Fiske Friday News

• “What goals did you set for yourself for the first part of the year in ____ (e.g. math, reading, music)?”
• “What strategies have you used to work on that goal?” “What’s working?” “How can we and your teachers help you move forward your goal(s)?”
• “How does it feel when you get closer to your goal?”
• “You seemed to do much better in____, what happened? What did you do differently?” How does this feel?”
• “What goals do you want to set for the next month or so now that we know how you have been learning?”

One by Kathryn OtashiToday the Student Council treated the entire school to a reader’s theater of the book One by Kathryn Otoshi. This is a wonderful picture book that reflects on the power of 1 to stand up against a bully. The students loved hearing the reading and engaging in a conversation around this topic.
What will the mascot be???After reading over 50 persuasive essay entries, the student council and their teacher leaders picked the four finalists. The finalists are:

1. The Fiske Falcons- These birds are strong, smart, determined, powerful, and at times can be found perching on the Fiske roof.
2. The Fiske Flying Squirrels- These crafty squirrels are good climbers, strategic planners, child friendly, cute, and can fly from branch to branch.
3. The Fiske Jaguars- These cats are strong, smart, fast, determined, good climbers, independent, and rare.  
4. The Fiske Hippocampus- This marvelous mythological creature is unique and beautiful in that it is half horse and half fish. This creature has been around a long time, just like Fiske.

Next week, all students will vote for the mascot of their choice.  What will it be?
A fond farewell to our retiring music teacher, Donna Chaff.On Tuesday, the fifth graders and Fiske staff said goodbye to our beloved music teacher of 27 years, Mrs. Chaff. Although we will miss her jovial singing throughout the halls, we all wish her the best in her retirement. Come back and see us soon!

Our budding authors at FiskeOn Monday and Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of attending our second grade authors’ celebrations in 2SV and 2M. Students have been spending the last several weeks writing book reviews that describe their opinions of favorite books. While visiting, a second grade friend showed his letter to me describing why I should read Pete the Cat by James Dean.  The student wrote that Pete was a good friend who was very nice and never gave up. I am sure you all know what will be on my reading list this weekend!
As I read several other letters, it was truly amazing to see how much these second grade students have learned about writing an opinion piece. Each student clearly stated their opinion and then crafted several reasons why others might enjoy the book. Congratulations to all our second grade students for taking the time to create such thoughtful writing pieces. An added treat was that some of these opinion pieces are placed in the classroom library books for others to see when they open a book.  
Lunch with the PrincipalToday I had the pleasure of having lunch with some of our 4th grade students.  It was a wonderful chance to learn more about the Fiske-tastic students we spend our days with.
A note from BOKS-Jen BonniwellWe are having a great start for BOKS in 2016. We typically have more than 25 kids each morning, which is great! Kids are having a blast and really loving all the fun BOKS games and activities. This session of BOKS will run until February break, then we’ll pick back up right away after vacation on Tuesdays and Thursdays and run until April vacation, Feb. 23-April 14. If your child currently participates in BOKS and would like to continue, there is no need to fill out new forms. If your child has not participated and  wants to join BOKS they should fill out the form and bring it to the school office.
In addition, we could use a few more parents to help in the mornings. We especially need parent helpers this Tuesday Feb. 2 to support Danielle Nixon, who has graciously picked up as leader every other Tuesday. (Thank you, Danielle, and if anyone else is interested please let me know. We’d love to get more parents involved!) Please use this Signup Genius link to let me know you’re coming. I’ve added dates through April 14.
Practice, practice, practice!The fourth grade students are practicing diligently for their big performance. Come join all of our students on Friday, February 5th at 8:45 for the Black History Month assembly.  All are invited!
Kindergarten Registration Round Up! Calling all 2016-2017 Fiske Kindergarteners!The All Town Kindergarten Round up will be held on:

• February 10th, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Sprague School with a snow date of February 24th.

• March 5th, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Sprague School with a snow date of March 12th.

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!