School Closure Updates 2020

Hello Room 9 families. I decided to go ahead and start a whole new blog post instead of updating. This is in response to this mornings announcement from Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman that all Arizona schools will be closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. This includes all FUSD schools, programs, activities and trips. So what does this mean for us? I will answer as many of those question as I can below, giving you all the information I have at this point. If I do not know, I will ask. I will not give you an answer until I reach out and am given a direct answer. I want to make sure all information I give to you is correct.  So here we go....

Learning Expectations:  Last night, before the statewide closures were announced, FUSD reached out and posted the online learning HUB. https://sites.google.com/fusd1.org/fusd-digital-learning-hubThis is Phase One of at home learning. These are merely resources, not expectations. What does Phase Two look like? I do not know.  I'm sure some of that may have changed this morning with the announcement of school wide closures. I do know it will be district led, and they have been and are continuing to work on it. When I know, I will let you know. I have also posted access to RazzKids and Sight Words links on my staff page, under the 2020 At Home Learning Link https://www.fusd1.org/Page/16403. The students are familiar with RazzKids as we do this in our room almost daily. I recommend working on these as a place to begin this week. This will be enough. Again, the most important thing to focus on is the health and well being of you and your families. 

Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunch:  FUSD will continue to provide all children 18 and under with breakfast and lunch grab and go meals. Kids do not have to attend an FUSD school to receive a meal, and they do not have to be present at pick up. They can pick up from any of the sites providing a meal (Coconino High, Cromer Elementary, Killip Elementary, Kinsey Elementary, Leupp Elementary, Marshall Elementary, and Thomas Elementary) between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm. FUSD is also adding mobile sites. The addresses of the mobile sites are: 

• Zuni & Kofa @ the Cul de Sac (8:30 a.m. -9:00 a.m.)

• Zuni Drive & Cochise Dr @ Bow & Arrow Park (9:03 a.m. - 9:33 a.m.)

• Mountainaire Store (8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)

• Kachina Trail @ Raymond Park (9:10 a.m.-9:40 a.m.)

• 37 Pinewood Blvd @ the Post Office (9:50 a.m.-10:20 a.m.)

• 6885 Lumberjack @ the Lumberjack Store (8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.)

• Rustler Rd & Leupp Rd (8:51 a.m.-9:01 a.m.)

• S Horn Rd & Leupp Rd (9:14 a.m.-9:24 a.m.)

• Star School (9:25 a.m.-9:40 a.m.) 

I do believe those are the two big things I wanted to cover information wise. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact me at ashaw@fusd1.org.  I will keep updating you all as new information comes through. It has certainly been an overwhelming and emotional day. This is not how I wanted this school year to end, at home and not with each other.  My hearts is broken knowing we do not get to finish in the classroom together. However, I am still right here with you-and I will continue to be. Please reach out, let me know your needs. Let me know your students needs. As Principal Reasor said, "The building is closed our hearts are not." #closednotclosed. Tell my babies I love them, give them the biggest hug from me! Stay healthy, stay positive, stay home! 💙Ms. Shaw

Closure Updates 2020

Hello families. As we come off of Spring Break and are simultaneously practicing social distancing I want to touch base. I hope everyone is healthy and staying positive. I want to use this space to update everyone on all things COVID-19 as it relates to our educational process. All the information I gather I will post to share with you here. As I learn new information and as things change I will add that information/make the changes to this post here - as opposed to making a new post each time. Then I will just send out an email stating that there has been an update with new information and to please read the blog, our usual. At least, that is the plan for now. As always, I will let you know if that plan changes. For now, let's get into it.

School Closure: School is currently closed until Friday, April 10th. Please remember, we are closed in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In order to do this, and to keep our children safe, it is being strongly urged that students are at home - not on playdates, in public, or being cared for by elderly grandparents (who are also very vulnerable right now). Thank you for your cooperation.

Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunch:  Beginning March 23rd FUSD will be providing a grab and go breakfast and lunch food service. This will run through the length of the school closures.  To remain in compliance with CDC recommendations, children will not be allowed to dine at the facilities, all meals will be taken to go to maintain proper distancing practices. Drive up options are available at every site. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided for pick up only at each site from 8:00 am - 12:30 pm. Both meals are to be picked up at the same time. Meals are being provided to all children in the community, ages 18 and under. They do not need to be an FUSD student, and they do not need to attend the school where they are picking up the meal from.  The pick up sites are:

• Coconino High School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020 
• Accessible via Mountain Line Routes 2 and 7
• Cromer Elementary School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020
• Killip Elementary School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020
• Accessible via Mountain Line Route 7
• Kinsey Elementary School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020 
• Accessible via Mountain Line Routes 4 and 14 
• Leupp Elementary School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020
• Marshall Elementary School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020 
• Accessible via Mountain Line Route 5 
• Thomas Elementary School: March 23, 2020 – April 10, 2020 
• Accessible via Mountain Line Route 2

These date have been change to reflect that meals will be offered throughout the duration of the closures. They will be updated as needed.

Learning Expectations: This upcoming week, March 23rd-27th, we are expecting students and families to focus on their health and well being. Coming off of spring break we will also use this week to have staff do the same, as we begin the planning and implementation of further learning processes. As soon as this unified plan is in place, you will be informed of what the following weeks and their expectations will entail.   Thank you for your patience as we enter these unchartered waters together.

Other Cancellations:  All trips, activities and scheduled meetings are CANCELLED at this time. If you had a meeting scheduled we will reschedule in some type of format at some point. Stay tuned.

Items Left Behind:  Students who may have left behind their iPad and band instruments (this would pertain to older siblings at middle and high schools), or medications and personal items deemed absolutely essential must contact the school in advance to schedule pick up of these items on Monday, March 23, 2020. This is the date the district has designated for this, unless approved by a school administrator. I have two students who were out at the end of the week and did not receive their report cards because of the closures. DO NOT come in for your report card, I will make sure I get those mailed out when I am allowed in the building. If I am unable to do so I will email you copies. Pick up of essential items will be done curbside only. Please remember, we are practicing social distancing, so for the safety of our staff and your safety as well, only make arrangements for items that are absolutely essential. I'm going to interject and say this probably does not include personal items such as books and lunch boxes, etc.... Thank you for your understanding and helping us be socially responsible towards one another.

I do believe I have covered everything. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me via e-mail so that I can address them. Give my babies (yes they are mine as well) a giant hug for me. Read them a story every night for me. Let them know I miss them and can't wait to see their faces! Stay healthy, stay positive, stay home! 💕 -Ms. Shaw

Conference Week 2020

Hello Room 9 families. Although the days ahead are short we have a lot we are packing in to this week before Spring Break. Here is what is going on the next 5 days...

Math: We wrapped up our unit on coins and we will begin our unit on place value. Miss Llamas and I will be co-teaching these lessons. We will begin with understanding our groups of tens and recognizing numbers as tens and ones, looking at writing numbers in the place value chart and using the place value chart to understand the value of a two digit number.

ELA:  We will begin our 7th unit in our NatGeo curriculum, then and now. To correspond with this we will finish our Lit Study, "Twister on Tuesday" which we have been using to compare life on the prairie to life now. Since we are doing NatGeo this week, we will have spelling, which means homework. I figure with early release days there is plenty of time to get their work done. If you are going out of town, drop me an email or write me a letter in the agenda - I'm sure we can work something out. 

Science/Social Studies:  Continuing with our Now and Then theme we will be learning about Alexander Graham Bell and his invention of the telephone. We will also compare and contrast phones then and now. This will begin a unit on inventors, as well as lead us into our next science unit on sound.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Thanks to everyone who either signed up for conferences, or has discussed other options with me already. Our finalized list did go home on Friday. Of course, I say finalized loosely because if you want to meet and have not sign up you still may. Just pick an open spot or two and I will let you know which one works best. Do not forget all 3 days are early releases so please do plan for childcare accordingly. Wednesday is an extra early release time of 11:10 am, and Thursday and Friday will both be a 12:25pm release.

Marshall's Scholastic Book Fair: This week will also be our Scholastic Book Fair in the library. It will be open to all non bus riders after school, as well as during conferences to all. Please make time to come and visit and purchase some great books at great prices. More info here at   https://www.scholastic.com/bf/marshallmagnetschool.

Flagstaff Community Stem Night: Monday night at NAU Walk-Up SkyDome is Flagstaff Community Stem Night. This is a night to go and see all the fun and exciting STEM events and activities FUSD has to offer. This event is free, and runs from 5:30-7:30 pm. There are some really cool things to check out, I highly recommend this event. 

Spring Break: We will end this busy week with Spring Break. Spring Break will be March 16th-20th. We will return on Monday, March 23rd.

I cannot wait to share with you all the progress your students are making. I am blown away by each individual students growth this quarter! They have really worked hard this quarter and I am so proud of them. -Ms. Shaw

First Week March/ Conferences 2020

Welcome to March. This is where our year begins to kick into high speed. I still cannot believe how fast February flew by. We have so much coming up this month, so please read on for conference info and much more.

Math:  We have wrapped up our unit on measurement and data. Friday we began learning about coins and their values. On Friday we looked at pennies, nickels, and dimes. This week we will add quarters and learn how to count on using pennies from a given amount of coins (ex: if I show a dime and a nickel and I want the students to show me 18¢ they will add 3 more pennies). This is always an interesting unit because most get it, but for whatever reason if a child does not, it proves to be very tricky for them to distinguish between the coins.  Feel free to break out your change and play little games with your child.  What is the coin called?  How much is a certain coin worth?  What about a mixture of coins?  Put a pile of coins together and see if they can pick out the nickels and then tell you the value of a nickel, etc.  Please avoid quarters until after we learn them on Tuesday to avoid frustrating or confusing your child.  Any extra practice at home doing these types of activities is always useful during this unit.  Thank you for your partnership!

ELA:  We have wrapped up our NatGeo unit on weather. Next week we will take a break from NatGeo and instead do a corresponding LitStudy with another loved Magic Treehouse book, "Twister On Tuesday." We began learning about Tornadoes during our science unit last, and will continue to learn about them during the next two weeks while reading about Jack and Annie's adventures in Twister on Tuesday. This book will also kick off our social studies unit on Then and Now, comparing life now to life long ago.

Because we will not be doing any NatGeo there will be no spelling this week. Since we will not have spelling, there will be no homework this week. Homework will return next week. Enjoy the week off!

Science/Social Studies: We just wrapped up our unit on weather. Next week we will begin our unit on sound. We will also start studying famous inventors. These units should encompass the month of March.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Conferences are next week, Wednesday, March 11th-Friday, March 13th. For anyone who is interested in conferences this time around, and has already signed up, the semi-finalized list has gone home with your conference time indicated. I say semi-finalized because if you want a conference and your name is not on the list you still have this week to pick a couple of spots and return the sign up to me ASAP. Also, I forgot to accomodate for Wednesday's extra early release, so if you would like one of those times instead of the time you signed up for, please let me know. Remember, this is and has been a first come first serve basis. I will honor those who have already signed up and want to switch for a new time first to make up for my mistake to try to be fair. Sorry! Do not forget, all 3 conference days are early release days as follows:

• Wednesday March 11th extra early release at 11:10 
• Thursday March 12th and Friday March 13th release at 12:25

Book Fair:  While conferences are happening the library will be hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair. Feel free to come by either before or after your conference, or anytime during conference (March 9th-13th) week to buy some books for your student. All other times can be viewed on the link below. Book fair flyers will be going home with your students this week so you can see a sample of the books offered at our book fair. You can also check it out online through this link here   https://www.scholastic.com/bf/marshallmagnetschool.  This link will also allow you to set up digital payments for your child and shop online if you prefer. Money from the sales do come back to our Marshall library! Let the reading begin!

Spring Break: The week after conferences is Spring Break. Monday, March 16th-Friday, 20th school will be closed. Hopefully mother nature gets the call and the weather warms up! 

As always, I feel like I'm forgetting things so if and when I remember I will update and send an email. Hope your weekend was restful! Cannot wait to see those faces tomorrow! -Ms. Shaw

End of February Updates 2020

Wow, can you believe it is the end of February already? Where January seemed to last forever, February seems like it flew by. Here is what is happening in as we wrap up this month...

Math:  We will be concluding our Measurement and Data unit this week. We finished our unit on comparing and ordering lengths of objects with centimeters, and now we will wrap up the unit with collecting and interpreting data. Creating graphs, reading and writing tally marks, answering questions about the graphs, etc...

ELA:  We will finish our NatGeo unit on weather this week. The spelling sounds are oo (as in took) and ea (as in bread). Please make sure your child is studying the sounds when they do their homework. 

Science:  To coincide with our ELA unit we have been learning about air and weather. We have investigated air, made parachutes, and will be exploring balloon rockets this week. Next we will be concentrating on the weather side of the unit, learning about weather tools, meteorologists, etc....

Family Science Night:  This Tuesday is Family Science Night. This event is open to anyone who is interested in coming to check out the awesome science fair projects done by the older students here at Marshall, which is required in 3rd-5th grade. We are not required to do science fair projects in 1st grade. However, if you would like to bring your first grader to check out the science fair, you may Tuesday night from 5:00-6:30 in the gym.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Conferences are just around the corner. I will be sending home a sign-up sheet this week. If you would like a conference, please fill it out indicating your top 2 times that work for you and return. After I collect all forms I will compile a final list of those interested in having a spring conference and send a finalized form out about the beginning of next week. Conferences will be held Wednesday, March 11th - Friday, March 13th.

Spring Break: Spring Break will be the week after conferences, Monday, March 16th-Friday, March 20th.

Hope everyone had a relaxing and warm snowy weekend! -Ms. Shaw 

Valentines 2020

Hello families. Due to a lack of a post last week, this week you are in for a double scoop of the scoop. Here is what has been happening and what is coming up this week in room 9...

Math: Last week we moved into our unit on Measurement and Data. Last week we learned how to line up endpoints and put objects in order according to length. We also began measuring items in centimeters cubes, which we will continue to do this week as well. This will get into solving story problems with comparing lengths of objects and writing the answers in statements.

ELA: Last week we began our new NatGeo unit on weather, which we will continue for the next 3 weeks. We will also be focusing on our Reading Literature standard and reading the story "3 Snowbears" sequencing the story and comparing and contrasting it to the Jan Brett version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Jan Brett is the one who wrote "The Hat" and "The Mitten" stories we just finished, and based our animal reports off of. Also, we are finally finished with our animal reports (minus a few absent students). They are hanging in the hall for all to see. Feel free to stop by and check them out. 

Science/Social Studies:  Last week was our unit on American Symbols. We focused on learning about the Statue of Liberty, The American Flag, The Liberty Bell, and the Bald Eagle. We are going to begin our science unit on air and weather this week. 

Valentine's Day:  Valentines Day is this Friday. We will be exchanging valentines. I sent home a class list on Friday so that if your child wishes to write names on their valentines they may. Just a tip, it is so much easier on you if they write just their name on their valentine though. I will make sure they get one valentine in each friends holder, as I will be helping them pass out their valentines that morning. Our celebration will take place Friday afternoon, after lunch. If you child chooses to bring in valentines they must bring in one for EVERYONE in the class!!  If they would like to bring in a healthy treat to share they may (no sign up, we'll take what we get). Please note, no junk food will be allowed! They will get plenty in their valentine holders (I already purchased the candy conversation hearts for some math activities and this will be the only candy they will be allowed to eat during class). If you need another class list please let me know.

Dates to Remember:

• Monday, February 17th - School Closed - President's Day

• Tuesday, February 25th - Family Science Night 5-6:30 (More information to come)

• March 11th-13th Parent/Teacher Conferences (More information to come)

• March 16th - 20th - Spring Break

THINK Assembly:  Friday was our THINK assembly awarding children who exemplify the N in THINK, which stands for NOBLE. This time our award went to Elsie and Addisyn. This ceremony was extra special, as our guest speaker was none other than Mr. Billy, one of the most noble members of our Mustang community! Here are a few pictures from our day.

There might be some weather on the way this week. Please dress your child appropriately for the cold and snow! Also, tune into Facebook and the radio for delays, should there be any (I'm thinking Tuesday might happen, emphasis on might. Other than that, business as usual). Thank you! - Ms. Shaw

Quick Updates Last Week of January 2019

Happy School Choice Week! Thank you for picking Marshall as your school of choice. We truly believe in our one of a kind magnet programs and the benefits they have on our students. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to teach your child! Together we rise.

Growth Mindset Parent Night Presentation:  Do you want your child to be happier, more successful, and less stressed out? Marshall is providing an amazing opportunity for you to come and learn some powerful strategies to help your child thrive in and out of school. Dr. Blake Brandes (TEDx speaker and America's Got Talent performer) will be here to present and share with parents in the gym on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30-6:30. This is for parents only, Marshall will NOT be providing childcare. We encourage everyone to find a babysitter and attend this very important assembly. Then our students will have their own assembly on Friday during school hours. We really hope to see everyone there!

Growth mindset is a message I have been incorporating into my room the last couple of years. Teaching students that it is ok to make and learn from our mistakes. That we learn through perseverance, and the power of yet. I am excited to learn more from Dr. Brandes myself. Again, together we rise! - Ms. Shaw