Newsletter

BROWNELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

6000 Aylesworth, Lincoln, NE 68505

 

March 6, 2013

NeSA TESTING

All students in grades 3-5 will be participating in the Nebraska State Accountability Reading (NeSA-R), Math (NeSA-M) tests. In addition, fifth grade students will also take the Science (NeSA-S) test. The Nebraska Department of Education will send out score reports for students and schools in late summer.

Testing times at Brownell will be as follows:

3rd Grade: Mornings of April 3rd & 4th

Afternoons of April 9th & 10th

4th Grade: Mornings of April 16th & 17th

Afternoons of April 23rd & 24th

5th Grade: Mornings of April 9th & 10th

Afternoons of April 16th & 17th

Teachers and students have been working hard all year to prepare for these tests. We are planning lots of activities to motivate the students who will be participating in the NeSA tests.

There are several things parents can do to positively contribute to their child’s success. Encourage your child to put forth their best effort with positive statements expressing confidence in their abilities and their efforts. A good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast will go a long way to help your child best show what they know and are able to do on the test. Finally, being in school during testing is very important. Please reschedule any appointments that may take your child out of school on the testing dates listed above. As always, we appreciate your support!

Kim Rosenthal

Coordinator

MARCH MONTHLY MATH MINUTE

Spring is approaching! Get outside and use math in your everyday adventures. Count how many baskets you made. Time how long it takes for you to run around the block. Estimate how long it would take to go around the block 2 or 3 times! Still too chilly, muddy, or windy for you outside? Find some math in your home. How many cups of flour do you need for your cookie recipe? How many would you need to make a double batch? How long does it take you to brush your teeth? If everyone in your family takes that long, how long would it take for everyone to brush their teeth?

As you start dreaming about all those spring activities you could do indoors or outside, here’s a problem to think about at dinner tonight! Be the first one to turn your answer in to Mrs. Schefdore.

In a race, Mr. Chartier placed exactly in the middle among all finishers. Miss Blaha was behind Mr. Chartier and in 10th place, while Mrs. Behm finished 16th. How many runners finished the race?

FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE

Parents, a gentle reminder that we have students here at Brownell with specific allergies. In an effort to maintain an environment that is safe for learning for all students, we need to ask people to not become complacent in observing the signage.

Brownell is a latex safe school. That means we are like the hospitals. We do not use latex gloves or band-aids, and we only allow mylar balloons in the building. If you are volunteering to assist with activities, gloves, balloons, band-aids and athletic equipment need to be latex free.

We also have students with peanut and other food allergies. Please plan any food activity carefully with the classroom teacher.

If you have any questions feel free to check with the health office and we will help you find alternate products. Thank you.

Ann Pickrel

Nurse

STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP

When dropping off/picking up your student(s) please do not park in the area marked off by the orange cones. This area is for buses only. The cutouts and the loop in the parking lot on the west side of the school are designed for quick drop offs and NOT for parking vehicles for any length of time.

Also, to ensure the safety of your children, please do not have them cross in the middle of the street.

Thank you for your help!

DINE OUT WITH BROWNELL

Don’t forget to join us on Tuesday, March 26th at Runza, 56th and Holdrege, 5:00-8:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Brownell.

SPRING INTO READING

Students are encouraged to read or have an adult read to them each and every day starting Sunday, March 3rd through March 31st, and yes 5 minutes a day does count! The last calendar needs to be turned in to their teacher by April 5th to be included in a drawing.

  • Calendars will be turned in weekly for a weekly prize. Students completing all 4 weeks will be put in to a drawing for a Kindle donated by Cotner Lodge. There will be one winner from grades K-2 and 1 winner from grades 3-5.
  • Students record the number of minutes read each day.
  • Students turn in a calendar every week signed by both the student and adult on Monday and will receive their next calendar.
  • Mrs. Dresbach will chart reading.
  • The class with the highest percentage of participation will also earn a party.

Good luck and enjoy reading!

BRIGHT LIGHTS

Bright Lights, a local summer learning program, is an ideal way for your student to maximize the fun of summer vacation while increasing their potential of success when they return to school in the fall.

This summer the line-up of classes include favorites from past years: Reptiles Rock!, Junk Box Physics, LEGO Robotics, and Dry Ice Extravaganza. In addition, many new classes are making a debut this year including: Box of Rocks and Colossal Fossils, Skippyjon Jones, Disgusting Science, and Art Gallery in the Woods.

The 2013 Bright Lights classes will be held June 3-7, June 17-21, and July 8-12; both half-day and full-day classes will be available during the week-long sessions. Registration begins April 1st for the 2013 summer Bright Lights program. Class and camp descriptions, registration and scholarship information can be found at brightlights.org or call 420-1115.

PASTA FOR PENNIES

Remember – Brownell is participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Pasta for Pennies.  February 18 thru March 8th , students will collect coins and cash in their classroom. At the end of the fundraiser, the class that has donated the most money will win a pasta party from Olive Garden!