Dear AJM Hawks Parents,

It was wonderful to see everyone when you came to pick up your child’s belongings. For those of you who weren’t able to come on the assigned days, don’t worry.  You can still come during our regular summer office hours 8:30-3:00 pm.  If you can’t come yourself, you can send someone else to pick them up.  We ask that you let us know who you are sending.   

Our school year did not end as we wished it would have.  Please be assured that your AJM staff members will be working throughout the summer to be ready for school in August, whatever that may look like.  Keep on the lookout for phone calls, emails, web page updates and Facebook posts for information on our return to school in August.   

As you continue the role of parent and teacher over the summer, I want to thank you for your commitment to your child’s education. It’s no small task to keep the house running while simultaneously acting as a teacher. You SOAR! 

Moving forward, it will make a huge impact on your child’s success in school that they continue to read as much as possible, practice math facts and skills, and practice their English skills throughout the summer. This will help your child prevent or lessen the ‘summer slide,’ a description of what happens when students lose knowledge over the summer months.   Below, you will find ideas to encourage their reading and tips to help your child continue to experience the joy of reading throughout the summer.

How can you help to lessen the impact of the summer slide?

·       Read! Read! Read!

·       Help your child choose books that interest them.

·       Read to and with your child.

·       Connect with a summer reading program/reading challenge

·       Find a pen pal (friend, relative, etc) that you can write a letter to throughout the summer.

Just a Few Ideas for Online Learning

Imagine Learning, Imagine Math and Imagine Math Facts

Access all of our Imagine Learning pages in one location.  If your child doesn’t remember his/her logon information, call the school and we can give it to you.  https://clever.com/

Have Fun Coding

Children of all ages can have fun, play games and learn to code at code.org.  There’s a huge variety of games and ways to have fun with coding.   https://studio.code.org/courses

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a great way for your child to get help with what they’re learning in school or to learn something completely new. The website has a large variety of videos for all ages.  This page has links to get you started.   https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/daily-schedule

Scholastic Summer Read-a-palooza

Kids can build their avatar, make new friends, earn virtual rewards, and help unlock donations for kids with limited or no access to books by starting and keeping “reading streaks” in Scholastic Home Base when they read every day over the summer! https://www.scholastic.com/site/summer/home.html

Start with a Book - Read.Explore.Learn!

https://www.startwithabook.org/summer-reading-learning

Do you know children who are fascinated by dinosaurs, planes, bugs, birds, animals, the moon and stars, art, thunder and lightning? Are there any young detectives, explorers, or superheroes at home? Do your kids love reading poetry, myths, or tall tales? Start with a book … and open up a world of discovery and learning! Browse the topic library to jumpstart your summer adventure.

Tips for Parents

https://www.readingrockets.org/article/summer-reading-tips-parents

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/developing-reading-skills/summer-reading.html

https://www.readacrossamerica.org/kids-summer-reading-list/

AJ Mitchell Elementary School Hawks Facebook Page

Check out our page for updates, pictures and more ideas.   We will post activities you can do with your child to keep up their skills and have fun with you.

https://www.facebook.com/ajmhawks/

A final word to our AJM Hawks:  Thank you for all your hard work throughout the school year.  I am so honored to be your principal; you make me proud to be an AJ Mitchell Hawk. Continue practicing all of your academic skills and making wise choices.   Best wishes to our transitioning fifth graders, whom I will miss greatly—please come back and visit.  Take care of yourselves and be safe! 

Until next school year,

Ms. Shuman 

Principal, AJ Mitchell