LA LETTRE DE LA DIRECTRICE

LE GRIOT John Hanson French Immersion School 6360 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-749-4780 Dr. Lysianne Essama, Principal MARCH 2008 Le compte à rebours a commencé: Le MSA est là. It does not matter if we say it in French or in English: MSA is the most important part of the school year. As we strive to be the best school, we cannot be it without getting the best scores of the state. Students, teachers and administrators have worked hard to make sure that we were ready. Now, it is your turn, parents, to get the best from these four days devoted to The Test. Encourage your child to: LA LETTRE DE LA DIRECTRICE Sleep well the night before each test/go to bed earlier Eat a good breakfast with a fruit, some cereales and a yogurt for example Be on time to school Concentrate and don t be distracted by noises or movements Read instructions or directions carefully before marking the answer IMPORTANT DATES: March 1,& 8: ELO 8:30am- 12:30pm March 2: MS Science County Fair March 3: Gr. 3 to the Museum of Industry. March 3: Parent info: North bay trip for 6 & 7th grades 5pm- 6:30pm March 6: PTSA Executive Board Meeting 6:45pm March 10 & 11: Gr. 5 to William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center- March 11: MS to County Chorus Festival. March 12: Principal coffee for Gr.4 and Gr.5 parents 8:30am Follow directions and pay close attention to the sample exercises Read the entire question and all of the answer choices before marking the answer Place the answer correctly in the answer space Check the time and make sure to stay on track Go back and re-read each question and check each answer to see if they make sense March 13: End of 3rd quarter March 13: Operation Fingerprint organized by PTSA March 13: MSA night 6pm- 7pm March 17 March 24: Spring Break No school- March 25 March 27: 6 and 7th graders to North Bay And please, parents, unless there is an emergency, do not schedule anything during these four days: MSA Reading Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2 MSA Math Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9 March 26: Last Homework club 4pm-6pm March 29: Last Class for ELO 8:30am-12:30pm March 31: Report Cards released

PAGE 2 The school day for John Hanson French Immersion begins at 9:00 a.m. Students are allowed to enter the building for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. There is no one at the school assigned to monitor students before that time, therefore in order to discharge the school of any liabilities should an injury occur, please be advised that any students who are left in the gymnasium, or anywhere in the school before 8:30 am. without prior approval will be referred to the local police department if the school is unable to contact the parents. March Newsletter General/Vocal Music Our John Hanson Middle School Chorus will perform at the Prince Georges County Chorus Festival on March 11, 2008. They will perform three concert selections, and then sight read both melodic and rhythmic examples for a grade. Please support our students at their adjudication at Bladensburg High School at 10:30a.m. The elementary chorus will perform at the Harlem Renaissance Festival on May 3, 2008. Please join us there.

To All Parents PAGE 3 When you withdraw your child from John Hanson French Immersion School, there are a few procedures that we must take, one of which is to request the health records from the nurse. This may take several days, depending upon her work-load. Also, your child s teacher will have to complete a withdrawal card that will allow him/her to enter another school. If you plan to withdraw your child, please notify the registrar three days in advance (five days if you are moving out of state and would like a complete copy of your child s file). If you are transferring your child to John Hanson from another French Immersion school and you live within the school boundary, these are the items that you will need to bring with you: Your child s health records (most important) Your child s birth certificate Proof of residency (current lease or deed, copy of a current bill) Withdrawal card from previous school Copy of last report card Please feel free to contact Ms. Williford with any questions or concerns regarding Registration or Withdrawals. ************************************************************************ From The Desk of the Mathematics Coordinator In order to promote and elicit better benchmark math performances from our students at all levels, it is critical that teachers hand out more practice exercises to students. These exercises should be graded, recorded and included as part of the students overall grades. This way, the importance of these exercises cannot be overlooked. Teachers will be given samples of the types of items they can give students. From here, teachers can also seek out similar items on their own efforts. Should any teacher be unsure of the sources do not hesitate to contact the math coordinator for assistance. It is crucial that students receive adequate and requisite preparation for the upcoming MSA test to be administered in April 2008. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ At this juncture, let us take a moment to applaud the following classes and teachers for their commendable performances on the Math à tout va. For the month of February: Mme Asafor s 3rd grade class, Mr. Omar and Mme Tapsoba s 4th grade classes, Mr. Souley s 7th grade class, Mme Kamguep and Mr. Diarra s 8th grade classes, Mr. Dzeze s 6th grade class. A big BRAVO to Mr. Omar s 4th grade class: all the students of this class have done all problems right 3 weeks in a row. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PAGE 4 Book Club Issues Spring is coming and the book clubs are busy on the case solving their mysteries. The book club has more than 60 members and the meetings are full of fun, literary expression, and personal reflection. Meeting dates for March: The 411 on Third Grade Books- Monday, March 3 12:30-1:30pm Third-Grade Detectives #6 The Secret of the Green Skin 4 th Grade MPR- Tuesday, March 4 12:30-1:30pm Encyclopedia Brown #18 and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers Second Grade Book Club- Monday, March 10 12:30-1:30pm Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monster Movie Rock on Fifth Grade Book Club- Thursday, March 13, 1-1:30pm Chasing Vermeer Middle School Book Club- Thursday, March 13, 12-1pm Twilight April Book Club titles will be announced and posted soon so that Spring Break reading is available. Happy readings!

PAGE 5 From The Desk of the Mathematics Coordinator At this time, all our students are in the midst of preparing for the MSA reading and Math tests that will be administered with the first two weeks of April. Teachers have completed coverage of all the math curriculum content, standards and indicators that the test will draw its items from. At the time of departure for the Spring break, each student will receive study packages that they will need to go over completely during the break. This is of cause intended to keep the students practicing and gearing up for successful MSA test performance. Parents are particularly encouraged to work with their children to make sure that the packages that their children bring home are successfully and completely done. All students will come home with the packages. No student has a waiver from this. Upon their return from the Spring break each student will turn in their packages to their respective teachers for grading. Teachers will go over the packages with their students to ensure that any problems encountered by students as they worked through the packages will be fully address and rectified. Good Work, Students! Who Is The Best; Most Improved? All Mathematics teachers are encouraged to determine from among their students the following: -For each grade level the best mathematics student for this school year -For each grade level the most improved mathematics students for this school year -The Mathematics team will also have the awesome task of determining the overall best mathematics and most improved mathematics student of JHFI for this school year. Naturally awards will be granted to the students whose exemplary work permits them to be selected and be so honored. These awards will be announced to all the students and notices will be posted clearly in their classrooms for all to see and read. The following table delineates what curricular content should be covered in the different grade level classes for the upcoming 4 weeks in March 2008. It is hoped that all students, teachers and parents will take note and be prepared. DO YOU SUDOKU? On page 8 following the table of curricular contents is a Sudoku puzzle to test your mettle. Enjoy!

Grade Level Week 26 (Mar. 3-7) Week 27 (Mar. 10-14) Week 28 (Mar. 18-22) Week 29 (Mar. 24-28) Kindergarten - A. Plane Geometric Figures 1. Recognize and describe the attributes of plane geometric figures b) Describe plane figures and their attributes such as: shape, color, size c) Identify triangles, circles, squares and rectangles d) Compare, trace, and reproduce triangles, circles, squares, and rectangles E. Transformations 1. Begin to recognize a transformation c) Demonstration slides using simple objects. -Geometric Solids B. Solid Geometric Figures 1. Recognize and describe the attributes of solid geometric figures a) Match, sort, and regroup objects according to attributes b) Describe solid figures c) Identify solid geometric figures in the environment D. Congruence 1. Recognize congruent objects a) Identify everyday objects which has the same size and shape. - B. Solid Geometric Figures 1. Recognize and describe the attributes of solid geometric figures a) Match, sort, and regroup objects according to attributes b) Describe solid figures E. Transformations 1. Begin to recognize a transformation b) Use spatial reasoning to solve simple puzzles 2. Analyze geometric figures and pictures a) Recognize the concept of symmetry using pictures A. Knowledge of Number and Place - A. Knowledge of Number and Place 2. Recognize fractions a) Show initial awareness of fractional parts (halves) using concrete materials C. Number Computation 1. Analyze number relations and compute c) Solve a given story problem cooperatively that is based on the combining and separating of models. 2. Recognize fractions a) Show initial awareness of fractional parts (halves) using concrete materials. First -A. Knowledge of Numbers and Place 3. Apply knowledge of money a) Determine the value of a given set of same currency up to $1.00 -A. Knowledge of Numbers and Place 3. Apply knowledge of money a) Determine the value of a given set of same currency up to $1.00 - A. Knowledge of Numbers and Place 3. Apply knowledge of money a) Determine the value of a given set of same currency up to $10.00 - B. Measurement Tools 1. Measure in non-standard units a) Measure length of objects and pictures of objects using a ruler or tape measure to the nearest inch, centimeter, and foot. b) Demonstrate monetary value using real and play coins b) Demonstrate monetary value using real and play coins. b) Represent money amounts up to $10.00 c) Compare the value of two sets of mixed currency up to $1.00 c) Compare the value of two sets of mixed currency up to $10.00. Second - C. Applications in Measurement 1. Apply measurement concepts a) Develop the concept of perimeter by counting units around a picture or geometric shape b) Develop the concept of area by counting square units within a picture or geometric shape B. Measurement Tools 1. Measure in customary and metric units b) Measure capacity of objects using a cup, pint, quart, liter, and a gallon d) Select and use appropriate units of measure for length/height, weight, and capacity. - B. Measurement Tools 1. Measure in customary and metric units c) Measure objects to the nearest pound and kilogram d) Select and use appropriate units of measure for length/height, weight, and capacity A. Measurement Units 1. Read customary and metric measurement units d) Read a thermometer to the nearest 5 ( F and C) on a thermometer with a scale of 10 intervals e) Identify and compare the weight of objects to the nearest pound. - A. Sample Space 1. Identify possible outcomes b) Identify some possible outcomes that make up the sample space for a given experiment such as; flipping a coin, spinning a spinner, rolling a number cube C. Number Computation 1. Analyze number relations and compute a) Add numbers using a variety of strategies Assessment limit: Use no more than 3 addends with no more than 3 digits in each addend and whole numbers (0-1000). - A. Knowledge of Number and Place 1. Apply knowledge of whole numbers and place value a) Read, write and represent whole numbers using symbols, words and models Assessment limit: Use whole numbers (0-1000) c) Identify the place value of a digit in a whole number Assessment limit: Use whole numbers (0-9,999) b) Express whole numbers in expanded form Assessment limit: Use whole numbers (0-10,000) A. Patterns and Functions 1. Identify, describe, extend, and create numeric patterns and functions a) Represent and analyze numeric patterns using skip counting Assessment limit: Use 2, 5, 10, or 100 starting with any whole number (0-1000) third. MSA REVIEW. MSA REVIEW. MSA REVIEW. MSA TESTING Fourth - MSA REVIEW - MSA REVIEW - MSA REVIEW - MSA TESTING Fifth - SFAW Test Prep Materials - MSA REVIEW - MSA REVIEW - MSA TESTING MSA Finish Line

Sixth - Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities 2. Identify, write, solve, and apply equations and inequalities - Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities 2. Identify, write, solve, and apply equations and inequalities - Knowledge of Number and Place 1. Apply knowledge of rational numbers and place value - MSA Review Days REFER TO THE MSA FINISH LINE a) Identify and write equations and inequalities to represent relationships Assessment limit: Use a variable, the appropriate relational symbols (>,<, =), and one operational symbol (+, -,, ) on either side and use fractions with denominators as factors of 24 (0-50) or decimals with no more than two decimal places (0 200) b) Determine the unknown in a linear equation Assessment limit: Use one operation (+, -,, with no remainders) and positive whole number coefficients using decimals with no more than two decimal places (0 100) b) Determine the unknown in a linear equation Assessment limit: Use one operation (+, -,, with no remainders) and positive whole number coefficients using decimals with no more than two decimal places (0 100) Patterns and Functions 1. Identify, describe, extend, and create numeric patterns and functions b) Interpret and write a rule for a one operation (+, -, x, ) function Assessment limit: Use whole numbers or decimals with no more than two decimal places (0 10,000) c) Identify and determine equivalent forms of fractions as decimals, as percents, and as ratios Assessment limit: Use proper fractions with denominators as factors of 100, decimals, percents, or ratios (0 1000) Number Computation 1. Analyze number relations and compute. e) Determine a percent of a whole number Assessment limit: Use 10%, 20%, 25% or 50% of a whole number (0 1000) c) Complete a function table with a given two operation rule Assessment limit: Use the operations of (+, -, x), numbers no more than 10 in the rule, and whole numbers (0 50) Seventh - Plane Geometric Figures - Transformations -Transformations -MSA Review Days 2. Analyze geometric relationships a) Determine a missing angle measurement using the sum of the interior angles of polygons. Assessment limit: Use angle measures in a quadrilateral b) Determine the measurements of 1. Analyze a transformation on a coordinate plane a) Identify, describe, and plot the results of one transformation on a coordinate plane Assessment limit: Identify or plot the result of one translation (horizontal or vertical), reflection (horizontal or vertical), or rotation about a given point (90 or 180 ) 1. Analyze a transformation on a coordinate plane a) Identify, describe, and plot the results of one transformation on a coordinate plane Assessment limit: Identify and plot the result of one translation (horizontal or vertical), reflection (horizontal or vertical), or rotation (90 or 180 ) about a given point angles formed by intersecting lines, line segments, and rays. b) Identify and describe transformations that result in rotational and reflectional symmetry b) Identify and describe transformations that result in rotational and reflectional symmetry Assessment limit: Use vertical, adjacent, complementary, or supplementary angles Congruence and Similarity 1. Apply the properties of congruent polygons a) Determine the congruent parts of polygons Assessment limit: Use the length of corresponding sides or the measure of corresponding angles and whole numbers (0 1000) Congruence and Similarity 1. Apply the properties of congruent polygons c) Determine the congruent parts of polygons Assessment limit: Use the length of corresponding sides or the measure of corresponding angles and whole numbers (0 1000) d) Identify and describe similar polygons and their corresponding parts b) Identify and describe similar polygons and their corresponding part

Eighth - Patterns and Functions 1. Identify, describe, extend, and create patterns, functions and sequences a) Determine the recursive relationship of arithmetic sequences represented in words, in a table or in a graph Assessment limit: Provide the nth term no more than 10 terms beyond the last given term using common differences no more than 10 with integers (-100 5000) b) Determine the recursive relationship of geometric sequences represented in words, in a table, or in a graph Assessment limit: Provide the nth term no more than 5 terms beyond the last given term using the recursive relationship of geometric sequences with a common ratio of whole numbers no more than 5 (0 10,000) - Numeric and Graphic Representations of Relationships 1. Locate points on a number line and in a coordinate plane a) Graph linear equations in a coordinate plane Assessment limit: Use two unknowns having integer coefficients (-9 to 9) and integer constants (-20 to 20) 2. Analyze linear relationships a) Determine the slope of a graph in a linear relationship Assessment limit: Use an equation with integer coefficients (-9 to 9) and integer constants (-20 to 20) b) Determine the slope of a linear relationship represented numerically or algebraically - Numeric and Graphic Representations of Relationships 1. Locate points on a number line and in a coordinate plane a) Graph linear equations in a coordinate plane Assessment limit: Use two unknowns having integer coefficients (-9 to 9) and integer constants (-20 to 20) 2. Analyze linear relationships c) Determine the slope of a graph in a linear relationship Assessment limit: Use an equation with integer coefficients (-9 to 9) and integer constants (-20 to 20) d) Determine the slope of a linear relationship represented numerically or algebraically - MSA Review Days Data Displays 1. Organize and display data c) Organize and display data to make a scatter plot Assessment limit: Use no more than 10 points and whole numbers(0 1000) Data Analysis 1. Analyze data c) Interpret scatter plots Assessment limit: Use no more than 10 points using whole numbers or decimals with no more than 2 decimal

PAGE 9 Youth Services Directory Parents, did you know that there is a Youth Services Directory full of resources available at your fingertips? What s the Youth Services Directory, you ask? The Youth Services Directory has been developed to provide information on community, government and non-government organizations in Prince George s County, Maryland, for use by young people, youth workers, parents and others working with young people. The Directory was compiled to create greater awareness of our County s services, encourage interagency cooperation, and provide greater access to services. In over 70 pages, you will find information on after-school programs, arts and culture, civic groups, disability services, employment and service learning, and much more! To access this wonderful information, visit www.pgxtremeteens.com. Think Great! Feel Great! Be Great! Kimberly K. Parker, Parent Liaison John Hanson French Immersion School 6360 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-749-4780, ext. 310 ET EN AVANT, LA MUSIQUE! The Middle School orchestra played at the Black History Month Celebration on February 13. They did a fantastic job playing America the Beautiful, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and Siyahamba. Siyahamba is a traditional African Hymn originally written in the Zulu language. Translated in English, it is "We are marching in the Light of God". The next performance for the instrumental program will be on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 6:30pm, in conjunction with the Montessori PTSA meeting. The intermediate band and orchestra will be performing. Both French Immersion and Montessori students are required to perform and are expected to be in the instrumental room at 6:00pm. Please continue to encourage your musician to practice at least 150 minutes per week, recording it on the Practice Record Sheet, and make sure it is signed so they can turn it in. Thank you for your support throughout the year! Nanci R. Staley Instrumental Music Director John Hanson French Immersion John Hanson Montessori (301) 749-4052 x290

Summer Camp Survey Results: PAGE 10 We received about 80 feedback to our survey. All of them showed a lot of interest for all the ideas that were proposed. Below, you will find the ideas as well as the percent of interest: Length Where What When How much Ideas Half-day French summer camp for K-1 only All day French summer camp in for K-1 only French summer camp for grade 2 to 5 all day French summer camp for grade 6 to 8 all day French summer camp for K-8 all day Separate camps for Elementary and Middle school students French Summer camp in Montreal (Canada) French Summer camp at John Hanson French summer school in Math and RLA Activities in French: games, field trips, movies etc. French Grammar and Vocabulary-SAT prep. (For middle school) French Grammar and Vocabulary-AP prep. (For middle school) Part of the day academic, part of the day games and trips Club in French for Middle School students (5-9pm) Weekend activities in French for M.S. students (Ex: can be shorter trips for visiting College/University, or for camping, or museum) 3 weeks in July 2 weeks in July and 2 weeks in August (2 camps) Last week of July until Mid-August (3weeks) Only from 8am to 12pm From 8:30am until 4:30pm Less than $150 per week Between $150 and 250 per week Percent-% 15 38 49 35 57 64 35 74 55 84 45 45 76 34 38 39 39 42 8 73 72 15 You want it, we are working on it. A proposal has been written for a three-week all day program, opened to our students for July 21 until August 8, 2008. Registration forms should go home very soon. Stay tuned!