I am composing this newsletter on our new classroom iPad. I am excited to explore all of the possibilities that this will bring to our class.
We were given the opportunity to attend a performance of The Christmas Carol at SUU on Thursday, Dec., 15. I put a permission slip in your child's backpack today. Please sign and return this by Wednesday. To help cover the cost of the play, we are also asking for a $1.00 donation.
Thanks to those who have already sent supplies for our gingerbread houses. If you can please send your supplies by Dec. 14. Remember that we will be constructing our houses on Thursday, Dec.,15 at 1:00. If any of you would like to help I would definitely welcome it. Thanks too, for those of you that have helped your child earn $1.00 for a "secret gift". Send the $1.00 to school with your child. Your child will bring the fragile gift home on Wednesday.
The school librarian and the take home librarian have asked us to encourage all of our students to return all of their books before the Christmas holiday. We have library on Thursday. Please help your child to remember to bring their books back then. Please return your take home books too.
We will have spelling words this week, but not poetry performances. I will also test on the sight word list on Friday.
Our next DIBELS test will be on January 12. Try to squeeze some reading time in over the break!
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! School resumes on January 2.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Newsletter December 5-9
Congratulations to Kanden! He was our Catch the Vision award winner for November. He is very deserving of this award. He is a wonderful first grader!
We have two more weeks until our Christmas break. We will have spelling words and poetry performances for the next two weeks. This week we will construct a "Gingerbread Noun Town" and compare and contrast several different versions of the Gingerbread Boy story. We will also do an opinion writing on our favorite version of the story. Hopefully, after reading How Santa Got His Job, we can squeeze in our "Elf job application" and make a cute elf to go along with it.
On Thursday, December 15th at 1:00 we will be making Gingerbread houses. I am sending this information home also because I realized that we have such a little amount of time until that date. I will need help with several items, such as: graham crackers, stick pretzels, small candy canes, foil wrapped Santas, Christmas-tree shaped marshmallows, and any other type of Christmas candy to decorate the houses. Last year, I had things like, green and red M&M's, Christmas Dots, gum drops, gummy bears,starlight mints, Necco brand candy, etc. I will send home a list with your child and ask for specific items, but you can also send something additional if you see something that you think would work well. If you could please help by sending items to help decorate by next Tuesday, December 13th, I would so greatly appreciate it. If any of you would like to help, I would welcome you that day at 1:00.
Next week, we will be making a "secret" Christmas present. I have talked to my students about earning money for these gifts. Could you please help your child earn $1.00 for these secret gifts? You can send the $1.00 with your child anytime during the next couple of weeks.
Please send your child dressed for the weather! Unless it is snowing or raining profusely we go outside, especially during lunch break. Please have your child bring a coat, gloves, boots, hats etc. It is so hard to send cold little kids back outside for break.
I love this time of year and being surrounded by 20 First graders at Christmas time makes it even better. Spend your reading time reading some great Christmas books together.
Happy Reading!!
We have two more weeks until our Christmas break. We will have spelling words and poetry performances for the next two weeks. This week we will construct a "Gingerbread Noun Town" and compare and contrast several different versions of the Gingerbread Boy story. We will also do an opinion writing on our favorite version of the story. Hopefully, after reading How Santa Got His Job, we can squeeze in our "Elf job application" and make a cute elf to go along with it.
On Thursday, December 15th at 1:00 we will be making Gingerbread houses. I am sending this information home also because I realized that we have such a little amount of time until that date. I will need help with several items, such as: graham crackers, stick pretzels, small candy canes, foil wrapped Santas, Christmas-tree shaped marshmallows, and any other type of Christmas candy to decorate the houses. Last year, I had things like, green and red M&M's, Christmas Dots, gum drops, gummy bears,starlight mints, Necco brand candy, etc. I will send home a list with your child and ask for specific items, but you can also send something additional if you see something that you think would work well. If you could please help by sending items to help decorate by next Tuesday, December 13th, I would so greatly appreciate it. If any of you would like to help, I would welcome you that day at 1:00.
Next week, we will be making a "secret" Christmas present. I have talked to my students about earning money for these gifts. Could you please help your child earn $1.00 for these secret gifts? You can send the $1.00 with your child anytime during the next couple of weeks.
Please send your child dressed for the weather! Unless it is snowing or raining profusely we go outside, especially during lunch break. Please have your child bring a coat, gloves, boots, hats etc. It is so hard to send cold little kids back outside for break.
I love this time of year and being surrounded by 20 First graders at Christmas time makes it even better. Spend your reading time reading some great Christmas books together.
Happy Reading!!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Newsletter November 28-December 2
Welcome back! I hope that you all had a restful Thanksgiving holiday filled with love from family. We are going to dive right into Christmas activities since it is already that time of year. Today we started writing notes to Santa. We talked about the elements of a note and what they should include in their letters to Santa. I told them that I have a Santa "hook-up" I know right where to send the letters so that they will receive one back. On Friday, we will be doing a literature, writing/art activity based on the book, Santa's Stuck.
Today I sent home Christmas poems for our Friday performances. Please help your child with these at night. I also sent home a new spelling list, sight words, and spelling homework. The spelling homework remember is due on Friday. Please make sure that you have your child put their names on that homework. I have had several children forget lately. Most of the time I can figure out whose handwriting it is, but sometimes it's tough. The November reading record is due on Thursday, December 1. I will send home the December Reading record on that date.
I sent home December Scholastic book orders today. They will be due this Friday, December 2 so that the orders can be back before our Christmas break. If you would like me to save your order for Christmas presents let me know. You can use the online code which is the easiest way to order or you can send the order back with a check made out to Scholastic.
On Wednesday, look for your child's grade printout. Please sign and return the grade print out. If you have questions about missing assignments please let me know.
Happy Reading!
Today I sent home Christmas poems for our Friday performances. Please help your child with these at night. I also sent home a new spelling list, sight words, and spelling homework. The spelling homework remember is due on Friday. Please make sure that you have your child put their names on that homework. I have had several children forget lately. Most of the time I can figure out whose handwriting it is, but sometimes it's tough. The November reading record is due on Thursday, December 1. I will send home the December Reading record on that date.
I sent home December Scholastic book orders today. They will be due this Friday, December 2 so that the orders can be back before our Christmas break. If you would like me to save your order for Christmas presents let me know. You can use the online code which is the easiest way to order or you can send the order back with a check made out to Scholastic.
On Wednesday, look for your child's grade printout. Please sign and return the grade print out. If you have questions about missing assignments please let me know.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
November 21-25
We will not have spelling words or a new poem this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. I have also arranged it so that your child will not have math homework this week. Please continue to read with your child (at least on Monday and Tuesday), I know it's hectic, but if you can squeeze in some reading time that would be great!
Tuesday, November 22, at 1:00 we will have our little classroom Thanksgiving party. A big thanks to those of you that signed up to help and have sent items for the "turkey cookies". If you would like to come in and help with the cookie assembling, we will start around 1:00 that day.
I continue to be thankful for this wonderful bunch of first graders that I am lucky enough to teach this year. I hope that you all have a nice and safe few days off. Remember school will resume on Monday, November 28.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, November 22, at 1:00 we will have our little classroom Thanksgiving party. A big thanks to those of you that signed up to help and have sent items for the "turkey cookies". If you would like to come in and help with the cookie assembling, we will start around 1:00 that day.
I continue to be thankful for this wonderful bunch of first graders that I am lucky enough to teach this year. I hope that you all have a nice and safe few days off. Remember school will resume on Monday, November 28.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Newsletter November 14-18
Tomorrow (November 15) the November Scholastic book orders are due. If you want to order online the code is JFVMJ. I am going to put this code and Scholastic's website on a sidebar of this blog for your referral. If any of you want me to hold on to your book orders for Christmas presents let me know. I will send the December book order home with your child when we get back from our Thanksgiving break.
I sent home another poem today for our Poetry performances on Friday. It was apparent to me this past Friday that a few children did not practice their poems at all. It is hard for the group to perform well, if some of the students don't even know the words, or even the poem that was in their folders. A couple of my students have never returned their poetry folders. If they don't bring it back and don't recall the poem then I have them just observe as their group performs. Please take a few minutes, during your nightly 20 minutes of reading, to go over the poem. The first time, you can read it to them if necessary. You can also, read a line, and have your child read it back to you.
I am going to start giving our "morning work" a grade. They will be worth 5 points. Morning work has been our "ticket to break", but now it will also count towards your child's overall grade. If they are absent I will send the sheet home for homework.
We are going to finish up our unit on the moon this week with a culminating activity of making moon sand and showing the phases of the moon with Oreo cookies. I have enjoyed the moon bag activity and so have the kids. Thanks so much for helping your child bring it back the very next day! I will give a "Moon test" before we break for the holiday. We are continuing to talk about gratitude and will especially concentrate on the First Thanksgiving this week. We will do an art/writing project about the pilgrims this week as well as list the things that we would bring on the Mayflower if we had to take that long voyage. I am also introducing "nouns" to the children by going on a "noun walk" around the school. Ask your child to name some nouns around home as extra practice.
Next Tuesday, November 22, we will be having a little class Thanksgiving party. We will be making "turkey cookies", playing Thanksgiving bingo, and watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. If any of you want to come and help with the cookie assembling I would love your help. We will start at 1:00 that day.
Happy Reading! Progress in reading directly correlates with progress in all academic areas!
I sent home another poem today for our Poetry performances on Friday. It was apparent to me this past Friday that a few children did not practice their poems at all. It is hard for the group to perform well, if some of the students don't even know the words, or even the poem that was in their folders. A couple of my students have never returned their poetry folders. If they don't bring it back and don't recall the poem then I have them just observe as their group performs. Please take a few minutes, during your nightly 20 minutes of reading, to go over the poem. The first time, you can read it to them if necessary. You can also, read a line, and have your child read it back to you.
I am going to start giving our "morning work" a grade. They will be worth 5 points. Morning work has been our "ticket to break", but now it will also count towards your child's overall grade. If they are absent I will send the sheet home for homework.
We are going to finish up our unit on the moon this week with a culminating activity of making moon sand and showing the phases of the moon with Oreo cookies. I have enjoyed the moon bag activity and so have the kids. Thanks so much for helping your child bring it back the very next day! I will give a "Moon test" before we break for the holiday. We are continuing to talk about gratitude and will especially concentrate on the First Thanksgiving this week. We will do an art/writing project about the pilgrims this week as well as list the things that we would bring on the Mayflower if we had to take that long voyage. I am also introducing "nouns" to the children by going on a "noun walk" around the school. Ask your child to name some nouns around home as extra practice.
Next Tuesday, November 22, we will be having a little class Thanksgiving party. We will be making "turkey cookies", playing Thanksgiving bingo, and watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. If any of you want to come and help with the cookie assembling I would love your help. We will start at 1:00 that day.
Happy Reading! Progress in reading directly correlates with progress in all academic areas!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Newsletter November 7-11
Tonight is McDonald's night from 6:00 to 8:00. Come and support our school and have an easy dinner or treat. Many teachers from East will be helping to clean and serve food.
Tomorrow (November 8) we are going over to the Paiute Tribal Center. We will leave the school at 9:00 and be back before 11:30. A few of you haven't signed the permission slip. If you didn't sign one, I sent another permission slip home with your child last Friday. Remember that we are walking over to the Tribal Center so make sure you child dresses for the weather. If you normally come and help with reading on Tuesday morning, you can join us on the field trip if you would like to, but we will not have reading groups that day.
I sent home the November Scholastic book orders today. They will be due Tuesday, November 15. As always, your orders help us get free books for our classroom and there are always books for only $1.00. It is easiest to use the parent code and order online, but you can still send the order forms back with a check. If you choose to order online, go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and use the class activation code of JFVMJ.
We are still learning about the moon and it's phases. Today we are going to discuss facts and opinions about the moon. We will do a writing and art project about the moon this week. Last Friday, we wrote "Thankful lists". We will continue to discuss and write about the things that we are grateful for.
I am thankful to be teaching first grade to such a wonderful, smart group of students. I am also very thankful for all that you do to help your child at home. Please continue to read, read, and read some more with your child.
Make sure that you scroll down and look at the pictures that I posted from our Dads and Pumpkins Halloween carving extravaganza. As always, Happy Reading!
Tomorrow (November 8) we are going over to the Paiute Tribal Center. We will leave the school at 9:00 and be back before 11:30. A few of you haven't signed the permission slip. If you didn't sign one, I sent another permission slip home with your child last Friday. Remember that we are walking over to the Tribal Center so make sure you child dresses for the weather. If you normally come and help with reading on Tuesday morning, you can join us on the field trip if you would like to, but we will not have reading groups that day.
I sent home the November Scholastic book orders today. They will be due Tuesday, November 15. As always, your orders help us get free books for our classroom and there are always books for only $1.00. It is easiest to use the parent code and order online, but you can still send the order forms back with a check. If you choose to order online, go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and use the class activation code of JFVMJ.
We are still learning about the moon and it's phases. Today we are going to discuss facts and opinions about the moon. We will do a writing and art project about the moon this week. Last Friday, we wrote "Thankful lists". We will continue to discuss and write about the things that we are grateful for.
I am thankful to be teaching first grade to such a wonderful, smart group of students. I am also very thankful for all that you do to help your child at home. Please continue to read, read, and read some more with your child.
Make sure that you scroll down and look at the pictures that I posted from our Dads and Pumpkins Halloween carving extravaganza. As always, Happy Reading!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Newsletter October 31-November 4
Happy Halloween! Thanks to all of the wonderful, dads and grandpa that came and helped carve pumpkins with my students today. It will definitely be a highlight of our year.
I honestly can't believe that it will be November tomorrow. We have had a fun month of pumpkins, spiders and moon watchers. We will continue our moon unit through the month of November, so that every student can have a chance to observe the moon and report to the class. Today we wrote "pumpkin similes". I loved all of the original comparisons that my students came up with. During the month of November we will be learning about Thanksgiving traditions, comparing the lives of Pilgrims to our lives now, and especially learning about gratitude. We will be learning through literature, writing and art projects.
I sent home a new list of sight words today with your child. Those sight words are yours to keep. You can cut them up and use them as flash cards if you would like to. At the end of the year, you will have a nice collection of first grade sight words. Remember that I will test your child every Friday on the new list of words.
Congratulations to our sweet Michaela! She received the Catch the Vision award for the month of October. She is very deserving of this award. She always does her best work and is a good friend.
The October reading record is due November 1st. I put the November reading record in your child's folder today. Thanks for reading with your child nightly. It helps immensely!
Have fun Trick or Treating and Happy Reading!
I honestly can't believe that it will be November tomorrow. We have had a fun month of pumpkins, spiders and moon watchers. We will continue our moon unit through the month of November, so that every student can have a chance to observe the moon and report to the class. Today we wrote "pumpkin similes". I loved all of the original comparisons that my students came up with. During the month of November we will be learning about Thanksgiving traditions, comparing the lives of Pilgrims to our lives now, and especially learning about gratitude. We will be learning through literature, writing and art projects.
I sent home a new list of sight words today with your child. Those sight words are yours to keep. You can cut them up and use them as flash cards if you would like to. At the end of the year, you will have a nice collection of first grade sight words. Remember that I will test your child every Friday on the new list of words.
Congratulations to our sweet Michaela! She received the Catch the Vision award for the month of October. She is very deserving of this award. She always does her best work and is a good friend.
The October reading record is due November 1st. I put the November reading record in your child's folder today. Thanks for reading with your child nightly. It helps immensely!
Have fun Trick or Treating and Happy Reading!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Newsletter October 25-28
Welcome back! I hope that you all had a nice Harvest Holiday. I enjoyed my sleep-in days very much.
I will send home your child's grades by Wednesday. I only printed the category report because of the amount of paper it takes to print out all of the assignments. If you want to see all of your child's assignments please use the username and password that I gave you at SEP conferences and access Power School. If you have forgotten this information let me know and I will send you another one. I also will attach your child's attendance record. Please make sure that your child is here and on time for school.
I sent home spelling words last Wednesday, but did not send your child's new poem. I sent it home today (Tuesday Oct. 25). Thanks for helping your child with these poems. We have been having great performances on Fridays.
I am going to change the way that I have been doing sight words. Instead of sending the whole list with 20 plus words on it, I am now going to send home a list of words on Monday and will test the kids on Friday. I feel that the big list has been unmanageable for some and when I have tested my students most of them miss several of the words. Please help your child study these words at home. If you have any questions please let me know.
We have started our literacy block. I am still in need of personal portable CD players so that I can have a "listening center" in my classroom. If any of you have these that you don't use anymore please send them my direction.
We are going on a walking field trip to the Paiute Tribal Center on November 8th at 9:00. Please sign the permission slip that I put in your child's folder and send it back ASAP. I also put in a note about our Halloween pumpkin carving party. Remember that the students do not dress up for school on Halloween, but there is a PTA sponsored Halloween Carnival on Friday, October 28th at 5:30 where they can dress up. The Halloween carnival will be held here at East Elementary.
Happy Reading!
I will send home your child's grades by Wednesday. I only printed the category report because of the amount of paper it takes to print out all of the assignments. If you want to see all of your child's assignments please use the username and password that I gave you at SEP conferences and access Power School. If you have forgotten this information let me know and I will send you another one. I also will attach your child's attendance record. Please make sure that your child is here and on time for school.
I sent home spelling words last Wednesday, but did not send your child's new poem. I sent it home today (Tuesday Oct. 25). Thanks for helping your child with these poems. We have been having great performances on Fridays.
I am going to change the way that I have been doing sight words. Instead of sending the whole list with 20 plus words on it, I am now going to send home a list of words on Monday and will test the kids on Friday. I feel that the big list has been unmanageable for some and when I have tested my students most of them miss several of the words. Please help your child study these words at home. If you have any questions please let me know.
We have started our literacy block. I am still in need of personal portable CD players so that I can have a "listening center" in my classroom. If any of you have these that you don't use anymore please send them my direction.
We are going on a walking field trip to the Paiute Tribal Center on November 8th at 9:00. Please sign the permission slip that I put in your child's folder and send it back ASAP. I also put in a note about our Halloween pumpkin carving party. Remember that the students do not dress up for school on Halloween, but there is a PTA sponsored Halloween Carnival on Friday, October 28th at 5:30 where they can dress up. The Halloween carnival will be held here at East Elementary.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Newsletter October 17-19
We had a great time at the pumpkin patch! I took some cute pictures and I will post them soon. October is a fun month in 1st grade. We are learning about spiders, pumpkins, and the moon. Thanks to those who have already been "moon watchers". I am glad the moon has been cooperative.
I can't believe that we have almost completed one quarter of school. This Wednesday, October 19th is the last day of the quarter. I will print out grades and send them home with your child early next week. I will also send home a progress monitoring graph, like the one that I showed you at SEP's. If you have any questions about grades or their progress in reading please don't hesitate to contact me.
Since this is a short week, we will not have a spelling test this week or poetry performances. I will send home spelling words, and new poems this Wednesday since we get back on a Tuesday, October 25. That way you will have the time at home to study if needed.
This week we will conclude our "Walk to Read" program. When we get back all of my children will be back in my room. Some of the students will still go to a reading group out in the reading building. I will let you know if you child will be receiving that extra reading intervention. If you have been helping in other classes please come to my classroom. I will have you reading with children individually. Please be patient, as we rewind a bit. I use a Literacy management system in my classroom called "Daily Five". It consists of five literacy activities that the children can choose from while I teach small groups. The students will be "Reading to Self", "Listening to Reading", "Writing", doing "Word work", or "Reading to Someone". I will also include AR tests and allow my students to use the smart board in literacy activities. This new system will take some training. First graders need to be taught explicitly and since most of my students were elsewhere for reading, I will need to train them in my system. I am excited to get going. I love teaching reading! It's got to be one of the best parts of teaching first grade.
Wednesday, Oct. 19th is picture retake day. If you want your child to have their picture retaken please send the first picture packet back to school by Wednesday and I will send them down for a retake.
For our Halloween party, on Monday Oct. 31, I want to have Dads come and help carve pumpkins with groups of kids. If you would like to help with this let me know. I will send a note home on Wednesday with more information.
I hope you all have a fun, restful, and safe Fall Recess. Happy Reading!
I can't believe that we have almost completed one quarter of school. This Wednesday, October 19th is the last day of the quarter. I will print out grades and send them home with your child early next week. I will also send home a progress monitoring graph, like the one that I showed you at SEP's. If you have any questions about grades or their progress in reading please don't hesitate to contact me.
Since this is a short week, we will not have a spelling test this week or poetry performances. I will send home spelling words, and new poems this Wednesday since we get back on a Tuesday, October 25. That way you will have the time at home to study if needed.
This week we will conclude our "Walk to Read" program. When we get back all of my children will be back in my room. Some of the students will still go to a reading group out in the reading building. I will let you know if you child will be receiving that extra reading intervention. If you have been helping in other classes please come to my classroom. I will have you reading with children individually. Please be patient, as we rewind a bit. I use a Literacy management system in my classroom called "Daily Five". It consists of five literacy activities that the children can choose from while I teach small groups. The students will be "Reading to Self", "Listening to Reading", "Writing", doing "Word work", or "Reading to Someone". I will also include AR tests and allow my students to use the smart board in literacy activities. This new system will take some training. First graders need to be taught explicitly and since most of my students were elsewhere for reading, I will need to train them in my system. I am excited to get going. I love teaching reading! It's got to be one of the best parts of teaching first grade.
Wednesday, Oct. 19th is picture retake day. If you want your child to have their picture retaken please send the first picture packet back to school by Wednesday and I will send them down for a retake.
For our Halloween party, on Monday Oct. 31, I want to have Dads come and help carve pumpkins with groups of kids. If you would like to help with this let me know. I will send a note home on Wednesday with more information.
I hope you all have a fun, restful, and safe Fall Recess. Happy Reading!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Newsletter October 10-14
It was wonderful to visit with all of you last week. I have such a great bunch of first graders! I brag all of the time to my colleagues about the extraordinary parental support I have this year. It is evident to me that you read with your children nightly, and that you help them get their homework done. Parental support is so valuable in a child's education and my students have great help at home. Thanks again!
This week is Red Ribbon Week. I sent home a flier on Friday stating what the school will be doing each day. Each day the kids can "dress up" according to the theme. For example, Monday, October 10 is Crazy Socks Day. Look for the note if you haven't seen it yet, so that your child can participate if they want to.
I told some of you this at SEP conferences, but most I did not tell because I was not informed until Wednesday afternoon. We are going to discontinue our "Walk to Read" program on October 18. If your child goes to another teacher during our literacy block (9:00-10:30 daily, except Wednesday), they will now come to my class. If you help during that reading time with another teacher you will now come to my class. I will contact those of you that help out next week to explain how I will use you in my classroom. Thanks to those that have volunteered to come in and help at 11:00-11:45. I can always use volunteers to listen to students read so if you are willing let me know and I will gladly have you!
I want to include a listening center as part of my literacy block. To do this, I am I am in need of portable CD players--the pre-Ipod era players. If you have one of these portable players, with headphones laying around ready to go to the DI please send it my direction instead.
Our math program now has a fact worksheet with nearly every lesson. I will give it to the students daily, and hope that they will finish both sides in class. If they don't finish both sides in class, I will have them bring it home for homework. Look for this along with their regular math homework.
I sent home our "Moon Bag" today for the first time. I showed this to you at our conference last week. Please help you child find the moon and draw it on the next page. Please remember to date the page. Also, if they can't see it you can have them draw what they see in the sky, or visit the internet for a better "picture". Please return the "Moon Bag" the following day so that another student can get the opportunity. If your child happens to bring the "Moon Bag" home on a Friday, you may have them draw the moon three times, or just once. I think this will be a fun month, full of excited "Moon Watchers"!
If you haven't sent an apple with your child yet, please do it by Tuesday, October 11. We are going to put in our witches eyes and teeth that day and start the "drying" process. Remember also, that we are going to the Pumpkin Patch this Thursday. If you haven't sent the $1.00 donation please do so no later than Thursday.
One last thing, I sent home the October Scholastic book orders today (Monday, October 10) with your child. The book orders will be due October 17. I have included a letter with the orders about online ordering. This is just another option on how to order books. You can still send the orders back with a check or cash the traditional way. If you order online, it is also due October 17. One book suggestion is: "Splat the Cat's Halloween".
Have a great Fall week and Happy Reading!
This week is Red Ribbon Week. I sent home a flier on Friday stating what the school will be doing each day. Each day the kids can "dress up" according to the theme. For example, Monday, October 10 is Crazy Socks Day. Look for the note if you haven't seen it yet, so that your child can participate if they want to.
I told some of you this at SEP conferences, but most I did not tell because I was not informed until Wednesday afternoon. We are going to discontinue our "Walk to Read" program on October 18. If your child goes to another teacher during our literacy block (9:00-10:30 daily, except Wednesday), they will now come to my class. If you help during that reading time with another teacher you will now come to my class. I will contact those of you that help out next week to explain how I will use you in my classroom. Thanks to those that have volunteered to come in and help at 11:00-11:45. I can always use volunteers to listen to students read so if you are willing let me know and I will gladly have you!
I want to include a listening center as part of my literacy block. To do this, I am I am in need of portable CD players--the pre-Ipod era players. If you have one of these portable players, with headphones laying around ready to go to the DI please send it my direction instead.
Our math program now has a fact worksheet with nearly every lesson. I will give it to the students daily, and hope that they will finish both sides in class. If they don't finish both sides in class, I will have them bring it home for homework. Look for this along with their regular math homework.
I sent home our "Moon Bag" today for the first time. I showed this to you at our conference last week. Please help you child find the moon and draw it on the next page. Please remember to date the page. Also, if they can't see it you can have them draw what they see in the sky, or visit the internet for a better "picture". Please return the "Moon Bag" the following day so that another student can get the opportunity. If your child happens to bring the "Moon Bag" home on a Friday, you may have them draw the moon three times, or just once. I think this will be a fun month, full of excited "Moon Watchers"!
If you haven't sent an apple with your child yet, please do it by Tuesday, October 11. We are going to put in our witches eyes and teeth that day and start the "drying" process. Remember also, that we are going to the Pumpkin Patch this Thursday. If you haven't sent the $1.00 donation please do so no later than Thursday.
One last thing, I sent home the October Scholastic book orders today (Monday, October 10) with your child. The book orders will be due October 17. I have included a letter with the orders about online ordering. This is just another option on how to order books. You can still send the orders back with a check or cash the traditional way. If you order online, it is also due October 17. One book suggestion is: "Splat the Cat's Halloween".
Have a great Fall week and Happy Reading!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Newsletter October 3-7
We had wonderful poetry performances on Friday. I was so pleased that many in my class decided to memorize their poems. This is a great way to increase oral reading expression and to show the students what it means to be a good audience. I have included a new poem in your child's notebook today. Please again help your child read this, and remember that memorizing the poem is totally optional. I do not want frustrated students, just happy readers! Please remember to return the folder each Friday, maybe just keeping the folder in their backpack will help--that way you won't forget to return it.
The September reading record (has apples on it) is now due. I have sent home a new October reading record (look for a paper with ghosts on it). Remember that I ask that your child read for 20 minutes, five times per week. This can include reading the poem, the decodeable books, a take-home library book, or sight word practice. These reading records are now worth 100 points.
Our class received the "traveling eagle" at the first assembly last week. That is for the class that Mr. Burton feels was the best behaved! I was super excited about that, and so were the kids. Congratulations to our September "Catch-the-Vision" winner--Luis Torres. Luis is a hard worker and a good class citizen. I love having him in my class.
We will not have our library time this week because of the Book Fair that is taking place. You can still return your child's books anytime. Next week (October 10-14), our library day will be different because the librarian has a training meeting on Thursday. I will let you know in my next blog post when our day will be.
We have an orchestra program for our 5th grade students. This year we have over 30 students. Mr. Burton asked us to announce that an orchestra volunteer would be greatly appreciated. If you have any experience in orchestra and would like to help out please let me know and I will pass your name onto the orchestra teacher.
Thanks in advance for making time for our SEP conferences. This is an invaluable experience and one I look forward to. Remember that school dismisses at 2:30 everyday, including Wednesday. Thanks for all that you do for your child.
Happy Reading!
The September reading record (has apples on it) is now due. I have sent home a new October reading record (look for a paper with ghosts on it). Remember that I ask that your child read for 20 minutes, five times per week. This can include reading the poem, the decodeable books, a take-home library book, or sight word practice. These reading records are now worth 100 points.
Our class received the "traveling eagle" at the first assembly last week. That is for the class that Mr. Burton feels was the best behaved! I was super excited about that, and so were the kids. Congratulations to our September "Catch-the-Vision" winner--Luis Torres. Luis is a hard worker and a good class citizen. I love having him in my class.
We will not have our library time this week because of the Book Fair that is taking place. You can still return your child's books anytime. Next week (October 10-14), our library day will be different because the librarian has a training meeting on Thursday. I will let you know in my next blog post when our day will be.
We have an orchestra program for our 5th grade students. This year we have over 30 students. Mr. Burton asked us to announce that an orchestra volunteer would be greatly appreciated. If you have any experience in orchestra and would like to help out please let me know and I will pass your name onto the orchestra teacher.
Thanks in advance for making time for our SEP conferences. This is an invaluable experience and one I look forward to. Remember that school dismisses at 2:30 everyday, including Wednesday. Thanks for all that you do for your child.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Newsletter September 26-30
I remembered to send your child's poetry folder home. In fact, I am placing it on their desks after I finish this post! Please read these poems with your child nightly and return the folder on Friday for our poetry performances. I mentioned last week that all of the children with the same poem will perform together as a group. Please encourage reading with expression. Memorizing the poem is optional, but those that memorize it can choose to perform it on their own after the group performances.
Next week, October 3-7 is SEP week. I can't believe that they are here already. I included in your child's folder today a notice of when their conference is scheduled. If you have a conflict with your scheduled time, please send me a note or e-mail and we can change it.
There are a couple of new items in your child's folder this week (besides the poetry journal). One is a list of sight words. Please practice these with your child and return the yellow slip of paper when they are ready to "pass off" the words in class. They should be able to read these words automatically, without much hesitation, and without trying to sound them out. I will send a new list, up to 11 lists, after you child passes one off. We, as first grade teachers, will include on our first quarter report card lists one and two. Practicing these sight words can be part of your 20 minutes of reading at night. Don't practice them for the whole 20 minutes though, just a few minutes each night. The other new item is the challenge words that are attached to the spelling list. I will be including these every week. I include them for all students because it's easier to load their folders that way, but if you feel that the regular spelling words are enough for your child, do not study these. These spelling words are bonus and the children that attempt them will get extra credit on their spelling tests each Friday.
Remember to have your child write their spelling words for homework and return the list along with the homework side of their math worksheet.
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Fall weather! Happy Reading!
Next week, October 3-7 is SEP week. I can't believe that they are here already. I included in your child's folder today a notice of when their conference is scheduled. If you have a conflict with your scheduled time, please send me a note or e-mail and we can change it.
There are a couple of new items in your child's folder this week (besides the poetry journal). One is a list of sight words. Please practice these with your child and return the yellow slip of paper when they are ready to "pass off" the words in class. They should be able to read these words automatically, without much hesitation, and without trying to sound them out. I will send a new list, up to 11 lists, after you child passes one off. We, as first grade teachers, will include on our first quarter report card lists one and two. Practicing these sight words can be part of your 20 minutes of reading at night. Don't practice them for the whole 20 minutes though, just a few minutes each night. The other new item is the challenge words that are attached to the spelling list. I will be including these every week. I include them for all students because it's easier to load their folders that way, but if you feel that the regular spelling words are enough for your child, do not study these. These spelling words are bonus and the children that attempt them will get extra credit on their spelling tests each Friday.
Remember to have your child write their spelling words for homework and return the list along with the homework side of their math worksheet.
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Fall weather! Happy Reading!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Newsletter September 19-23
Today we are starting three new homework items. I have started sending home math homework. It is side B of their math worksheet. Please check on the sidebar of this blog because some days we do not have math homework. The homework side of the math is pretty much identical to what we have done in class (different numbers or scenarios of course). Please help you child with this and return it the next day. I know we all get hectic and if for some reason you can't get the homework done, please send it in as soon as possible. It will be worth 5 points on your child's math grade. I have also included a spelling homework sheet. Please have your child write the spelling words and return it by Friday. Last week, the results of our spelling test were not as high as the previous three weeks, so I wanted to give some extra practice at home. I have also sent home your child's poetry journal. Please help your child read their poem (include this in their nightly reading) and return the folder on Friday for our Poetry Performances. Please encourage your child so read these poems with expression. I will have all of the students that have the same poem recite it together. Then, I will have any children that have memorized their poem recite it. Memorizing the poem is optional, but last year many of my students likes to the challenge of memorizing it and performing it on their own. I will send home this poetry journal every Monday, and it will be due every Friday.
Take-home books will now come home Monday-Friday. Please remember to initial on the slip by the book. I am excited that most of you are faithfully taking advantage of our take-home library books.
The fluoride rinse program will start this Wednesday morning. If you did not send in a permission slip for this program your child will not be asked to "swish" the fluoride. If you want your child to do this, please send in a permission note and I will let the SUU dental students know.
Remember that school pictures as this Wednesday, September 21. I sent home an envelope last week. If you don't choose to purchase a package your child's picture will still be taken.
Thanks for all of the help that you give your child at home. Happy Reading!
Take-home books will now come home Monday-Friday. Please remember to initial on the slip by the book. I am excited that most of you are faithfully taking advantage of our take-home library books.
The fluoride rinse program will start this Wednesday morning. If you did not send in a permission slip for this program your child will not be asked to "swish" the fluoride. If you want your child to do this, please send in a permission note and I will let the SUU dental students know.
Remember that school pictures as this Wednesday, September 21. I sent home an envelope last week. If you don't choose to purchase a package your child's picture will still be taken.
Thanks for all of the help that you give your child at home. Happy Reading!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Newsletter September 12-16
We started our first grade, "Walk to Read" groups today. This will take a few days to sort out, as the students will be traveling to different teachers. PLEASE make sure that your child is on time for school. It will be a big disruption if you child walks in late for reading groups and they will miss out on valuable instruction. Let me know if you have any questions about this and if you want to know where you child will be during the Literacy Block. I will talk to at SEP conferences the first week in October, but if you want to know earlier I would be happy to give you any needed details. Thanks to those parents that are helping with our "Walk to Read" program. If you would like to help out and haven't signed up, let me know. I could also use parent volunteers in my classroom on Wednesday mornings. That day we do not travel to read, we stay together in my classroom.
Last week, I mentioned that I would be sending home poems in your child's poetry journal this week. With reading groups starting, I did not get to them like I planned. I will definitely start sending home poems next Monday, September 19th. This is the day that math homework will start also.
On Tuesday, September 13th our Take-Home library books will start coming home (books in a bag), I have a few of you that haven't signed the permission slip for this program. I am including a new permission slip in your child's backpack today. Please sign this and return it as soon as possible so that your child can participate in this program.
New spellings words and decodeable books are in your child's backpack today. Thanks for studying the spelling words with your child and for having your child read the decodeable books nightly.
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
Last week, I mentioned that I would be sending home poems in your child's poetry journal this week. With reading groups starting, I did not get to them like I planned. I will definitely start sending home poems next Monday, September 19th. This is the day that math homework will start also.
On Tuesday, September 13th our Take-Home library books will start coming home (books in a bag), I have a few of you that haven't signed the permission slip for this program. I am including a new permission slip in your child's backpack today. Please sign this and return it as soon as possible so that your child can participate in this program.
New spellings words and decodeable books are in your child's backpack today. Thanks for studying the spelling words with your child and for having your child read the decodeable books nightly.
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Newsletter September 5-9
I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend. We are back to work. I hope that you saw in your child's homework folder, their new list of spelling words, decodeable books, and a new Reading Record for September. Please help your child study their spelling words at home, as this week of course is one day shorter. Remember too that August Reading Records are now due!
I have had a couple of recurring questions. One is about the decodeable books. Those are yours to keep. Please read those with your child nightly, as part of their 20 minutes of reading. It helps to cement the spelling concept that we are working on. This week is the short "i" sound. Another question is about the math homework. I didn't want to over burden you or your child with homework right at the beginning of school so I decided to wait to send home the math homework side of the worksheet. We have been doing both sides in class. Starting Monday, September 19th, I will be sending home the homework side of the math worksheet. This will be due the next day. Please refer to the sidebar on this blog and it will tell you about what we are learning in math as well as the homework schedule. Sometimes the lesson does not have homework with it or we are having a test. I try to, as much as possible schedule tests on Fridays so that your child will not have math homework over the weekend.
I was pleased again with the results of our second spelling test. I have been giving my students the list in the order that is on the sheet I send home. Starting this week, I will be giving the test words out of order and adding a dictation sentence. The dictation sentence will be worth bonus points for the next few weeks. I will let you know when I will make them part of the actual spelling test score and not just extra points. I want my students to be able to transfer these newly learned spelling words into their writing.
We go to the library every Thursday. First graders can check out two books. Students are not permitted to check out books if the previous books are not returned.
We have enjoyed having a new student, Kason Bulloch! He has fit in nicely with our class.
Happy Reading!! Remember that the Scholastic book orders are due, Tuesday September 6th.
I have had a couple of recurring questions. One is about the decodeable books. Those are yours to keep. Please read those with your child nightly, as part of their 20 minutes of reading. It helps to cement the spelling concept that we are working on. This week is the short "i" sound. Another question is about the math homework. I didn't want to over burden you or your child with homework right at the beginning of school so I decided to wait to send home the math homework side of the worksheet. We have been doing both sides in class. Starting Monday, September 19th, I will be sending home the homework side of the math worksheet. This will be due the next day. Please refer to the sidebar on this blog and it will tell you about what we are learning in math as well as the homework schedule. Sometimes the lesson does not have homework with it or we are having a test. I try to, as much as possible schedule tests on Fridays so that your child will not have math homework over the weekend.
I was pleased again with the results of our second spelling test. I have been giving my students the list in the order that is on the sheet I send home. Starting this week, I will be giving the test words out of order and adding a dictation sentence. The dictation sentence will be worth bonus points for the next few weeks. I will let you know when I will make them part of the actual spelling test score and not just extra points. I want my students to be able to transfer these newly learned spelling words into their writing.
We go to the library every Thursday. First graders can check out two books. Students are not permitted to check out books if the previous books are not returned.
We have enjoyed having a new student, Kason Bulloch! He has fit in nicely with our class.
Happy Reading!! Remember that the Scholastic book orders are due, Tuesday September 6th.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Newsletter August 29-September 2
Thanks to all of you that came to our First Grade Parents night. I hope that you left with an understanding of how we will be conducting our Literacy Block this year. If you have any questions regarding this, please ask away! We still need volunteers to help with the Literacy Block on Thursday and Friday mornings from 9:00-10:30. If you feel that you can help or possibly switch to one of those days, let me know that also. I will let you know when we will start needing you to come.
Today in your child's backpack, please look for a new spelling list, decodeable books, and several Scholastic book orders. I love books, so I will be sending those home each month. Of course, ordering books is optional, but it helps build our class library and your home library. There are always $1.00 books available. These book orders will be due, Tuesday, September 6. Make your checks payable to Scholastic.
Please make sure that your child is on time to school. School starts at 8:50 and we start working then. When our Literacy block officially begins we start right at 9:00 and if you child is late it will cause a disruption, especially since the children will possibly be moving to a different classroom.
I hope that you are reading with your child for 20 minutes five times per week. This one-on-one reading is invaluable. Remember that August's reading record (the paper with the sun pictures) is due on September 1. I was very pleased with the results of our first spelling test. Thanks for helping to study these words with your child at home.
I have a fun group of First Graders! I enjoy teaching them!
Have a nice Labor Day holiday and Happy Reading!
Today in your child's backpack, please look for a new spelling list, decodeable books, and several Scholastic book orders. I love books, so I will be sending those home each month. Of course, ordering books is optional, but it helps build our class library and your home library. There are always $1.00 books available. These book orders will be due, Tuesday, September 6. Make your checks payable to Scholastic.
Please make sure that your child is on time to school. School starts at 8:50 and we start working then. When our Literacy block officially begins we start right at 9:00 and if you child is late it will cause a disruption, especially since the children will possibly be moving to a different classroom.
I hope that you are reading with your child for 20 minutes five times per week. This one-on-one reading is invaluable. Remember that August's reading record (the paper with the sun pictures) is due on September 1. I was very pleased with the results of our first spelling test. Thanks for helping to study these words with your child at home.
I have a fun group of First Graders! I enjoy teaching them!
Have a nice Labor Day holiday and Happy Reading!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Newsletter August 22-26
Thanks for making the effort to come to Back to School Night. Our first two days of school were great! It gets easier for first graders to spend the whole day in school as the weeks progress. Thanks to those that have sent in supply donations and for signing up for morning snacks.
We are starting our first full week of school, please look in your child's homework folder, for their spelling list, decodable books, and August reading record. Remember that I ask that you read with your child for 20 minutes 5 times per week. Please include the decodable books in your nightly reading. After you read, have your child color in a "sun". The reading chart for August will be worth 50 points since it is a short month, after that the reading records will be worth 100 points. August's reading record will be due, Thursday, September 1st. Our spelling test will be on Friday.
I have also included a "Star of the Week" schedule. If you know now that your cannot be "Star of the Week" on their assigned week, please let me know and I can change it. I will remind you of your week the Friday before. The take-home librarian has included a note also, please read and sign and return the bottom portion.
Please plan on attending our First Grade Parents Night, this Tuesday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. We,as a first grade team, will be explaining how our Literacy block will be conducted for the upcoming year. Mrs. Allen our Reading Specialist will be there to explain the program and questions and comments can be addressed also at this time. Come and enjoy a slice of pizza with us. The meeting should last about one hour.
Mr. Burton wanted to me mention that we still need parent volunteers for our Community Council. If you are interested in helping out in this way please let the office know by September 12.
Make sure you scroll down the page so that you can see to the right , our daily math, calendar, and other important items that might interest you.
I really enjoy teaching first grade and am enjoying getting to know your kids! Please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Reading!
We are starting our first full week of school, please look in your child's homework folder, for their spelling list, decodable books, and August reading record. Remember that I ask that you read with your child for 20 minutes 5 times per week. Please include the decodable books in your nightly reading. After you read, have your child color in a "sun". The reading chart for August will be worth 50 points since it is a short month, after that the reading records will be worth 100 points. August's reading record will be due, Thursday, September 1st. Our spelling test will be on Friday.
I have also included a "Star of the Week" schedule. If you know now that your cannot be "Star of the Week" on their assigned week, please let me know and I can change it. I will remind you of your week the Friday before. The take-home librarian has included a note also, please read and sign and return the bottom portion.
Please plan on attending our First Grade Parents Night, this Tuesday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. We,as a first grade team, will be explaining how our Literacy block will be conducted for the upcoming year. Mrs. Allen our Reading Specialist will be there to explain the program and questions and comments can be addressed also at this time. Come and enjoy a slice of pizza with us. The meeting should last about one hour.
Mr. Burton wanted to me mention that we still need parent volunteers for our Community Council. If you are interested in helping out in this way please let the office know by September 12.
Make sure you scroll down the page so that you can see to the right , our daily math, calendar, and other important items that might interest you.
I really enjoy teaching first grade and am enjoying getting to know your kids! Please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Reading!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Welcome Back
I can't believe that it is time for school to begin already. I am excited again to teach a wonderful group of First graders! Back to School Night will be Tuesday, August 16, at 6:00 in my classroom (room #7), followed by a General PTA meeting in the gym at 6:30. I hope to see you there!! School starts at 8:50 on Thursday, August 15.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Newsletter May 23-27
This is obviously my last post of the year! I honestly can't believe that we have only four more days left of school. I have so enjoyed these kids and will miss them, but am excited at the progress they have made and am excited to see them next year as they pass by my room to go to second grade!!
Congratulations to James and Braxton!! They both have read 100 books (actually a few more). They along with Maverick, Kade, Zoe, Skylar, Gavin, Raimee, and Dallas will have their picture in the Iron County Today newspaper on June 1. I am proud of them and all of their hard work and reading.
Speaking of reading, we visited the library this morning and the Summer Reading Program sounds really fun. They children will receive a passport and can get "souvenirs" for reading a certain number of minutes. Please encourage your children to read over the summer. The summer reading program would be a fun incentive to get your child to read. If for some reason your child will not be here on the last day, please let me know so that I can get somebody to fill in for them and I can send their portfolio home earlier.
Have a wonderful summer!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with me!!
Congratulations to James and Braxton!! They both have read 100 books (actually a few more). They along with Maverick, Kade, Zoe, Skylar, Gavin, Raimee, and Dallas will have their picture in the Iron County Today newspaper on June 1. I am proud of them and all of their hard work and reading.
Speaking of reading, we visited the library this morning and the Summer Reading Program sounds really fun. They children will receive a passport and can get "souvenirs" for reading a certain number of minutes. Please encourage your children to read over the summer. The summer reading program would be a fun incentive to get your child to read. If for some reason your child will not be here on the last day, please let me know so that I can get somebody to fill in for them and I can send their portfolio home earlier.
Have a wonderful summer!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with me!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Newsletter May 16-20
This will be our last week of homework, nightly reading (that counts), and spelling. Please work until the end and help your child practice their spelling words and read nightly. If you practice the words make sure you pronounce "read" like: "I read my book yesterday." and "lead" like "pencil lead." Thanks! May Reading Records will be due this Friday, May 20th as well as any book lists towards our 100 book challenge. I will not accept work after, Monday, May 23rd. I will be printing out grades then.
Remember that we are going swimming this Friday morning for our Field Day. Have your child wear their swimming suit underneath their clothes and bring a towel and dry underclothing to change into afterwards. A plastic Wal-Mart bag would be helpful to put their wet suit and towel in.
We have two more Field Trips scheduled for the last week of school. On Monday, May 23rd in the morning, we will be walking over to the Cedar City Library. The children's librarian will give our students a tour and get them excited for the Summer Reading Program. We will then play at the park adjacent to the library and return back before lunch. On Thursday, May 26th, my aide in the afternoon is going to help me organize a "track meet". We will be playing outdoor games and then we will walk to Maverick's Tiki Shack for a shaved ice. I failed to mention on the permission slip that a 50 cent donation would be appreciated to help cover the cost of the shaved ice ingredients. Please sign and return the permission slips for both of these walking field trips as soon as you can. I cannot take students that do not have these permission slips signed.
I hope that you marked your calendar for our Reading Picnic on the last day of school. We will start at 1:00 and it shouldn't be more than an hour. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy watching your child "perform". We have been practicing our Reader's Theaters and are excited to share them with you. School will dismiss at 2:30 on the last day of school so you are welcome to take your child with you after our Reading Picnic.
Thanks for sending Flat Stanley. We had a great time today trying "Gecko poop" and receiving some western silly bands and polished rocks. Jonny's has traveled the farthest so far. His Flat Stanley made it all the way to West Babylon, New York.
This class is the best!! I have so enjoyed my first year of teaching with such wonderful, smart, and funny First Graders!!
Remember that we are going swimming this Friday morning for our Field Day. Have your child wear their swimming suit underneath their clothes and bring a towel and dry underclothing to change into afterwards. A plastic Wal-Mart bag would be helpful to put their wet suit and towel in.
We have two more Field Trips scheduled for the last week of school. On Monday, May 23rd in the morning, we will be walking over to the Cedar City Library. The children's librarian will give our students a tour and get them excited for the Summer Reading Program. We will then play at the park adjacent to the library and return back before lunch. On Thursday, May 26th, my aide in the afternoon is going to help me organize a "track meet". We will be playing outdoor games and then we will walk to Maverick's Tiki Shack for a shaved ice. I failed to mention on the permission slip that a 50 cent donation would be appreciated to help cover the cost of the shaved ice ingredients. Please sign and return the permission slips for both of these walking field trips as soon as you can. I cannot take students that do not have these permission slips signed.
I hope that you marked your calendar for our Reading Picnic on the last day of school. We will start at 1:00 and it shouldn't be more than an hour. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy watching your child "perform". We have been practicing our Reader's Theaters and are excited to share them with you. School will dismiss at 2:30 on the last day of school so you are welcome to take your child with you after our Reading Picnic.
Thanks for sending Flat Stanley. We had a great time today trying "Gecko poop" and receiving some western silly bands and polished rocks. Jonny's has traveled the farthest so far. His Flat Stanley made it all the way to West Babylon, New York.
This class is the best!! I have so enjoyed my first year of teaching with such wonderful, smart, and funny First Graders!!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Newsletter May 9-13
We had a great time learning about the life cycle of a chicken with our classroom chicks. We had a class vote, and named them Chloe and Fuzzy. I think I was almost as excited about them hatching as the children were.
We will be going to the Ladybug nursery tomorrow. As we were reminded today, Cedar City weather can be unpredictable. Watch the weather tomorrow and send a jacket with your child if necessary. I have not had any brave souls volunteer to come swimming with us on Friday, May 20th. We really need several parents to help out on that day. Please let me know if you plan on coming. Remember the cost for swimming is a $2.00 donation. If your child has a pass they can bring that instead.
Please continue to read with your child and to help them with their math homework. We are covering some topics in math at the end of the year that need to be reinforced at home. As I mentioned before, May reading records will be due on Friday May, 20th. I will also stop math homework then and we will not have spelling test during the last week of school. I will NOT accept late work after Monday, May 23rd. I need to get everything in the computer so that I can get report cards and final grades printed.
We have only had three Flat Stanley's come back. Thank you to those who spent an extra few minutes helping your child send these!!
Congratulations to Skylar, Maverick, Dallas and Gavin! They have all read 100 books. I am so impressed!! We still have two more weeks to reach this goal, I know some of my students have read at home, but I need to notes signed and returned to verify this.
Happy Reading!!
We will be going to the Ladybug nursery tomorrow. As we were reminded today, Cedar City weather can be unpredictable. Watch the weather tomorrow and send a jacket with your child if necessary. I have not had any brave souls volunteer to come swimming with us on Friday, May 20th. We really need several parents to help out on that day. Please let me know if you plan on coming. Remember the cost for swimming is a $2.00 donation. If your child has a pass they can bring that instead.
Please continue to read with your child and to help them with their math homework. We are covering some topics in math at the end of the year that need to be reinforced at home. As I mentioned before, May reading records will be due on Friday May, 20th. I will also stop math homework then and we will not have spelling test during the last week of school. I will NOT accept late work after Monday, May 23rd. I need to get everything in the computer so that I can get report cards and final grades printed.
We have only had three Flat Stanley's come back. Thank you to those who spent an extra few minutes helping your child send these!!
Congratulations to Skylar, Maverick, Dallas and Gavin! They have all read 100 books. I am so impressed!! We still have two more weeks to reach this goal, I know some of my students have read at home, but I need to notes signed and returned to verify this.
Happy Reading!!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Newsletter May 2-6
I can't believe that we are wrapping up our year and that on my calendar I now have the last day of school. We still have four more weeks left so please continue to work hard with your child up until the end of school, I know I will be!
Since we are wrapping up the year, there are a lot of notes in your child's folder today regarding this. The take-home librarian sent home a note and so did the lunchroom. Please make sure you look over these and help us get the books back to both the take-home library (books in a bag) and the regular library. The students will be able to check out books up until May 12th. All library books will be due for our class on Thursday, May 19th. Please help Mrs. Clark by getting your books back then.
I sent home a grade print out today. Please look it over and help your child turn in his or her missing assignments. If you have any questions about your child's grades please contact me. April Reading records are due now!! These are worth 100 points and will it significantly lower your child's percentage if you are not reading at home. The April record has raindrops on it. I sent home a May reading calendar today, those will be due on Friday, May 20th. I will also stop math homework on May 20th, and we will not have a spelling test on the last week of school. That way we can wrap things up and I can get report cards finished and sent out.
We have two field trips in May. On May, 10th we will be going to the Ladybug nursery in the morning. On May 20th, the first grade team has decided to go to the Aquatic Center for Field Day. I told my class today and of course they were so excited. The cost for swimming will be $2.00 per child. This is as always a donation. I will need about five parents to help that day and actually "swim" (yes, put on a swimming suit) with the children. If you can do that please let me know.
Remember to mark your calendars for the last day of school, May 27th. That is when we will have our first grade "Reading Picnic". If you signed up to help on the last day of school party, I will contact you and make a food assignment. The "picnic" will be at 1:00.
A big "hooray!" for Raimee and Ngalu. Raimee has read 100 books and Ngalu was the first one to bring back her Flat Stanley! He "visited" Concord California which is 770 miles away from Cedar City. Please help your child send their Flat Stanley if you haven't already.
Happy Reading!
Since we are wrapping up the year, there are a lot of notes in your child's folder today regarding this. The take-home librarian sent home a note and so did the lunchroom. Please make sure you look over these and help us get the books back to both the take-home library (books in a bag) and the regular library. The students will be able to check out books up until May 12th. All library books will be due for our class on Thursday, May 19th. Please help Mrs. Clark by getting your books back then.
I sent home a grade print out today. Please look it over and help your child turn in his or her missing assignments. If you have any questions about your child's grades please contact me. April Reading records are due now!! These are worth 100 points and will it significantly lower your child's percentage if you are not reading at home. The April record has raindrops on it. I sent home a May reading calendar today, those will be due on Friday, May 20th. I will also stop math homework on May 20th, and we will not have a spelling test on the last week of school. That way we can wrap things up and I can get report cards finished and sent out.
We have two field trips in May. On May, 10th we will be going to the Ladybug nursery in the morning. On May 20th, the first grade team has decided to go to the Aquatic Center for Field Day. I told my class today and of course they were so excited. The cost for swimming will be $2.00 per child. This is as always a donation. I will need about five parents to help that day and actually "swim" (yes, put on a swimming suit) with the children. If you can do that please let me know.
Remember to mark your calendars for the last day of school, May 27th. That is when we will have our first grade "Reading Picnic". If you signed up to help on the last day of school party, I will contact you and make a food assignment. The "picnic" will be at 1:00.
A big "hooray!" for Raimee and Ngalu. Raimee has read 100 books and Ngalu was the first one to bring back her Flat Stanley! He "visited" Concord California which is 770 miles away from Cedar City. Please help your child send their Flat Stanley if you haven't already.
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Newsletter April 25-30
I hope that you all had a great Easter Break! We all came back refreshed--we had a great day back. We are all especially excited to have Joselene back with us for the last five weeks of school.
Watch for a grade print out this Friday. I have some children that have not turned in their Reading Records, or are not turning in their math homework consistently and these two things really drop your child's grade percentage down. If you have any questions after receiving these, please again, don't hesitate to contact me.
I sent home book orders today. This will be your final chance to order books for the year. Those orders will be due next Friday, May 7. That way your order will be back before school gets out for the summer.
I hope that you have all sent your Flat Stanley. I sent that assignment home last week. If you have any questions please feel free to call, e-mail, or send a note. This is a fun activity, one that your child won't want to miss out on.
I am planning a "Reading Picnic" on the last day of school, May 27, at 1:00. We will have healthy snacks and you can watch your child perform a Reader's Theater and we'll have end of the year awards, and video presentation. Mark your calendars!!
Please continue to read nightly and send in book lists for our 100-Book Challenge. We have 20 days left to complete this goal. I will cut it off on May 20th, one week before school gets out so that I can get awards printed. I will present these awards at our Reading Picnic.
Teacher requests for next year will be due May 2. If you would like to make a request, you can pick the form up in the office, or it is also available on East Elementary's website under the parent/student link.
Scroll down and look at the pictures I posted from our Easter Egg Hunt. We have a great time and the Senior Citizens loved our performance. Many were clapping along as we sang. As always, Happy Reading!!
Watch for a grade print out this Friday. I have some children that have not turned in their Reading Records, or are not turning in their math homework consistently and these two things really drop your child's grade percentage down. If you have any questions after receiving these, please again, don't hesitate to contact me.
I sent home book orders today. This will be your final chance to order books for the year. Those orders will be due next Friday, May 7. That way your order will be back before school gets out for the summer.
I hope that you have all sent your Flat Stanley. I sent that assignment home last week. If you have any questions please feel free to call, e-mail, or send a note. This is a fun activity, one that your child won't want to miss out on.
I am planning a "Reading Picnic" on the last day of school, May 27, at 1:00. We will have healthy snacks and you can watch your child perform a Reader's Theater and we'll have end of the year awards, and video presentation. Mark your calendars!!
Please continue to read nightly and send in book lists for our 100-Book Challenge. We have 20 days left to complete this goal. I will cut it off on May 20th, one week before school gets out so that I can get awards printed. I will present these awards at our Reading Picnic.
Teacher requests for next year will be due May 2. If you would like to make a request, you can pick the form up in the office, or it is also available on East Elementary's website under the parent/student link.
Scroll down and look at the pictures I posted from our Easter Egg Hunt. We have a great time and the Senior Citizens loved our performance. Many were clapping along as we sang. As always, Happy Reading!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Newsletter April 18-19
We had a great time at Bard's Birthday last week. The weather was perfect and the kids enjoyed the activities and performances. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate for our Easter Egg hunt, picnic, and Senior citizen's center performance tomorrow. Remember if you signed up to bring your lunch from home if you signed up to do that. I only order enough lunches for those that signed up.
I sent home our Flat Stanley assignment today. It is all together in a manila envelope. Remember that school is over on May 27th so if you can send that out ASAP that would be great. When the Flat Stanley is returned to your child have them bring it back to school to share it's experiences. If you have any questions about the assignment please let me know and I will be happy to clarify anything.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter/Spring Break! I intentionally did not assign math homework for the break, but if you can squeeze in any reading minutes that would be great!!
I sent home our Flat Stanley assignment today. It is all together in a manila envelope. Remember that school is over on May 27th so if you can send that out ASAP that would be great. When the Flat Stanley is returned to your child have them bring it back to school to share it's experiences. If you have any questions about the assignment please let me know and I will be happy to clarify anything.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter/Spring Break! I intentionally did not assign math homework for the break, but if you can squeeze in any reading minutes that would be great!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Newsletter April 11-15
We have our Field Trip to BARD's Birthday Bash at SUU this Friday. Please watch the weather and have your child bring a jacket if necessary. We will be walking to SUU. We will leave after lunch and be back before 3:00.
I have received only 3 dozen eggs for our Easter Egg hunt. Remember that we will be going to Canyon Park, on Tuesday April 19th. While there we will have a picnic, and then sing at the Senior Citizen's Center adjacent to the park. After singing, we will have our first grade Easter egg hunt. I have asked for a donation of 12 plastic eggs filled with candy. If you would tape those eggs shut with scotch tape I would appreciate it, as they tend to open up during Easter egg hunts. Please have these eggs here by Friday April 15th.
I got a note in my box today about the Golden Sneaker award. I need to hand in the results by this Friday, April 15th. So far I have Zoe, Gavin, Kade, Brailyn, James and Dallas receiving the "Gold medal". Jonny is at the "Bronze medal" level. That is all I will have for my class. Please send in information about your child's physical activity by this Friday and I can add them to my list. If you don't have the calendars still, a note would be fine. Remember that each 15 minutes of activity counts for one point. To get the Gold medal your child needs to have at least 180 points.
I had several papers stapled together in your child's folder or backpack today. One of those is a coloring contest page. It is an Easter Bunny. Bulloch Drug will give your child a free ice cream cone if they turn it in by April 16th. They failed to mention that on the paper.
We have been learning about maps in our class. As part of that unit, we have read the book Flat Stanley. Next Monday, April 18, look for a Flat Stanley assignment. Start thinking about someone your child could send their "Flat Stanley" to visit. The assignment will give more information. I just wanted to give you a heads up and make sure you watched for it to come home.
Congratulations to Zoe!! She has read 100 books! She is the second student to become a member our 100-Book club! We have several students that are close behind her. Remember that I will recognize these children at our End-of-the-Year Party and hope to have their picture in the paper. Remember that every 25 books your child reads they will receive a book that I have purchased and a little treat. I loved that when Delilah chose a book she wanted to take it out to recess!! Keep reading! We have 31 school days left!
One last thing, I put April Scholastic book orders in your child's folder last week and I failed to mention a due date. I will collect those up until we get out for Easter break. If you would like to order please send it by Tuesday, April 19th.
I have received only 3 dozen eggs for our Easter Egg hunt. Remember that we will be going to Canyon Park, on Tuesday April 19th. While there we will have a picnic, and then sing at the Senior Citizen's Center adjacent to the park. After singing, we will have our first grade Easter egg hunt. I have asked for a donation of 12 plastic eggs filled with candy. If you would tape those eggs shut with scotch tape I would appreciate it, as they tend to open up during Easter egg hunts. Please have these eggs here by Friday April 15th.
I got a note in my box today about the Golden Sneaker award. I need to hand in the results by this Friday, April 15th. So far I have Zoe, Gavin, Kade, Brailyn, James and Dallas receiving the "Gold medal". Jonny is at the "Bronze medal" level. That is all I will have for my class. Please send in information about your child's physical activity by this Friday and I can add them to my list. If you don't have the calendars still, a note would be fine. Remember that each 15 minutes of activity counts for one point. To get the Gold medal your child needs to have at least 180 points.
I had several papers stapled together in your child's folder or backpack today. One of those is a coloring contest page. It is an Easter Bunny. Bulloch Drug will give your child a free ice cream cone if they turn it in by April 16th. They failed to mention that on the paper.
We have been learning about maps in our class. As part of that unit, we have read the book Flat Stanley. Next Monday, April 18, look for a Flat Stanley assignment. Start thinking about someone your child could send their "Flat Stanley" to visit. The assignment will give more information. I just wanted to give you a heads up and make sure you watched for it to come home.
Congratulations to Zoe!! She has read 100 books! She is the second student to become a member our 100-Book club! We have several students that are close behind her. Remember that I will recognize these children at our End-of-the-Year Party and hope to have their picture in the paper. Remember that every 25 books your child reads they will receive a book that I have purchased and a little treat. I loved that when Delilah chose a book she wanted to take it out to recess!! Keep reading! We have 31 school days left!
One last thing, I put April Scholastic book orders in your child's folder last week and I failed to mention a due date. I will collect those up until we get out for Easter break. If you would like to order please send it by Tuesday, April 19th.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Newsletter April 4-8
Please look in your child's backpack for the three permission slips that need to be signed. On Friday, April 15th, we are going to BARD's Birthday Bash at SUU in the afternoon. On Tuesday, April 19th, we are going to Canyon Park for a 1st grade picnic, Easter egg hunt, and singing at the Senior Citizen's Center. The pink paper is in regards to lunch on the day of the picnic. I need to give a count to the lunchroom ASAP! The paper says to turn it in by Monday, that is TODAY! Sorry, I did not get it from my box until Friday afternoon. Please sign and return that by tomorrow, Tuesday, April 5.
For the Easter Egg hunt we are asking for each child to donate one dozen, candy filled eggs. We have found in the past that these eggs easily open up, so please tape them with a piece of scotch tape. Please send these eggs by Friday, April 15th.
I gave your child a new poem for Poetry Performances this Friday. These performances especially help with reading expression, so practice at home is very important. You cannot read with expression if you do not know the words!
March reading records are now due. You will find an April Reading record in your child's folder or backpack. Remember that these records are worth 100 points. Your child should be reading for at least 20 minutes each night and they should be doing ALL of the reading now. I am thrilled that so many students are reading towards our 100-book challenge. I have several who are close to the goal.
If you haven't sent in Golden Sneaker activity logs yet, please do so now! I would love for all of my students to receive a "gold medal" at the final assembly. I am sure that most of my students are active for part of the day, it's just a matter of keeping track and sending that information to me. March was the last month for these logs so you will not see one for April in your child's folder.
Congratulations to Maverick!! He was the first grade Spelling Bee champion. I was so impressed by all of the terrific spellers.
Here is hoping that the weather will continue to warm up. Take a book outside to the park, on the trampoline, in a backyard tent or fort and read with your child! Happy Reading!
For the Easter Egg hunt we are asking for each child to donate one dozen, candy filled eggs. We have found in the past that these eggs easily open up, so please tape them with a piece of scotch tape. Please send these eggs by Friday, April 15th.
I gave your child a new poem for Poetry Performances this Friday. These performances especially help with reading expression, so practice at home is very important. You cannot read with expression if you do not know the words!
March reading records are now due. You will find an April Reading record in your child's folder or backpack. Remember that these records are worth 100 points. Your child should be reading for at least 20 minutes each night and they should be doing ALL of the reading now. I am thrilled that so many students are reading towards our 100-book challenge. I have several who are close to the goal.
If you haven't sent in Golden Sneaker activity logs yet, please do so now! I would love for all of my students to receive a "gold medal" at the final assembly. I am sure that most of my students are active for part of the day, it's just a matter of keeping track and sending that information to me. March was the last month for these logs so you will not see one for April in your child's folder.
Congratulations to Maverick!! He was the first grade Spelling Bee champion. I was so impressed by all of the terrific spellers.
Here is hoping that the weather will continue to warm up. Take a book outside to the park, on the trampoline, in a backyard tent or fort and read with your child! Happy Reading!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Newsletter March 28-April 1
Your child did not receive a new poem today for their poetry journals. We will not have poetry performances this Friday, but will have them again starting next week.
I will have your child's report card done by this Wednesday, March 30. Also, with the report card, I will print off their third quarter Power School report. I will not make many comments on their report cards this time, since we just had SEP conferences a couple of weeks ago. If you have any concerns though, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Next quarter, I will hopefully just send home the Power School report as their "report card". I have included a username and password for you child so that you can access Power School at your convenience anytime and look at your child's grades and missing assignments. Please check for missing assignments here. You will probably notice a decrease in math homework being returned to you because this. I will correct it of course, but I will not send it back home daily or weekly as I have been. If for some reason you want that back, I will send it with your child. Please let me know if I should save it.
The school-wide Spelling Bee has been changed to April 8. I will send more information home to those who it pertains to as I receive it.
We will have our final DIBELS testing the first week in May. That leaves about fours weeks of school until they are tested. I cannot stress enough how important it is to read at home with your child. Please continue to do this and practice the sight words and fry phrases as well.
I will have your child's report card done by this Wednesday, March 30. Also, with the report card, I will print off their third quarter Power School report. I will not make many comments on their report cards this time, since we just had SEP conferences a couple of weeks ago. If you have any concerns though, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Next quarter, I will hopefully just send home the Power School report as their "report card". I have included a username and password for you child so that you can access Power School at your convenience anytime and look at your child's grades and missing assignments. Please check for missing assignments here. You will probably notice a decrease in math homework being returned to you because this. I will correct it of course, but I will not send it back home daily or weekly as I have been. If for some reason you want that back, I will send it with your child. Please let me know if I should save it.
The school-wide Spelling Bee has been changed to April 8. I will send more information home to those who it pertains to as I receive it.
We will have our final DIBELS testing the first week in May. That leaves about fours weeks of school until they are tested. I cannot stress enough how important it is to read at home with your child. Please continue to do this and practice the sight words and fry phrases as well.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Newsletter March 21-25
We are going to the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at SUU this Thursday. We will leave here at 9:15 and return before lunch. Please look for the permission slip in your child's backpack today (it is on pink paper). We are asking for a $1.00 donation to cover the cost of the play. Please sign and return the permission slip by Wednesday.
Remember that the sign-up sheets for the Talent Show are due next Monday, March 28, in the office. There will be a practice on Tuesday, March 29 and a practice on Thursday March 30. The talent show will be held on Friday, April 1. The show for parents will be at 10:00 and for the students at 2:00 that day. The talent must only be 60 seconds!
This week I will be giving my students a written spelling test to choose "winners" that will compete in our grade level spelling bee. I sent home a list of words a few weeks ago. As a grade level, we will choose 20 randomly selected words from that list and test our students. Our classroom winners will then go on to compete with the other first grades to determine the two that will compete in our East Elementary Spelling Bee. Tentatively that Spelling Bee will be held on April 5. I will send more information home about the spelling bee as I receive it. If you would like another copy of the words let me know and I will send it home with your child.
Congratulations to Kade! He is the first student in our class that has read 100 books. Remember that you still have until May 20th to achieve this goal. I have kids tell me daily, I read books last night, I in turn tell them that they have to have a signed note by your stating the books that they have read. I can't just take their word for it. I good place to find books is the Scholastic Book order. Our March order will be due this Wednesday, March 23. The orders were sent home last Monday.
Remember to glance right for math homework, weekly reading, spelling words, and a schedule of events.
Remember that the sign-up sheets for the Talent Show are due next Monday, March 28, in the office. There will be a practice on Tuesday, March 29 and a practice on Thursday March 30. The talent show will be held on Friday, April 1. The show for parents will be at 10:00 and for the students at 2:00 that day. The talent must only be 60 seconds!
This week I will be giving my students a written spelling test to choose "winners" that will compete in our grade level spelling bee. I sent home a list of words a few weeks ago. As a grade level, we will choose 20 randomly selected words from that list and test our students. Our classroom winners will then go on to compete with the other first grades to determine the two that will compete in our East Elementary Spelling Bee. Tentatively that Spelling Bee will be held on April 5. I will send more information home about the spelling bee as I receive it. If you would like another copy of the words let me know and I will send it home with your child.
Congratulations to Kade! He is the first student in our class that has read 100 books. Remember that you still have until May 20th to achieve this goal. I have kids tell me daily, I read books last night, I in turn tell them that they have to have a signed note by your stating the books that they have read. I can't just take their word for it. I good place to find books is the Scholastic Book order. Our March order will be due this Wednesday, March 23. The orders were sent home last Monday.
Remember to glance right for math homework, weekly reading, spelling words, and a schedule of events.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Newsletter March 14-18
Thanks for meeting with me last week. It was great to talk to you about your wonderful child! Please continue to help your child at home as this is a great time for learning. Remember to include the sight words or Fry phrases in your nightly reading that I gave to you at your conference.
I really can't believe how fast this year is going. This Friday is the end of the third quarter. I will be getting grade-printouts and report cards ready for the week following this. If your child has any missing work please turn that in by this Friday, March 18th.
I have one February reading record without a name on it. I showed it to the class and it was not claimed. If you child does not have credit for February reading and you know that they did it, let me know and I will give the certificate and pizza coupon to the right child.
Remember that this is the last month for Golden Sneaker points. I have four children that will receive their gold medal and a few right behind them, but most will not receive an award at the end of the year. I have said before that I keep track of the time they spend here in PE, but need to have you send in the calendars so that I can track the rest. Every fifteen minutes of activity is one point.
I sent home March book orders in your child's folder or backpack today. There are some really great books there, I even saw the new Silverlicious book, and as always some are just $1.00. These book orders will be due on Wednesday, March 23.
Happy reading--keep sending in your child's lists for the 100-book challenge.
I really can't believe how fast this year is going. This Friday is the end of the third quarter. I will be getting grade-printouts and report cards ready for the week following this. If your child has any missing work please turn that in by this Friday, March 18th.
I have one February reading record without a name on it. I showed it to the class and it was not claimed. If you child does not have credit for February reading and you know that they did it, let me know and I will give the certificate and pizza coupon to the right child.
Remember that this is the last month for Golden Sneaker points. I have four children that will receive their gold medal and a few right behind them, but most will not receive an award at the end of the year. I have said before that I keep track of the time they spend here in PE, but need to have you send in the calendars so that I can track the rest. Every fifteen minutes of activity is one point.
I sent home March book orders in your child's folder or backpack today. There are some really great books there, I even saw the new Silverlicious book, and as always some are just $1.00. These book orders will be due on Wednesday, March 23.
Happy reading--keep sending in your child's lists for the 100-book challenge.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Newsletter March 7-11
This week I hope to see all of you and talk to you about your wonderful child. Because of this, my post this week will not be very lengthy. Please check this blog weekly for important information. I will send home a reminder to read this blog, rather than a signature for points.
We were pleasantly surprised to have music today. I thought due to SEP's that we would not have that today so your child might have a few problems to complete on side A of their homework tonight. We did lesson 93 today so look for that when you are helping with the homework side.
Tomorrow we are heading to CVHS for the Utah Symphony performance. First graders love field trips and I think this will be a very good cultural experience for our class.
Please keep reading towards the 100-book challenge and include the sight words or Fry phrases that I gave you during our conference time.
Make sure you glance to the right and check out our schedule of events, spelling words, math homework assignments, and reading schedule for the week.
This is the last week to collect box tops for a pizza party provided by SUU. The young men will be here Friday to pick up any more box tops that we have. If you have any box tops please send them in by Friday. Thanks for meeting with me this week.
We were pleasantly surprised to have music today. I thought due to SEP's that we would not have that today so your child might have a few problems to complete on side A of their homework tonight. We did lesson 93 today so look for that when you are helping with the homework side.
Tomorrow we are heading to CVHS for the Utah Symphony performance. First graders love field trips and I think this will be a very good cultural experience for our class.
Please keep reading towards the 100-book challenge and include the sight words or Fry phrases that I gave you during our conference time.
Make sure you glance to the right and check out our schedule of events, spelling words, math homework assignments, and reading schedule for the week.
This is the last week to collect box tops for a pizza party provided by SUU. The young men will be here Friday to pick up any more box tops that we have. If you have any box tops please send them in by Friday. Thanks for meeting with me this week.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Newsletter February 28-March 4
Enclosed in your child's homework folder or backpack today is a form with your child's SEP scheduled time. Please review it and sign the form and return it as soon as possible. This way I can be sure to reschedule your time if you are unable to make it. SEP week is March 7-11. School will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m. everyday that week (even on Wednesday). The Book Fair will be open everyday that week.
Also enclosed is a permission slip to Canyon View High School to see the Utah Symphony. Please sign and return that form. Please note that the date of our Grandparents Lunch will change to Wednesday, March 9 at 11:30 because of this fieldtrip. I have included a March Reading record and the March Golden Sneaker Calendar. The reading records for February are now due. This is the last month to record time for the Golden Sneaker Award. I need to have you log minutes, I can't take your child's word on it. Some of my students already have enough points for the "Gold medal". I keep track of all of the time they spend in PE, but that is not enough to receive the award.
Last week I sent home an application for your child to participate in our Science Fair. This is a fun learning experience and the students enjoy displaying their projects for the whole school to see. Today I sent home information about our school Spelling Bee. I have some terrific scientists and spellers in my classroom and these would be wonderful opportunities for learning.
Please look for the sheet about our first grade basket. This basket will be auctioned off the night of the Spring PTA/Science Fair/Art Show. If you would like to donate items for the basket, we have a box in our classroom to put them in. The first grade theme for our basket is "Art and Crafts".
Our 100-book challenge is well underway. Please continue to read with your child every night and to send me a note with the books that they have read. Thanks for helping most nights with your child's math homework. This extra one-on-one help in math is invaluable. Some of the concepts we are now covering (time to the 1/2 hour and doubles plus one facts) are getting a bit harder, and the extra help at home will help to cement the concept. If your child tells you that they don't have homework, please check this blog, because I have posted which nights we will not have homework, sometimes that changes, but for the most part it is accurate.
I look forward to meeting with you next week. As always, HAPPY READING!!!
Also enclosed is a permission slip to Canyon View High School to see the Utah Symphony. Please sign and return that form. Please note that the date of our Grandparents Lunch will change to Wednesday, March 9 at 11:30 because of this fieldtrip. I have included a March Reading record and the March Golden Sneaker Calendar. The reading records for February are now due. This is the last month to record time for the Golden Sneaker Award. I need to have you log minutes, I can't take your child's word on it. Some of my students already have enough points for the "Gold medal". I keep track of all of the time they spend in PE, but that is not enough to receive the award.
Last week I sent home an application for your child to participate in our Science Fair. This is a fun learning experience and the students enjoy displaying their projects for the whole school to see. Today I sent home information about our school Spelling Bee. I have some terrific scientists and spellers in my classroom and these would be wonderful opportunities for learning.
Please look for the sheet about our first grade basket. This basket will be auctioned off the night of the Spring PTA/Science Fair/Art Show. If you would like to donate items for the basket, we have a box in our classroom to put them in. The first grade theme for our basket is "Art and Crafts".
Our 100-book challenge is well underway. Please continue to read with your child every night and to send me a note with the books that they have read. Thanks for helping most nights with your child's math homework. This extra one-on-one help in math is invaluable. Some of the concepts we are now covering (time to the 1/2 hour and doubles plus one facts) are getting a bit harder, and the extra help at home will help to cement the concept. If your child tells you that they don't have homework, please check this blog, because I have posted which nights we will not have homework, sometimes that changes, but for the most part it is accurate.
I look forward to meeting with you next week. As always, HAPPY READING!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Newsletter February 22-25
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! This is a short week, so please remember to study the spelling words, dolch words and practice the new poem with your child.
I have some excited readers in my class. If you haven't read the note about our 100-Book Challenge please look for it in your child's backpack. I sent it out last Monday, February 14. Remember that it will take some effort on your part for your child to accomplish this goal, but it is definitely not impossible! You can send lists of books read on the little sheet that I gave you, or just send me a note with the list of books your child has read. Remember that their take-home library book counts, as well as the decodeable books that I send home weekly.
SEP week is March 7-11. I will send home an appointment time next Monday. This is a great time for us to discuss you child's progress and also to discuss ways we can improve your child's school performance and experience.
This is a great period of learning, thanks for all that you do at home to help your child.
I have some excited readers in my class. If you haven't read the note about our 100-Book Challenge please look for it in your child's backpack. I sent it out last Monday, February 14. Remember that it will take some effort on your part for your child to accomplish this goal, but it is definitely not impossible! You can send lists of books read on the little sheet that I gave you, or just send me a note with the list of books your child has read. Remember that their take-home library book counts, as well as the decodeable books that I send home weekly.
SEP week is March 7-11. I will send home an appointment time next Monday. This is a great time for us to discuss you child's progress and also to discuss ways we can improve your child's school performance and experience.
This is a great period of learning, thanks for all that you do at home to help your child.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Newsletter February 14-18
We had a fun, sugar-filled Valentine's Day! Thanks to those who helped with our party. Thanks also, to those who sent items to decorate our Valentine's Day cans.
There is a lot of things in your child's folder or backpack today. Please sort through and find the note describing our 100-Book Challenge. I challenged my students to read 100 books by May 20. The note gives details about the challenge and lets you know how I will record their reading. The books should be read to you, they should be read quite perfectly (not too hard or too easy) and can only count one time. I think this challenge will really motivate my students to read. Please help them with this at home!
I did not get a new poem sent home today, so please look for it on Tuesday. I still have many students who come on Friday without their poetry journal and some have their journal that has not been removed from their backpacks and they haven't practiced at all. Please practice at home so that they are comfortable enough with the text that they can read it with some expression.
If your child does not have a homework folder please let me know and I can get them a new one. These folders really cut down on the mess in their backpacks and lets me get important information to you in an organized fashion.
Starting in March, I will be adding one more sentence on the spelling test. This will not count as bonus points, but will be part of the test. The reason that we teach spelling is so that they can transfer the list of words to their writing. If your child frequently misses things on the sentence portion of the test, it might be a helpful to practice at home with them as you study the words. I will start now adding the second, but it will be bonus until the first week in March.
Thanks for visiting our blog! As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Happy Reading!!
There is a lot of things in your child's folder or backpack today. Please sort through and find the note describing our 100-Book Challenge. I challenged my students to read 100 books by May 20. The note gives details about the challenge and lets you know how I will record their reading. The books should be read to you, they should be read quite perfectly (not too hard or too easy) and can only count one time. I think this challenge will really motivate my students to read. Please help them with this at home!
I did not get a new poem sent home today, so please look for it on Tuesday. I still have many students who come on Friday without their poetry journal and some have their journal that has not been removed from their backpacks and they haven't practiced at all. Please practice at home so that they are comfortable enough with the text that they can read it with some expression.
If your child does not have a homework folder please let me know and I can get them a new one. These folders really cut down on the mess in their backpacks and lets me get important information to you in an organized fashion.
Starting in March, I will be adding one more sentence on the spelling test. This will not count as bonus points, but will be part of the test. The reason that we teach spelling is so that they can transfer the list of words to their writing. If your child frequently misses things on the sentence portion of the test, it might be a helpful to practice at home with them as you study the words. I will start now adding the second, but it will be bonus until the first week in March.
Thanks for visiting our blog! As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Happy Reading!!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Newsletter February 7-11
Today I sent home a list of the students in our classroom to help with your Valentine cards. Remember that you must give a Valentine to every member of our class if you choose to do so. There are 23 children in our class. We will be decorating our cans to put the Valentines in this Friday. Thanks for those that have donated items to help decorate these cans. You do not need to send cans, but rather items that can help decorate them. Items like foam hearts, doilies, stickers, ribbon etc. Of course, this is voluntary, but anything would be appreciated. Please send any decorating items by Thursday. We will be having our Valentine's Day Party on Monday, February 14 at 2:00. Please have your child bring their cards that day for delivery.
Also, in your child's backpack is a residency questionnaire, and a flier on the "Dinosaur" display and music. Our class has compiled a book of dinosaurs for display. The books will be on display at the Heritage Center at 1:00. Look over the flier if you are interested in attending the event. Send the residency questionnaire back with your child.
Mr. Burton has asked that I inform you of Kindergarten registration. East Elementary will be holding it's Kindergarten registration on March 15 starting at 11:00. If you have a child that will be in Kindergarten next year, or know of anyone please let them know.
Thanks for reading with your child. I was pleased that we had more students turn in their reading records for January. This is the time of year that reading really takes off, please don't halt their progression by failing to read with them at home. Now your child should be reading to you for the 20 minutes not the other way around.
If your child receives "Challenge words" as part of their spelling test, they will not be receiving any this week. Last week I took the challenge words out of the wrong folder. I did not catch this until it was too late to send them home. They actually did really well considering they did not study them at all.
We've had a fun day! Ask your child about tasting pickled beets (I promised them a taste last week when one of our spelling words was beet) and the commutative property of addition.
Calendar items:
February 7-11: Ngalu is Star of the Week
February 10: Orchestra of Southern Utah Assembly
February 11: Celebrate McKenzie's Birthday
February 14-18: Braxton is Star of the Week
February 14: Valentine's Day Party at 2:00
February 18: Celebrate Gavin's birthday
February 21: President's Day Holiday
February 22-25: Maverick is Star of the Week
February 22: Celebrate Braxton's birthday (Feb. 20)
February 28-March4: Raimee is Star of the Week
March 15: Kindergarten registration 11:00-3:00
Also, in your child's backpack is a residency questionnaire, and a flier on the "Dinosaur" display and music. Our class has compiled a book of dinosaurs for display. The books will be on display at the Heritage Center at 1:00. Look over the flier if you are interested in attending the event. Send the residency questionnaire back with your child.
Mr. Burton has asked that I inform you of Kindergarten registration. East Elementary will be holding it's Kindergarten registration on March 15 starting at 11:00. If you have a child that will be in Kindergarten next year, or know of anyone please let them know.
Thanks for reading with your child. I was pleased that we had more students turn in their reading records for January. This is the time of year that reading really takes off, please don't halt their progression by failing to read with them at home. Now your child should be reading to you for the 20 minutes not the other way around.
If your child receives "Challenge words" as part of their spelling test, they will not be receiving any this week. Last week I took the challenge words out of the wrong folder. I did not catch this until it was too late to send them home. They actually did really well considering they did not study them at all.
We've had a fun day! Ask your child about tasting pickled beets (I promised them a taste last week when one of our spelling words was beet) and the commutative property of addition.
Calendar items:
February 7-11: Ngalu is Star of the Week
February 10: Orchestra of Southern Utah Assembly
February 11: Celebrate McKenzie's Birthday
February 14-18: Braxton is Star of the Week
February 14: Valentine's Day Party at 2:00
February 18: Celebrate Gavin's birthday
February 21: President's Day Holiday
February 22-25: Maverick is Star of the Week
February 22: Celebrate Braxton's birthday (Feb. 20)
February 28-March4: Raimee is Star of the Week
March 15: Kindergarten registration 11:00-3:00
Monday, January 31, 2011
Newsletter January 31-February 3
We had a great 100th day of school today. I loved all of the creative items and clues that my students brought. We had chocolate chips, raisins, pieces of paper, candy of all types, sunflower seeds, and even soda pop tops. Thanks for helping with this assignment at home.
Thanks to all of those who stopped by for Curriculum Night. Our Reader's Theater was a hit! We have performed it several times since then as word has gotten out. Today we visited Mr. Quarnberg's fourth grade class and his students explained the water cycle to groups of my students. His class is just finishing up with their Water Cycle Unit. It was great to see the fourth graders teach my first graders. We then went and performed our Reader's Theater for Mrs. Campbell's class. I sent home their Water Drop hats today, because I think we are finished with our performance. It's kind of nice being famous!
Today look for new spelling words, Dolch words, decodable books, a new poem, and a February book order. That book order will be due on Wednesday, February 16. Please continue to study the sight (Dolch) words with your child and to study the spelling words. I have had some of you mention that the decodable books are a little bit difficult for your child, if this is the case, please read it with them and point out the words that follow the spelling pattern. This week we are concentrating on the long /e/ sound. I sent home three books, because the long /e/ can be heard in words like me or be, and in the vowel combinations /ee/ or /ea/.
Last week I mentioned that for Valentine's Day we will be decorating cans for our cards. If you could send items to help decorate these cans I would greatly appreciate it. Ideas could be stickers, foam hearts, doilies, old Valentine's cards etc. I will send home a list of our students so that you can start purchasing cards. If you choose to purchase cards you must give one to each child.
Keep reading every night with your child. It really does help! Have a great day.
Calender items:
January 31-February 3: Exmer/Dallas are Stars of the Week
February 7-11: Ngalu is Star of the Week
February 10: Orchestra of Southern Utah Assembly at 9:30
February 11: Celebrate McKenzie's Birthday
February 14-18: Braxton is Star of the Week
February 14: Valentine's Day Party at 2:00
February 15: Weatherman Assembly at 9:30
February 18: Celebrate Gavin's Birthday
February 21: President's Day Holiday
February 28-March 4: Raimee is Star of the Week
February 22: Celebrate Braxton's Birthday (Feb. 20)
February 22-25: Maverick is Star of the Week
Thanks to all of those who stopped by for Curriculum Night. Our Reader's Theater was a hit! We have performed it several times since then as word has gotten out. Today we visited Mr. Quarnberg's fourth grade class and his students explained the water cycle to groups of my students. His class is just finishing up with their Water Cycle Unit. It was great to see the fourth graders teach my first graders. We then went and performed our Reader's Theater for Mrs. Campbell's class. I sent home their Water Drop hats today, because I think we are finished with our performance. It's kind of nice being famous!
Today look for new spelling words, Dolch words, decodable books, a new poem, and a February book order. That book order will be due on Wednesday, February 16. Please continue to study the sight (Dolch) words with your child and to study the spelling words. I have had some of you mention that the decodable books are a little bit difficult for your child, if this is the case, please read it with them and point out the words that follow the spelling pattern. This week we are concentrating on the long /e/ sound. I sent home three books, because the long /e/ can be heard in words like me or be, and in the vowel combinations /ee/ or /ea/.
Last week I mentioned that for Valentine's Day we will be decorating cans for our cards. If you could send items to help decorate these cans I would greatly appreciate it. Ideas could be stickers, foam hearts, doilies, old Valentine's cards etc. I will send home a list of our students so that you can start purchasing cards. If you choose to purchase cards you must give one to each child.
Keep reading every night with your child. It really does help! Have a great day.
Calender items:
January 31-February 3: Exmer/Dallas are Stars of the Week
February 7-11: Ngalu is Star of the Week
February 10: Orchestra of Southern Utah Assembly at 9:30
February 11: Celebrate McKenzie's Birthday
February 14-18: Braxton is Star of the Week
February 14: Valentine's Day Party at 2:00
February 15: Weatherman Assembly at 9:30
February 18: Celebrate Gavin's Birthday
February 21: President's Day Holiday
February 28-March 4: Raimee is Star of the Week
February 22: Celebrate Braxton's Birthday (Feb. 20)
February 22-25: Maverick is Star of the Week
Monday, January 24, 2011
Newsletter January 24-28
Remember that this Thursday, January 27 at 6:00 is our school-wide Curriculum and Multicultural Night. Please be here right at 6:00 in our classroom so that we can perform our Water Cycle Reader's Theater. We have been working hard on this and the kids are excited to perform it for you. I want to do it right at 6:00 so that you can visit other classrooms and also participate in the Multicultural exhibits in the gym and lunchroom.
Today I included a 100-day Celebration note with your child's spelling words, Dolch words, and decodeable books. Please read this note and help your child complete the assignment by Monday, January 31. The brown paper bag is to put your bottle in and the envelope can be used for the clues. This is a homework project, but if you have any questions about it please let me know. I have several fun things planned for our 100th day of school, but I think this will be the highlight so please help your child.
I will be sending home report cards and a grade printout of the second quarter on Tuesday. You may have some confusion about the DIBELS test score report. I will try and explain the scoring now, but if you have any questions about it please again don't hesitate to contact me. The students were given a list of nonsense words so the first score (phoneme segmentation) is how many sounds they were able to generate correctly. The second score (nonsense words) is how many whole nonsense words they read accurately. The third score (oral reading) is how many words they could read in one minute. The students were given three passages and timed for one-minute each. An average was then taken to give them an oral reading score. At this time, they should be reading 23 words per minute to be considered at benchmark or grade level. The score at the bottom of the oral reading was their accuracy rate when reading those passages.
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. We will be decorating a can to put our Valentines in. If you have anything that could help decorate these cans please send them with your child anytime before February 12. Things you could bring would be: stickers, foam hearts, doilies, old Valentine cards etc. Thanks so much! I will contact those who signed up to help with our class party shortly.
I look forward to Curriculum Night and getting to visit with you and your child.
Calender items:
January 24-28: Dallas is "Star of the Week"
January 27: Curriculum and Multicultural Night at 6:00 p.m. Reader's Theater Performance!!
January 28: Flag Ceremony Assembly at 2:00 and James' Birthday
January 31-February 4: Exmer is "Star of the Week"
Today I included a 100-day Celebration note with your child's spelling words, Dolch words, and decodeable books. Please read this note and help your child complete the assignment by Monday, January 31. The brown paper bag is to put your bottle in and the envelope can be used for the clues. This is a homework project, but if you have any questions about it please let me know. I have several fun things planned for our 100th day of school, but I think this will be the highlight so please help your child.
I will be sending home report cards and a grade printout of the second quarter on Tuesday. You may have some confusion about the DIBELS test score report. I will try and explain the scoring now, but if you have any questions about it please again don't hesitate to contact me. The students were given a list of nonsense words so the first score (phoneme segmentation) is how many sounds they were able to generate correctly. The second score (nonsense words) is how many whole nonsense words they read accurately. The third score (oral reading) is how many words they could read in one minute. The students were given three passages and timed for one-minute each. An average was then taken to give them an oral reading score. At this time, they should be reading 23 words per minute to be considered at benchmark or grade level. The score at the bottom of the oral reading was their accuracy rate when reading those passages.
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. We will be decorating a can to put our Valentines in. If you have anything that could help decorate these cans please send them with your child anytime before February 12. Things you could bring would be: stickers, foam hearts, doilies, old Valentine cards etc. Thanks so much! I will contact those who signed up to help with our class party shortly.
I look forward to Curriculum Night and getting to visit with you and your child.
Calender items:
January 24-28: Dallas is "Star of the Week"
January 27: Curriculum and Multicultural Night at 6:00 p.m. Reader's Theater Performance!!
January 28: Flag Ceremony Assembly at 2:00 and James' Birthday
January 31-February 4: Exmer is "Star of the Week"
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Newsletter January 18-21
I hope you all had a nice Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. One of my smart first graders said last week that "we are Martin Luther King's dream"! I thought that was so wonderful!
Look for new spelling words, Dolch words, decodeable books and a new poem in your child's backpack. Also, if you haven't seen your child's Reader's Theater part please look for that and help them memorize their part. It would also be helpful to cue them as to when they speak--say the part before theirs so that they know when to come in. We are practicing this daily in class, but any help at home would be great. Remember that we will be performing this for Curriculum Night on Thursday, January 27th at promptly 6:00.
In math this week we will be starting a "classroom store". If you have any empty boxes, empty cans, or plastic containers please send them to school with your child by THIS FRIDAY, January 21. Suggestions for this would be empty cereal boxes, empty vegetable or fruit cans, empty two-liter soda containers etc.
Some of my students have been finishing the homework side of the math worksheet in class. I encourage this if they are quick to finish the first side, but I have noticed that a lot of them do not do it correctly or leave things out. I am going to have these students (those that "finish" the homework side in class) bring it home so that you can check over it.
Most of my students have completed the DIBELS test, I am still doing a bit of assessing in class so that I can get report cards out. Expect a report card and grade print out early next week. Please continue to read with your child nightly and help them complete their math homework, as this is a big part of their grade and more importantly the one-on-one attention is invaluable.
I am so enjoying this spring-like weather. I am especially enjoying teaching my great first graders about the Water Cycle. They are so smart! I keep telling them that they could be in a "college" science class. Ask them what they have learned.
Thanks for all of your help. I could still use some more reading helpers in the morning from 9:00-10:30. If you can help I am sure your child would love it. Let me know if you can volunteer your time.
One last thing, I am extending the deadline for our January book order to this Friday, January 21. Extra books would be helpful when we start our 100 Book Challenge. You can even find books that are just $1.00.
Calendar items:
January 18-24: Jesse is "Star of the Week"
January 19: Skylar's 1/2 Birthday
January 24-28: Dallas is "Star of the Week"
January 27: Curriculum Night 6:00 p.m. Reader's Theater Performance
January 28: Assembly at 2:00 and Celebrate James' Birthday
Look for new spelling words, Dolch words, decodeable books and a new poem in your child's backpack. Also, if you haven't seen your child's Reader's Theater part please look for that and help them memorize their part. It would also be helpful to cue them as to when they speak--say the part before theirs so that they know when to come in. We are practicing this daily in class, but any help at home would be great. Remember that we will be performing this for Curriculum Night on Thursday, January 27th at promptly 6:00.
In math this week we will be starting a "classroom store". If you have any empty boxes, empty cans, or plastic containers please send them to school with your child by THIS FRIDAY, January 21. Suggestions for this would be empty cereal boxes, empty vegetable or fruit cans, empty two-liter soda containers etc.
Some of my students have been finishing the homework side of the math worksheet in class. I encourage this if they are quick to finish the first side, but I have noticed that a lot of them do not do it correctly or leave things out. I am going to have these students (those that "finish" the homework side in class) bring it home so that you can check over it.
Most of my students have completed the DIBELS test, I am still doing a bit of assessing in class so that I can get report cards out. Expect a report card and grade print out early next week. Please continue to read with your child nightly and help them complete their math homework, as this is a big part of their grade and more importantly the one-on-one attention is invaluable.
I am so enjoying this spring-like weather. I am especially enjoying teaching my great first graders about the Water Cycle. They are so smart! I keep telling them that they could be in a "college" science class. Ask them what they have learned.
Thanks for all of your help. I could still use some more reading helpers in the morning from 9:00-10:30. If you can help I am sure your child would love it. Let me know if you can volunteer your time.
One last thing, I am extending the deadline for our January book order to this Friday, January 21. Extra books would be helpful when we start our 100 Book Challenge. You can even find books that are just $1.00.
Calendar items:
January 18-24: Jesse is "Star of the Week"
January 19: Skylar's 1/2 Birthday
January 24-28: Dallas is "Star of the Week"
January 27: Curriculum Night 6:00 p.m. Reader's Theater Performance
January 28: Assembly at 2:00 and Celebrate James' Birthday
Monday, January 10, 2011
Newsletter January 10-14
This Friday is the end of our second quarter. I can't believe that we are half-way through the school year already. I have noticed some significant improvement with my students and their reading abilities. I am excited to see the growth that they will make throughout the remainder of the year.
Today in your child's backpack, please look for new spelling words, Dolch words, three decodeable books, a new poem in their poetry journal, and Scholastic book orders. I included three books this time because our spelling pattern this week is "r-controlled" vowels. These sounds are the same, but sometimes it is /ir/, /er/, or /ur/ that makes the sound. Reading these books will help your child to remember which combination to use in their spelling. Please practice the spelling words with your child. You could have them write them a few times, spell them orally, and especially use them in a sentence. I will continue to include a sentence as part of their spelling test, eventually I will include two or three. The book orders will be due Wednesday, January 19.
Curriculum Night will be Thursday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. This is a night where we showcase some of the curriculum that we are learning in class. We have started learning about the Water Cycle in science and for Curriculum Night our class will be performing a Reader's Theater about the Water Cycle. We will perform our Reader's Theater at promptly 6:00. I will send home your child's part next week so that you can help them memorize it (it will be a one sentence line). Watch also next week for a note about our 100 Books Challenge!
I have had only about 1/3 of my class turn in their December Reading Record. Remember that this is now worth 100 points. I hope this is because you have just forgotten. If you have lost the Reading Record you can just send me a note letting me know how much your child read over December. I give a certificate with a free mini-pizza coupon attached to it and your child gets to pick out of my treat bucket.
If any of you would like to come and help with reading in the morning I would greatly appreciate it. We have reading groups everyday from 9:00-10:30, except for Wednesday. Let me know or just drop in and I'll put you to work!
Remember to have your child read the new poem in their journals so that they will be prepared to perform it on Friday. Last week, I had a few children who could not perform because they forgot their journal and could not recall which new poem they had. Remember also that we have library on Thursday.
I am so lucky to have such a great group of first graders. They keep me smiling! Scroll down and check out some photographs of our December fun.
Calendar Items:
January 10-14: Jonny is "Star of the Week"
January 11: Ballet West at 10:30 a.m.
January 13: DIBELS test
January 14: End of 2nd Quarter
January 17: MLK Day Holiday
January 18-21: Jesse is "Star of the Week"
January 19: Book orders due and celebrate Skylar's 1/2 Birthday
January 24-28: Dallas is "Star of the Week"
January 27: Curriculum Night at 6:00 p.m.
January 28: Flag Ceremony at 2:00 and celebrate James' Birthday
Today in your child's backpack, please look for new spelling words, Dolch words, three decodeable books, a new poem in their poetry journal, and Scholastic book orders. I included three books this time because our spelling pattern this week is "r-controlled" vowels. These sounds are the same, but sometimes it is /ir/, /er/, or /ur/ that makes the sound. Reading these books will help your child to remember which combination to use in their spelling. Please practice the spelling words with your child. You could have them write them a few times, spell them orally, and especially use them in a sentence. I will continue to include a sentence as part of their spelling test, eventually I will include two or three. The book orders will be due Wednesday, January 19.
Curriculum Night will be Thursday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. This is a night where we showcase some of the curriculum that we are learning in class. We have started learning about the Water Cycle in science and for Curriculum Night our class will be performing a Reader's Theater about the Water Cycle. We will perform our Reader's Theater at promptly 6:00. I will send home your child's part next week so that you can help them memorize it (it will be a one sentence line). Watch also next week for a note about our 100 Books Challenge!
I have had only about 1/3 of my class turn in their December Reading Record. Remember that this is now worth 100 points. I hope this is because you have just forgotten. If you have lost the Reading Record you can just send me a note letting me know how much your child read over December. I give a certificate with a free mini-pizza coupon attached to it and your child gets to pick out of my treat bucket.
If any of you would like to come and help with reading in the morning I would greatly appreciate it. We have reading groups everyday from 9:00-10:30, except for Wednesday. Let me know or just drop in and I'll put you to work!
Remember to have your child read the new poem in their journals so that they will be prepared to perform it on Friday. Last week, I had a few children who could not perform because they forgot their journal and could not recall which new poem they had. Remember also that we have library on Thursday.
I am so lucky to have such a great group of first graders. They keep me smiling! Scroll down and check out some photographs of our December fun.
Calendar Items:
January 10-14: Jonny is "Star of the Week"
January 11: Ballet West at 10:30 a.m.
January 13: DIBELS test
January 14: End of 2nd Quarter
January 17: MLK Day Holiday
January 18-21: Jesse is "Star of the Week"
January 19: Book orders due and celebrate Skylar's 1/2 Birthday
January 24-28: Dallas is "Star of the Week"
January 27: Curriculum Night at 6:00 p.m.
January 28: Flag Ceremony at 2:00 and celebrate James' Birthday
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