What We Are Learning!

We have been working on understanding the differences between fiction and non-fiction texts.  We have talked about the story elements of a fiction story and the text features found in a non-fiction text.  We also reviewed what an opinion is and how it is different from a fact.  We are getting good at stating our opinion about a topic. We can also write a fact about a topic after reading a non-fiction text! 

November Spirit Project

Our November spirit project is the  Firefighters’ Toy Program.  Students are asked to bring a NEW TOY to donate, which will benefit local children during the holidays.  Each class will walk to the fire station on Saron Drive late in the month and students will have the opportunity to present their toys to the firefighters. Students may bring in their toys beginning November 10th.  Toys will be kept in the classrooms until we walk to the fire station! This is the fifth year of participation for Veterans Park. Thank you for your support as the students learn about serving our community and putting others first.

2014 TOY DONATION GUIDELINES

· New Toys appropriate for children birth to 10 years.

· Toys should remain unwrapped.

· Dolls, action figures, learning toys, puzzles, books, hand held

games, remote control or battery operated toys, bicycles, etc.

are appropriate.

Food Drive Starts This Week!

Week 1 (10/1-10/8)

FIRST DAY CHALLENGE: The Lower Primary, Upper Primary & Intermediate classes with the highest weigh-in total (10/1) will earn 5 EXTRA MINUTES OF RECESS!

This week is Smart Start Week: cold cereal, hot cereal/oatmeal, shelf stable milk, fruit/vegetable juices (single serve or plastic bottles—no glass)

aEvery class that collects 100 pounds or more will earn 10 EXTRA MINUTES OF RECESS!

What We Are Learning!

Characters? WHO!

Setting? WHERE and WHEN!

Plot? WHAT!

We have been learning about story elements.  We have read many fiction stories and learned how to identify the elements of characters, setting, and plot along with problem and solution. 

You can help your child by practicing this at home!  Read a favorite fictional story and ask your child who the characters are, what the setting is, and what the problem and solution are.  They will amaze you with all they know!

Reflections Contest

Reflections is a National PTA cultural arts competition that encourages students from preschool–grade 12 to express their thoughts, feelings, and creativity through the arts. Awards are given at each level.  All entries will be judged by professionals not associated with VPE and winners will move on to the district competition.  This year’s theme is, “The world would be a better place if...”.

Students may participate in one of six different categories:

·   Dance Choreography   

·   Photography

·   Film Production

·   Musical Composition

·   Literature 

·   Visual Arts

At the elementary level, there are three divisions:

·         Primary: K-Grade 2

·         Intermediate Grades 3-5

·         Special Needs

Pick up an entry form in the library if you are interested in participating.  The deadline for entries is Tuesday, October 14, 2013.   Winners will be announced the week of October 20^th. This is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate all of the artistic talent we have at VPE! Click here for more information.