ZAHNOW MUSIC NEWS
April/May 2024
Notable Quote: “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry van Dyke
APRIL IS NATIONAL JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH: Why not celebrate by listening to some jazz at home?
Kindergarten: Over the next several weeks, we will
finish our last Unit in the Spotlight On Music curriculum
for the year. The concepts we are working on this
quarter are reading rhythms with one, two, and no
sounds to a beat using both iconic and traditional
notation. We also are reviewing music opposites like
fast/slow tempo, high/low pitches, upward/downward
melodic direction, and loud/soft.
1st Grade: In Unit 4, we are reading rhythmic notation
with quarter notes, quarter rests, and paired eighth
notes. We will continue practicing rhythm vs. beat.
Students will learn about the instruments of the
orchestra through the symphonic story Peter and the
Wolf. We are also working with the pitches so and mi on the
diatonic scale.
Noteworthy News: All classes will sing a few songs to
celebrate Earth Day, and our Character Words of the
Month for April (SERVICE) and May (SELF-CONTROL).
Also in April we will complete our music benchmark
testing to measure the students’ progress throughout
the school year.
This will be the last music newsletter for the school year.
Let’s finish the year BULLDOG STRONG. Hang in
there—just a few more weeks! Even though “spring
fever” has hit, encourage your students to continue
working hard, doing their best, and never giving up.
We still have a lot to accomplish before school is out for the
summer.
Take Note: Here are a few reminders about dismissal
procedures from your friendly crossing guard.
1. Stay in your vehicle in the pickup line.
2. If you meet your child(ren) outside the building,
keep the sidewalk near the crosswalks clear so
people can get through the crowd.
3. NEVER cross between the cars in the pickup
line. Use the three designated crosswalks,
please.
4. No pets are allowed on school grounds. If your
dog is inside your vehicle at all times, that is
okay.
5. Students are not allowed to cross without a
parent/guardian escort.
6. Share this information with all of the people who
pick up your children!
CODA: As many of you already know, this is my last
year of teaching. It’s hard to believe that this is my
35th year in education. Time certainly does fly when
you are having fun! Thank you for supporting music
education! It is essential to our well-being!
I don’t like saying goodbye, so I’ll just say “See you
around!” I will miss my students and my Zahnow
Family immensely.
Melanie Ryterski--Music Specialist
[email protected] 939-3458, ext.103
CHARACTER Words of the Month:
August: COOPERATION
September: RESPECT
October: RESPONSIBILITY
November: PEACE
December: CARING
January: INTEGRITY
February: COURAGE
March: PATIENCE
April: SERVICE/CITIZENSHIP
May: SELF-CONTROL
April/May 2024
Notable Quote: “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry van Dyke
APRIL IS NATIONAL JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH: Why not celebrate by listening to some jazz at home?
Kindergarten: Over the next several weeks, we will
finish our last Unit in the Spotlight On Music curriculum
for the year. The concepts we are working on this
quarter are reading rhythms with one, two, and no
sounds to a beat using both iconic and traditional
notation. We also are reviewing music opposites like
fast/slow tempo, high/low pitches, upward/downward
melodic direction, and loud/soft.
1st Grade: In Unit 4, we are reading rhythmic notation
with quarter notes, quarter rests, and paired eighth
notes. We will continue practicing rhythm vs. beat.
Students will learn about the instruments of the
orchestra through the symphonic story Peter and the
Wolf. We are also working with the pitches so and mi on the
diatonic scale.
Noteworthy News: All classes will sing a few songs to
celebrate Earth Day, and our Character Words of the
Month for April (SERVICE) and May (SELF-CONTROL).
Also in April we will complete our music benchmark
testing to measure the students’ progress throughout
the school year.
This will be the last music newsletter for the school year.
Let’s finish the year BULLDOG STRONG. Hang in
there—just a few more weeks! Even though “spring
fever” has hit, encourage your students to continue
working hard, doing their best, and never giving up.
We still have a lot to accomplish before school is out for the
summer.
Take Note: Here are a few reminders about dismissal
procedures from your friendly crossing guard.
1. Stay in your vehicle in the pickup line.
2. If you meet your child(ren) outside the building,
keep the sidewalk near the crosswalks clear so
people can get through the crowd.
3. NEVER cross between the cars in the pickup
line. Use the three designated crosswalks,
please.
4. No pets are allowed on school grounds. If your
dog is inside your vehicle at all times, that is
okay.
5. Students are not allowed to cross without a
parent/guardian escort.
6. Share this information with all of the people who
pick up your children!
CODA: As many of you already know, this is my last
year of teaching. It’s hard to believe that this is my
35th year in education. Time certainly does fly when
you are having fun! Thank you for supporting music
education! It is essential to our well-being!
I don’t like saying goodbye, so I’ll just say “See you
around!” I will miss my students and my Zahnow
Family immensely.
Melanie Ryterski--Music Specialist
[email protected] 939-3458, ext.103
CHARACTER Words of the Month:
August: COOPERATION
September: RESPECT
October: RESPONSIBILITY
November: PEACE
December: CARING
January: INTEGRITY
February: COURAGE
March: PATIENCE
April: SERVICE/CITIZENSHIP
May: SELF-CONTROL