Roaring News

Hello Baldwin Community!

This was an amazing week of learning and fun at Baldwin Elementary. Today, Ms. Kane and I competed in a Tricycle Race during morning assembly and we had a blast. The Tricycle Race was to promote the Baldwin Carnival and Silent Auction. We wanted to show the students one of the activities that we will have at the Carnival on October 22nd and to get them excited about it. I have to admit, it wasn't easy riding the tricycle from the gym to the stage but we managed to do it gracefully. I do believe I won the race, but we called it a tie! The children were cheering both of us and whenever they saw us in their classrooms or in the hallways, they wanted to talk about it. It was so much fun! I hope that all of you make time to join us at the Baldwin Fall Carnival on October 22nd from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. We will have lots of games, food and different kinds of booths for the whole family to enjoy!

I also have roaring news to share on the academic side of things. All of the different grade levels have been studying and learning about Matter and Energy. For example, in 4th grade, the students compared and contrasted a variety of mixtures and solutions and they learned that physical properties determine how matter is classified, changed, and used. In 5th grade, the students identified changes that occurred in the physical properties of the ingredients of solutions. If you have a fourth or fifth grader, ask them to explain what they have learned in science.

In first and second grade in mathematics, the students were learning how to recognize and solve problems in addition and subtraction situations. The students are able to explain their thinking in their math journals. I am so proud of the vocabulary they are using and the explanations they are able to share with each other. One suggestion for some extra practice would be for you to help your child practice addition and subtraction facts. For the older students, it is important to practice multiplication and division facts. This kind of practice will help your children build their numerical fluency.

I want to take this opportunity to remind you that Parent-Teacher Fall Conferences will be held on October 18th. If you have not scheduled your conference time with your child's teacher, please do so as soon as you can. The teachers want to share your child's progress with you and set some goals for the next nine weeks. By the way, the end of the first nine weeks is October 15th, which means you will be getting your child's first report card on October 20th. I look forward to seeing you at parent conferences on Oct. 18th.

Just a few event reminders so that you can mark your calendars:

October 22-Fall Carnival and Silent Auction
October 25-29-Red Ribbon Week
October 28-Fall Individual Picture Day
October 29-"Crazy" Hat Day

November 2-"Fifties" Day-to celebrate the 50th day of school (more details to come)
November 14-Baldwin School Dedication 2:00 p.m. (our Baldwin Choir will be singing at this event)

Again, I want to thank the many volunteers that help us everyday at Baldwin. You are very committed to our school's success and I am so proud to be working with all of you!

Roaring with Pride,
Dr. Peña