carpet and tile as well. They
are wonderful for outdoor use and
terrible for indoor use! Please remind your child to bring their PE
shoes every day-not just on their PE
day!
What’s happening
in Title 1
January 2015
Classroom teachers did mid-year
testing during the weeks before
Christmas break. Many of our
students showed amazing growth
in the reading and comprehension
areas they were tested in. We are
so pleased with how much your
children are learning and are
proud of how willing they are to
read and learn!
Keep up the good work!
Some of our small reading groups
have changed since last semester.
We look forward to getting to know
your child and being able to help
with his or her reading skills. You
can also assist in building these
skills by reading with your child at
home and on the go. Every time they
practice, they are building reading
skills!
If you have any questions or
concerns, please contact us at
[email protected],
[email protected], or
[email protected]
Loving our LearnPads!
Our favorite new device time activity is to watch
“Learn to Draw” videos. Our class is great at following
directions and drawing!
What is a glyph?
Mrs. Williamson’s class did a reindeer glyph as part
of our reindeer theme week.
A glyph is composed of many different pieces. Each piece tells the observer something about the person who
made it. For example, in the reindeer glyph we used different colors and materials to tell about ourselves.
Do you like Jingle Bells or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer best? Rudolph = Red nose, Jingle Bells = Black
nose
Do you have a fireplace at your house? Yes=Red collar, No=Green collar
Do you have Christmas lights on your house? Yes=No lights on collar, No=Lights on collar
Once the glyphs were made we graphed our information.
The Reindeer Rebellion!
The 1st graders in Mrs. Dieren’s class read a story called
The Great Reindeer Rebellion where Santa’s reindeer
quit and Santa had to hire different animals to pull his
sleigh on Christmas Eve. They also read Olive, the Other
Reindeer – a story about a dog who thinks she is a reindeer and goes to the North Pole to help Santa and his
reindeer (she ends up being super helpful!).
The students then had to think about what other animal
they think would be a good fit for the job of pulling Santa’s
sleigh. They also wrote persuasive letters to Santa telling
him why think their animal would be the best for the job!
Here are some of the animals they came up with!
The students’ choices:
Zara – birds
Cole – bearded bear
Jacob – sharks
Tori – dogs
Sam – ender dragon
Victoria – penguins
Phinley – bearded dragon
Maya – eagles
Austin P. – harpy eagles
Carson – mice
Eliza – lions
Mia – deer
Addison – tigers
Austin S. – emperor penguin
Kai – penguins
Anna – flamingos
Paisley - deer
Bobzien’s Bunch
The students in Mr. Bobzien’s first grade class read the book
How Santa Lost His Job by Stephen Krensky. In the story, the
elves thought of a more efficient way to deliver presents rather
than having Santa deliver in his sleigh. Ultimately, everyone realizes that Santa is the best person for the job. Which made us
think, what would be the most difficult part about being Santa?
The hardest part about
being Santa going to
everyone’s house in one
night. It takes a long
time.
The hardest part about
being Santa is dropping
off all of the presents.
He has to go all the
way around the world.
I would be whining if I
was him.
-Grace
-Lilli
-Cooper
The hardest part about
being Santa is delivering the toys to all the
kids in the whole entire world.
-Anika
The hardest part about
being Santa is going
down the chimney. Because he might bet
burned.
The hardest part about
being Santa is having
to eat all those cookies
in one night. Because
I get full when I eat
three.
-Thad
The hardest part of
being Santa is making
sure the kids are happy, going up and down
the chimney, and loading the sled.
-Dylan
News from Mrs. Presler & Ms. Ronning’s Classroom
To celebrate Christmas Around the World, students rode on the “Polar Express” to
each of the continents to learn about various traditions and customs. After visiting
Germany, students decorated “gingerbread houses” and made a tangram Christmas
tree. Students also learned about Hanakkah and Kwanza celebrations and weaved a
placemat with the Kwanza colors.
Sharing Santa stories!
In Math, students have been learning
about statistics. They took surveys and
created graphs to share their data. We
even created graphs with M&M’s! Yum!!
Check out the mustaches on these second graders! Mrs. Livingston’s class recently read the story called “Big Bushy
Mustache”, so they thought it would be fun
if they could wear mustaches as well! Don’t
they look great?
Mrs. Hunsaid, Mrs. Jones,
Mr. Ganschow, and Mrs. VanLeur
JANUARY 2015
Special points of
interest:
3rd Grade Review
Fred Assam Elementary—Brandon Valley School District
LET THE ADVENTURE CONTINUE!
 Spelling pre-tests are
Mondays and tests are Fridays! Remember to study
your words at home!
 Reading Selection Tests
are on Friday, also! Remember to study your vocabulary words at home.
Be sure to practice using
the words in sentences as
the vocabulary tests are
tough! Reread the story
online at Think Central!
Congratulations to the following 3V students who completed their subtraction
mission: Meron, Raygin, Greyson, Max, Hayden, Keaton, Cade, Gabby, Cameron, and Ethan. You guys rock!
 Check out the 3rd grade
websites at: http://
dj002.k12.sd.us/ and
http://cv033.k12.sd.us .
Vocabulary & Spelling
lists!
 As the weather turns colder, please make sure your
student is dressed appropriately!
 Keep working on reading
books for AR points! To
look up the level and point
amount for a book, go
online to
www.arbookfind.com. It’s
very easy to use!
 You can check your student’s AR goals and
points by logging onto the
FAE webpage and clicking
on Students, WebLynx, and
Accelerated Reader.
Congratulations to the following 3J students that completed their Subtraction Mission: Michael, Austin,
Hunter, Alexa, Taielar, Sam, Logan, Ava, Emily, Cole,
Ahmed, Ashley, David, Reily, Lucas, Addy, Ella, Ellie,
and Christian.
Students made little
Reindeer Candy
dishes to give to
their family for
Christmas.
3rd Grade Students applied for a job with
Santa’s Reindeer Team!
ECOSYSTEMS
The 4th graders have spent the last 3 weeks creating ecosystems
for their science class. The ecosystems range from the tundra to
the tropical rain forest and all the way to the depths of the ocean.
Students researched the different living and non living things they
would find in their particular ecosystem. They have used a variety
of materials to help make their ecosystems look as realistic as possible. We are very proud of all their hard work.
5 Se Happenings!
In science we are learning all about simple machines! We have completed foldables,
interactive games, and are finishing up activities at www.edheads.org!
In reading we are busy at work on Literature Circles. Each student could choose
between one of the following books: Number the Stars, The Bridge to Terabithia,
The Last Holiday Concert, or The BFG. They fill out a discussion booklet and have
been completing activities on a Tic Tac Toe choice board! We then meet in small
groups to discuss the books! Great job 5Se!
Student Council
By Analiese Evans
I’m in Student Council because I like to help our school. Student
Council is fun because we get to use your great ideas and make
awesome things happen. We get to meet around lunchtime, every other week with the fabulous Mrs. Foster! That alone is worth
joining student council. But wait, there’s more. You should want
to be on student council because you can really make a difference
for our school by planning fun activities and theme days, doing
fundraisers, and so many more exciting things. As an added bonus you may even make some new friends. I’d recommend everyone try out for student council.
Happy New Years and Welcome Back, I hope that your Holidays were relaxing. Before the break our students were working feverishly to complete Holiday art projects.
Reindeer in Kindergarten, Wreaths and Trees in 1st grade, Ornaments in 2nd grade,
Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye) in 3rd grade, Winter prints in 4th grade and Holiday Banners
in 5th.
We will now begin the New
Year with new projects and
new artists. Look for some
great art coming your way
from these amazing artists.
Mr. Iverson
Art
“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in
it with all my heart.” ~ Vincent van
Gogh
Notes from the
Band Room
Congratulations to all of the 5th grade band members on an excellent performance at our District Elementary Band Holiday Concert! It was exciting to
see all of their enthusiasm as they demonstrated the skills that they have
learned during our first semester of band!
Thank you to all of the parents/guardians for making sure that the band members were able to participate in their first group performance. Your support for
your child and their endeavors is necessary to insure their success on their instrument. Please continue to encourage their practice time at home to reinforce the concepts that Mr. Miller and I introduce in the full band rehearsals
and their small group lessons.
Also, thank you for giving them this wonderful opportunity to participate in
our instrumental program. The benefits that they receive reach far beyond the
band room walls – besides learning how to play an instrument, they learn the
value of commitment, self-discipline, accountability, personal responsibility
and teamwork. These skills will benefit them where ever life takes them!
Each of the band students received a packet of familiar holiday tunes that they
can play ‘just for fun’. Please encourage them to play for grandparents, relatives, etc. over the holiday break. The students and I are very proud of their
accomplishments. Ask them to share their gifts with others!
I am excited about all we are going to be able to accomplish during the rest of
the school year with our 5th grade band!
Until next month…
Mr. Hubers
Happy Holidays! Congratulations ~ we have made it halfway through the school year already.
This time of the year, with the weather like it is, we would like to remind you of our policy for when we have inside recesses. In the event that the temperature and/or wind chill is 0 degrees or below, students will remain inside. If the temperature and/or wind chill is above 0 degrees, students will go outside. Parents should make sure
their children are dressed appropriately for these conditions.
When accumulated snow can be found on the playground, ALL students (grades JrK – 5) are required to wear
boots and snow pants.
During the winter months, it is recommended that all students have shoes for indoor use and snow boots for outdoor use. An extra set of mittens to keep in their locker is also a good idea.
Also, the lost and found is overflowing with hats, gloves, jackets, boots, etc. We would like to remind parents
and students to please check the lost and found if you are missing anything. More than likely, it is probably
there.
FAE EAs
HEALTH NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Margie Hanson, RN
South Dakota Winter Weather!
After long school days spent indoors, kids are anxious for some fun, sun, and excitement. They flock to
the ski slopes, the sledding hills, the ice rinks and
even their own back yards to participate in winter activities, activities that present their own unique sets of
risks. By using some common sense guidelines,
South Dakota winter activities can be fun and safe.
Poor protection or increased exposure to winter cold
and wind can result in frostbite and/or hypothermia.
Whatever the activity, children must dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Kids are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat
from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they may be reluctant to
leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up. That is why it is important to
be sure your child has the right gear for recess time as well. Be sure your
child has hats, gloves, boots, snowpants, and jackets with them when they
come to school.
You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.
Frostnip is like a warning sign for frostbite, and occurs when cold temperatures
damage the skin and blood vessels. Frostnip usually affects the face, feet or
fingertips and causes numbness and may turn skin white or blue-white.
Here are things to keep in mind for protecting children against cold related
dangers:
 Dress children warmly using boots, hats, snowpants, and mittens
 Layer clothing
 Dress children in water repellant outer clothing
 Make sure clothing is dry and stays dry
 Tuck in loose scarves, drawstrings, etc.
 Limit the length of exposure, especially in colder temperatures and windy
conditions (be mindful of wind chill)
Allow children to warm up indoors with a warm drink such as hot chocolate
Exercise and fresh air are an important part of their school day. It is equally as
important for your child to be dressed for the South Dakota winter weather.
Source: KidsHealth.org
Speech-Language
News
January 2015
What is Speech?....What is
Language?
Language = socially shared rules which includes:
What words mean (e.g. “star” can mean a bright
object in the sky or a celebrity)
How to make new words (e.g. friend, friendly,
unfriendly)
How to put words together (e.g. “Sue walked to
the new store” instead of “Sue walk store”
Expanding vocabulary (e.g. synonyms, antonyms,
idioms)
Speech = verbal means of communicating which
includes:
Articulation – development of sounds like /k, th,
s, r/ etc.
Voice – sound quality, breath support, producing
sound with vocal folds
Fluency – rhythm of speech (e.g. stuttering)

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Winter Books
Sneezy Snowman by Maureen Wright
Winter Idioms
The Snow Globe Family by Jane
O’Connor
What do they really mean?
As slow as molasses in January
really means…..
•
To get cold feet really means…
That’s the way the cookie crumbles
really means….
•
To get cold feet really means…
•
On thin ice really means….
•
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
There was an Old Lady Who
Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille
Colandro
•
Holiday Activities
at Fred
Assam Elementary
Ronald McDonald visited Fred
Assam Elementary with a
message about bullying
JANUARY 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
No School
No School
4
5
No School
Teacher
Workshop
11
12
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
30
31
School
Resumes
PTA Meeting @ 6:30
p.m.
BOE Meeting
@ 6:30 p.m.
18
19
K-5 Skating
Party at
Carousel
Skate
6 - 8 p.m.
NO SCHOOL
Martin Luther
King Day
25
26
BOE Meeting @ 6:30
p.m.
27
28
29
Early Childhood Screening at BE
8:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
2014—2015 School Calendar
January 6
January 19
February 9
February 10
February 13
February 16
March 13
March 19
March 20
April 3
April 6
May 20
School Resumes
Martin Luther King Day—NO
SCHOOL
Early Dismissal at 1:00—MS
Conferences
Early Dismissal at 1:00
Elementary/HS Conferences
NO SCHOOL
President’s Day - NO SCHOOL
Snow Day—NO School if unused
Snow Day-NO School if unused
Inservice Day—NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL - spring break
NO SCHOOL - spring break
Last Day of School
Congratulations to the
High School on their
2nd Place finish in the
Celebrate my Drive
State Farm contest.
Thank you to all of the
Fred Assam Elementary
parents who participated
in the contest! Fred Assam received $5000 as
our share of the prize
money!!