Our creative and resourceful first grade team wanted to enhance their iPod listening library with additional informational texts and the Somerset Foundation enthusiastically supported their request!  These additional digital resources include Gail Gibbons’ animal books which align with our science, social studies, writing and reading curriculum; a biography set which directly aligns with our social studies and reading curriculum; and other informational texts on a variety of topics.  Students will have more choices for books to read and use for research projects.  By listening to informational text as they read along, students increase their vocabulary, pronunciation, reading fluency, and comprehension.  The first grade team is also planning to work with our media center to make these texts available to all students at Somerset.  Learning to read at Somerset just got more interesting!

The  Somerset Foundation’s annual Fall fundraising campaign is underway.  We strive for 100% family participation, so whatever you choose to donate—whether it’s $20 or $200—we thank you for helping us to make a difference in our children’s lives!  Your generosity is a critical part of maintaining the school’s commitment to a first-rate learning environment.  To donate, please click on the donations tab above.

     The Foundation recently approved a grant for the school’s subscription to BrainPop, a fantastic online educational resource. BrainPop offers animated videos on a broad array of subjects such as science, history, math, arts and music. It is designed to increase student engagement, illustrate complex topics and enrich STEM education. Somerset teachers at all grade levels will use BrainPop to support instruction, and students can also log on to it at home. So parents–the next time your child asks a question that leaves you stumped, open up BrainPop!  (Login: somersetel   Password: brain pop)

     In addition, the Foundation approved a grant to provide the teachers with books that support their professional development. As a part of the school’s improvement plan, the Somerset staff is divided into three different professional learning communities: one for reading/writing, one for STEM, and one for school engagement. Each group has selected a book to read, discuss, and present to the entire staff. These books include “The Daily Five,” “Guided Math in Action,” and “Mindset.” The grant will provide each teacher with a copy of the chosen book.