Update for October 27 - 31 Mr. Peterman's Class

Well here it is and the leaves are almost off the trees.Our Fall has been great and it seems like the colors are so vibrant this year. The kids seem to be enjoying the beautiful weather and we have tried to take advantage of it and go outdoors. If you see grass stains on their clothes it is because they have rolled around and enjoyed the freshness of the well groomed lawn. From what the weather man says it sounds like our nice 60 degree weather will soon come to a close. In regards to Fall activities I want to just reiterate that we don't celebrate Halloween in the Middle School. We have found that the kids lose to much focus and sometimes get a little carried away. Our class will be decorating cookies and playing a simple DVD game called Candyland. If you would like to send in a treat that is fine but not something that is required. We will sent home any treats the kids receive. Also we will be sending home their pumpkin from Nelson's pumpkin patch. Our art teacher, Mr.Crawford planned to decorate them with the kids so I had to wait to send them home until they were done and dried.

With that note I want to let you know that our swimming season is almost over. this Wednesday is our last time for the year. the kids have truly loved it and it is good exercise for them as they paddle around on noodles and tread water in the deep end of the pool. We have discovered that the kids have become quite brave in the water and that we actually have some pretty good swimmers.

It is hard to think that November is just around the corner. I want to point out some important events that will be happening in November so you can plan ahead. Here are the dates as they are scheduled at this time:

November 13 and November 18--- Teacher Conferences       Time: 4:00 - 7:00

- this will be a time to review goals and objectives and to look at progress being made since September. I will be sending home a sign up sheet for times listed above. Conference times will be scheduled for 20 minute blocks for both evenings.

November 17 and November 24, December 1,8,15 January 5, 12, and 26th                         

Special Olympic Ice Skating Sessions Begin

It is that time when you need to dig out the winter clothes and get the kids prepared for our ice skating sessions. These sessions will be held for eight weeks( not in succession due to Christmas break).Each student will be given the chance to skate at the Griffs Ice House. This is an Area 11 sponsored event and all students need to have a Special Olympic physical on file. I have notified you earlier and sent home forms but if you are unsure please contact me. This is a good leisure skill for the students to learn because it is something you can do with them during the winter months. Please send them dressed with a warm coat, gloves, snow pants if possible and warm socks. We skate for one hour.

November 26,27 and 28th  Thanksgiving Break

If you have any questions please email me at doug.peterman@spartaschools.org

Mr. Peterman's Update for October 6- 10

Dear Parents,

    Another week has past and it sure does feel like fall. Please remember to send your son or daughter dressed for the weather. We do periodically go out and catch some fresh air or even go for a walk. I want to be sure the kids have proper clothing so they don't get cold. This Friday you should have received a picture calendar of events to occur during the month of October. These events are all planned and are part of our activities during October.

     Please be sure to send a towel and swim suit on the days we swim.  Also be sure to send a sack lunch every Wednesday through the end of October. This has worked really well and the kids like this for a change. Our swimming will last for another 3 weeks and then we will begin skating. I am unsure of the exact date but it usually starts in November and goes for 8 weeks.
     As I continue to send out posts I hope you are reading them. the posts have alot of information in them and it helps you to prepare your son or daughter for the week. Please be sure to remind your son or daughter that our events are a privilege and they need to earn their time. also be sure to check the notebooks for the day. these notebooks can help you stimulate conversation of what has happened during the day. This is also a good way to communicate to me or the assistants if there is something we need to take note of.
     Also I want to remind you again of my policy in regards to picking up students at school. Please be sure to send me a note or an email early enough so I don't put your son or daughter on their bus. If I don't see a note then my procedure is to send them home on their bus. this is only because at times my students don't want to ride the bus and they tell me yo are picking them up. Sometimes the information is incorrect .If this happens then they miss their bus. for some of you Sparta is a long drive so I want to be sure this doesn't happen. If yohave any questions please let me know.
Doug Peterman