March into Reading and Readiness

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hello families and welcome back to another episode of Paws and Progress. I am so glad you are here with us as we step into the month of March. It is hard to believe how quickly this school year is moving, but I am incredibly proud of the focus, growth, and determination I am seeing across both fourth and fifth grade. March is Reading Month, and we are excited to fill our classrooms with even more books, discussions, and joyful reading experiences.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Throughout the month, scholars will participate in special reading initiatives designed to strengthen comprehension, build stamina, and deepen their love of literature. Please continue encouraging daily reading at home. Even twenty focused minutes a night makes a powerful difference. Let’s make March a month full of pages, growth, and imagination We recently wrapped up our Black History Month showcase, and I want to begin by acknowledging how beautiful that experience was. The preparation, the confidence, and the pride our scholars demonstrated truly reflected their hard work.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Thank you to families for your continued support at home. When school and home are aligned, it shows. As we enter this new month, we are leaning into strong routines, clear expectations, and consistent effort. March is a month of focus, growth, and preparation. With that foundation in place, let’s talk about what this month really represents for our scholars academically.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

March marks our final stretch before M Step testing. This is not the time to coast. This is the time to lean in. Every assignment, every lesson completed online, every reading response, and every math practice problem matters. Homework completion is especially important right now.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Much of what scholars are doing at home is directly connected to skill reinforcement and test readiness. In fourth grade, that includes math practice, Zearn lessons, and fluency work. In fifth grade, that includes ILC lessons in Clever and consistent reading and writing practice. I am asking families to help reinforce one simple message at home: finish strong. We are capable. We are prepared. And we are going to give our best effort. Now, let me shift specifically to some exciting updates in fifth grade.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Fifth grade is nearing the completion of E L Module Two, our study on Biodiversity in the Rainforest. Scholars have immersed themselves in the science, the structure, and the storytelling of rainforest ecosystems. We have an exciting field trip this Thursday to the Rainforest Cafe. Money is due Tuesday. This experience directly connects to our rainforest conservation learning and will help bring our unit to life in a meaningful way.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

As we wrap this module, scholars are putting the finishing touches on their Rainforest Adventure e books. They have been working diligently on their narratives, developing characters, incorporating scientific vocabulary, and strengthening their descriptive writing. I am truly impressed by their growth. Please mark your calendars for our Celebration of Learning on Thursday, April ninth. During this event, scholars will share their completed e books. It will be a wonderful opportunity to see their hard work come full circle. In other news,

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

For March is Reading Month, our fifth grade scholars are participating in a three-week March Madness Reading Championship. Scholars will be placed into four balanced teams and will earn points based on the number of minutes read per week. Reading during Protected Reading Time at school, center rotations, free time, and at home all count toward their team’s total. At the end of each week, team averages will be calculated and the top teams will advance in a bracket-style competition. The focus of this challenge is consistency, stamina, and accountability. We are encouraging scholars to continue reading at least twenty minutes each night. Now, let’s take a look at what is happening in fourth grade.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Fourth grade continues to make strong strides in math. I want to publicly recognize the 8 scholars who were acknowledged by the district for reaching the milestone of sixty Zearn lessons completed. That level of consistency takes discipline, and it deserves to be celebrated. Check Dojo for the complete list. The next milestone is ninety Zearn lessons. I can’t wait to see who can Zearn it! As always, scholars are asked to complete at least 3 Zearn lessons a week.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

They are given time in class to work on Zearn but are encouraged to finish their lessons at home if they dont complete their three lessons at school. Now, here is a reminder that math homework is due Monday. Scholars should be showing their work and practicing their manipulation of fractions. Please return the pages completed in the Succeed book on Monday and I will be checking online for Boom Cards completion. We also have our Class Math Bee on Friday, March sixth. Scholars should continue reviewing facts zero through fifteen using the provided slide deck. This is a great opportunity to build confidence and fluency in a supportive environment. Fourth grade is working hard, and I am excited about the momentum I am seeing as we move toward testing season. As we close out this episode, I want to leave you with a few final reminders and encouragement.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

March is a month of intention. It is about staying focused, finishing assignments, practicing consistently, and believing in our ability to grow. Please continue to monitor homework completion, encourage nightly reading, and remind scholars that effort matters just as much as ability. I am grateful for your partnership, your support, and your trust. Together, we are helping our scholars build not just academic skills, but confidence, perseverance, and pride in their work. Thank you for tuning in to Paws and Progress. Let’s make this month strong, focused, and full of growth. I will talk with you again soon