E-2 Excellence

March 12, 2024

Dear E-2 Families,

Please see the below for a few quick and important class updates.

• Tomorrow, Wednesday March 13th, is Spring Picture Day. Our class will be taking their class picture right after Mrs. Gillis’ kinders, at approximately 10:30 (schedule may vary)!
• Report cards for our class will go home in Thursday envelopes this week, unless you have signed up for a conference- in that case, I will share the report card at our meeting. 
• I still have conference times available, and I would love to meet with you if you would like to discuss your child’s progress. Please follow the link to sign up for a meeting time, or reach our here at ParentSquare to connect!
• We have started a Caramel Apple Fundraiser for 4th graders ahead of next year’s Science Camp. (Mrs. Slaugh only ordered 30 print catalogs, because she did not know how many 4th grade families would be able to fundraise right now.) Two families from our class have offered to support Mrs. Slaugh – thank you, Mrs. Corona and Mrs. Carlsen!- and if you would like to help as well, please reach out to Mrs. Slaugh. 
• Here is more information on this fundraiser for next year’s Science Camp:
• “Dear 4th grade parents,
  • We are selling caramel apples to help with the cost of next year’s 5th Science Camp. If you are interested in selling caramel apples to your friends and family, please see Mrs. Slaugh in room A-6 for a catalog. Please remember that we are fundraising as a class of future 5th graders, and not individual students. 30-35% of our sales will be donated back to our 5th grade class. Order forms and payment are due March 25th. Make checks payable to Jacklyn Haze Corona, or Venmo at @jacklyn-haze (9773). Cash is always welcome as well. Caramel apples will be picked up from the factory April 16th or 17th and will be sorted and handed out to families by April 18th. If you are interested in helping with the sort of apples when they come in, please let Mrs. Slaugh know.”

Thank you for your time and attention! As always, please reach out here with questions, comments, or concerns.
Warmly,
Ms. Seyan

March 3, 2024

Dear E-2 Families,

There are a lot of exciting things going on in our classroom, at Reed, and in San José Unified School District. 
Here are a few quick updates for you.

• Classroom News
  • I am now reaching out to families with whom I would like to meet for conferences; every family who would like to meet and discuss their child’s progress is more than welcome to sign up for a meeting. Click on the link here and please indicate the day, time, and mode of conferring you would prefer by writing your child’s name in the appointment slot and including my WebEx link or your contact information alongside it. Questions or comments? Please reach out through ParentSquare.
  • Class work for the next few weeks will focus on the following:
    • Reading nonfiction, especially historical nonfiction and science texts.
      • This includes reading our Social Studies and Science texts.
    • Writing opinion essays to convince a reader by supporting a claim.
    • Math Modules 8 (more fractions and division) and 9 (yet more fractions and a focus on measuring capacity) will be completed by the end of March. Module 10 (decimals!) will follow in early April. 
    • Remaining Second Step lessons focus on Taking Responsibiltiy for your Actions, Dealing with Peer Pressure, and reviewing all Second Step Skills.
  • ArtVistas parent volunteers will be working on our class’ mask projects on Friday, March 22. We urgently need more volunteers to make this happen! Please reach our to me if you are able to volunteer for this fun activity. SJUSD requires volunteers to apply through the district before working at school sites. To apply, follow this link. For more information on the volunteering process, click here. 
  • Our second-to-last BioSite field trip of the year will be on Wednesday, March 27th. Reminder to students that when you are on this trip, you are still at school; Reed ROCKS expectations are in place, including being Considerate of and Kind towards our Pioneer High School student teachers. I was disappointed when presented with two yellow (disciplinary) slips after the last Bio Site trip. As an educator, I personally feel there is no reason why any of our fourth graders should make it difficult for their high school student teachers to make BioSite a fun, educational experience for all, and I am looking into what standard procedures for consequences are in place when a yellow slip is given. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or follow up about our behavior expectations, whether at school or on a field trip. 
  • Speaking of Field trips: The fourth grade team, Principal Ponzio, and our front office staff have been working hard organizing the Sacramento bus trip on May 1st.As we started planning this later in the year, we are being creative and proactive in ensuring that all students can attend the trip and that we see as much of the Capitol as we can. I will be sending home more information and sign up forms in the next few weeks. For now, here are some brief updates:
    • We have reserved one bus for the trip. Three students will be driven by their parents, and additional parent chaperones will be driving themselves and meeting their students at our destination.
    • The requested donation for students who take the bus will be $50.00.  Scholarships are available and absolutely no student will miss this trip due to lack of funds.
    • If you are able to volunteer, we could use the family support! Again, information on registering to volunteer can be found here. 
• Reed Elementary Events
  • Spring Picture Day: March 13th. More information will go home later this week.
  • Minimum Days for conferences: March 14th and 15th (*Note that this is a correction from my prior post). All students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM on that Thursday and Friday.
  • We’re hiring! From our principal: “Would you like to work at Reed as an Instructional Associate or know someone who would be interested in working as an Instructional Associate? We are currently hiring. Click the green link for more information: Instructional Associate Job Description. Interested persons can apply at go.sjusd.org/jobs. Any questions can be directed to Principal Ponzio at jponzio@sjusd.org
  • Girls on the Run begins Monday, March 4th! 3rd-5th grade girls are eligible to join. Team Reed will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:45 on the blacktop by the 3rd-5th grade line up area.  Girls who are interested but not quite sure if they’re ready are welcome to attend TWO training sessions before March 14th to see if they would like to sign up. Financial Aid for the program is available through Girls on the Run and our coach, Ms. Seyan. Click here to register your girl. Please email Ms. Seyan at sseyan@sjusd.org with any questions.
    • Fun fact! The photo on the “Programs” page linked above is of Reed’s 2023 team!
• San Jose Unified’s Family Newsletter
  • The Family Engagement  page is a hub for all resources for families, including parent organizations, after school programs, and accessing educational records.
  • Our School Board is considering presenting a School Improvement Bond to local voters. To learn more and to indicate your views on where school facility improvements are needed, visit this page. 
  • Here’s a report from the California Collaborative on District Reform that includes San Jose Unified’s “collaborative and productive” approach to School Board governance.
  • FREE tickets to a Bay Area Panthers  game? Yes, please! Visit this page to learn more and get your family’s free tickets to an indoor football game.

I’m so grateful to be part of such an active, engaged, and generous community here at Reed. As always, please reach out to me with any of your suggestions, concerns, and questions through ParentSquare.

Warmly, 
Ms. Seyan 

February 25, 2024

Hello E-2 Families,

I am looking forward to welcoming your students back tomorrow!  When I visited the classroom this weekend to get a head start on our return, I realized that I was happy to be there, even on a Saturday! And today, when I saw a few students on our Reed campus, I felt grateful for the community and the relationships we have formed. So when I say I am looking forward to welcoming your students back tomorrow, I mean it. :o) 

This week will be a typical week in the classroom, with our regular schedule in place and the only real “special” event being Friday’s Pajama Day. I have my jammies already picked out for this spirit day, which highlights Read Across America Day, and encourages us to get cozy to read. Remember to take photos of your child in their PJs for the yearbook! (Photos can be uploaded through Konstella or emailed to Mrs. Ellner at nellner@sjusd.org. Thanks!) In addition, check out the  “Silicon Valley Reads” resources page at the San José Public Library for readers of all ages. Let’s keep the reading momentum going!

March 13th and 14th are the dates for optional Spring conferences for elementary schools in SJUSD. I will be sending out the link for an online sign up form next week; I will also be reaching out to families with whom I would like to meet. There will be times offered the week of the 10th through the 14th, and there’s flexibility on time of meeting and location, whether in person, by phone, or online. Again, details and a link to follow next week. 

One important thing I would like to highlight for families is the need for adult volunteers for our fourth graders’ projects, field trips, and events in the coming few months. We have the 4th grade mask making craft that is a huge part of the fourth grade experience and a major draw at the Spring Art Show. We will need parent drivers and chaperones for Wednesday, May 1st’s Sacramento field trip. Last but not least, Gold Rush Day, on Friday,May 10th this year, requires a small army of dedicated folks to plan and then staff the event.

We can’t do any of these things for our students without you, our community. Please check out the San Jose Unified volunteer information page here, or go straight to the  online volunteer application here. The entire process takes a few weeks to complete, so please get on it as soon as you can and join us at Reed to support these fourth graders.

Warmly,
Ms. Seyan

January 22, 2024

Dear Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready for some fantastic updates from our fourth-grade classroom! It has been a busy and enriching time for our students, and we are excited to share some highlights with you.

**Differentiated Homework:**
I have have been working hard to provide each student with homework tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. This approach allows every child to engage with the material at a level that challenges and supports their growth, while at the same time keeping students and families up to date on what the 4th grade curriculum looks like. 

This week, I highlighted and/or shaded over work that I did not assign to your child. In the future, I will create a list of the specific problems or tasks within the homework I would like your child to attempt and attach it to the packet. This way, every student has full access to the assignments even if their work is modified. 

As always, we encourage you to discuss the homework with your child and celebrate their achievements!

**Biosite Exploration:**
Last week, our curious fourth graders embarked on an educational journey to the Biosite. They had the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature, discover fascinating facts about various ecosystems, and even had a close encounter with owl pellets. The experience was both educational and awe-inspiring, sparking a newfound interest in the natural world among our students.

For more learning opportunities, follow the below link and visit the “Brains On!” podcast website for a fun episode, “Owl About Owls”.

Brains On! Universe

**What We’re Learning in Class**
In Language Arts, our fourth graders are honing their skills in informational writing. Students have been focusing on the writing process from brainstorming to planning, drafting to revising. In addition, we are reinforcing student understanding of paragraph and essay structure and purposes for writing. Last but not least, students have the opportunity to stretch their linguistic skills through enriched vocabulary and grammar instruction. This layered approach allows students to express their creativity while mastering the art of informative writing.

In Math, the focus is on measurement, including the exciting topics of converting from one form of measurement to another and-starting this week!- measuring angles. Our budding mathematicians are also diving into the world of data keeping. They are learning how to collect, organize, and interpret data, developing essential skills for analytical thinking. As always, we strive to work together and to attempt multiple modes of solving problems, collaborating with others, and explaining our work.

**Fire Drill Update:**
Please note that our scheduled fire drill has been rescheduled to Thursday when rain is not forecast. 

Thank you for your attention. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to share your child’s experiences in the classroom.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Warmly,

Ms. Seyan

August 31, 2023 

Excellent E-2 Families, 

• Thank you to those attending Back to School Night on Tuesday! It was a pleasure to meet and speak with some of you. Please reach out here with any questions, suggestions, or follow up. I look forward to working with you all this year.
• Thursday envelopes went home today. Students bring the envelopes back each Friday after the contents have been removed. It’s a nice touch when you sign the envelope so we know you have received the communication, but it is not required. Finally, we can only supply one envelope per family this year.
• Please do not come to school on Monday, September 4th. School will be closed in observance of Labor Day. 🇺🇸
• One of our 5th grade teachers is thinking ahead to your children’s Science Camp adventure next year! A message from Mrs. Slaugh:
  • Hi 4th grade parents! We are looking for some volunteers to help run a caramel apple fundraiser in March of 2024 for Science Camp next year. We would need someone to help tally all of the apples and pick up apples in Hollister when they are ready. If you are interested in helping, please contact Mrs. Slaugh at eslaugh@sjusd.org.Thanks,Mrs. Slaugh

As always, thank you for your attention. I hope you have a safe and fun long weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Seyan

Dear Families,

I am so excited to welcome your child to their Fourth Grade school year!  I am looking forward to meeting your children, getting to know them, and starting on an amazing year of growth, collaboration, and academic achievement.  I am committed to bringing the best I have daily to make this year a great experience for all of my students.

To get ready for tomorrow, let’s keep it simple;  all your child needs to bring are the basics:

•Backpack
•Lunch and a snack if they do not care for the free school lunch and snack
•Shoes they can run in and a hat or sunblock if they use it. (We have P.E. on Thursdays at 2:10-3:00. While the P.E. teachers may just be going over expectations, students will feel better if they are prepared for anything! ;o)

And that’s really it! All supplies have been provided and I do not have an Amazon wish list at this time,  😊 

The first two days of school will be all about getting to know the school, getting to know each other, and establishing routines, procedures, and ways of being in the classroom that will create a strong community of learners who can support each other’s growth throughout the year. Your child may find the activities that we do to start the year too easy or even cheesy, and that’s OK! These activities lay the groundwork for our work together all year and are more important than they seem. 

You will learn more about me, the class, and Fourth Grade on Monday when the first homework packet goes home, over the next few weeks as I update you about our class via Parent Square, and of course at Back to School Night. If you have any non-urgent questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions, please communicate with me through ParentSquare. I look forward to hearing from you.

One more thing: I will. be asking students to model procedures and expectations for our class behavior charts. If you would not like your child to be photographed or have their picture posted in class, please let me know.

Thank you for your attention! I can’t wait to meet your child at the gate closest the upper grade playground at 9:00 AM sharp tomorrow! 🎉

Warmly,
Ms Susan Seyan
Educator

June 21, 2023

Dear E-2 Families,

Happy “official” first day of summer! I hope the first several days of Summer Break have been restful, productive, and fun for you and your children.

Speaking of productive and fun:  Chromebooks are being kept at school again, but that doesn’t mean students can’t take advantage of online learning opportunities through the summer.

SJUSD Blended Learning programs are available via internet browsers, and devices (Chromebooks, tablets, laptops) and wifi hotspots are yours for the borrowing through our San Jose Public Libraries.

Please check out all the links below to access freely available opportunities for children to learn, connect with others, have fun, and grow as a person this summer.

SJPL offers free wifi and device checkout for library card holders.

San Jose Unified School District Blended Learning programs are available online though most devices. 

San Jose Unified’s online Library is still available for student use. 

The San Jose Public Library (SJPL) has a Summer Learning program where students can earn prizes for reading.

The SJPL also lots of online games and learning activities for children; they just need a library card number and PIN (usually the last 4 digits of your main/home phone number) in order to log in.

The SJPL Graphic Novel contest is accepting submissions, either online through their site or by mail.  through July 31st.

Note: Our Google Classroom remains available for students to visit and take advantage of the Graphic Novel writing videos uploaded in the “Classwork” section. Go to OneLogin> Google Classroom> 4^th Grade 2022-23 > Classwork tab to access. The class join code is 3kmha3h, by the way.

Here are links to some of our class favorite videos this year:

2 minute Mission Impossible Timer

I minute “Rick Roll” timer

1 Minute Box Breathing

5 Minute Box Breathing

GoNoodle Swirling Meditation

GoNoodle On/Off Exercise

GoNoodle Lunch Song

“School of Rock” “Math Song”

A River Runs Through Our Classroom…

Mozart for the Brain

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s George Michael with “Careless Whisper”

I will be checking my email this summer, so do reach out with questions, comments, or suggestions. I will reply as soon as I can. 

Thank you for sharing your children with me this year. I look forward to seeing how they grow in 5^th grade and beyond!

Warmly,

Ms. Seyan :o)

Educator

June 6, 2023

Dear E-2 Families, 

Today was a blast! The teachers narrowly won the 5th grade vs. Adult kickball game, thanks to Mrs. Slaugh’s expert coaching. Afterwards, we moved all the class furniture around, played a camping ambiance video on Youtube, and enjoyed “Duck, Duck, Goose”, Four Corners, and Charades before recess. After recess, we worked on our “top secret” Father’s Day art projects, looked at yearbooks and Graphic Novels, and colored summer art pages while hanging out with friends. After lunch was our last TK Buddies date of the year (we made bracelets!) and our Totally Fake 4th Grade Graduation ceremony, which brought a tear to my eye. Look for your child’s “diploma” in their backpacks!

Tomorrow will be another stellar day. First, third, and fourth grades will group up to participate in Field Day from 9 AM-noon. Stations include bubbles, chalk art, and games on the field, and rock painting, among others. After that, we will finish up any incomplete projects and work in teams to clean the classroom. 

Thursday will be an early out day. From 9-10, we will “wash” our desks with shaving cream and clean out the insides of our desks the final time. We do have P.E. from 10:10-11:00, then online games (Blookit and Kahoot!) have been promised before and early lunch at 12:25 and dismissal at 1:01. Report cards will go home the last day of school.

For tomorrow, please remind your child:

-Wear clothes that are good for being outdoors, including comfortable shoes, a hat, and layers in case it gets hot, cold, or rainy. 

-If your child has a rock no bigger than their fist that would be good to paint, they may bring it for the Field Day center with Mrs. Daly.

Questions, comments, concerns, suggestions? Please reach out at sseyan@sjusd.org. 

Warmly,

Ms Seyan

June 5, 2023

Dear E-2 Families,

Three main updates for today around Class Jobs for the last week of school, a Class Meeting with the Principal, and Tuesday’s agenda:

1. Students have loved having Class Jobs this year, and I know I will share more about this with families next year. It’s so cool! Students work as a team to decide what jobs we need and how many people it takes to do them. They also help each other out when someone forgets their jobs. At first, students would apply for and sometimes interview for specific class jobs. For the last month of the year, students decided to move away from applying for specific jobs in favor of alternating jobs weekly using the “pick a stick” system so more students could get involved. The jobs for the last week of school are as follows:

• Kyle– Hand Sanitizer/Door Greeter 1
  • Offer hand sanitizer to student entering the class first thing in the morning, after recess, and after lunch!
•  Avery, Riley, Seth Desk Checker-3
  • Checks desks
• Ainsley, Brenden– Supplies-2
  • Makes sure student supplies are in the correct area, neat, and replenished; connects with the teacher for more supplies when needed..
  • Sharpens pencils in the unsharp pencil bin at the end of day daily; if pencils are found around the room, pencil person places them in the unsharp pencil box.
• Sophia– Tech-1
  • Monitors Chromebook charging area and supports class with their technology questions.
  • Takes good care of loaner chargers.
  • Runs errands when they involve Mr  Trung
•  Kaitlyn, Saharai  AM,  Gabby, Janie PM.  Lunch Bins-4. (2 AM, 2 after lunch)
  • Team takes the lunch bin to the cafeteria in the morning and brings it back after lunch. Individual students may be responsible for their own lunch boxes at the end of day
•  Devin–Messenger-1
  • When a visitor enters the room, the messenger must be able to approach the person and explain what we are doing in class. 
  • Answers the phone and carries messages to other teachers when necessary. 
•  Hayul, Kali-Paper- 2 or 1
  • Passes out paper during class, assembles Thursday envelopes.
• Holly, Morgan, Kyle—Friday (Thursday?) Sink Cleaner (2 or 3)

2. The class enjoyed a read aloud with Mr Ramezane this afternoon.  The book, Fenix in Flames, told the story of a phoenix who would start to burn when they were nervous, couldn’t focus, or felt upset. Mr Ramezane asked the class what strategies they would use when they were nervous, unfocused, or upset. Here is what they shared: 

“What strategies do WE use to keep ourselves on track, or when we are nervous, afraid, or have trouble focusing??
1. Listen to a good playlist on Apple music (or wherever)
2. “Punch a pillow”-AKA movement breaks
3. Drawing or another creative outlet (making music, crafting, writing)
4. Count to 10
5. Take deep breaths
6. Positive self talk; tell myself that everything is OK: ” This is a tough time, but I am going to get through it.”
7. Quiet space
8. Switch activities/ do something different
9. Box Breathing
10. Fall asleep ;o)
11. Pets
12. Eat!! (Am I hangry?)”

3. Tuesday schedule:

9:30 Teacher-5th grade kickball game. 4th Graders watch!

10:30-12:45 Finish Dad’s day art, pack up desk items to go home. Students who earned fundraising prizes or purchased yearbooks will get them at this time.

12:45-1:20 Lunch

1:20-TK buddies-making friendship bracelets!

2:00 Totally Fake Graduation Ceremony: I play “Pomp and Circumstance” and call students to the front of the room to get a cute diploma. They will also receive a certificate for participation in this year’s Science Fair.

Then, we enjoy each other until dismissal! 

Please reach out with questions, comments, concerns, or questions at sseyan@sjusd.org.

Look for another message tomorrow!

Warmly,

Ms Seyan

June 1, 2023

Dear E-2 Families,

June is here! The next 5 days of school will fly by. Here are a few reminders as well as an outline of what your child can expect in class.

*Chocolate Fundraiser Funds due. Elisa Stewart, Reed Family fundraising volunteer, asked me to remind you that payment is due on June 1st. Your children may turn in envelopes to me or you may meet Elisa out front Friday before school starts. 

*Leadership students may got to Mrs. Ellner’s room, C-1, tomorrow morning to receive their certificates and enjoy some breakfast! I wouldn’t want to miss it if I were on Leadership, personally. 

*Monday is our Spirit Day of the year, and Leadership chose: Hawaiian Day! I hope students are inspired and really dress up!

On our schedule for next week: 

Monday 6/5: Finish up projects, including Graphic Novels and thank you notes for BioSite student teachers.

Tuesday 6/6: Teacher-5th Grade Kickball game @ 9:30; 4th grade “graduation” at 2:00 PM. We have 1 student whose last day is Tuesday, so we are “graduating”.

Wednesday 6/7: 3rd-4th-1st grade Field Day on the blacktop/ field from 9:15-noon. 

Thursday 6/8: Class cleanup, P.E. from 10:10-11:00, Class game time, Lunch, Early dismissal. 

Much more information to follow in the next few days, including more about report cards, keeping in touch over summer through our Google Classroom, student work, and more. 

As always, please reach out with questions, comments, concerns, and suggestions at sseyan@sjusd.org.

Warmly,

Ms. Seyan