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May News

A Note from Mrs. Palmer

"Child-centered, Dedicated to Learning, Empowering Citizenship". This has been our mission all year long at Shoemaker Elementary School. As we wind up the school year, reflections and student results support that our students, staff and parents have helped us "Make our Mark" on learning.

Becoming a school of excellence requires a high-quality, dedicated staff, involved parents, and the knowledge of how to best meet the needs of the students. Shoemaker is well on its way! Over the course of the last six years, we have achieved remarkable gains. To maintain our motivation and forward movement towards our mission, I am considering hosting focus groups for parents, community members and students to visit about the climate, culture and needs for the future. It may be an opportunity to learn about different cultures, understand the needs of our families/students, problem solve, and create a unified parent/community group that supports our goals. If you would be interested in attending one or more focus groups this summer, please call the office and leave your name with Mrs. Anderson. Location and times will be communicated by letter or phone.

Looking for a great website for summer learning?
Is there really a way to continue learning over the summer and still have fun? The answer is yes! Check out the Public Library, Stuhr Museum, and the local community college for educational opportunities that will engage students and build background knowledge for future connections. For those rainy days, head to the computer and log on to the following website. It is a great resource with activities that are fun and provide additional learning opportunities for students of all ages.
www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer

Remember to periodically look for updates or new information on our Shoemaker website!

Library Reading Contest

We were sooo close to winning the Library trophy last summer! I think this could be our year! More information will be coming soon with details about how and when you can begin to keep track of your reading!

Assessments

Final assessments have been completed, scored and turned in to the district. Preliminary results show that our students continue to improve in core subject areas of Math, Reading, and Writing. Individual results will be coming home in a special mailing. Continue to watch our website for updates on actual proficiency scores schoolwide.

We are celebrating the results of our ITBS assessment taken by third, fourth and fifth grade students in February. As a school, our core total improved 4.2 NCE's, which is a gain that exceeds the district average. We are very proud of the student effort and support of our Shoemaker team. It is obvious that our students find it important to learn it, know it, and show it!

Watch for report cards the week of June 1st.

Dates to Remember:

May 1st-3rd grade Law Day

May 2nd-3rd grade Pet Show
May 6th--5th Grade Graduation
May 9th-Muffins with Moms 7:15 am, Band Concert 9:00 am
May 12-Final PTO meeting
May 14 K-2 Picnic
May 15-Second Grade Farm Trip
May 18th---Field Day-12:30
Week of May 5th--Staff Appreciation Week
Week of May 5th--Buy One/Get One Book Fair
May TBA--5th grade field trip-IMAX in Hastings
May 20-Kindergarten to Public Library
May 21st-Last Day of school- Assembly 9:00 am 11:30 Dismissal-No lunch served

Summer Hours:

Please call or stop in if you have questions. Please leave a message and we will return your call.

Celebrations:

I am most impressed by the love and joy of reading that I have noticed from our students this year. Continue to value the written words of poetry, mystery, science, etc... throughout the summer. Sometimes the best journey we can take is through the words of a good author.

Many families have noticed that our population continues to grow. The district is aware of our needs and responding with the preliminary work of a new 12-unit addition to Shoemaker. Work has already begun on the design of the addition and future plans for internal renovation. Updates on possible construction will be posted on the website this summer. This is a very exciting time for us.

Appreciations:

This month I would like to recognize the Shoemaker Support staff with appreciation for what they do all year long. From cold, windy recess duties, to instructional support in the classroom and building leadership, they are there for students.
I would also like to thank our PTO board for their tireless focus, commitment to our staff and students, and innovative ideas on ways to provide additional resources for teaching and learning. We are so fortunate to have such a great leadership team.

Volunteers:

Please let us know if you plan to continue to volunteer next year. Thanks again for all that have supported teaching and learning at home and at school! You are our heroes!

Final Thoughts:

The end of a school year does not mark the end of our journey. Learning occurs everyday, whether it is academic or about character. Take time this summer to learn and experience things that we cannot offer in school. Establish routines and expectations that align with what you value and believe and explore opportunities and offers that build background knowledge and support authentic practice of the skills already learned. Remember, our children are only this age for one year...what do we want for our children? What kind of adults do we want them to be? How are we modeling what we want? These are the essential questions.
Thank you and have a great summer!

Social Worker News:

By: Kristin Schultz

Summer vacation can be a great time for learning. Reading, writing, math and science are subjects for all seasons!
There are endless ways that you can help keep your child's skills sharp:

- Encourage reading! Read to your child and have your child read to you.

- Read parts of the newspaper or magazines together.

- Help your child write a shopping list before going to the store.

- Find fun ways for your child to exercise every day.

- Make a graph of daily temperatures or times of sunsets.

Here is a list of helpful summer contact numbers.

GI Public Library: 385-5333
Parks & Rec.: 385-5444 ex: 290
YMCA: 395-9622
Salvation Army: 395-8367
NE Legal Services: 1-877-250-2016 (English)
1-877-669-8898 (Spanish)
Central Nebraska Community Services: 385-5500

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!

Kindergarten News:

It's hard to believe that our school year is almost over. We have made great progress this year and have become wonderful readers, writers, artists, as well as friends. Kindergarten was full of many memorable moments. Listed below are some of our favorites.

My favorite thing about Kindergarten was...

-playing in the centers. Jayda
-going to the Scarecrow Patch. Nolan
-making pancakes on pajama day. Gavin
-wearing pajamas to school. Blake
-visiting the veteranarian for V week. Linden
-carving pumpkins for Halloween. Hope
-writing long stories in my journal. Sam
-having a popcorn party during P week. Hope
-making hearts for people at school. Logan
-playing at recess outside. Layla
-going to the library to check out books. Emily
-making green eggs and ham. Brianna
-eating lunch in the gym. Peyton
-going to the Planetarium at Senior High. Jackson
-swinging on the swings on the playground. Noah
-learning the sounds ABC's make. Adriana
-learning how to read books. Yvette
-doing the calendar after lunch. Estefani
-making volcanoes out of paper mache. Yvon
-drawing pictures with the computer. Ethyn
-working with 20 great students and their wonderful families!

Mrs. Parr

I can not believe this is our last newsletter for 2007-2008. The year has gone so fast. As we think about the year and look to the future, we decided to give some advice to the next Kindergarten class.

My advice for next years kindergarten from Mrs. W's class:

Next year you need to know how to count to 100. Kevin
Next year you will need to know how to zip your coat. Leslie
Next year you will learn how to write great stories. Emily
Next year you will learn how to count to 100. Joanna
Next year you will need to know how to write in a journal. Ryan D.
Next year you will learn how to add big numbers. Jack
Next year you will learn how to skip count by 5's and 10's. Mackenzie
Next year you will learn that 100 + 100 =200. Joley
Next year you will need to know how to read signs for the bathroom. Clayton
Next year you will need to know how to sound out words. Bryan
Next year you will need to know how to write your letters. Jake
Next year you will need to know how to count by 10s. Shelby
Next year you will need to know how to do your work better. Alexis C
Next year you will need to know how to sing a song. Elizabeth
Next year you will need to know how to write a lot of sentences. Shaylee
Next year you will need to know how to write different words. Callin
Next year you will need to know how to learn how to count backwards. Ryan H.
Next year you will need to know your letters. Jesus
Next year you will need to know how to cross the street safely. JD
Next year you will need to know your colors. Brianna
Next year you will need to know how to count. Alexis W.

First Grade News:

On most days spring feels like it is definitely here! In our classroom we have been doing lots of writing activities for spring so we thought it was a perfect topic for our newsletter. I sat down with each student and asked them what they thought about spring. Following are their answers to the question: What do you like most about spring?

Reid - The plants start to grow.
Mikey - The grass turns green.
Lauren - I get to swim and all of the flowers and butterflies are beautiful.
Kenia - I like spring because it is so sunny and we can put a pool outside and swim.
Alex - I can go outside and play.
Isaac - That you can grow plants.
Jose - I like flowers in the spring.
Sara - The butterflies come out.
Andy - That it is warm.
Madi - I like to play with my friends.
Omega - We don't get sick anymore.
Kaylee - I like to play with my dog outside in the spring.
Sophia - I like butterflies and planting flowers.
Krystal - I like butterflies.
Elijah - I get to play at the park.
Tayler - I like the rain and the flowers and the sunshine.
Mitch - I get to play outside.
James - I like to ride four wheelers.
Alysen - Probably the flowers and butterflies.
We would like to wish everyone a Happy Spring!! Enjoy the beautiful weather, good smells, and the "growing" students that we have in our classroom! The progress that we have made since August is amazing. Everyone has truly "sprouted" up in learning.

Mrs. Van Wey

In Spring, I can play outside more. Paris
In Spring, I get to play outside. Jaden
In Spring, I like to swim. Alexzaiah
In Spring, I like to swing on my swing set. TimIn Spring, I like to ride bikes. Lindsey
In Spring, I like to play at the park. Destiny
In Spring, I can play baseball, soccer, and golf. Austin
In Spring, I can swim and go fishing and hunting. Brock
In Spring, I can play with my friends. Paige
My favorite part about spring is playing sports. Jared
In Spring, I get to play flag football, and baseball, and outdoor soccer, and I get to play outside. Jarod
In Spring, I get to swim in my pool. Blake
In Spring, I like the squirrels and bunnies. Kaitlyn
In Spring, I like to go to the Nascar race. Logan
In Spring, I like to go fishing. Alex
In Spring, I like to go buy a dog. Stephanie
In Spring, I like to play outside more. Alex G
My favorite thing about Spring is playing outside. Andrew

Please check out our hallway, our butterflies tell more about SPRING!!

Mrs. Buck

Second Grade News:

We are so proud of the accomplishments that all 2nd graders have made this year. We truly feel that they are ready to spread their wings and fly off into third grade. We will miss their smiling faces, contagious laughter, caring spirits, and willingness to be the best they could be. Each and every one of us has been touched in spirit by someone else more than once this year.
In reading and writing we are constantly talking about adjectives, verbs, nouns, and painting a picture for the reader. Well, here is a look in the life of 2nd grader this year. Enjoy these words that your child has come up with that sum up the year. Friendship, laughter, life cycle, scientists, adventure, silliness, writing, connections, schema, artists, spellers, athletes, smiles, happy, skinnies and bits, researchers, detectives, readers, excitement, writers, revisers, smarter, direction followers, proficient, advanced, reporters, speakers, good listeners, rolling, balancing, fact families, curious, parents to insects, wonderers, pen pals, and so much more.
Thank you for sharing your child with us, we have had a wonderful year. Keep reading, writing, practicing math facts, and going on adventures.

Love from

Mrs. Simonson & Mrs. Richter

Third Grade News:

Hang on! These last few weeks will be the busiest and most exciting our school year! With spring activities, like soccer, baseball, and soccer, you may have to show extra interest and sit down with your child to do homework, math fluency practice, and reading each evening. The kids are no different than we are. We all like to play instead of getting our work done!
Your diligence with home practice has paid off. The results of our assessments are beginning to arrive. We are very proud of the progress our third graders have made this year! You should have received some of the results in a mailing already and the others will arrive with their reports cards at the end of the year. If you have questions about how to interpret any of the information you receive, please contact us or Mrs. Palmer. We would be glad to help you.

Miss Sawyer's last day with us will be May 2. She will be graduating from The University of Nebraska at Kearney May 9. We wish her well at her new job as Second Grade Teacher at Engleman Elementary School next year.
We appreciate all the time you take to help your children. Especially, when you are able to assist with driving and supervising activities such as our class parties and pet show. It has been a great year!

Thank you,

Mrs. Cremers, Mrs. Sorensen, and Miss Sawyer

Fourth Grade News:

Dear Fourth Grade Families,

We will continue to be working hard as there are many things that must be done before the end of the year approaches. Students will be learning division after their unit on fractions, also, students will be learning about the Human Body. Also, students have been learning the joys of expository and creative writing. Remember to continue to practice those multiplication and division facts over the summer and to continue to read as well.

It has been a pleasure working with you and your children this year. Many memories have been made throughout the year that we will always bring a smile to our faces. May has many wonderful events for your child and we hope that you will be able to attend and celebrate with them.
We asked some student questions about fourth grade and this is how they responded:

My favorite thing was the group with Mrs. Rerucha, Mrs. Favinger, Miss Rowley, and Miss Moore where we learned about improving our writing and reading. --Reiley Hillman
My favorite part was when we got to go to Lincoln. --Riley Meyer
I learned more math facts. Leanne
My favorite thing is doing art. --Ryleigh Brandt
My favorite part of fourth grade was the field trip to Lincoln. --Austin Fransisco
I learned cursive and to stay focused. Geovanni
My favorite thing is learning fractions. --D.J. Criswell
In 4th grade the teachers aren't easy on like in Kindergarten and they make you work. Jamie S.
My favorite thing was learning about Buffalo Bill Cody. --Austin Aguilar
My favorite thing was learning about J. Sterling Morton and handing out trees. --Skylar
I can do number sentences. Briana R.
In fourth grade I learned to turn my work in when I am suppose to. Austin A.

Miss Moore and Mrs. Rerucha

Fifth Grade News:

Families and Friends-

Thanks so much for an amazing first year with your student. We have learned a lot and have much to celebrate. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement through the year. It's the families like you that make all the difference.
Here are what your students feel was the best part of fifth grade.

Cody Bristow- "I liked being the oldest in the school."
Jayden Cabrera- "It's been awesome making new friends and having them to support me."
Savannah Chapa- "I made a lot of new friends and learned new things."
Kylie Fisher- "Miss Rowley taught in a fun way."
Zach Friesen- "I liked having friends in the class."
Diana Gonzalez-"I liked coming to Shoemaker because we got more recess."
Stephanie Gomez- "I enjoyed playing in band."
Kenzie Kneeland- "I liked the art."
Jared McCurry- "I liked that the teacher was nice."
Mitch Mead- "I liked the math, it was always interesting!"
Leslie Parra- "I liked making paper eggs for Easter."
Brooke Pearson- "G.R.E.A.T. was fun!"
Josh Quick- "I enjoyed Daily Five and getting to read a lot."
Meile Rosenlund- The teachers are great, really fun and make sure you learn a lot. They care about what you do! I love 5th grade!
Javier Silva- "I liked having Mr. Casper as my P.E. teacher."
Israel Escobar- "I liked recess, math, and Daily Five."
Destiny Castro- "It was nice to meet new people and have friends around."
Sadie Thompson- "It was fun to be on Safety Patrol."
Ryan Vitera- "I enjoyed the teamwork and social skills."
Ryan Wieck- "I got to meet a new teacher."
Kaylan Wieczorek- "I liked experimenting with airplanes in science."
Lexi Wolfe- "I liked having little kids look up to me."
Tyson Woodward- "I liked our art projects."
Jazmin Garcia- "I liked spending time with the teacher and getting to know friends."

Miss Rowley

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Mallory Kokes memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned: When you decimals you have to align them.
What I will remember: My classmates.
What I will miss: My favorite teacher Mrs.Wheeler.

Lindsey Johnson memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned: How to add decimals
What I will remember: All the funny stuff Mrs.Wheeler did ( too many things to say )
What I will miss: The BEST teacher in the world

Kellye Crow memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned:That there is 9 justices on the Supreme Court.
What I will remember:What we did to Tanner and his yellow polka dot bikini thing we did to him.
What I will miss: The best 5th grade teacher I know really well, Mrs. Whwwler

Kyrra Baier memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned:I learned that when you add and subtract decimals, you must line them up.
What I will remember:I will remember learning from Officer Hurst.
What I will miss: I will miss Mrs. Wheeler my funny 5th grade teacher.

Bailey Hruby memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned while:That reading a library book is very important it makes your reading scores increase.
What I will remember:That you should read 24/7.
What I will miss:My great teacher Mrs. Wheeler.

Dillon Rork's memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned:That when you add up the decimals you droop them straghit down.
What I will remember: Playing outside for recess.
What I will miss: I'll miss Mrs.Palmer and the teachers.

Gary Bartholomew's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:Supreme ccourt
What I will remember:Play ground
What I will miss:My classmates

Andrew Smith's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: Division better thanks to Mrs. Ramsel!
What I will remember: All the teachers!
What I will miss: The entire school!

Levi Cornwell's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: Division facts!
What I will remember: Mr. Caspar and PE
What I will miss: The teachers!

Kalei Duryee's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: While you add decimals, the decimals have to be lined up
What I will remember: My funny teacher, also all my friends and all that I learned
What I will miss: My teacher, my friends, and my principal

Rachele Smith's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:How to do long division.
What I will remember: Messing with all my friends at recess.
What I will miss: Mrs. Wheeler.

Grant Gregory's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: Is that you can make a lot of friends if you have a good attitude.
What I will remember: Is when I thought at the begining of the school year is was going to be boring, but it was a fun and exciting school year
What I will miss: Is Mrs. Wheeler because she has a fun (hilarious) way of teaching, but what I'll rember most is that she has made me a better person and an excellent student.
THANKS!

Trinstin Kincheloe's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:How to play the baritone.
What I will remember:All of Mrs.Wheeler's funny jokes!
What I will miss:Mrs.Wheeler!

Josh Reimer's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:That there are nine justices on the Supreme Court
What I will remember:Mrs. Wheeler
What I will miss:Shoemaker

Jared Stauss's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: To play the Sax!
What I will remember:Taking Reading Counts.
What I will miss:All the teachers that I had at SHOEMAKER.

Bianca Contreas' memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: That I can read alot better!
What I will remember: That i tries my hardest!
What I will miss: Mrs. Wheeler!

Angel Wooden's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:I learned how to add decimals.
What I will remember:The fun times I had in P.E.
What I will miss: The lunch ladies being so nice.

Kimberly Deleon's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned: There are to types of its (its or it's)
What I will remember: Mrs. Wheeler
What I will miss: Recess and Mrs. Wheleer

Morgan Murphy's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:that adjitives describs a noun
What I will remember:mrs.Wheeler
What I will miss:mrs.Wheeler

Joshua Petersen's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:That teachers can be funny.
What I will remember:The funniest teacher ever.
What I will miss:Mrs.Palmer.

Tanner Shuck's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:Respect all others!
What I will remember: 5th grade!
What I will miss: The teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marlena Ramirez's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:Was how to add decimals.
What I will remember: My teacher Mrs. Wheeler and her jokes.
What I will miss: Mrs, Wheeler and Mrs. Palmer

Keagan Palmer's memories of Shoemaker
What I learned:The things your suposed to learn at school, like math, science, social studies, reading etc.
What I will remember:All the teachers that have tought me since kindergarten
What I will miss:Mrs. Wheeler and the rest of the wonderful Shoemaker staff.

Jaden Ritter's memories of Shoemaker:
What I learned: Math, Reading and Writing
What I will remember: The teachers and the staff!
What I will miss: Trail Blazers!

Mrs. Wheeler

Nutrition Services News

The end of the school year is almost here! There are several things that parents and guardians should know regarding their child's meal account.

First, any positive balance left over at the end of the year will automatically roll over to the next year's account balance. Refunds will be provided by request only. Even if your child will be attending a different school next year, the balance will remain in the account and follow the student at his or her new school. The only exception would be if a student would transfer out of the district, such as to Northwest or Central Catholic. A refund will need to be requested in writing.

If a refund is given, our general rule of thumb is that we provide a cash refund if the amount is $10.00 or less, unless the parent makes special arrangements with the cashier at the school. Amounts over $10.00 will be paid by check and will be mailed to households after the June School Board meeting.

Also, NO CHARGING OF MEALS WILL BE ALLOWED IN MAY. If your child's account is negative and you are unable to arrange for payment on account, please make alternate arrangements, such as sending a lunch from home, for your child's lunch.

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Free and Reduced Meal applications will be mailed to all households in mid-July. Please remember that A NEW FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED EVERY YEAR.
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Summer is a time for kids to relax and have some fun! But kids still need a healthy meal each day to grow and play, so remember that Grand Island Public Schools will be operating the Summer Food Service Program! Lunch will be served at NO COST for kids at the following locations from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m: Lincoln Elementary, Dodge Elementary, Howard Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Wasmer Elementary, Knickrehm Elementary, Starr Elementary, and Walnut Middle School. Children from ages 1-18 are welcome and adults may purchase a meal for $2.75. This program begins Tuesday, May 27th and operates through Friday, July 25th. Please call Nutrition Services at 385-5900 for more information.

April Newsletter
March Newsletter