Kids First

It’s finally February, but winter is still in full force! After missing so many snow days, we have a lot of ground to cover before SOL testing. If you are looking for something to do while stuck inside, be sure to check out the Reading and Math Sites of the Month on this blog. Homemade valentines are another great way to fill your time. Who wouldn’t want to receive a card specially made by someone they love? I am also posting our February Reading and Math Connection Newsletters below.
We are planning a Family Night for Title I students and their families, to be held on Tuesday, March 1st. Since it’s the eve of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, you can expect to enjoy some really fun reading and math activities! Look for a note to come home soon. We hope to see you all there!

February Reading Connection – Primary

February Reading Connection – Intermediate

February Math Connection – Primary

February Math Connection – Intermediate

I apologize for being late with my post this month. Too many snow days, etc. Please be sure to check out the parent newsletters for January:
Elementary Reading
Intermediate Reading
Elementary Math Parent Newsletter
Intermediate Math
We all learned a lot about Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, January 17. A lot of people had the day off from work and school, but we enjoyed being here to learn about why he is important. Tuesday January 25th is the last day of the six weeks and also the first semester of school. Wednesday the 26th is a Teacher Workday and holiday for our students. We will hand out report cards on February 1.
Hopefully, we won’t have anymore snow days! If we do, check out the math and reading Sites of the Month or stock up on some VMath and Ticket to Read points!
Here is our new county Activity Calendar! January Activities Calendar

I can almost hear the sound of the sleigh bells! December is such a fun month for kids and those who are kids at heart. With all of the hustle and bustle going on, we need to be sure to slow down and enjoy the happenings around town. The Rich Creek Parade is going to be Dec. 2, at 7:00. First graders are visiting Radford University to see a play. The Narrows Christmas Parade will be Dec. 9th at 7:00. For the first time, our 6th and 7th grade band members will be marching! On the 10th, you may want to plan a visit with Santa at NEMS. Of course, we also have a holiday break from school. The last day for students is December 17th. We return to school on January 3, 2011. If you are looking for some quality time with your child during this time, please check out the Reading and Math Sites of the Month. You may also find some fun and valuable activities in this month’s family connection newsletters. Click on the links below to open these newsletters:
December Beg Reading
December Int Reading
Beg Math December
December Int Math

This month seems to be flying by! We will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving, enjoying family, and shopping. We are lucky to have a couple of days off from school to accpomplish everything! If you are looking for something fun to do, check out this website from Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/?eml=TNL/e/20101102/912_NEW It is full of fun and educational information about the first Thanksgiving.
Another way for your family to spend some time together is reading our Home Connections Newsletters. Here are the November Beginning and Intermediate level math and reading editions:
Home Connections- Tips and Activities for Children and Families
November Intermediate Reading
November Beginning Math
November Intermediate Math

Welcome to the Giles County Title I Blog. We are committed to improving our students’ future! Communication among our students, parents and teachers is important to us. We hope you will use these pages to help your child. You will find important news, events, activities and more. Please use the comment sections to share your ideas and/or to ask questions.

Another school year is winding down. It is important for students to keep up with their basic skills over the summer break. Thinkfinity has compiled a wealth of fun activities for you to enjoy! http://www.thinkfinity.org/summer-fun-activities
You may also want to browse through all of the reading and math sites we have posted throughout the past school year. Thanks for joining us!

It is hard to believe, but May has finally arrived! Teachers and students are busy reviewing for the SOL tests. The testing window opens on May 17 and runs through June 8. If you would like to reveiw some on your own, here is a wonderful link that contains released tests, practice activities and more. http://www.iq.poquoson.org/

Wow! Spring is finally here!
I just love the month of April. It begins with April fools day which is always a good time for a laugh.

April is also Poetry Month. Students have been creating some awesome poetry. Be sure to read these and more in the Title I newsletter that will be published by the end of the month.

The Rockin’ Reading Night, held at EEMS on March 26th, was tons of fun! Students from GHS performed skits, 5th graders put on a Reader’s Theater version of a Paul Bunyon tale, and parents were given information about Internet Safety and Reading Strategies. Storytelling was also a highlight of the evening. Several students won door prizes such as reading workbooks and school supplies. All students left with a set of Reading Comprehension Dice and a new book of their choice. Pictures will be coming soon!

NEMS is planning a Math Fair on Friday April 30, from 6:00-8:00. There will be fun, interactive math centers for the parents and kids to enjoy together. One center will feature information about test taking tips and fun ways to practice math at home for the parents, while the School Resource Officer treats the children with popcorn and safety tips. Several prizes will be awarded!! We hope you will attend!

March is an exciting month! Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd is always fun for the kids. Be sure to check out the reading site of the month, Seussville!
St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th is a fun day as well. For me personally the best day of the month is the first day of spring!!! Be sure to celebrate on March 20th!
March 26th is a busy night. NEMS is having a Sock Hop and EEMS is having Title I Reading Night! I hope to see lots of smiling faces!

Can you spot the signs of spring?

******************* Breaking News*******************
I have just added ClustrMaps to the blog. This will track visits to our site from all over the world!
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February is a busy month! We celebrate Groundhog’s Day, Black History Month, 100th Day of School, Presiden’t's Day, Valentine’s Day and more. Click on this link of February activities put together by Sue LeBeau.
http://www.suelebeau.com/february.htm
- Be sure to check out the reading and math links listed on our blog!