Sunday, October 25, 2015

ROARing News!

Hello Baldwin Community, 


It is hard to believe that we have completed our first nine weeks of this school year!  During these first nine weeks, the students have been extremely busy learning new routines and procedures as well as specific skills and expectations for their grade levels. Our teachers have also been busy preparing hands-on learning opportunities and incorporating more technology within their lessons. For example, the fourth grade students have been working on "flipped" assignments. The students complete passive learning activities such as reviewing specific video models as homework and then come to class with more background knowledge on certain topics, which then allows the teachers to more deeply engage with students in class. They are using their in-class time for more active learning activities. I encourage you to ask your child how technology is being used in their classrooms. You will be surprised how much your children know about the use of technology for learning. 


During these first nine weeks, I observed your children working collaboratively with their classmates and solving problems during reading, math, science and social studies lessons. I also saw and heard them asking questions and using accountable talk to explain their thinking. We have also continued to teach our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons every week stressing the importance of understanding perspectives and feelings and being accepting of others. Be sure to read the Weekly ROAR, our electronic newsletter, for information about our SEL lessons. 


On October 16th we had our annual PTA Baldwin Carnival and what a great family event it was! We had so many families attend the carnival and all of the children and adults seemed to be having a fabulous time. Thank you to our PTA carnival chair and assistants for organizing such a great event. Thank you also to all of our family and community sponsors; we would not be have been able to provide all of the fun activities without your help! I went home that night with about 7 dozen confetti eggs in my head and it was all worth it! The carnival was a HUGE success and we are very grateful to all of you for coming out to have fun with us!


This Friday, October 30, we will be hosting our Annual Vocabulary Parade and I highly encourage you to come out and see this fun event. The parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be led by the Gorzycki Middle School Drum Line. We sent home all of the information 2 weeks ago, so be sure to review it with your child so that he/she can be prepared to represent his/her vocabulary word for the parade. It is a great learning experience for all of our children! I look forward to seeing all of you at the Vocabulary Parade on Friday! 


I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the generous gifts that you gave to all of the support staff at Baldwin at the end of September. You honored us with many beautiful cards, flowers and gifts. Thank you for making us feel extra special during Staff Appreciation Week! It is an honor to work for the Baldwin Children and Community! 


Thank you for your continuous support of the Box Top and Labels for Education programs, the Great Leaps Reading program, and for helping us in the cafeteria every day.  Your time is valuable and we appreciate all that you do to help us. I look forward to seeing you at Baldwin!


Roaring with Pride, 
Dr.  Peña

         
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