Author: Karen Weller

Challenge * Inspire * Contribute

R.J. Steeby Elementary School
435 E. Superior Wayland, MI 49348
Mike Haverdink, Principal Phone: 269-792-2281 X1310
haverdinkm@waylandunion.org

Notes from the Principal…
The Rewards of Reading
The seeds for success in the classroom are sown at home. Encouraging children to read at home is one of the most powerful ways that parents can support students’ learning. Just 15 minutes of reading at home per day can make a difference in students’ reading fluency. Prioritize reading with these tips.
Always have books on hand. Keep a book in your bag or your car’s glove compartment so your child can read in the car, or while waiting in line at the grocery store. Make regular trips to the library, and keep an eye out for books at bargain sales or garage sales. Or, consider holding a “book swap” with neighbors and friends. For birthdays or holidays, give your child new reading material.
Keep it up. Find ways to encourage your child to pick up new reading material to read once one book is finished. For instance, introduce him or her to a series or ask your librarian for books by the same author. Draft a “to-read” list that your child can check off . Consider subscribing your child to a magazine for kids.
Focus on their interests. Encourage your child to check out books from the library that feature characters or topics he or she is interested in. Whether it’s NASCAR to NASA, the topic doesn’t matter (as long as it’s age-appropriate), as long as your child is reading.
Read out loud together. Schedule time to read aloud together, taking turns to read passages. Invite your entire family to participate. Use different voices for different characters, or invite your child to make sound effects for the story.
Make it a routine. Consider how to make reading habitual. Your family could have a weekly read-aloud session, or you and your child could read each week before bed.
Be a patient listener. No matter how slowly your young learner reads, avoid finishing sentences for your child. Gently correct mistakes, sound out words together, and let your child know you’re proud.
Cut the distractions. During reading time, turn off or put away electronic devices. Make sure you follow the rule, too.
Ask questions. Ask your child about what he or she is reading in school or what you are reading together. Try open-ended questions such as, “Why do you think the character did that?,” “What would you do if you were in that situation?,” or “What do you think will happen next?”
Read beyond books. Invite your child to read menus, greeting cards, movie listings, newspaper comic strips, or directions to a destination. Word recognition is an important step for reading fluency, so consider using strips of paper and tape to label everyday objects in your home to boost your child’s familiarity with words.
Visit Reading Rockets Parent Tips page for specific activities for readers of various age groups. www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/parenttips.html naesp.org

February 2, 2018

Steeby Star

Wayland Union Schools

Important Dates…………

Feb. 12 Board of Education Meeting - Baker Elementary 7:00 PM
Feb. 14 Student Count Day
Feb. 22 Donuts with Dad 8:00 - 8:30 AM
Feb. 23 NO SCHOOL, MID-WINTER BREAK
Feb. 26 WEPA Meeting, 6:30 PM
Mar. 6 4th grade Lansing trip
Mar. 6 2nd grade concert, Fine Arts Center 7:00 PM

Challenge ◊ Inspire ◊ Contribute

Mission Statement
Wayland Union Schools will teach, inspire and challenge our children to become caring contributors, lifelong learners, and critical thinkers prepared to embrace all of tomorrow’s opportunities.

We’re on the Web!
www.waylandunion.org

Steeby Supercats!
Supercats for week of 1-8-18
Tayhani Parra; Lizzy Green; Carlea Johnson; Ben Watrous; Kyan Lawrence; Aubree VanDenBrink; Lauren Genther; Jeremy Mulero; Renata Ralston; Vanessa Bowerman; Alberto Mandujano; Lawson Hamblin; Trevor Carr; Marissa Ainsworth; KayDence Krystiniak; Maggie Chubb; Gage Channels; Alayna Maxlow; Danny Landis; Graham Ausema; Douglas Dockter; Annalyse Rock; Lilly Pease; Aleena Steele; Eli Weers; Dacey Schaefer; Caleb Nurmi; Jaydin Blauvelt; Sami Schumann; Isabella Straight; Anka Templin; Logan Hollebeek
Classroom Winner: Miss Bloomberg’s 3rd grade class
Supercats for week of 1-15-18
Janessa Mandujano; Jeremiah Ryan; Makayla Chapin; Xavier Garcia; Aubrey Messer; Grey Savas; Zoey Shafer; Gage Wenzel; Tatum Wooten; Vincent Schmuker; Iridessa Clodfelter; Ronnie Didion; Lauren Modreske; Aaiden Dozeman; KayDence Krystiniak; Ryan Heeren; Jersey Beckwith; Dale Badger; Alexandria Padilla; Quilan Sheffer; Kadence DuShane; Keaton Ustishen; Rubi Bixler; Tony Denton; Dacey Schaefer; Jayden Marcano-Cruz; Bailey Klein; Kenny Smith; Ava Sage; Ryan Madole; Nyjia Chester; Henry Maass
Classroom Winner: Mr. Sweet’s 3rd grade class
Supercats for week of 1-22-18
Gracelynn Jorden; Cameron Harwood; Brooklyn Milburn; Dorian Thurston; Audrey Osbon; Giovanny Arias; Milly Stack; Julian Carpenter; Breonna Bush; Timothy Bradt; Maddison Baker; Jorden Arman; Aliza Wassenaar; Seth Miler; LeaLynn Bouwman; Eli Mohon; Aydrian Gill; Brayden Tomson; Cora Nummer; Paul Jackson; Lucy Chlebana; Alex Hubbard; Alyssa Varney; Dylan Haley; Lauren Ward; Phillip Cheney; Ava Teunissen; Jayden Strader; Viktoria Stallings; Evie Mathis; Abbie McMurray; Trevor Anderson
Classroom Winner: Miss Bloomberg’s 3rd grade class
Supercats for week of 1-29-18
Austin Bridges; Ty Ergang; Lennon Nesbit; Evelyn Soto; Tyler Huttenga; Nolan Broughman; McKenna Lewis; Alexis Cervatez; Caylen Khodl; Ryan O’Bryant; Christopher Agner; Kaylin Anastor; Katie Sullivan; Macy Schwartz; Ava Mulder; Bradley DeWeerd; Juan Galindo; Luke VandeZande; Addison Wallace; Graham Ausema; Madison Jordan; Shawn DeHaan; Lilly Pease; Aleena Steele; Loren Stid; Natalie Borrink; Ava Teunissen; Cirsten VanRhee; Payton Wallace; Logan Hall; Merary Paredes-Silva; Rachel Kerkemeyer
Classroom Winner: Mr. Sweet’s 3rd grade class

A SPLASH OF ART
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas
In art class the second grade just finished a foil relief project.
In third grade we are finishing our caricature pictures and we are starting our Campbell’s soup pictures.
In fourth grade we just finished writing our names in hieroglyphs in clay. We will be starting mini watercolor paintings.
Chris Rupke
Art Instructor

A Note from Music
Music programs are coming up in March. Second grade music program will be on Tuesday, March 6th at 7:00 PM at the Fine Arts Center. Fourth grade music program will be on Thursday, march 22nd at 7:00 PM, also at the Fine Arts Center.
This month in 2nd grade we learned new songs: Shake the papaya Down; Shake them Simmons Down; Mama Paquita; Erie Canal; and Dinah. Look for some of these songs on the music program. We have also been reviewing songs for the program.
The 3rd grade has focused on singing/moving to songs with Syncopation. These songs include: Canoe Song; Liza Jane; Come Through ‘Na Hurry; Black Snake; and Mr. Ram Goat-O. We also played a game song, Ida Red, and sang a round with Make New Friends.
The 4th graders have been working hard learning recorders - focusing playing B,A and G. We have also been reviewing songs for the music program.
Jennifer Bailey, Music Teacher

Media Corner
In January we have been working on digital citizenship and being safe online in Media Class. Second, third and fourth grade students have been learning the three rules of internet safety: keep personal information safe! Keep away from strangers online! And keep telling a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right online. Students have been visiting internet safety sites on Information Place to reinforce being a kind digital citizen and being safe online.
Second graders have been visiting Ruff Ruffman on PBS Kids to learn about digital citizenship. Third and fourth graders have been visiting Cyber Surf Islands to answer questions about digital citizenship.
Niki Barnes
Media Teacher

Physical Education Corner
In Physical Education we have been working on a throwing and catching unit in the gym with all new games to work on their technique and throwing/catching skills.
The classes in the cafeteria have been playing 4 Square with slightly modified rules to make it better in a physical education environment.
Our next unit will be volleyball. The classes in the gym will play volleyball and the classes in the cafeteria will work on volleyball skills.
Congratulations to our Physical Education students of the month:
Kyra Hooks, 2nd grade
Gereyden Savas, 2nd grade
Core Nummer, 3rd grade
Easton Williams, 3rd grade
Merary Paredes-Silva, 4th grade
Anthony Denton, 4th grade
Michael Weber
Physical Education Teacher

Community Education Offerings
http://wayland.revtrak.net or call 269-792-9153
Canvas & Cookies
Grades: 2nd - 4th
Date: February 6
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Steeby Elementary Art Room
Fee: $25
One evening class to create a masterpiece while enjoying some sweet treats. All supplies provided.
Softball Skill Building
Grades: 4th - 6th
Dates: February 5, 12, 19 and March 1
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM
Location: Wayland Middle School Gym
Fee: $40
Pottery Class
Ages: 8 and older
Date: Tuesday, March 6
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: Wayland Transportation Building, 851 Wildcat Drive
Fee: $15
One evening class to create your own pottery masterpiece. Youth will paint a plaque and choose from various designs.

CONCERT INFORMATION
2nd Grade Concert March 6, 2018 7:00 PM at the Fine Arts Center
4th Grade Concert March 22, 2018 7:00 PM at the Fine Arts Center