Summer Reading Oppportunities

Parents-

I had a nice conversation with your children yesterday about the absolute need for students to read throughout the summer.

Here are a few reasons why summer reading is so important:

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/developing-reading-skills/three-ways-to-prevent-summer-slide

http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/summer-reading-slide.htm

*The summer reading slide is a very real problem!  Please help keep your child growing as a reader by reading with them, or providing opportunities for lots of books over the summer.  There are several ways to go about making sure your student stays a summer reader.

• Check out Herrick District Library!  They are offering a summer reading program and also activities to keep your child learning in many different ways.  Their summer reading program begins almost immediately.  Go to:  http://herrickdl.org/FilesCustom/HTMLEditor/Files/SRP2013kidscalendar.pdf.
• Barnes and Noble also offers a summer reading program that culminates in a free book!  Students were sent home with a record sheet for keeping track of books, but you can print a new one here if needed:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/
• Allow your child to read different types of material in the summer.  This could include reading graphic novels, comic books, magazines (Sports Illustrated for Kids or Muse), new and different genres, etc.  
• Require a set reading time each day.  Why should this be any different just because it's summer?  Before bed, after lunch, after dinner...these are all great times to relax and read a good book!  30 minutes per day is a good, round number.
• Allow your child to do some computer reading.  Before we travel in the summer I ask that my girls research our vacation destination.  They write down ideas for our trip, places to eat, things to do, etc.  All the while they are READING about our destination! 

Please let me know if you have questions about summer reading, or need book suggestions.  Right away, I always recommend that kids try the following websites when looking for their next book:

What Should I Read Next?

Twitter update

Waukazoo now has its own Twitter account!  To follow Waukazoo, go to @WaukazooWO.

Remember, Mrs. Perrien is also on Twitter,  otherwise known as AbbysMom, go to @MusingsofAbby!

Last Day of School Celebration

Parents-

Friday, June 7 is a half-day of school.  This day the students have traditionally celebrated with their classmates.  It's our last day together as one group before some move on to new schools and new adventures.

We are planning on continuing this tradition, with one change.  I would like to have YOU join us for an ice cream party in the classroom on the last day of school!  I will supply the ice cream, but I ask that our 4th grade parents help supply the toppings as a way to celebrate our 5th grade graduates!

4th Grade Parents:  if you're willing and able, please sign up to donate a topping or supplies for our ice cream party.  See the following link:

Ice Cream Party Fixins'

On the last day of school, all parents are invited to join us at 11:00 a.m. for our ice cream sundae bar.  It'll be a fabulous way to send off our 5th graders!

Fun and Creative Idea

Do you love Hudsonville Ice Cream?  Have you ever dreamed of designing your own flavor?

This could be a great activity for your kids!  check it out...

http://hudsonvilleicecream.com/puremichigan/