Newsletter December 16 - 20

We have one more week until our two week Christmas break.  We are going to do some fun things but we are also working up until the end.  We will still have reading groups this week as well as finishing our math unit with a test on Wednesday.

I sent home spelling words today.  Please  help your child study these words at home, especially if they have been missing several words on previous tests.  This week's spelling pattern is a little tricky because the "er" sound is represented several ways--/ir/, /ur/, and /er/.  The sound is exactly the same, but your child will need to know which words to use which letter combination.  I have given you a Christmas gift and only assigned one sentence for this week's list of words.

Both of our librarians, Mrs. Clark, and our Take-home librarian, Mrs. Bowen will be collecting all books this week before Christmas.  Tuesday will be our last day before the break that Take-home books will be sent home.  Please return all take-home books by Wednesday, December 18.  This service will resume when we return on January 6th.  I have noticed a decline in these books being returned, I hope that doesn't mean that you aren't reading with you child every night!  Our library day is Friday, we will still go to library, but we will not check out books then.  Please help your child remember to bring their regular library books by Friday.  We have found that many books get lost over the break, so returning all books before the break  helps lessen that loss.

Mrs. Humphrey's, my student teacher, will administer the Unit #5 math test this Wednesday.  Please keep up with your child's math homework so that they will be better prepared for the unit tests.  We have cruised through this unit so thanks for helping with math homework nightly.

Thanks to those that have sent candy, or icing, or crackers for our Gingerbread house project.  If you can still send the item that I requested please do so by tomorrow, Tuesday, December 17th. I still need help that day.  So far it's just Mrs. Humphrey's and I that will be here.  If you can help that day, Thursday, December 19th from 1:00 - 2:30 I would appreciate it.  Please let me know if you are planning on coming.

I sent home your child's fragile "secret gift" today.  I hope that you enjoy them.  Thanks to those that have allowed your child to earn $1.00 for this gift.  I think the gift has more meaning when they have helped to "earn" it for you.  You can still send the $1.00 this week if you haven't already done so.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas break.  I know I will--my son who has been serving an LDS mission in Belgium and the Netherlands will be returning on December 27th.  This week I will read a book to my students titled, The Best Christmas Present of All, and I always  conclude by telling  my students that they are "my best Christmas present of all".  I truly believe that, along with my family, these students are the best thing in my life!  I adore them and am so glad that I can be their teacher.

Happy Reading.  School resumes January 6, 2014. Enjoy the pictures from Santa's Flight!

15 planes landed with gifts and supplies.

Keeping warm while waiting for Santa.

It was very cold waiting for Santa.

Santa finally made it!

Santa leading "the wave".

Darrell and his mom.

Newsletter December 9 - 13

We had a great time walking to Zion's Bank and decorating the tree in the lobby.  We were greeted by Santa and sang Christmas songs and had cookies.  I hope that you all saw or heard that we made the front page of the Daily News.  I guess you could say we are now FAMOUS!  The Zion's Bank that we decorated the tree for is located on Center and Main. 

Tomorrow we are going to watch Santa and his helpers fly into Cedar City.  I wouldn't be surprised if this event is broadcast on a local news channel.  Please send your child with warm clothes--coats, gloves, hats, warm shoes and socks etc.  If any of you would like to meet us at the airport you are welcome to come, but we will not have room on the buses.

I sent home a note about our Gingerbread house making activity on Thursday, December 19th at 1:00.  If you could help by donating the highlighted item on the sheet.  If you can't find the particular item that I  highlighted, anything that you might think would be great to decorate with would be fine.  I could use help that day as the kids make their houses.  If you can help please let me know.  The more the merrier!! The note also asked for a $1.00 donation for a "secret" gift that your child will make in class.  I asked them to ask for ways to earn this $1.00.  If you could please have these donations sent to school by Tuesday, December 17th. 

We are so busy with extra Christmas activities that we don't get as much time to work on our spelling words in class.  Please help your child study the spelling words at home especially these next couple of weeks.  I will still send home spelling words next week.

Happy Reading!!

Decorating the tree with Santa and Zion's Bank

Newsletter December 2 - 6

Welcome back after our Thanksgiving break!  I hope that you all had a nice relaxing break and are ready for three more weeks of school.  I will send home spelling words for all three of our remaining weeks in December.  I will continue to assign math homework too, as I want to complete Unit 5 before Christmas break.

Today we welcomed our student teacher Amanda Humphreys.  She played soccer in Texas and for SUU and will be a wonderful addition to our classroom until the end of January. 

This week we will walk to Zion's bank and help decorate a tree in their lobby.  We started today making one of the ornaments.  I sent home a permission slip for your child to attend this Field trip (green paper).  Please return that by Wednesday, December 4th.  The weather is supposed cool down considerably by then so please send your children with warm coats, hats, mittens etc. 

The November reading record is now due.  I sent home December's reading record home with your child today.  They kids loved watching Mr. Burton get a pie thrown in his face during our last assembly.  Please help your child read every night and turn in their reading record so that our class has the chance to win the next "Mr. Burton event".  (I haven't heard what that will be yet)

Today I tested all students that have not passed off sight word List #4.  If your child is not on that list yet, please practice with them each night.  Knowing their sight words will dramatically increase their reading fluency. 

December is a fun time to teach first grade.  On Thursday, December 19th at 1:00 we will be decorating gingerbread houses in our classroom.  I will send home a note with each child at the end of this week describing this activity, and asking for donations of white icing, graham crackers, candy for decorating etc.  I could also use several volunteers that day to help with the assembly, and then wrapping the gingerbread houses up so that they can be taken home easily.  On the morning of December 10th, our entire school will go to the airport and watch Santa fly into Cedar and then visit our school.  That should be an event that your child will never forget!

I sent home December's Scholastic book order today.  Those orders will be due this Friday, December 6th, so that they will be back before Christmas break.  Again, if you would like me to save books for gifts let me know.  I included a coupon for a free book (up to $5.00) if you spend $10.00.

Happy Reading!  Snuggle up with some hot cocoa and read with your child!

Newsletter November 25 -26

Brendan our November "Catch the Vision" winner

Angela and Jentri received their Blue Eagle!.

We will not have spelling words this week due to our Thanksgiving holiday.  Tomorrow we will have a little Thanksgiving party in our classroom starting at 2:00.  We will make Thanksgiving bracelets and "turkey cookies" out of Oreo cookies, and then watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving.  Thanks to Mrs. Ison for volunteering to help out with our party.

In math, we are still working on Unit 4.  I was hoping to test before Thanksgiving, but that's not possible. Today we almost completed lesson 4-4.  I sent home math homework 4-4 today.  This lesson used the "make-a-ten" strategy to subtract.  I will give you an example to help you with the homework.  Let's say the problem is 15-8=? The process is to use the smaller number and place that amount of counters in the first ten frame.  Then you add the amount of counters that is needed to "make-a-ten" in this case that would be 2.  Then you add more counters as you count up to 15, in this case it would be 5 more counters in the second ten-frame.  Since we added 7 more counters, and counted up 7 the answer is 15-8=7.  I hope this helps with the homework.  We will do lesson 4-6 on Monday and then I will review and test next Tuesday.  I want to get through unit 5 before we leave for Christmas break.

When we get back from Thanksgiving break, I will test all students that have not passed off Sight Word List #4.  Please help your child study these words at home as part of their 20 minutes of reading.

We have some exciting things coming up when we return from the break.  Our school was chosen by the Angel Flight organization to be the recipients of Santa flying to the airport and distributing presents to our students.  This will occur on December 10th, unless the weather is a factor, and then it will be postponed for later that week.  We also as a class have been asked to make decorations for a tree at Zions bank, we then will be able to deliver those ornaments and help decorate the tree.  I just found out about this so I will send home information about this early next week.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving break.  I love your children, and most times refer to them as "my kids" instead of my students.  I am grateful to be their teacher.

Happy Reading!

Newsletter November 18 - 22

I hope that you all had a nice weekend.  This week I sent home a list of spelling words, but next week with the short week we will not have spelling words.  If your child is missing several words on their test, please take this as an indication that extra practice at home is needed.

Our math test for Unit #3 was last Friday.  I will have my cute helper Miss Makayla help with corrections, then the tests will be sent home with your child.  Remember that I keep their original score, but corrections will be made on their test. If you would like your child to receive extra help with their math homework.  Mr. Jenkins will be in the library Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:30-4:00 to help.  I sent a note home today with that information.

This week we are starting Unit 4 in math, which deals with subtraction strategies.  Today we learned about "counting back".  I am going to teach my children about fact families, or related facts for the next couple of days so that they will be better prepared for the lessons in this unit.  I hoped to finish this unit before Thanksgiving, but that will not be possible.   We will finish most of it and review when we get back from the holiday.

In writing we will write about Pilgrims and create a "Pilgrim" to display our writing.  I will read several books about the first Thanksgiving and we'll discuss how we are the same and/or different from the Pilgrims.

This Friday, we have another school-wide AR assembly.  I have some students that REALLY want to participate in the AR program, but are just not quite ready to read the books by themselves and get on the computer and take the tests.  You are welcome anytime after school or before school to come and read AR books with your child and help them with the tests.  I do not have enough help here or computers to assist all of the children that want to take AR tests.  For most 1st graders, this is not something that can do independently yet.  Last year, I had a mom come after school everyday and she used that as her child's 20 minutes of reading time.  This student because of that extra one-on-one help could eventually then take the tests independently and he was able to earn the "Gold Eagle" (which is the highest award a student can earn).  I also noticed with this particular student that his reading scores soared!

Next week for our Thanksgiving activity, I like to have my students make "turkey" cookies.  I had one mother sign up at Back to School Night to help with that activity. If any of you could help provide items for these cookies that would be great.  It would be things like a package of Oreo cookies, or candy corns etc. Send me an e-mail and I can give you an item to send.  Thanks!!

Happy Reading!

Brendan our November "Catch the Vision" winner!

Angela and Jentri received the Blue Eagle award for reading AR books!

November 11 - 15

Happy Veteran's Day!  At the end of the day, we discussed what a "veteran" is and why we honor veterans.  Wow! my kids were interested in veterans, and what they did, and about veterans that they have in their own families.

This week we are discussing sequence in texts.  We read The Amazing Turkey Rescue and then recounted what happened first, next, then, and last from the text.  We will do that again with more Thanksgiving texts, and then my students will write a narrative about "How to Catch a Turkey" using those important sequence/transition words such as first, next, then and lastly. 

In math we are wrapping up Unit 3.  This is a big unit with many new concepts.  We finished most of lesson 3-11 today and will finish that lesson tomorrow along with lesson 3-12.  We will review briefly on Wednesday and then again on Thursday.  I will test on Unit 3 this Friday.  Thanks to those that are asking me for help with this "new math".  I know that some of the vocabulary is "new".  Please don't hesitate to ask me if you have questions, as I know your child may not be able to help you.  I will more carefully look at the homework, and make sure that it is clear before I send it home.  If I feel like there could be some confusion, I will do the first problem with the students in class before I send it home.  Even after that, if you still have questions please don't hesitate to send me a note.  I will e-mail you a response and helpful hints quickly.

The November Scholastic book order is due this Wednesday, November 13th.  The best way to order is to use my online code.  There is a link for Scholastic right on the right sidebar of this blog.

We had a great opportunity last week to watch Teyha and Echo dance at the Native American Day at the Paiute Tribal building.  I'm a little biased, but I thought they were the cutest dancers out there.  We also were privileged to have Mrs. Smith share about her heritage.  She shared with the children about how she makes drums using deer hide, she showed us several cradle boards, and intricate wedding baskets and weaving.  I think she cleared up some misconceptions that young children often have about Native Americans.

I will send home a progress report this Wednesday.  Please watch for it in your child's homework folder. Thanks for sending those back everyday and reading nightly with your child. 

Happy Reading!!

Mrs. Smith showing the students a cradle board.

Teyha and Echo with their friends after the performance.

November 4 - 8

It's November already!  This month we will be working on punctuation in our writing, and will be writing narratives using temporal words (first, then, last etc.) .  We will also discuss gratitude and write thankful lists.  In science, I have a group of SUU students that will be coming each Tuesday morning for four weeks.  They will teach the concepts of classifying and sorting information through art, movement and drama.

The October Reading record is now due!!! Please turn that in ASAP.  The PTA is adding another incentive for each student to hand in their reading records.  At the AR assemblies at the end of the month, Mr. Burton,  has agreed to have something done to him by the class that "wins" the opportunity.  This month on November 22, Mr. Burton has agreed to have a pie thrown in his face.  In order to "win" this opportunity we have to be the 1st grade class that has the most reading records turned in.  If there is a tie, there will be a drawing for the class that can throw the pie in his face.  I also give a certificate, a pizza coupon, and a small treat for those that turn in their reading records.  The ultimate prize though, is that your child will become a better reader!

On Thursday, November 7th, we are going on a walking field trip to the Paiute Tribal Administration Building for Native American Day.  We will leave the school at 12:40 and return by 2:30.  I will of course not walk the children over if it is snowing.  Please though, send your child with a warm jacket or coat.  I'm excited as we have two students Teyha and EchoMarie who have told me they are dancing in the program that day.  It will be nice for my students to watch their friends participate. If you haven't sent the permission slip back yet, please do so before Thursday (it is on bright yellow paper).

Some of you are not sending you child's homework folder back daily.  I gave them new folders and they aren't all coming back daily.  Please be diligent in checking you child's folder for homework and notes daily.  Sometimes there will not be notes or homework, but most days there is something there for you to see. 

I sent home the November Scholastic book order today.  The order will be due Wednesday, November 13th.  Since it's getting close to the holidays, if you would like me to keep something "secret" from this book order let me know.

We have had two students move out recently.   Brendan B. and Tohannie have both moved.  We will miss them both.  I have changed the Star of the Week schedule just a bit because of these moves.  I will not put on this blog when your child will be Star of the Week.  I will send information home on the Friday before your child is supposed to be the Star of the Week.  Thanks for helping with this at home.  My students LOVE the attention they receive when it's their turn to be the Star of the Week.

Happy Reading!  Your child should at least be working on Sight Word List #4.  Include sight word practice in your nightly 20 minutes of reading!

Beautiful Angela--October's Catch the Vision Winner!

Pumpkin Carving!!

Newsletter October 28-November 1

Wow!  What  a crazy windy day!  My students are excited for the possibility of snow--their teacher is not!

Tomorrow is our Dads and Pumpkins carving activity at 1:30 here in my classroom.  Thank you to those who have volunteered to help.  So far I have Echo's grandpa, Abbi and Kate's mom, and Easton's, Taryn's, Traysen's, and Kean's dads that have volunteered to help.  If you would like to still come let me know tonight and I will plan on you.  Remember that if you volunteered to come and carve pumpkins you also volunteered to bring a pumpkin with you.  Our class will smell like pumpkins and we'll have first graders smiling from ear-to-ear!

Next week, on November 7th we will be walking to the Paiute Center and participating in their tribal celebration.  I will send home a field trip permission slip  by Wednesday.  Watch for that in your child's homework folder.

The October reading record is due this Friday, November 1st.  I will also test those students that have not passed off Sight Word List #3 on that date.

Today we went to theater class with Mr. Seely.  The students each got in groups and sang a song in a Halloween voice (ghost, pirate, monster etc.).  My kids are still a bit shy, but I think as the year progresses the chances to perform will not be so scary.  At the end of the lesson, he read the students a Halloween book using different voices for the characters.  He recommended doing that when they read at home.  I thought that was a great challenge.  Encourage your child to read with expression and with different voices as they read to you.  In addition, when you read to them use different voices for the characters.  They will love reading that much more if they use expression and change their voice to match the characters.

In math today, we still did not complete lesson 3.6.  The doubles plus one and doubles minus one concept is a difficult one for my students to grasp.  I sent home the homework today, but I will not require that they complete that homework until tomorrow (Oct. 29).

I may be gone on Thursday and Friday (I am crossing my fingers that I don't have to miss Halloween with these darling kids), but I might have jury duty.  I will not know until Wednesday evening.  It is school policy that the students do not dress up for Halloween.  I have planned a Halloween movie with Mrs. Wininger's class, and the school will have a Halloween sing that day, as well as we will work on Halloween math activities. 

We received a new student today.  His name is Darrell Lee and he will fit nicely into our classroom family.

Our October Catch the Vision winner was Angela Neeley.  She was an easy choice!  She's such a wonderful student and friend to all!

Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 22-25

Welcome back after a nice break and welcome to the 2nd quarter of this school year.  I hope that you all had a nice break.  The weather surely cooperated.  I will print off your child's grades tomorrow and send them home in your child's homework folder on Thursday. I hope that reminds you to send your child's homework folder back with them everyday!

This week is Red Ribbon week.  Today we started by participating in a rotating class schedule.  There we learned about the dangers of drug use, we were able to see what drugs actually looked like, and talked about healthy eating.  All of the students signed a pledge to be drug free and were given a red bracelet to wear.  Please encourage your child to wear these bracelets everyday this week.  I sent home two notes about the highlights of this week.  Tomorrow is pajama day and read-a-thon day.  Your child is welcome to wear their pajamas to school tomorrow.  They can also bring a pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, treats, or books from home to read.  Our read-a-thon will be after lunch tomorrow.  On Thursday, the students can dress up as a "hero".  Please make sure if your child participates in this dress up day, that they actually dress up as a "hero" not in their Halloween costume.  On Friday, it's wear red day. 

Next Tuesday, October 29th, at 1:30.  I've scheduled our Dads, Uncles, Grandpas, Big Brothers, step-fathers etc. and pumpkin carving day.  I sent home a note today explaining that activity.  If you can help us carve pumpkins that day please let me know through e-mail or a note.  You could also call the school and let me know.  My students always ask if their "mom" can come and help and I only want "male" volunteers this time.  Every year I have had several Dads of all kinds that help out.  It's a fun activity and one that is a big hit every year!

We had a fun time at the Braithwaite gallery last week.  We were able to view the art of a Cedar City artist Jim Jones.  We then used i pads to match the colors on the paintings using a color palette.  Then, the children created masks reminiscent of Mexican "Day of the Dead" masks.  The mask making correlated perfectly with the art, since Jim Jones spent the winter in Mexico and several of the paintings in the gallery depicted his time in Mexico.  We also visited the Natural History museum.  In that museum the children were able to identify skulls of various animals and then they participated am ancient fish identification process called Gyotaku from Japan.  In that identification process the fishermen would coat their catch in ink and press it onto paper in order to identify the fish they caught.  Now, it has developed into an art form.

Starting in November I will include two sentences with the list of spelling words for the test on Friday.  If your child is consistently missing several words then that indicates that they need more practice at home.  The students practice those spelling words independently during our reading groups in the morning, but sometimes extra practice at home is needed.  I will test on Sight Word List #3 on Friday, November 1st.  If you child hasn't passed off that list yet, please make sure you are working on that at home too.  The faster they master these words the better readers they will become!

Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 14 - 16

We are going on our walking Field Trip tomorrow to SUU.  We will visit the Braithwaite Art gallery and the Frehner Natural History museum.  We are leaving East Elementary at 12:40 and will return at approximately 3:20.  I hope the weather stays nice, but please send a jacket with your child as it is cool.  If it is raining, or snowing (please not yet!) we will not walk to SUU. Several students have not returned their permission slip for this field trip.  It is on coral paper and I need that tomorrow (Oct. 15) in order to take your child with us.

We will not have spelling words this week due to the shortened week.  Have a great break!  Remember that we will not have school on Thursday, Friday or the following Monday (Oct. 17,18 and 21).

We have 32 ipods in our classroom.  We use these mostly to listen to books during our literacy block in the morning.  The kids love this activity, and it's very beneficial as they follow the print and listen to someone else read to them.  I have many books that I switch out every month.  One of those ipods is missing.  I really feel like it's been misplaced, but my hunch could be wrong.  Would you please talk with your child and see if they took that ipod home with them and have them return it?  I would hate for that privilege to be taken away from our class because of missing ipods.  The ipod would have a sticker on the back stating it is the property of the Iron County school district, and the #2 on the back.  Thanks for talking to your children about this, and returning the ipod if found.

The October Scholastic book order will be due this Wednesday, October 16th.  That date is the end of the 1st quarter, so all work needs to be handed in by that date also.  I will not accept late 1st quarter work after that date.

On Friday, October 25th at 1:30 we will have a Dad's and Pumpkin Carving day in our classroom.  I would love any Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, etc. to come and help carve pumpkins with our class.  I know that it's not possible for all Fathers to come, so I will divide the students up and have one Dad take a group of students.  Please contact me through e-mail or note and let me know if you will be able to carve pumpkins that day.  If you are planning on coming, please supply one pumpkin for carving and then you will be able to take that pumpkin home.  

Again, have a great break and Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 7 - 11

I have such a great class this year.  I constantly brag about your children to my colleagues and family.  They are darling children, eager to learn, and respectful.

Tomorrow we are heading to the pumpkin patch in the afternoon.  We will leave the school at 1:00 and return by 3:00.  If you haven't sent back your child's permission slip and $1.00 donation please do so by tomorrow, or I cannot take your child with us.  Watch the weather and send a jacket with your child.  Speaking of jackets, I would just send one with your child daily now.  Weather in Cedar City is unpredictable, and all students will go out to break even if they do not have a jacket.  This is especially true during our longer lunch break.

This week we will wrap up our math unit on subtraction. We reviewed today and I will test on Wednesday morning.  Thanks for helping your child nightly with their math homework.  Please make sure that your child's name is on their homework.  Today as I was putting grades in at lunch time, I threw away five math homework assignments without names.

In writing, we will finish our apple opinion pieces.  Each child will state their opinion, give three reasons for that opinion, and provide an appropriate closing for their text.

Our reading groups are continuing very well, I am noticing improvement with many of my students.  Thanks also for reading with your child every night.  Today, I gave the students that handed in their September reading record a certificate, a little treat (that most of them already ate in class), and a certificate for a free personal size pizza from Pizza Hut.  Please use these as an incentive to read.  I used to take my children to Pizza Hut monthly to redeem their coupon.  They loved it!

If your child has not passed off Sight word list #2 please practice that list with them diligently.  They should be working on List #3 or beyond. Mastering these sight words is an important component to becoming a fluent reader.

This week our library day will be on Thursday, instead of our regular Friday time.  Please help to remind your child to return their library books by Thursday this week instead of Friday.

I sent home October's Scholastic book order today.  Those orders will be due, Wednesday October 16th, the day before we get our for Harvest Holiday. Use the online code to order, which is the easiest way, or send back your order by October 16th.  

Remember our school's PTA Halloween carnival this Saturday, October 12th, starting at 11:00.  It should be a lot of fun and the funds raised will be used directly for needs at our wonderful school.

Happy Reading!

September 30 - October 4

It has been nice meeting with you for SEP conferences.  I really enjoy meeting with you and your wonderful children. They are quick appointments, so feel free anytime to communicate with me through e-mail, note, phone call, or in person if you have any questions or concerns.

Today, October 1st, the September reading record is due (paper with apples on it).  Please make sure that you sign it and have your child write their name on the paper.  This is now worth 100 points.  I hope with the point value you realize how important I think reading at home with you child is.  Your child should be reading to you.  Please make sure you are honest and diligent, it WILL make a difference!

If your child has not passed of Sight Word List #2, they will be tested tomorrow. 

I mentioned this to you at SEP's, but we have two upcoming field trips. One is on Tuesday, October 8th, from 1:00 - 3:00.  We will be going to the pumpkin patch in Paragonah.  We are waiting for approval from the bus garage.  The second one will be Tuesday, October 24th, also from 1:00 -3:00.  We will be walking to the Braithwaite gallery at SUU. I welcome volunteers that would like to accompany us on these field trips.  Let me know if you would like to come with us.

I put an East Elementary t-shirt order form in your child's homework folder today.  That order will be due back on Monday, October 7th. 

Fall is definitely in the air.  Our 1st quarter ends on Wednesday, October 16th.  Please make sure that your child has all missing assignments turned in by Monday, October 14th. 

Our September Catch the Vision winner was EchoMarie Jake.  She is an outstanding student and friend. 

Echo our Catch the Vision winner!

Happy Reading!

Newsletter September 23 - 27

Please check in your child's folder or backpack today for their SEP conference appointment.  It is on pink paper.  Please sign and return it as soon as possible.  If you can't make the time that I scheduled please indicate a time and/or day that will work better for you.  I am excited to meet with all of you.  Remember that during SEP week (Sept. 30-Oct. 4) that school dismisses everyday at 2:30.

In math we are working on our subtraction unit.  Today we used concrete objects to solve subtraction story problems.  It took a bit longer than I anticipated so we will continue with that concept tomorrow and homework will be sent home then.  Most of my students were sent home with their Unit 1 math test today.  Let me explain how I grade those.  The grade is purple is their actual grade on the test, the one that I recorded.  I have a great SUU student, Miss Makayla, who helps three days a week.  She takes those tests and helps the children with the problems that they missed.  So, your child will come home with a corrected paper with all problems being correct.  I do not then give them 100%, but their original score stands, but they get immediate feedback as to why they missed a particular problem.  Most of my students struggled with the "missing addends" problems.  That is tricky and we will work on that throughout the year so they will understand the algebraic concept.

In reading, our groups are going well.  I e-mailed those of you that have volunteered to help in my classroom.  You may start coming this week, or if you needed more notice you can come next week.  If your child has not passed off their Sight words List #2, please work with them.  I will test all students on Sight Word List #2 on October 2. 

In science, we are still discussing and learning about the weather and seasons.  We will especially talk about the life cycle of an apple tree and in October we will move onto our moon unit. 

I hope you are looking over at the sidebar of this blog for calendar items, math homework assignments, and the spelling words and sentence. 

Happy Reading!

Newsletter September 16 - 20

I will not be here this Wednesday.  I have a fabulous sub lined up.  She taught for my many years and your children will be in competent hands.

This week will be our first week that a sentence has been added to your child's spelling list.  My blog is the only place you will be able to find this sentence (look at the right sidebar).  The sentence will be worth 7 points:  5 points for all words spelled correctly, and one point each for a capital letter at the beginning and punctuation at the end of the sentence. 

Tomorrow I will test on Unit 1 in our Go Math program.  Please help your child complete their homework for this unit so that they will perform better on the test tomorrow.  We will start Unit 2 on subtraction on Thursday.

Your child should be working on Sight Word List #2 now.  I will test all students that haven't passed off List #2 on October 2.  Of course, you can go through the lists at your child's pace.  Please read every night with your child.  I will emphasize this over and over all year long.  Reading with your child increases their vocabularies, and truly helps them become better readers.

Today we went to our second theater experience.  It was fabulous!  Mr. Seeley does a great job.  He is incorporating science in with the activities.  Today the children used large pieces of fabric and pretended to be seeds, they then grew into what their seed represented.  They had a great time, and learned a lot too.  I wish I would have brought my camera to "show" you what they learned.

This week we will be doing a writing assignment about why your child is special.  It was correlate with an art project that we did last week.  We are continuing to learn about proper sentence writing.  Our reading groups are in full swing and are going well.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. 

Happy Reading!

Newsletter September 9 - 13

The "Take-home" library (books in a bag) started today in our class.  Please have your child read this book to you, preferably more than once.  After they have read the book, initial by the book title and send the book back with your child.  Your child will then bring a new book home tomorrow.  If you do not initial the book, your child will not receive a new one.  The take-home books will be sent home Monday through Thursday.  If you lose this book, it will be a $5.00 replacement fee.  Please take advantage of this great program. 

Scholastic book orders will be due this Friday, September 13th.  Remember that the easiest way to order books is to use the online code.  When you order books, our classroom receives points that can help build our classroom library.

This week in math we will finish Unit 1 on addition.  We will review on Friday and I will test on Unit 1 next  Monday.  Please continue to help your child with their math each night.  Several students have not put their names on their math homework.  I cannot tell the difference between my students' number handwriting yet, so if they do not put their names on their homework I cannot give them credit for completing the assignment.  Please make sure that your child's name is on the Home reading records too, I can't decipher some signatures either. 

Next week, I will start our Star of the Week program.  Each student will get the opportunity to be Star of the Week.  I will send home a schedule this week, and if you child is the Star of the Week, I will send home complete instructions the Friday before it is their turn. 

Our reading groups started today.  I thought they went very smoothly.  We are practicing our Daily Five Centers and many students went to their first "special" reading group.  For those, that signed up to help with reading in our classroom, I would like you to start next week starting September 16th.  I will e-mail you first to remind you of the time and day you signed up, and if I can't reach you that way I will make a phone call.

SEP week (parent/teacher conferences) will be held the week of September 30 - October 4.  School will dismiss at 2:30 everyday that week, including Wednesday.  I will send home your child's date and time at least a week before the conference.  We make as a faculty coordinate with siblings so that you will only have to come one day.

One last little thing, if you could help our class by sending a package of pencil top erasers that would be great.  We will use these for our classroom supply not each individual student.  I failed to put that on my list of supplies at the beginning of the year.  Thanks for your help.

Happy Reading!!

Newsletter September 2 - 6

I hope that you all enjoyed your long holiday weekend.  It's always hard for me to see the summer come to a close, but I was happy to see your darling children this morning.

The August reading record is now due.  Please make sure that you sign the sheet and make sure that your child's name is on it.  This will be worth 50 points.  I sent home the September reading record today.  This time it has apples on it.  Remember that I want your child to read for 20 minutes five times per week.  You can include sight word practice and the math homework as part of the 20 minutes. 

I sent home new spelling words today also.  I will send home last week's test tomorrow.  Next week will be the last week that I only test on the list of words.  I will start adding a sentence to the list as part of the test.  We have been learning how to write super sentences in class so my students will be prepared to write a sentence along with their list of words.

Our library day is usually on Friday, your child should have shared two library books with you.  This week, the librarian will be at a training on Friday afternoon so I needed to change our library day to Thursday this week.  Please make sure that your child's library books are back by Thursday so that they can check out two more books.

I am preparing the take-home library list, and will begin sending home Take-home library books starting next Monday, September 9th.  I will explain how that will work next week on this blog.  We will also start our reading groups next Monday.  I am excited that we are starting so early this year. 

Our math program  Go Math is going well.  We are discussing addition in this first unit.  Thanks for helping your child with their homework.  In science, we are discussing the weather and weather words.

Today I showed my students the record breaking swim by Diana Nyad, from Cuba to Florida.  They were impressed by her age and her endurance and that she didn't get hurt by a shark.  We discussed if we truly believe and really want something we can do anything we set our minds to.  I truly believe that about this great group of first graders that I am privileged to teach.  They are full of potential!!

Happy Reading!

Newsletter August 26 - 30

I hope that you all had a nice rainy weekend.  I still marvel at this wonderful class that I have this year.  I am a lucky teacher!

Today I sent home your child's new spelling list.  Remember that I will test each Friday.  I will send home last week's tests tomorrow.  All of my students did very well!  I do not count letter reversals as an error, if I can tell which letter they meant.  If they reverse the letters b or d then I orally ask them to spell the word.  If they can spell the word orally correctly, I give them credit. I will continue to test this way for three more weeks, and then I will start adding a spelling sentence to the list.

I hope you are spending 20 minutes with your child each night reading and practicing their sight words and/or spelling words.  I will test on the first sight word list on Wednesday, September 4th.  The August reading record (paper with the suns on it) will be due the day after Labor Day, on Tuesday, September 2.  The August reading record will be worth 50 points, but after that the reading records will be worth 100 points.  I also give each child that returns their reading record a certificate and a little treat.  Please be honest and diligent.

If you are in need of books at home, I just sent home a Scholastic book order.  The best way to order is to use the online code found on the note with the fliers, or you can click on the link on this blog.  These orders will be due on Friday, September 13th.  There are always wonderful titles available and every month $1.00 books are available.  This month Hi Fly Guy is available for $1.00--a favorite series of 1st graders.

I sent home a t-shirt design contest note and a blank piece of paper for you child's artwork.  This is an optional activity, but if your child wants to participate please have the artwork returned by September 3rd. 

Right now my students are practicing their handwriting and we are emphasizing correct formation.  Today I sent home a sheet with each letter of the alphabet on it and the numbers through 10.  I sent it home so that you can reinforce  this handwriting at home.  It will help you to know what I am saying as they form their letters.  Please emphasize that they should always start from the top of the line, not bottom up. 

Our math books finally arrived!  I will start with Unit 1 tomorrow.  Your child will now have math homework almost nightly.  This week I only assigned homework on Wednesday and Friday.  I will post the math homework on this blog every week.  Sometimes that might change, and if that happens I will send out a quick e-mail to let you know that we will not have math homework. Use this as part of your child's reading time.  Have them help you read the directions.  These will be due the next day, but I will accept late work.  They will be worth 5 points each.

Remember that next Monday is Labor Day.  Have a wonderful long weekend.

Happy Reading!

Newsletter August 19 - 23

We have had a great first few days in first grade.  As I stated at Back to School night, this is going to be a good year and is a great group of students.  They are smart, well-behaved, and ready to learn.  That makes my job extra exciting!!

We have been reviewing procedures and rules in our classroom and have been talking about "jitters" during the first days of school.  We made "Jitter Juice" to help drive the jitters away that even  the teacher might be feeling.  We've read several books about the first day of school and how they might be feeling.

Today was our first day of PE and Music and we also went to our first day of Theater class.  Mr. Seeley is incorporating science in the class and today the students created "pictures" with their bodies to help show the seasons, and then we danced showing a thunderstorm.  I think this will be a great addition to our curriculum.

I sent home three things today in your child's homework folder (remember to send that back everyday with your child).  I sent home this week's spelling words.  We started working on them today in class and we will have a test this Friday.  I also sent home our first sight word list and our August reading record (has suns on it).  Please start reading tonight with your child for 20 minutes 5 days per week.  If your child practices their sight words include that as part of the 20 minutes of reading.  Remember right now it's o.k. for you to snuggle up with your child and help them read, but as the year progresses I want the reading to be done by the student.  I sent home a permission slip to use our Take-home library.  This is a great way to get books into your home that are on your child's independent reading level.  Please make sure you sign that and get it back to me so that your child can begin receiving books from our Take-home library. After you read with your child for 20 minutes please have your child color in one sun on their reading record.  I would suggest attaching the reading record to your fridge or someplace that is seen commonly so that you will not lose it and will remember the importance of reading with your child every night.

Our math books still have not arrived so your child will not have math homework until they come.  I will let you know when they arrive.  Right now we are reviewing some math concepts from kindergarten.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  The best way is to contact me through e-mail, but you are welcome to call the school and leave a message or send a note with your child. This is going to be a wonderful year!

Happy Reading!!

Back to School

Welcome back first graders!  School will begin on Thursday, August 15 at 8:55.

Back to School Night will be Tuesday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m. here in our classroom (Room #7).  Followed by a General PTA meeting at 6:30 in the gym.

I am excited for a new year and for new learning adventures!!

Newsletter May 20 - 24

This will be my final newsletter of the year.  I can't believe that we have almost completed 180 days of first grade together.  It has been my privilege to teach YOUR wonderful child.  I consider these students as my "kids" now, and most of the time I refer to them as "my kids" not my students.  They will forever be a part of me.  I love teaching first grade, with such innocent, inquisitive children.  Thank you for all of your support this year!

I sent home your child's portfolio today.  I hope you noticed their growth this year, especially notice the writing at the beginning of their portfolio and the writing at the end.  I had my students write about their summer activities the very first week of school.  I did not give them any assistance, but told them to write for 20 minutes.  I did the same this this week.  It's amazing how some children's writing went from a string of letters, to words, and spaces, and organization.  Your children are now readers and writers.  Please continue reading with your child over the summer!

I will send home 4th quarter grades, DIBELS results, and your child's 2nd grade placement on Friday.  I included two papers with DIBELS results so, hopefully you will be able to interpret the results.  If you have any questions about those results please don't hesitate to contact me.  I check my e-mail everyday.

On Monday, the students that read 100 books launched their balloons with notes on them and their picture will be in the Iron County Today paper on May 29th.  I am hoping that I get everyone that read 100 books together tomorrow so that everyone can be included.  Congratulations again to Jacob, Dalton, Kaden, McKenlee, Reese, Justin, Ruby, Kody, Alec, and Cason for reading 100 books this year.  I will post a picture of the balloon launching at the end of this newsletter.

Friday is the last day of school.  Remember that school dismisses at 2:30 that day!!  Have a beautiful summer and Happy Reading!

Newsletter May 13 - 17

This is our last week of spelling words and homework.  All work will be due this Friday, May 17th including the May reading record. I assigned math homework three times this week, including Thursday, so make sure that you child completes that homework and turns it on on Friday.

Friday the 17th is also the last day to turn in lists towards our 100-book challenge.  These wonderful readers have all read 100 books--Amilia, Justin, Alec, McKenlee, Dalton, Reese, Jacob, Kaden, Cason and Ruby.  I will call the newspaper this week and let you know in my next newsletter when these (and possibly a few others) students will be pictured in the newspaper. 

We are going swimming tomorrow.  With Three Peaks joining us I so appreciate those parents that have volunteered to come with us swimming. Thursday is the Walk-a-thon from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  All students will walk even if they do not submit pledges.   On Friday, we are walking up to the Canyon Park to walk on the trail and play on the playground for Field Day.  We will have water bottles for each student supplied by our wonderful PTA.  After Field day in the morning, it is tradition here at East Elementary to have a school-wide BBQ lunch.  If you child normally brings a home lunch, but you would like them to have a school lunch that day, please make sure that your child's lunch account has money in it.

The take-home library is closed.  If your child has lost their take-home library book please send the $5.00 replacement cost.  I will send home notices to those children who owe $5.00.  This Friday, is our library day and all library books are due that day.  If you child's books are turned in that day they will be able to pick out a free book to take home.  Please look for lost library books or pay the fee  to replace the lost item.

Yesterday we had pancakes and DIBELS (long name for our reading test).  I will send home the results of that test along with your child's grades and teacher assignment for next year hopefully by next Wednesday.  If the class assignments are not ready then it may be that I send that information home on Thursday or Friday.  Remember that the last day of school is Friday, May 24 and we dismiss at 2:30 that day!

Go and read with your child in his beautiful warm weather and remember that all work is due this Friday!!

Newsletter May 6 - 10

I did not send home the May reading record until today.  That reading record will be due on Friday, May 17th and will be worth 50 points this month.  Friday, May 17th is a big day because I will not accept any late work after that date.  I will have spelling tests and math homework the next two weeks.  We will not have any more required reading or math homework after that date.  Thanks for continuing to read with your children.  We have several more children that have read 100 books.  They are Kaden, Justin and Dalton!  You have until May 17th to help your child complete that task.

I did not send home a grade report either, last Wednesday the district shut down the power school site for maintenance of some sort.  I was planning on entering grades and printing them out that day.  I will do that this Wednesday, and send the grade print out on Thursday, May 9th.  Please look over your child's grades and send any missing work back for credit.

May Scholastic book orders are due today.  If you would like to order please use the online code and submit your order tonight.  I will place the order tomorrow so that any books ordered can make it back by the end of the school year.

Remember that our DIBELS test is next Monday, May 13th.  Please have your child here that day, well rested.  I will make them pancakes prior to the test.  Thank you to those that have donated syrup or apple juice!

We are going swimming next Wednesday, May 15th.  I sent the permission slip home last week.  I have had four parents volunteer to come with us.  I still need 1 or 2 brave souls to come with us (I would take more than that if I get more volunteers).  Please let me know if you can help out that day.  On the swimming day, please have your child come with their swimming suit on underneath their clothes.    They will also need to bring a towel, and a dry pair of underpants in a plastic "Wal-mart" type bag.  I have had some kids ask if they can bring goggles and yes, that would be all right.  If your child has a swimming pass they can bring that for admission instead of the $2.00 donation.

I am reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the class and during the last week of school I will show the movie of that book.  It will be the "old" version that is rated G.  If any of you do not want you child to view this movie please contact me.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful children with me this year.
Happy Reading!

Newsletter April 29 - May 3

I can't believe it will be May tomorrow!  Because of that I will be giving you  a lot of information as our year is winding down.

First, April reading records are due May 1!  Please return these by May 2nd at the latest, because that is the day that the SUU student will be picking them up.  The class  who reads the most minutes will receive a pizza party.  I will send home a May reading record on May 1st.  I will only require reading until Friday, May 17th.  May's reading record will be due then, May 17th!!

The last day to check out library books will be May 10th.  Those books will need to be returned by Friday, May 17th.  All students who return their books by May 17th will receive a free book to take home.  Please look for lost books or pay the fine associated with the lost book.  If your child returns the book after May 17th, they will not receive the free book incentive.  The Take-home library books will also stop the week of May 6 -10.  Please return those books too, or pay the $5.00 to replace the lost Take-home book.

On Monday, May 13th we will take our end of year reading test.  As I mentioned before, I am going to make pancakes for my students that morning before the test.  If you would like to donate a bottle of syrup or some apple juice please let me know.  Thanks to Cason's mom for already donating one bottle of syrup! Please have your child here that day, well-rested and ready to go!

We are going swimming on Wednesday, May 15th with all of the first grade classes.  The cost for this field trip is a $2.00 donation.  For this field trip to occur, we need 5 or 6 parent volunteers from each classroom.  So far, I have two fathers who are willing to come swimming with us (yes, that means put on a suit and get in the water).  I still need at least 3 more volunteers.  If you can help us out that morning from 9:45 to 11:30 please send me a note or e-mail.  Watch for a permission slip for this field trip on Thursday.

On Thursday, May 16th, the PTA is sponsoring a Walk-A-Thon.  It is a fundraiser for our school.  I will send home information for this fun fundraiser tomorrow.  All children will walk this day even if they do not collect pledges.

Our school field day will be Friday, May 17th.  The first grade classes have decided to walk up to Canyon Park and walk the canyon trail and then play on the playground equipment for field day.  We will leave the school that morning at 9:30 and return before lunch.  Lunch that day will be a BBQ.  We all get lunch and eat outside on the east fields.  If your child usually brings a home lunch, but would like to have a school lunch that day please make sure that they have money in their lunch account.

I will still have spelling tests for the next three weeks, and send home math homework most days until May 17th.  Please have all work turned in by Friday, May 17th so that I can get the final grades put in the computer and printed out. 

Phoenix's and McKenlee's Flat Stanley's have traveled to Lehi and Price Utah, respectively and they were excited to share their experiences with the class.  Remember that when your child's Flat Stanley returns send it  back with your child so that they can share his experiences with us.  My students love this activity!

We have three more students that have reached the 100-book milestone!  Congratulations to Reese, Mckenlee and Amilia!! This challenge will stop on Friday, May 17th  and those that reach it will have their picture submitted to the Iron County Today newspaper and will be able to release a balloon in celebration.  The best part though, is those that have participated in this challenge have become better readers!

Congratulations also to Kaden Stucki!  He is our April Catch-the-Vision winner.  He is an awesome student!

If you have any questions about anything that we will be doing during May, or any concerns about your child please don't hesitate to contact me.

Scroll down and enjoy some pictures from our recent Field Trip to Bard's Birthday Bash.

Happy Reading!!

Reese has read 100 books!

Congratulations McKenlee--100 books read!

Amilia has read 100 books too!