February 2, 2026

Dear Parents,

          It’s hard to believe that February is here! We have reached the halfway point of the school year. I’d like to take this time to thank you all for your continued effort and support. I know it may be challenging at times, but please know I really appreciate all you do for your children. Together we can help your children succeed! 

          Currently, in reading workshop we are working on our third unit titled: Learning About the World Reading Nonfiction. Students are learning how to take a sneak peek to start learning, stop and study each page, guess what might come next, chat about a page or a book, make their voice sound smooth and lively and find and think about keywords. They are getting super smart about nonfiction topics. 

          Currently, in writing workshop the students are working on our second writing unit titled: Nonfiction Chapter Books. They will learn to teach their readers about their expert knowledge. They will also learn to think about questions their reader might have, write in twin sentences, include pictures, use size, shape and color words, make comparisons and give examples. 

          In math, we are just beginning our seventh unit titled: Meanings of Addition. The children will learn different strategies to help them solve word problems. They will also write equations and draw pictures to represent addition. Towards the end of the month we will begin Unit 8 which is titled Meanings of Subtraction. Please refer to the Open House Important References as well as the one sent home in your child’s folder for more information about Unit 7 and 8. 

          We are very excited about the 100th day of school. Students are encouraged to dress as a 100 year old! The children have many great ideas for their projects. Projects are due Thursday, February 12th. We are also trying to collect 100 canned goods to be donated to the Canton Food Pantry. Thank you!! 

          The Selectmen proclaimed February to be Reading for Enjoyment Month in Canton. The children have taken a pledge to read at least 20 minutes a night. Every morning we will recite the pledge together as a class. Attached is a copy of the pledge. If you or your child has a Dr. Seuss book and would like to send it into the classroom for the month of  February, that would be great!

          February is African American History Month. The children will continue to learn about discrimination and slavery. They will also learn of the many contributions made by famous African Americans such as Harriet Tubman,  Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and others. They have already learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks. We will also celebrate Groundhog Day and the Presidents.

          Let us not forget anyone when it comes to valentines. We will pass the valentines out on Friday, February 13th. Please do not send in any candy attached to the valentines.  Make sure your child fills in both who the valentine is for and who it is from. Please see the attached list for names. The valentines do not need to come from a store. Some children enjoy making homemade valentines.

          If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call and we can discuss them. Have a wonderful February vacation!                                                                    

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gaspa