Journalists: Umaiza and Lillian

Fourth graders are starting to realize that they are the leaders of the Monday assemblies in Lower School. As they prepared for the first assembly, which they would be performing in, a burst of excitement could be heard from a mile away. The teachers had decided to call the event, "The Fourth Grade Fashion Show." Here are some opinions on the event! First we decided to interview Mara Barry. "I think a lot of kids learned from our performances about the school dress code. It was a fun experience and it even produced a laugh or two! It was a fun day for both the audience and actors," Mara says. We have also decided to interview Ronan Hunt. "It's really fun to know that we are the leaders. We're not so scared because there is only lower school. We also get to start the pledge of allegiance! It's very cool!" Ronan said to us. There is something we all know clearly: the assemblies will please everyone.

​This week the fourth graders started their writing program. They have been working hard on personal narratives. Topics such as their favorite place, object, and special person have been catalysts for conversations. Students have been learning new things about their classmates each day as they share their stories while also practicing public speaking. Each day they show an excitement for writing that is infectious. We are looking forward to seeing everyone develop their writing skills this year.

by Shannon Victor and Mark Saldanha

by Kate Lynett and Kathleen McIntyre

On a beautiful Tuesday morning, third graders explored many of the interesting habitants of the Reinstein Woods pond. They enjoyed observing them in a magnified container - counting legs and learning about their gills.

by Judy Jurnack and Katie Holmberg

Here is our Focus Wall poster for next week. Great theme —storms!

by Kate Lynett and Kathleen McIntyre

Third grade began studying Native American history and culture this week! The students are very excited to begin learning about the Iroquois and their connection to our local history. Students shared that they are anxious to learn about what the Iroquois houses looked like, what they ate and wore, and what they believed in.

by Joan Good

 Let's read! Sit down, relax and enjoy a good book. As the saying goes - so many books, so little time. I have three iPads and the iBooks app is filled with hundreds of novels. I collect children's books by the dozen. Reading on an eBook has a distinct sensibility. There is nothing that can compete with the feel and smell of a good book but if you have never read an eBook, give it a try. You may surprise yourself. Paper books are very well designed and bring a human touch but eBooks too can find a place in your heart. 

Check out an eBook from our library through OverDrive and read it together with your child. Students may log into OverDrive using their EFS student username and password. For grades 1-3, children's usernames are first initial, last name. For their passwords, please contact your child's homeroom teacher. Fourth grade students should be aware of their passwords due to daily iPad usage.

An eBook lending library encourages experimentation with new authors, topics, and genres, ".....it promotes literacy, creativity, and innovation—all critical for being competitive in the global knowledge economy" (ala.org).  Whichever format YOU choose - read, read, and read some more. For the more you read, the smarter you grow!

by Sarah Duddy

Spurred by some beginning of the year dress code questions from parents, students and teachers we decided to go over the specifics of dress code at our Lower School assembly this week. What better way to talk about what to wear and what not to wear than with a fashion show. As the leaders of the Lower School, fourth graders felt up to the challenge and used the week to plan a fashion show addressing each element of the EFS dress code. Here are some pictures of our fashionistas on the runway.

For your reference, guidelines for the EFS dress code can be found here. The overarching theme is solid colors.

Here are some shopping suggestions for solid colored clothing: Old Navy, Lands' End, Target, and Primary.com. Each carry children's lines that have great options. 

We feel that our dress code is important for several reasons. Taking care to dress appropriately for school helps to set a tone for the day and prepare children for the expectations at school. Eliminating distractions and competition over labels and brands on clothing can be helpful for students, socially and academically. We also know that when our children are riding the bus to school or running an errand with a parent after school, they are representing EFS, and we hope that their brightly colored, thoughtful dress is reflective of our community. Personally, I love to see all of the brightly colored clothing as the children are lining up for lunch, running around on the playground, or huddled in conversation in the classroom. 

Thank you for your help in sticking to the dress code and keeping us all looking good!

by Kate Lynett and Kathleen McIntyre

An important part of our third grade day is Writer's Workshop. During the beginning stages of our workshop, we introduce fun ways for the students to get their thoughts down on paper. Our classroom stationary is one way that the students get to express their thoughts while enjoying their contribution to creating our stationary. Students are always encouraged to free write throughout the day!

by Kate Lynett and Kathleen McIntyre

In third grade, weekly spelling lists will be uploaded to www.spellingcity.com. This website allows students to practice their spelling words in a fun and interactive way. Please use the search bar to locate Elmwood Franklin School. After you've located our school, you can click on your child's teacher and let the fun begin.  Happy spelling!

Mrs. Lynett's Spelling City page
Ms. McIntyre's Spelling City page
​Mrs. Kulpit's Spelling City page