HOW TEACHERS DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION TO REACH THE WIDE RANGE OF STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOL
New parents often ask, “How will you meet the needs of my child?” Each year all students are assessed in ELA (Reading) and Math to determine their current instructional levels. Mid-September to early October is the testing window. This information allows us to differentiate small group instruction for all students. You may hear your children sharing how they are working in small groups (or centers) during reading and math time. This small group instruction is targeted to stretch students who are working at/above grade level or provide extra support for those still working to master particular skills. Small groups change frequently depending on skill mastery. We are fortunate at Lincoln-Eliot to have extra support from Title I to push teaching staff into classrooms during small group instruction. Our ELL teachers and special education teachers also work with students during small group instruction time. Our schedule ensures students get double doses of instruction – once from the classroom teacher during whole group instruction and again in small groups. During November conferences, your child’s classroom teacher will share details about how your child is performing in math and reading based on these assessments and their everyday classwork.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM CLASSROOMS
So much is happening across L-E we are eager to share the excitement and learning with families. We will begin highlighting classroom news from a different grade level each week in a new section of the e-Bulletin. See “Highlights from Classrooms” featuring Grade 3 below.
SAVE THE DATE FOR L-E’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DANCE
Our annual Halloween Dance will be held on Friday, October 30th from 6:00-8:00. This is a fun event in which the entire L-E community turns out in costumes and students dance to spooky songs and favorite line dances. Pizza and treats are served in the cafeteria. Teacher treat raffles always bring some competitive fun! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.
- Sell Tickets (4 volunteers)
- Sell Pizza and Treats (6 volunteers)
- Set Up from 3:30-4:30
- Sell Raffles (2 volunteers)
For questions or to sign up to volunteer, please contact:
Carol Pelon
carolandnoah@comcast.net
617.480.9923
Or
Jena Rossi
jena_rossi@newton.k12.ma.us
617-559-9540
FROM NURSE HEATHER GAGNON IN OUR HEALTH OFFICE:
REMINDER! The Lincoln-Eliot flu vaccination clinic will be held next week on Thursday, October 22. Any parents/guardians who are interested in having their students vaccinated must complete two forms: a consent/screening form and a vaccine administration record/insurance form. Forms are available in the school nurse’s office, or may be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu and must be returned to the nurse by Tuesday, October 20. Parents may choose the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine for their child and must indicate the type of vaccine they wish their child to receive by checking it on the form.
UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM: Encouraging parent participation in the classroom.
Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers. In the Fall, we will be delivering the Chronic Medical Conditions unit. All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.
There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit (dates to be determined) and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials. (You do not have to commit to all 3 grades, one session would be great)
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our students in the classroom. If you are interested in participating, please contact the L-E parent coordinator, Cathleen Morrison at ccanhc@gmail.com.
Note: We are looking for a co-coordinator as well. If you are interested, please contact Cathleen for more information. It is not a huge time commitment, it involves some parent outreach and participation in delivering the Units. Please consider becoming involved in this fulfilling and wonderful program as we educate the students on how to include peers with disabilities.
OUR PTO NEEDS TAX SUPPORT: The Lincoln-Eliot parent who has helped our PTO with tax support has moved on to Middle School. We are looking for a tax accountant who can help us file our yearly taxes. This is pretty straight forward. If you have this expertise and are willing to support our PTO with this service please contact Mike St. Germain, our treasurer, at: michael_stgermain@yahoo.com
COMMUNITY NEWS…
The Newton Fire Department is hosting a special pajama story time for Fire Prevention Month on October 20. Please see the attached flyer for details.