Keheley's Giving Tree

December 1-15

Keheley Elementary is sponsoring a Holiday Gift Project to assist local foster children and families.

We will have a holiday tree in the front atrium with ornaments that have a "gift wish" written on them. Parents may pick a paper ornament off the tree and buy the “gift wish” written on that ornament.

The “gift wishes” being requested are items such as: children’s hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, pajamas, children’s books, movies, toys.

· All items must be new and unwrapped.

· All items must be donated by Wednesday, December 15^th

Thank you for your donations, you have helped a family in need!! J

Check Point Testing Information

We will be administering Math and Language Arts check point tests from the county on Monday through Thursday of this week, Dec. 6th-Dec. 9th. The second graders will be taking the tests with paper/pencil on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday we will be entering scores using iRespond.

The children cannot study for these tests as the tests are both formative and summative: some of the material has been taught and some has not. That is how the tests are designed.

The teachers will read the tests to the children in first and second grades. I will be encouraging the children to relax, do their best, and show off all they have learned.

Last Spelling Test of 2010

Dear Parents,
I wanted to let you know that the spelling test on Thursday, December 9th, will be the last test of 2010. It will also be the last test of the second quarter, and I wanted you to know that to encourage studying for Thursday.

You might want to have your child write the words in 2 different colors: consonants in red, vowels in blue. Or, you could have your child "count" the letters: consonants = 10 cents, vowels = 5 cents, and then have a total for each word.

I am looking forward to the most successful spelling tests ever!

Progress Reports

It is hard to believe that it is already the middle of the second quarter! Progress reports will be sent home on Tuesday, November 15th, for children who are making limited or minimum progress on one or more of the standards in Reading, Writing, Math or Learning Skills and Behaviors. This report is to keep you informed of your child's progress and will also give you some ideas of things you can do at home to help your child grow in his/her problem area. Areas of concern will be the only areas marked, and that should make it easier for you to zone in on those specific areas.

If you do not receive a progress report it is because your child is making progress toward meeting the standards or is already meeting them.

As we have the second half of the quarter still available for learning and practice at school and at home we can look forward to growth. We can accomplish so much working together! Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with me!

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Thanksgiving Food Drive- November 8-16

We will be collecting nonperishable food items to benefit local families. Please support this very special project. All items should be dropped off on the stage in the cafeteria. Some of the items needed for the families are as follows:

*Grocery Store Gift Certificates (drop off in the front office)

Cereal Canned Vegetables

Cranberry Sauce Cake mix with canned frosting

Canned Yams Boxed jello and pudding

Boxed Stuffing Boxed Mashed Potatoes

Canned soup Canned fruit

Canned beans Rice Pasta Gravy

We have a lot of families to help this year so please bring in food items!!!! Thank you for your support! J

Special News from Mrs. Dye

November 02, 2010

It’s time for Keheley’s annual Children’s Book Exchange!

Do you have some good books at home that you’re finished reading? Would you like to trade those books for someone else’s gently-used books? You’ll be able to do that SOON in the media center! Here’s what to do:

1) Find a few books at home that you want to trade. Children’s books only, please! (Remember to get a parent’s permission.)

2) Bring them to the media center any day before Nov. 11. You’ll get a coupon. You may bring as many books as you want, but coupons can be used for no more than ten books. Note: if you bring picture books, you will choose picture books. Bring chapter books, choose chapter books.

3) Don’t lose your coupon!

4) Bring your coupon to the media center on Wednesday, Nov. 11 (grades K, 1 & 2) or Thursday, Nov. 12 (grades 3,4 & 5). Listen to KNN for times.

5) Choose some “new” books to take home.

6) Read your books!

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Dye

Book Exchange News Flash: Everyone who exchanges books gets to enter our contest! Watch KNN for details

Pinocchio

Dear Parents,
We will be going to the Cobb County Civic Center this Wednesday for a presentation of Pinocchio, by the Georgia Ballet. I have received permission slips for everyone, so we are all good to go. We will be eating lunch at school at 10:15. We will be out of the building from 10:45-1:45. The children are very excited about their trip. We have been reading the big book, Putting on a Play, so they are ready to experience one.

Wonderful Conferences

It was wonderful getting to meet all of you during conference week. It was so helpful to look back at the first quarter and to set goals for the second quarter. As your children, you and I all work toward those goals we will accomplish so much. Thank you for coming in and for sharing your thoughts and hearts with me. Together we can!

2010 Red Ribbon Night with the Atlanta Hawks

Hey Atlanta students!! It’s time to get excited about Red Ribbon Week 2010! This year, following all of the activities and recognition of the im-portance of being drug-free, there will be a huge "Red Ribbon Night" at the Hawks game on Saturday, October 30th. There will be activities, speakers, and an appearance by Skyhawk — the Hawks’ mascot! Then, the Hawks will take on the Washington Wizards with you there to cheer them on! You will not want to miss this awesome event! Information about times, transportation, and discounted tickets will be available soon!

Keheley's Fall Festival

Keheley's Fall Festival is October 15th, 5:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. The Festival is a fun filled night for the whole family. There will be lots of games and prizes, inflatables, a DJ, a Rock Wall and this year a Photo Booth. Pre-Order dinner from Chick fil a or Mellow Mushroom Pizza using the pre-order forms sent home on Sept. 28. You can also purchase Caramel Apples from Chocolate Jewels and Rita's Italian Ice when you come to the Festival. You will not want to miss out on the fun!

Attention: Please read here for holiday assistance

Christmas/ Winter holiday help!!

If you need help this year with gifts for the holidays please follow these guidelines from The Center for Family Resources.

*Notice: you must go to the Civic Center on one of the dates below and follow these guidelines to receive assistance for Christmas help.

Cobb Christmas Program

Sponsored by the Center for Family Resources

WWW.TheCFR.org or 770-428-2601 ext. 414

What: Cobb Christmas Program Registration

When: Wednesday, October 6th

Thursday, October 7^th

Time: 9:00 am -4:00 pm

Where: Cobb County Civic Center

548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Ga 30060

*Applications MUST be residents of Cobb County and meet income requirements.

Applicants must bring to registration:

1. Picture ID for applicant;
2. Social Security Cards or birth certificates for each household member; and
3. Written verification of all household income, including TANF, Social Security, unemployment, child support, etc. received in the past 4 weeks. (If the household has not had income in the past 4 weeks, please provide verification such as separation notice, financial support from family, etc.)
4. Verification of residency in Cobb such as a lease, utility bill in your name, etc.

It's Going to be a Great Year!

Dear boys and girls,
I have been hearing great things about the beginning of school and what a wonderful class you are. I cannot wait to heal so I can return to school and meet each of you. I have many fun ideas for learning activities we can do together. Until then, keep working hard for Mrs. Luke and continue to learn a lot each day.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hulse

First in Math

Dear boys and girls,
I hope you are having a wonderful summer, enjoying the pool and fun activities. I can see that some friends are doing a fantastic job keeping up with their First in Math activities too. I am so proud of you, and you will be so proud of yourself when you come back to school. It's a great thing to do online when it is just too hot to swim. If you have been busy and have forgotton all about First in Math, don't worry. You can jump in and catch up now. Stay safe and stop by and see me in August!
Mrs. Hulse

Summer Reading

S.U.R.F.(Summer Reading is Fun!)

Below are links to suggestions for grade-level appropriate summer reading.These lists are provided by the Cobb County School District.

Students entering Kindergarten
Students entering First Grade
Students entering Second Grade
Students entering Third Grade
Students entering Fourth Grade
Students entering Fifth Grade

Popping with the Principals

Keheley students have worked hard all year to meet or exceed standards in math. It is a proven fact that the more you practice any skill the better you become. We encourage all students to keep their math skills sharp over the summer by playing First In Math. Those who do will be able to participate in Popping with the Principals! Any student who earns stickers over the summer will get a popsicle treat from Mrs. Jackson and Mr. O’Connell during their lunch on Friday August 6, 2010. You don’t want to miss out, so keep playing! And remember, our goal is for all students in every grade to meet or exceed standards in math!

The Book Fair is Coming!

Our class will visit the Book Fair on Friday for a preview. The kids are very excited about all the new books, just waiting for their eager hands. Here is the link with the schedule and more information:
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/keheley

Happy shopping!

First in Math

Hooray! Second graders are now able to participate in the First in Math online program. The site will be available to the children---free of charge---through July 31st. Please take advantage of this program. The children will be able to proceed at their own pace and practice basic facts, problem solving and critical thinking, all while having a blast playing fun games. We introduced the program in lab yesterday and the children were SO excited and motivated. They were thrilled with the stickers they were able to earn playing each game.

Yesterday the children practiced going to the "K-2" section on the homepage and then playing all the games available there. However, after your child has played and explored that section there is so much more. For example, the Measurement section on the home page has a great game on money, a game you will want your child to play. Please explore!

This would be a tremendous site for the children to enjoy over the summer. I can't even imagine how well they would be prepared for 3rd grade math! Whew!

Volunteer Breakfast

Class Placement for 2010-1011

Our administrators, Liz Jackson and Patrick O'Connell, have asked all teachers to post this information for parents. This information can also be found in the Paw Print Press.

Parents,

As we think about next year, we would like to review our procedures for student placement in 2010 – 2011. Keheley’s staff gives much time, thought and effort in the careful placement of our children. To the best of our ability, we create proposed classes of students by paying close attention to balancing a heterogeneous blend of boys and girls, learning styles, academic performance and work study habits. Specialists, support staff, counselors and administrators all review proposed class lists.

Parents may submit letters or emails to an administrator regarding the placement of their student(s) by May 7, 2010. While input is accepted, please do not include a request for a specific teacher since numerous variables enter into student placement. A description of your child’s learning style, an unusual family issue, or needs for a special learning environment are helpful pieces of information. Please let us know if there are special considerations for separating your child from another student. If you have not met success with a certain teacher, such as an older child being in that room, please list that factor in your letter. With or without a letter, each Keheley student will be placed with great care. Individual placement conferences with administrators are not necessary.

Keheley’s mission is that in partnership with parents and the community, we will develop our students' excellence in academics and character. Thank you for your trust and participation as we work toward full-filling our mission.

Liz Jackson Patrick O’ConnellLiz.Jackson@cobbk12.org Patrick.oconnell@cobbk12.org

CRCT Practice

Below is a letter from Patrick O'Connell with instructions for how to access the CRCT practice tests online. Click on the web address in the letter and you will go directly to the site. Be on the lookout for your child's 10 digit GA Test ID number on the inside of their agenda pads. This would be great practice over Spring Break!
Enjoy!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Parents,

Your child will be taking the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests in the spring of 2010 in the areas of reading, language arts, and mathematics. Students in third, fourth, and fifth grade will also be tested in science and social studies. These tests will be based on the Georgia Performance Standards curriculum your child is being taught at school each day. It is important for your child to attend school each day and complete assignments to learn the required curriculum. All students in grade three must pass the reading portion of the test in order to advance to fourth grade. Students in grade five must pass both the reading and math portions of the test to advance to middle school.

Cobb teachers are working very hard to be sure students are taught the standards and are constantly assessing them so they will be ready for the tests. Each school in Cobb County offers parent conferences to discuss the progress of your child and to provide suggestions about ways to help your child at home.

The Georgia State Department of Education has developed an online assessment system containing practice tests your child can take at home if he/she has access to the internet. There is no charge for the assessments and you can monitor your child’s progress easily. The practice tests are based on the skills and knowledge that will be tested next spring and test items are presented in the same format that students will see on the actual test. Students may take the student tests as many times as they wish, whenever they wish. Student test results do not affect a student's grade. In fact, student test results are not automatically recorded, although a student may choose to save a result and/or send a result to his or her teacher.

The Online Assessment System requires Internet Explorer 7.0 – 8.0 or Firefox 2.0 – 3.0 to run. For further information about PC system requirements and browser requirements, go to https://http://www.georgiaoas.org/, click on Support, scroll down to frequently asked questions, click on topic “OAS Not Functioning as Expected”, scroll down to “Why is the OAS not functioning properly” and click on “OAS System Requirements”.

Your child can access practice tests in the following way:

Go to https://www.georgiaoas.org/
Login with the student’s Georgia Test identification number. If you are not sure of this number, contact your child’s teacher. The number must be 10 digits long and there are no spaces in the number.
The password is education.
The Student Welcome Page will appear and your child can click View Student Tests.
Choose the subject area from the list of available subjects.
Select the test from the list.
Click the Take the Test button. The test will begin.
Once the test has been completed, click the Grade My Test button at the bottom of the page; a pop-up window will display. Click OK.
The results of the student’s test will display. You can either save or discard the results.
Click on Return Home if finished or click on a test option button if you want to take another test.
Click the Logout button when you are finished working in the online assessment system.

We hope this resource will be helpful to you throughout the year. If you have any questions concerning your child’s progress, contact his/her teacher.

Sincerely,

Patrick O’Connell
Assistant Principal

READing Paws Program

Mountain View Regional Library is happy to announce that the READing Paws program will begin March 15th in the Youth Services Program Room. Rose Krull and her reading partner Daisy are now accepting appointments from children in 1st grade and up. The children will bring a book they are currently reading and/or select a book from the library shelves prior to their appointment. For 15 minutes, the child will then read to Daisy. Located all over the country, the READing Paws program has proven very successful with struggling, shy and reluctant readers.

We are hoping you will tell your teachers about this wonderful program. Daisy and Rose will be visiting Mountain View Library, the first and third Monday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30. To schedule an appointment the parent needs to call 770-509-4964.

Another program we are hosting at Mountain View Youth Services Department is an informational program about the organization READing Paws. Melissa Saul, President, Georgia Chapter READing Paws will be the speaker. Rose Krull and her dog Daisy will also be present. This program will be Saturday, March 13, 2010, from 3 to 4 PM in the Youth Services Program Room.

Melissa explains, “We will talk about the characteristics of a good therapy team - the human as well as the canine! Some people think it's only the dog that is being evaluated, but they are in fact being evaluated together as a team. We will share information about the two therapy organizations we usually recommend - Therapy Dogs Incorporated as well as the Delta Society and what the requirements are of membership are in each organization. They are very similar - but have different requirements - so I always encourage people to investigate each one and then pick the one that is right for them and their dog. Finally, we will talk about how to become a READing Paws Team - the training and the shadow visits. It's a journey - not an overnight process - so we want people to understand the commitment that is involved.


Pamela Finley, Youth Services Librarian
Mountain View Regional Library
3320 Sandy Plains Road
Marietta, Georgia 30066
770-509-4968
finleyp@cobbcat.org

ESOL News

The Elementary School ESOL Adoption Committee has recommended that the following titles be submitted to the Board of Education for approval:
Santillana – Spotlight on English
Perfection Learning – Language of Math Oxford University Press –
Picture Dictionary (Content)Benchmark – Social Studies
These materials will be on display for public review at the county office (514 Glover St, Marietta, GA 30060) from March 1, 2010 to March 12, 2010 during regular office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walking Wellness Month is Here!

Walking Wellness Month
March 4-31, 2010
We march another year
March is Keheley’s Walking Wellness Month. Students, family, faculty, and the community will join together and focus on physical fitness. We want to help everyone create and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Parents, we would like for you to join in and encourage your child to exercise. Let’s make this a FUN and meaningful experience by playing games, or discussing the events of the day as you all walk.
Plan to walk with your child three or more times a week. You or your child should write a note stating your family mileage and turn it into the child’s classroom teacher on a weekly basis. Any mileage walked or ran by a Keheley student, their family members, or friends that walk with you counts. Pregnant women and senior citizens over 62 receive double credit. Mature citizens over 70 receive triple credit. Pets are excluded. We will recognize the grade level mileage winners on March 27, 2009 at the Straw Walk.
DATES TO REMEMBER
· March 4 is the day of the Cougarthon. Start keeping track of your mileage on this day through March 31.
· March 29-31 students will walk during their Physical Education classes and families are welcome to join in the fun.
· April 1 is the Straw Walk. The rain date is April 2. Parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives, friends, etc. are welcome and encouraged to come during the scheduled time and spend 30 minutes earning straws (mileage) for their child’s class. The scheduled time is the same as their P.E. time except for First grade (12:15-1:00pm) and Kindergarten (1:00-1:45pm). The class in each grade level that accumulates the most miles for that day wins the prestigious Golden Shoe Award. Let the marching begin!

Healthfully yours,

Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. Tramble

Physical Education

Your invitation to
KEHELEY’S STRAW WALK
Friday, April 1, 2010

The Walking Schedule is:
3rd Grade: 8:05-8:50am
2nd Grade: 9:00-9:45am
5th Grade: 10:10-10:55am
4th Grade: 11:30am-12:15pm
1st Grade: 12:15-1:00pm
K Grade: 1:00-1:45pm
















If you decide to stay for lunch, please place your order with the classroom Teacher.
We want to have enough food for all the hungry walkers. Rain date is April 2, 2010.

COME ONE, COME ALL!!









Your information for
March Walking Wellness Month
March 4- 31, 2010
· We hope these directions are clear. There is a trophy for each grade level to be won and the prestigious GOLDEN SHOES.
· Classes can accumulate mileage beginning on March 4-31(This is the day before the Straw Walk) Double credit is given for the pregnant and mature citizens 62 and over—Over 70 is triple credit! Miles are to be posted in the mail room on the provided poster board. Please post mileage daily or weekly. Please post your mileage by 2:00pm on Friday, so that we can total the week. Do not sandbag (that means accumulate miles until the end of the month and then post) Grade level trophies will be given to the class with the most miles during the month.
· April 1 is the Straw Walk in which our family community is invited. This mileage will not be added to your monthly total. The class with the most miles on this day receives The Golden Shoe Award. The monthly trophy will also be awarded on this day. The schedule for the day is the same as their usual Specials time except for: 1st Grade 12:15-1:00pm and Kindergarten 1:00-1:45pm
· TRACKS: P.E. has a measuring wheel if you would like to measure or design another track.
· The Keheley Track= 1/8 mile
· Intermediate Field (C Wing) = 1/6mile.
· Behind the gym in the parking lot= 1/6 mile (not quite). Follow the yellow and green paw prints which are close to the curb all the way around.
· Front parking lot area, staying on the sidewalk all the way around except to cross the road(6 laps= 1 mile or 3 laps= ½ mile)
· Walking the inside perimeter of the building (do not walk down gym hall)= .4 mile

REMEMBER THE THREE F’s
FITNESS, FUN, AND FEELING GOOD
THIS IS OUR GOAL!

Sun, Moon and Stars

We are continuing to enjoy our study of the sun, moon and stars in space. Please note the two additional websites under Science. These are interactive sites for your child to use at home. Working on these sites will really help cement his knowledge. Your child has two more weeks to view the moon each night and then record what he sees. We are looking forward to sharing a month's worth of data.

Over the Moon about Science!

Second Graders are over the moon about starting our new unit of study in Science. Today, you will notice a special recording calendar coming home in red folders for moon observation. This at home activity will be enjoyed by the whole family. Students will observe the moon nightly and illustrate the changes they see. Observations will begin tonight, January 29th. We've encouraged the kids to tape their moon calendars to the refrigerator to remember their special job. This will encourage personal responsibility.

We've linked a website entitled "Phases of the Moon" on the right hand menu under the tab Science. This site will help you complete the calendar, as some days the moon will be hard to observe.

Please return the completed moon calendars on February 26th!

Homework High Fives!

We're looking forward to seeing you next week for conferences. We're celebrating our mid year gains in January! As you know, Math Blaster is an excellent tool to help students master their basic facts. The children have shown great improvement in their addition and subtraction facts now that they are timing themselves for 5 minutes and then completing the whole fact sheet.

We're also encouraging the children to do their best work on their homework notebooks. Remember to complete 4 items per week. Redo and return promptly if the note requests corrections to be made. This is a learning experience together with your child. Please review their work and use it as a teachable moment. Your child will take great pride packing up their homework and turning it in on time. Our goal is to teach responsibility!

The Curriculum Coffee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3 at 7:45 a.m. The yellow RSVP form is due Friday, February 1st. Please attend to hear great ideas to help your child in the areas of Reading and Math.

New Beginnings

Welcome back! We are excited to begin our second semester chock full of learning activities.

We will have a big emphasis on non-fiction. We will be working on non-fiction reading strategies and learning how to write non-fiction as well. Mrs. Dye will be assisting us with special lessons as we will be learning how to research and write our own informational piece. We are sure you will be hearing more about that as your child brings home exciting tidbits of information about his animal.

A lot will be happening in math during the month of January. We will begin representing numbers to the 1000s place, and then move to adding 3 digit numbers as well as identifying and comparing fractions. The children really benefit from two daily math groups, and we hit the ground running with math at 8:00 sharp!

You'll be hearing more information from us soon about report cards and conference week.