Welcome back, students!

As I visited every classroom today, I saw that all of our students were focused and on track, ready to learn.  It was so fun to see how little the students regressed (thank you parents!) and how eager they were to learn something new!

Here's what's hanging in Mrs. Billings' second grade!

The Second Semester Begins!

School will resume tomorrow, January 4, 2012.  The doors will open at 7 a.m.  We are excited to see our students again.  Please remember to dress according to the weather.

Second Grade Christmas Poems

The second graders have been preparing for their Christmas Poetry Readings and today was the day to present!  The students have practiced memorizing poems to share with family, friends and staff.  Memorizing poems helps students prepared for memorizing basic facts in math.  The rhythm of the poems helps students connect the parts of their brain to where math facts are formed. 

Mrs. Billings' class

Memorizing poems helps students in reading.  Students learn the rhythm of reading through the practice of reading poems which in turn helps with the student's fluency.  Fluency is what helps the reader make sense of what is being read.  Comprehension, understanding what one has read, is the goal of reading!

Mrs. Rowles' class

As usual, we had a wonderful turnout of parents, grandparents and friends.  We love seeing our families at school.  We hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Reader's Theater in 5th Grade

Enjoy this set of photos of our 5th graders doing Readers Theater!

Happy Thanksgiving Students, Staff, Teachers and Families!

From all of use at California Elementary School, have a great Thanksgiving!  School will resume on Monday, November 28.  Doors open at 7 a.m.

Famous Missourians Walk of Fame Winners!

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Walt Disney

Lucille Bluford and Kit Carson

Jesse James and Ginger Rogers

Kit Carson and Lucille Bluford

Veterans Day Presentation

Mr. Davis presented information about his tour with the kindergarten classes on Veterans Day.  We at California Elementary School appreciate his service to our country and for taking his time to visit with our students.