This document provides a summary of classroom news and upcoming events from Ms. Sinicropi's class at Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids, MI. The highlights for the week include learning about the digraph "ck" in phonics, starting a new reading unit called "Under the Sea", and identifying the main idea and details in a story. Suggested homework activities are provided to reinforce these skills. Upcoming events include a substitute teacher, MAP testing beginning, and several family activities. Permission slips and forms were also sent home needing to be returned.

1. Crossroads Charter
Academy
Big Rapids, MI
April 23, 2012
Ms. Sinicropi’s Classroom News
This Week’s Highlights Homework
Here are some activities that you and your child can
Phonics
We will learn about the digraph (when two letters
do at home that will give them practice with what we
make one sound) ck. We will continue to work on are learning at school. Feel free to move the activities
manipulation of sounds in words, production of around to different days if you wish.
words that contain specific sounds, alphabetical
 Monday – Say a word to your child and have
order, and identifying vowel sounds.
them identify the beginning, middle, or end
Reading
sound in the word. Practice doing all three but
We will start our last reading unit called Under
the Sea. The opening read-aloud is titled A Walk not at once with the same word.
By the Seashore. The story we will focus on the  Tuesday – Practice identifying pennies, nickels,
rest of the week is an informational story titled dimes, and quarters and their worth and counting
The Ocean. We will work on the comprehension them to one dollar, except for the pennies.
strategy of identifying the main idea and three  Wednesday – Practice writing sentences going
supporting details. word for word (writing sounds heard) and
Writing making sure they have a capital letter at the
We will learn that we need different styles of beginning, spaces between words, and
paper depending on the writing we want to do. punctuation at the end.
Also, we will learn how to include diagrams in  Thursday – Practice by 2’s to 30.
our writing.  Friday – Practice reading Open Court Decodable
Math #12 Liz Wins.
We will learn how to play dominoes and continue
- If you notice your child having difficulty with any of
to work with coins and story problems.
these activities, please keep practicing them at home. It
Science/Social Studies will help them greatly in mastering that skill quicker.
We will start learning about the three kinds of
matter: solids, liquids, and gases.
Special Notes Upcoming Events
 April 24 – Ms. Sinicropi will have a sub!
There were many forms sent home that need to
be returned! Here is a reminder: MAP Testing Begins
 April 25 – Parade Permission Slip Due
 BR Children’s Parade Permission Slip
 April 26 – BR Children’s Parade
 Conference Request
Family Fitness Night 6-7:30pm
 Graduation Cap & Gown Form & Money
Diabetes Walk @ Track – 1:30pm
 April 27 – Ms. Sinicropi will have a sub!
 Lunch on the Lawn RSVP
Awards Assembly 12:30pm