Newsletter December 19 - December 21

Thanks to those that came and helped with our Gingerbread houses today.  We had a room full of helpers and it was so appreciated!! Thanks also for sending so much candy.  I will use the leftovers throughout the year and also with a Christmas bingo game.

Here are this short week's happenings:

• Your "secret gift" was sent home last Friday, unless your child was absent that day.  I will send home the others tomorrow (Tuesday).  Thanks for helping your child earn $1.00 for that gift.
• Today, Take-home books were sent home, but tomorrow and Wednesday they will not come home.  Please help your child find their book to return before the break because the librarian  is taking inventory and sending home late notices to those that haven't returned their books. 
• The items in the lost and found will be donated on Wednesday. Please come and check the lost and found or remind your child to check before Wednesday if they have something missing.
• The PTA is having a pizza party for the class (I think pizza, it could be ice cream), for the class that has the most Box tops turned in by the end of January.  If you have any of those collected please send them in with your child.  Those really do add up so take the time to cut them off and send them in.
• We didn't have our math test today, but I will administer that first thing in the morning before our movie with Mrs. Rieff's class.  
• TOMORROW WE (ALL FIRST GRADES) DECIDED AT THE LAST MINUTE TO LET OUR KIDS  WEAR THEIR PAJAMAS TO SCHOOL IF THEY WANT TO.  SO IF YOUR CHILD IS TELLING YOU THEY CAN WEAR THEIR PAJAMAS TOMORROW (Tuesday), THEY ARE CORRECT!

I hope that you all have a wonderful break filled with love, family, and friends.  The end of the second quarter is this Wednesday.  I will not send grade printouts until after the break.  

Merry Christmas!

Newsletter December 12 - December 16

This is our final full week of school during 2016.  When we return in January our third quarter will be starting and I just signed up for our Middle of the Year (MOY) DIBELS testing on January 12.  Thanks for encouraging your students to not bring toys to school as they will become my property since it has become such a problem ("toys" are anything that can become a distraction in school).

Here are this week's happenings:

• I have had 6 wonderful parents (or grandparents) volunteer to help with our Gingerbread houses on Monday, December 19 at 12:45. We will go with that full steam ahead.  If you haven't informed me that you would like to come and would still like to just let me know.  We can have more than 5--that was just my minimum number of helpers that I need.  I would imagine that we will finish that activity around 2:00-2:15 (just to give you an idea how long I'll need your assistance).  THANK YOU for volunteering and thank you for sending in items to help with the construction and decorating.  If you haven't sent something in to help please send it by this Friday, December 16.  
• I sent home spelling words today.  The test will be this Friday, December 16.  The words follow the patterns that we have been learning about in class (/ar/, /er/, /oi/, and /aw/ along with a "tricky" word.  I will not send home new spelling words next week, but look for new ones when we return in January.  We don't have spelling words every week and don't have a set day for spelling tests.
• We have decided to forgo our Christmas Around the World because of so many other activities that are taking it's place (movie, assembly with a special visitor, gingerbread houses, the dual immersion has a program etc.).  Check out the schedule on the sidebar of this blog for the exact days we will be doing certain activities.  I will continue to have reading groups and even give our Chapter 6 math test on Monday, December 19 so we will work amidst the "fun". 
• Thanks to those that have helped their child earn $1.00 for their "secret gift".  We started those today.  If you haven't helped your child find a way to earn their $1.00 you still have time--some kids were worried that they hadn't brought their dollar.  I just think helping to "earn" their gift makes it much more meaningful (as I've mentioned several times before). I will send those home with your child by the end of this week.  
• As I mentioned above, we will work hard and finish chapter 6 in math before we go home for the holiday.  Today we continued to work with two-digit numbers by identifying the tens and ones.  We modeled those numbers with ten rods and ones, then "drew" numbers, and then identified the tens and ones and then the corresponding number with a given picture.
• In reading we are still working with the "bossy R" letter combinations (/er/,/ar/, and will learn /or/). I am hoping to finish up our unit on Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt before the break (might be wishful thinking).  
• If you ordered books from Scholastic for Christmas I will let you know when they arrive and then leave them in the office so that you can pick them up at your convenience.    

Happy Holiday Reading!!

Newsletter December 5 - December 9

We just completed our 75th day of school!  Here are this week's happenings:

• The December Scholastic book order is due tomorrow, December 6 so that they will be delivered before the Christmas break.  Use the online code JFVMJ to order.  Some of you have already taken advantage of the "free book" coupon I attached to the December reading calendars :)
• The PTA will award readers this Friday (bookmarks).  I know that you have several things to sign (blue notes, my calendar, PTA bookmarks) and that can seem overwhelming.  When I made my yearly plan I was unaware of the PTA bookmarks (though I am glad for the support). Maybe a silly organizational idea?--keep the calendar and bookmark always in your child's homework folder, or on your fridge or in their take home book bag.  That way after you read they are  always in the same place to sign.  I will give a certificate and treat to those that have turned in their November reading calendar by this Wednesday.  Points will still be given after that date, but it will not include a treat and certificate. Calendars must be signed to received points.
• I have many students filling their Sight Word Soldier necklaces up with beads.  A few of my students have passed off all 33 lists and have now moved onto the Fry Phrase lists.  Some students though have only a bead or two on their necklaces.  I am wondering if you have possibly lost the list that your child should be working on?  I am going to send home lists to all those that haven't passed one  off in a while.  This is an individual thing and if your child hasn't passed off all 33 lists now that's not what I'm concerned about, I just want that practice at home to help their reading become more fluent regardless of the list that your child is on. Remember that sight word practice can be included in your child's ten minutes of nightly reading.  If he/she can only read his take-home book once, and practice their sight words then just send the blue note back signed and I'll still give them credit for reading.  I don't want your child to spend more than 10 minutes on "homework" (unless they want to read more of course), but my expectation is just 10 minutes. 
• I have started to receive items for our Gingerbread houses--thank you!! I have also had 3 parents volunteer to help that day.  I still need 2 more parents to help that day.  Please let me know if you can help.  Please send the items by Friday, December 16.  I sent a detailed note home last Friday regarding this activity.  We will be starting our "secret gift" this week.  Please also help your child "earn" $1.00 for their gift to you.  Thank you--I think that will make it more meaningful :)
• We just started our 4th Skills reading unit.  Today we learned about the /er/ sound--not to be confused with the /r/ sound :)  In our listening and learning we read about Ancient Egyptian God Amon-Ra and concentrated on the word "depicted".  My students "depicted" in drawing and writing their favorite place.  
• In math we have worked on counting patterns using a 120-chart.  We have counted by ones, and by tens starting at a given number.  Today we were reminded that two-digit numbers are made up of "tens" and "ones".  We then broke those numbers apart.  For example:  19 is 1 ten and 9 ones or 10 + 9 = 19.  I have noticed some confusion with recognizing numbers especially numbers like 21 and 12.   Most of my students can count out loud but when I would have them find a certain number to start the counting pattern some struggled. A suggestion would be when you are out in the "world" with your child point out numbers, have them tell you number's name or help count items as they put them in your shopping cart or whatever.  Then, go further and ask them how many tens and ones are in that given number.  

Happy December Reading!! We just read Santa's Stuck today.  There are so many wonderful holiday titles--take advantage of your child's excitement and read holiday books with your kids. 

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Newsletter November 28 - December 2

Welcome back after a nice Thanksgiving holiday (I hope).

Here are this week's happenings:

• Scholastic book orders were sent home today.  They will be due on Tuesday, December 6.  Orders will be received in time for Christmas.  I can help "hide" books if you want them as gifts.
• Today we took the Chapter 5 math test.  We will start Chapter 6 "Number Operations in Base Ten"  (think place value) on Thursday.  
• In our reading program (CKLA), we are reviewing now and will test on Thursday and Friday of this week.  We have learned about the two sounds of /oo/ and also /aw/, /ou/, and /oi/.  We have also explored past tense and present tense verbs as well as proper and common nouns. In Unit 4, (which we will start on Monday), we will learn the /er/, /ar/, and /or/ sounds as well as continue our study of past and present tense verbs in addition to future tense verbs.  We will also begin writing descriptive paragraphs.  We have worked on sentences and now will begin to put those sentences together into paragraph form (this will take all year :).  
• In the listening and learning portion of our program we just finished with the early civilization of Mesopotamia and will now move onto the Ancient Egyptian civilization.  Ask your child what they have learned about farming, cities, writing, leaders, and religion in Mesopotamia.  
• Please make sure that you child comes to school dressed in appropriate winter attire and that they have a warm coat.  Students go outside everyday during lunch break--I would suggest putting your child's name on their coats as we continue to get mountains of lost coats in our lost and found collection.
• December is one of the best months in first grade!  We will be doing some Christmas activities/art projects during the month in addition to our regular math and reading curriculum.  One project will be a small gift that the students will make.  Tomorrow I will talk to them about helping to earn money for this little "secret gift".  Could you please help your child find a little job and earn $1.00 for this gift.  You can send the $1.00 anytime before we leave for the Christmas break.  I will also send home a note about this.  On the last Wednesday of this month, before we leave for the break we will be making Gingerbread houses.  I can't do this without help.  I will send home a note asking for a donation (candy, graham crackers, icing etc.), but I also need extra hands to help that day.  Please send me a note if you can help.  I plan on doing this activity first thing on Wednesday, December 21 (9:00 am).  This first grade will also be doing a Christmas Around the World activity where the students will rotate from classroom to classroom and learn about Christmas traditions in four different countries.  
• We don't have spelling words this week.  

Please be diligent in reading every night with your child, checking their homework folder daily (and returning is daily).  These little things really help--I can always tell which students read at home consistently.  Thanks for all that you do to help your child succeed.

Newsletter November 21 - November 22

It's a short week before the Thanksgiving holiday, but I have a few items of information and we will still be working through tomorrow :)

Here are this week's happenings:

• Tomorrow, Tues., November 22 we will have our third spelling test.  I sent home words last week and they are also listed on this blog.  You might have to scroll down and change from mobile version to "view web version" if you use a phone to view my blog.  Otherwise, you will not be able to see the information on the sidebar of this blog and that's where the spelling words are.
• We will be reassessing those students that are in reading intervention groups tomorrow morning.  It's a convenient time to do some rearranging before the holiday.  If your child will be switching groups or will no longer be serviced through a reading intervention group I will let you know via e-mail.  Those changes will go into effect when we return after the break.
• Mr. Moyle sent out a school-wide e-mail about the amount of coats, hats, jackets, mittens etc. that are in our lost and found.  All of those coats will be donated after tomorrow.  I will take my kids on a "tour" of the lost and found items tomorrow, but it would be helpful if you would tell you child if they are missing a coat so they can look for a specific lost item.  To be extra sure that your child gets a lost item, it might be helpful if you came tomorrow and helped to look for it with your child.  You can come anytime during the school day and check out the lost and found.
• Students will not be bringing home take-home books tomorrow (Tuesday, November 22). Happy Thanksgiving :)
• Last time I mentioned that the PTA has purchased a license for Raz Kids--an online reading program.  I mentioned that I would send home a letter explaining this.  Instead, I will just give you the information here.  The site is www.kidsa-z.com  The username for our class is East01. The students then click on their name and their password is their "last name".  I will send home little cards with this information on it tomorrow.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. This is a great way to access books on your child's level through an interactive online program.  My kids have enjoyed using it in class.
• Thanks to Jay's mom for helping supply items for our little Thanksgiving cookies that we'll be assembling tomorrow.  Due to time, and the fact that I didn't get any response for "extra hands", we will be making pilgrim hat cookies instead of "turkey cookies".  Our thanksgiving activities will be in the afternoon.  We will have PE and Computers as usual, and in between that we will make our cookies, assemble a bracelet that tells the story of the "first Thanksgiving" and watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving with Mrs. Rieff's class.  

Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with those you love.  Travel safely!  

Newsletter November 14 - November 18

I told you that Thanksgiving would be here before we knew it.  This is our last full week until Thanksgiving Break.  We will continue to work up until the break.  We will have a little Thanksgiving activity on Tuesday afternoon (of next week), but will have regular reading instruction and reading groups up until the break.

Here are the happenings in our class this week:

• Scholastic book orders were sent home today.  They will be due this Friday, November 18.  If any of you want me to hold or save anything for Christmas let me know.  I will also send home December issues at the beginning of December so that you can get your orders before Christmas.  The best and easiest way to order is to use the code and to order online.
• We are are already mid-way through the second quarter.  I will work on grades this week and send home a power school print out on Thursday.  If you have any questions about those grades please send back the printout with notes made or send me an e-mail.  Remember that take-home books counts at 5 points each day.
• Our second spelling test is tomorrow, November 14.  A number of my students need a bit more practice at home ( you can tell by last week's score).  You can work on those spelling words for part of your 10 minutes of reading time (just read the take-home book once and practice the spelling words for example).  
• The PTA has generously supported an online reading program called Raz Kids or Kids A-Z.  I will send home a note this week explaining how your child can access that program at home (I know some of you have already figured that out).  We are doing that as part of our reading groups here in class and it would be a nice extension and more reading that your child can do at home.  Watch for the note by the end of the week.  I will send a text letting you know when I have sent that home.
• In reading, we have moved from "Different Lands, Same Stories" to "Early World Civilizations".  We will especially concentrate on the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.  Today we dove in and learned about the importance of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and how the Mesopotamian people used canals and reservoirs in order to harness that important water source.  We also discussed how they used the rivers as a source of trade and drew and wrote about something that we would be willing to trade.  I loved the great ideas! Ask your child to show you their drawing and writing (it's in their folder or backpack).
• For our Thanksgiving activity we will make "turkey cookies" out of Oreos and have a little lesson on the first thanksgiving and create a memory bracelet as we tell the story.  I would love some help during the cookie construction. I will e-mail those who signed up to help with the Thanksgiving party at Back to School night and ask for donations and/or help, but I could use as much help as I can get :)  If you are willing to help please send me a quick e-mail and I will give you an assignment.  Thank you!!!!  We will have that "party" on Tuesday, November 22 at 2:00 ish.   

At this time of year, we are more apt to count our blessings and I am grateful for the opportunity I have to teach your children.  Thanks for all that you do to support me!

Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 31 - November 4

This newsletter post will be short and sweet today.

Here is some information from our class for this week:

• The October Reading calendar is now due.  A treat and certificate will be given to those that turn it in by this Friday.  The November calendar was sent home today.  I got one calendar without a name or signature on it.  Nearly every day was filled in with 10 minutes some spots with colored pencil.  If you think that belongs to you child send me an e-mail and I will return it for a signature.  Thanks. 
• We will have a test on Chapter 4 in math this Friday.  Today we learned about "using a ten or make a ten" to subtract.  
• I sent home information today about a contest sponsored by Cedar City.  If you child wants to participate please send back the completed form and essay by November 4 (Friday).  
• In reading we are moving onto unit 3.  We have learned about the "silent e" rule for all vowels (except e itself) and now will move onto vowel digraphs (/oo/ as in soon and /oo/ as in book, /ou/ as in shout, /oi/ like oil, and /aw/ as in saw).  We are continuing our versions of well-known folktales. Today we read Thumbelina and tomorrow we will read Issun Boshi (The One Inch Boy).  

Halloween was great.  It was fun to have a parade and be get excited about the day as you only can through a first graders eyes.  I hope that you enjoyed the apple head witches that came home yesterday :)  

Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 25 - October 28

I hope that you all had a nice three-day weekend. We are back at work until the Thanksgiving Holiday.  It will be here before we know it.  I hope that you all had a chance to look over your child's first quarter grades.  If you have any questions or concerns about those grades please don't hesitate to contact me.  If changes need to be made I will fix those and send home a new printout.  Watch for those (new printouts) by this Friday, October 28.

The Scholastic book orders that I sent home last week are due tomorrow.  You can order online (easiest way) using the code on the cover letter I sent home with the fliers or you can send the orders back with a check.  You only need one check made out to Scholastic.  There are always $1.00 books and our class accumulates points for free books for our classroom for every order placed.

We had a great Walk-a-Thon last Friday.  I think some of my kiddos got pretty wet from the "fire house" sprinkler, but they seemed to love that.  Thanks to those that have sent back pledges for our school.  You can still send pledges per lap or a flat donation in the envelope provided.  The PTA has the information about how many laps your child did during the walk.

Halloween is just around the corner.  Remember that East Elementary is a "dress up" school!  Your child can come in their costume all day long, but no masks or blood and gore.  Face make-up and hats or wigs are ok.  The costume parade will start at 2:30.  Parents can watch and take pictures from the cafeteria.  This week we will finish our apple head witches that have been "wrinkling" up in the window.

We have started our next chapter in math.  Today we learned about how "addition helps us subtract".  We took the math test last week from Chapter 3 and I will send those results home as soon as I get them onto Power School.  In reading, we have moved from the Human Body to Different Lands--Similar Stories.  We have heard and worked with two different versions of Cinderella (the original from France and The Girl With the Red Slippers from Egypt).  Tomorrow we will hear another version of Cinderella called Billy Beg.

Today another really helpful "take-home" sheet came home in your child's folder.  If you could like to count that as part of your child's nightly reading and only read the take-home book once you are welcome to do that.  Please be faithful in reading those take-home books every night.  I have noticed a decline in those reading every night.

Today in PE we still struggled with behavior. On Friday, our skills coach, Mrs. Willis, is going to help my class "practice appropriate behavior".  Please talk to your child about behaving appropriately in PE or that privilege will get taken away from some chronic misbehavers.

Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 17 - October 21

Tomorrow is the first grade awards presentation at 3:00 in the cafeteria.  I just sent personal e-mails to those who have students that will be receiving an award.  The awards are for Perfect Attendance, Excellent Attendance, Catch the Vision, Most Improved, and Eagle reading awards.

We finished up with Chapter 3 of math today and will take the test for Unit 3 tomorrow.  We will start chapter 4 (Subtraction strategies) on Wednesday.

Today in your child's folder there is a "Take-Home" (10.2) activity from our reading program.  I don't ever require these as homework, but this particular one is beneficial as it is a good review of what we have been learning in class about the long vowel sounds (silent e rule).  If you choose to have your child do that sheet you can forgo rereading the take-home book three times, just read it once and count the worksheet as part of their nightly take-home reading.

We have PE and Computers every Tuesday and Friday.  Last Friday, there was a substitute in PE and as our class came back I was informed that they were "terrible" for the PE teacher.  As a consequence, tomorrow my class will not be going to PE.  We will instead work in class on writing about "what we should be doing in PE".  I know that not "every" student was acting up, but this time because of the blanket statement I will keep my whole class.  If an individual student or group of students are acting inappropriately in PE or computers they will individually or collectively stay in the Skills room the next PE period.  I will inform you if your child has been asked to stay back from PE or Computers.  Please talk to your children about best behavior during PE and Computers.

I sent home information about the PTA walk-a-thon this Friday from 2:00-3:00.  Your child can and will still participate in the walk-a-thon, even if donations are not sent back, but this is a great way to help earn extra money for our school.  Please send back the donations in the envelope provided by this Friday.

I still have not received notice from the Scholastic website technicians about why I can't access the site.  I was informed that I would hear back in 3-5 days and it's been at least double that.  I hope to send home Scholastic book orders soon!

It's almost Halloween and we will again have a Halloween costume parade.  I love that we do this at East Elementary!  Students can wear their costumes all day long (no masks).  The parade will be from 2:30 until about 2:50. Parents can sit in the cafeteria to take pictures.  After the parade we will have a school-wide Halloween sing in the gym.  The sing is just for students though, we can't accommodate that many bodies in the gym at once.

Remember that next Monday, October 24 is Harvest Holiday.  Have a wonderful three-day weekend!

Happy Reading.

October 10 - October 14

Thank you  for coming to your SEP conference last week.  I was so pleased to meet with 100% of my parents.  I especially loved that many students had both parents attend--it's fun to have dads come also :)  Your attendance shows that you are invested in your child's education and that will only benefit your child during their educational career.  This week is the last week of our first quarter of school.   I will send home another power school print out of final grades for the first quarter by next Wednesday.

This week we will be going to the Robinson Pumpkin patch on Wednesday.  Please send your child back with their $1.00 for the pumpkin they will bring home.  Remember to send a jacket if it's chilly outside.  We will also be making our "apple head" witches on Thursday, (instead of Wednesday).  If you haven't sent an apple with your child for this fun Halloween project please send one by Wednesday. Thank you!

We have started a little unit about Spiders.  Ask your kids what they have learned about spiders! We read the book "Spiders" by Gail Gibbons.  We will do some fact/opinion work about spiders, write spider poems and sentences along with a couple of art projects to supplement the learning.  In math we are continuing with our addition strategies, today we continued to learn about adding 10 to a number.  In reading, we are learning about how the a_e, and i_e work together to create the long /a/ and /i/ sounds.

A couple more calendar items:  On Tuesday, October 18 will be our first quarter student awards presentation.  These awards are for "Perfect attendance", "excellent attendance" and "Catch the Vision" winner.  Usually these awards have been at 3:00 in the cafeteria--I am not sure if that time has changed for first grade this year and I couldn't find anything on the calendar about a specific time.  I will e-mail you specifically if your child will be receiving one of those awards.  I know I have several with awesome attendance this year!!!  Then on October 21, we will be have our PTA sponsored Walk-a-Thon.  More information will come home about this fundraising opportunity soon.

I hope that you are enjoying this beautiful fall weather.  Having a first grader at home to enjoy it with would make it that much better.

Happy Reading!

Newsletter October 3 - October 7

I'm a day late posting due to SEP conferences so thank goodness for a PE/computers break so that I can update my blog.  This week it will short and sweet due to those conferences.

Today I am sending home information about a field trip that we just secured.  On Wednesday, October 12 we (all first grade classes) will travel to the Robinson Family Pumpkin patch.  We will travel by bus that morning.  We will leave at 9:40  and return by 11:30.  Watch the weather and send your child with a jacket if it is chilly.  The cost for this field trip is $1.00 as each child will be able to pick out their own pumpkin to bring home.  Please return the permission slip and money by next Tuesday, October 11.

Thanks to those that have sent a spiral bound notebook for writing.  If you haven't sent that yet, a simple one-subject spiral bound notebook is all your child will need.  I want to start writing in them this next Monday, October 10th so please send that by this Friday, October 7.

For those of you that came to SEP conferences on Monday, I forgot to mention another item that I would like you to help provide for your child.  We will be making apple head witches in our class room.  Each child will need an apple for this--it doesn't matter the size or color though the bigger it is the easier it is for the students to put in the "rice teeth".  We will start making those next Wednesday, so please send that apple by next Tuesday, October 11.

Thank you so much for sending these items lately (apple, $1.00 for field trip and notebook)--I promise it won't always be like this, but it is very helpful to me to not have to buy each item myself.

Remember that tomorrow is the Grandparents breakfast in the cafeteria from 8:00 until 8:40ish.  Thanks to those that sent the RSVP form so that our food workers will be prepared with enough breakfast.  The PTA bookfair will also be open that morning.

Thanks for making time to visit with me this week.  Please don't hesitate to contact me anytime with concerns or questions.

Happy October Reading!!

Newsletter September 26 - September 30

We have been in reading groups for two weeks now.  They are going well.  I would love to have parent helpers during those reading groups. If you would like to help from 9:45-10:30 any day I would appreciate it.  I can and will also need helpers with our Sight Word Soldiers program especially after Miss Montoya leaves us in mid-October.  She has been handling that now and I won't be able to manage that without volunteers to help my students pass off sight word lists.

Along with reading we are going to start more writing in our classroom.  I would like each child to have a one-subject spiral bound notebook to use for our writing notebooks.  If you could help by supplying a notebook for your child I would appreciate it.  Just a simple wide-ruled spiral notebook will do.  You can send those as soon as you have one for you child.  THANKS!!

I sent home a note about the Grandparents breakfast on Wednesday, October 5 from 8:00-8:40.  Please send back the order form so that the kitchen will be prepared with enough food that morning.  This is during SEP week and the Book fair will be open that morning also.

If you haven't returned your child's SEP note back please do so ASAP so that I can finalize my schedule.  I will be happy to switch you time to a more convenient one.  If you need to change your time please make note of it and I will e-mail you.  I look forward to meeting with each of you.

Tomorrow we will be taking our Unit 2 math test on subtraction concepts.  We will then move onto addition and subtraction concepts within 20.  We will be learning and using different strategies for addition and subtraction.

We are continuing our study of the human body.  Today we wrapped up the circulatory system (our "superhighway")  and tomorrow we will learn about the nervous system (our control center).  This unit will wrap up as we learn about the healthy eating the the food pyramid and learn about famous medical advances such as vaccinations and pasteurization.

Thanks for all that you do!!
Happy Reading!

Newsletter September 19 - September 23

We have completed one week with take-home books and one week of "Sight Word Soldiers".  I have had several students pass off several sight word lists already.  I love that many of my students are wearing a sight word soldier necklace everyday!  Thanks for helping them at home with this!  Thank you also for "reading" the take-home book with your child every night, three times (they should be reading it, hence the "reading").  I have just a few that are not returning this book daily!  Please start the habit of reading every night with your child if you haven't yet.  This is their homework and also helps so much with their reading acquisition.  If you have any questions about their books, their level, or the importance of reading at home please don't hesitate to contact me.

We are almost finished with September!  Crazy! SEP (parent teacher conferences) are the first week of October.  I will send home an assigned time next week.  Watch for it on Monday.  We try to coordinate appointments with siblings in the school so that you only have to come once during the week.  School will dismiss everyday that week at 2:30 including Wednesday.  I look forward to visiting with you about your child.

Today we (Miss Montoya taught us) about the muscular system.  We made a model of a hand, representing the bones, tendons, and muscles working together to create movement.  The kids loved the project.  I hope that they showed it to you when they got home from school.  A few students need to make some repairs on their "hand" and they'll bring the project home tomorrow.  I love our reading program!  It assumes that first graders can digest complex information.  Today we not only learned about the muscular system but we also learned about "voluntary" and "involuntary" muscles, how many muscles our body has, and what the biggest muscle in our body is (ask your child :)).

Congratulations to my readers that have already started to earn their PTA Eagle awards!  Logan, Emma, Owen, Nakoa, and Jay (I hope I've remembered right, I'm at home and don't have my records right in front of me), have all started towards the Gold Eagle award!  If I've missed somebody I'll congratulate them next week!

I hope that you read the letter from our PE teacher, Mrs. Turek.  We are  still working on our behavior and I will support her if students are not following her rules in PE.  They will stay in my classroom and work (write an apology letter among other things), or they will go to Skills and do that.  Remember that we have PE/Computers every Tuesday and Friday.  Please make sure that your child wears proper shoes for PE.

I'm still working on the problem on the Scholastic website so that I can send home book orders.  I may not get them out this month.  It is the weirdest thing--I've used that site successfully for years.

If you haven't sent back your "Starving Student card" please do so ASAP!  The cards either need to be paid for or money needs to be sent back to pay for it.  I have most back, but a few of you haven't returned your card.  The company will call those that haven't returned their cards.

Lastly, please let me know if you are not receiving e-mails from Mr. Moyle.  He sends a newsletter, announcements from school, and the PTA also sends a newsletter using his e-mail list.  You can message me privately, and I will get him the corrected e-mail address if necessary.

Happy Reading!

Newsletter September 12 - September 16

Our take-home library books started today!  I sent a note home in the bag about the procedure for these books.  Remember that reading these books will count for 5 points each day!  I also sent home a note about our "Sight Word Soldiers" program and the sight word list that your child can work on.  If you have any questions about either of these two "new" things please don't hesitate to contact me. 

We have run out of September snacks.  I only had about half of you sign up for snacks.  It's still helpful through September to have a little snack in the morning as we continue to acclimate to a full-day of school.  If you would like to help by bringing a snack, if you haven't already (or forgot), or if you would like to help by sending another snack, please contact me privately and I will give you a date.  Thanks!!!

Today we started a new Unit on the Human Body.  We will learn about the different body systems (circulatory, nervous, muscular, skeletal, and digestive) that keep us "alive and healthy".  Miss Montoya our student teacher has also begun teaching our unit on Subtraction concepts.  I will send home the results of our first Math Test (addition concepts) tomorrow.  Sorry about all of the different "scores".  I had a helper correct them and I wasn't clear with my instructions. 

Tomorrow we will start reading groups.  I sent an e-mail to inform you if your child will be attending a reading intervention group.  This year we are lucky, as many of my students go to these small group interventions because of our lower class size.  We will also start switching with Mrs. Rieff during our literacy block.  We mix up the students to better meet their needs as we read the books that accompany our literacy program (CKLA).  The reading intervention groups or "special groups" as I call them are from 9:45-10:30 everyday except on Wednesday.  We will switch around with Mrs. Rieff from 10:30-11:10 everyday and then take a break a little bit later than usual. Our morning is full of rich literacy activities.

The PTA reading minutes bookmark is due whenever your child fills it up. They will return it for another one.  I will start keeping one for them here in class too so that they can earn the highest "Eagle award" if they desire.  Remember to earn that highest award students would have to read 25 minutes daily all year.  If you read with your child for 10 minutes a night, I will supplement that with 15 minutes in school.  

Happy Reading!!

Newsletter September 6 - September 9

I hope that you all had a nice Labor Day Holiday.  We got back to work today.  Today we completed our last lesson in math (vertical addition) and read the Folktale "Peter Rabbit".  Ask your children to retell the story to you and the lesson learned from this well-known tale.

Tomorrow I will send home the first Scholastic book order.  These are of course are  optional, but a great way to fill your home with inexpensive books.  There are always quality titles for $1.00.  These will be due Tuesday, September 13.  The easiest way to order is to set up an account and use the online code provided, but you can also send a check with the order form (you only need to make out one check).

We have finished our reading tests and will place students in reading groups based on their level.  Some students will participate in our reading intervention program.  This is where qualified reading aides will tutor your child in a small group setting using a research-based program called Early Steps.  These students will leave my classroom for 45 minutes each day, except Wednesday.  I will let you know if you child will be going to a reading intervention group.  The other students will remain in my classroom and participate in "reading groups" in our class based on their reading level.

Next week we will start two "new" programs.  One is the take-home library.  Your child will come home with a book everyday on their independent reading level.  They  need to read the book three times each night (there's 10 minutes of reading) and return the book daily.  This will be worth 5 points per day.  We will also start our "Sight Word" soldiers program.  Right now my student teacher is assessing my students to get them on the appropriate sight word list.  I will send home a detailed note about how this will work.  Watch for that note and watch for take-home books (book in a bag) next Monday.  

Please continue to talk with your children about their behavior in class. Ask them if their card stayed "green" all day.   We are still working on being "respectful, helpful first graders", and doing what is asked rather than doing the opposite. 

Thanks for reading with you child.  I hope that it is becoming a positive nightly habit! 

Newsletter August 29 - September 2

I hope that you all are enjoying or enjoyed the PTA sponsored Luau tonight.   I worked at the ticket counter for about an hour and saw a few of my students!  I am still working and can hear the fun  going on outside my window.  We really have a supportive PTA here at East and I loved that most of the fun was "free" tonight!!

This Friday, is picture day.  I sent home an information packet last week.  All students will get their picture taken, but if you want prints made please send back that packet this Friday.  I believe that you can also pay online for prints. 

The August Home reading calendar is due this Thursday, September 1.  Please help you child with their nightly reading (10 minutes each school night).  Our take home library books will start soon as soon as all of our initial testing is complete at the end of this week.  My guess is that it will start as early as the day after Labor Day.  I will keep you posted.  Remember when the take-home books get sent home I will expect  those books to be reread 3 times each and returned daily.

You may have noticed in your child's folder "take-home" activities from our reading program.  These activities are optional, but can be used as part of your child's 10 minutes of reading as they are literacy activities.  Today a sheet came home where the students can cut up letters and manipulate them into words.  Let me know if you have questions about these activities.

We are continuing to work on addition concepts in math.  Today we learned the "Additive Identity Property of 0" (when you add zero to a number, the sum is that same number).  Tomorrow we will learn about the "Commutative Property of Addition" (the order of the addends does not affect the sum i.e 3 + 4 = 7 so 4 + 3 = 7).  In our listening and learning portion of our reading program we have finished up the Fables portion and will now move onto Folktales.  We have learned the fables are short stories that teach a lesson or moral and often have animals that act as humans (personification). Ask your child about their favorite fable or a lesson that they learned from one of the fables.

We welcomed a student teacher to our classroom today.  Mystica Montoya will be with us for the next six weeks.  She just returned from an internship in Spain where she taught English classes all summer.  She will be great addition to our classroom as she learns the craft of teaching.

Please continue to remind your students to keep their behavior cards "green".  We are still learning correct first grade behavior and it is taking a bit longer this year.  I would appreciate the extra help at home as you ask your child if they have been a "helpful first grader."

Remember that next Monday is the Labor Day Holiday and Happy Reading!!



  

Newsletter August 22 - August 26

We have been in school for one week now!  We are still working on correct "first grade behavior" and practicing it daily.  Please talk to your children and emphasize the importance of being a "helpful first grader".  It makes our class run much more smoothly, we can have fun, learn, and best of all return from school happy if we are making choices that benefit all of us.  We have learned our four classroom rules--ask your child if they can remember them.

Today I placed in your child's homework folder our August reading calendar and PTA reading bookmark.  Remember that our first grade homework expectation is reading 10 minutes each school  night.  Right now our take-home library isn't operational so please find a book and read with your child for 10 minutes starting tonight!  The PTA book mark stays home until it is completely filled up (500 minutes) and then you child can bring it back for another blank bookmark.  Remember that I will help with those PTA minutes by adding 15 minutes each day when we start reading groups (early September).  I would love to see all of my first graders get the "Gold Eagle" award.  PLEASE SEND YOUR CHILD'S HOMEWORK FOLDER BACK AND FORTH EVERYDAY!

Last Friday our class won the chance to get a "spirit award".  The PTA gives a little reward for those wearing their East Elementary T-shirt, or a blue shirt, or an East Elementary wristband ($1.00).  Encourage your child to show their school spirit by wearing their East Elementary t-shirt every Friday!

We are having a  bit of a struggle with shoes and shoelaces.  I honestly haven't had this much of a problem with it in my seven years of teaching so that is why I am bringing it up.  Please make sure that your child has shoelaces that are long enough to keep tied and/or help your child learns how to tie their shoes so that they are not tempted to play with their shoelaces during instruction time.  I good double knot as you send them out the door would be great!

We have started right into our reading and math units.  In math we will represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.  In reading we are reviewing some of the skills learned in kindergarten and remembering how to form our letters correctly.  It's important that students can write their letters correctly so that it doesn't become a hindrance as they have to remember how to form each letter, and the sound/symbol relationship.  Writing will flow easier if  letters are formed automatically.  We also started our unit on Fables and have read and learned about "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and the "Milkmaid and the Spilled Milk".  We learned the morals for both of these fables: "If you often don't tell the truth, people won't believe you even when you are telling the truth" and "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." 

I have am excited for this year and for the learning that will occur as we work together.  Please don't hesitate to contact me, e-mail is the best way, but I will get back to you quickly either way.

Happy Reading!

Newsletter May 23 - May 27

I bet your children all get a wonderful nights sleep--we were all exhausted after our trip to the St. George Children's museum today.  Thank you so much to those parents who helped out today--we couldn't do field trips like that without help! 

We have had a wonderful year full of learning.  I have mentioned before how all of my students become "my kids".  I love that "my kids" are reading pros now.  I have had a wonderful year!!

Congratulations to the 100-book challenge kids:  Kollen, Jayleigh, Rieley, Gavyn, Nathan, Jessen, Tena, Jaiger, Logan, Aiden, Rylie, Nick, Sam, Rebecca, and Gavin!!!! We had a great reading picnic yesterday!  I was amazed at the amount of pizza that those little readers ate!  I had to send my husband back to Little Caesars for more :)  I hope that all of these students are here tomorrow (we've had a couple sick) so that I can take their picture and then submit it to the Iron County Today newspaper.  I will send an e-mail or text to those parents whose students will be in the newspaper informing you of the edition date.

Here are a few happenings this final week:

• Please continue sending your child's blue homework folder.  I keep getting notes to send home about summer activities and I don't want you to miss those.
• I sent home some 2nd grade math practice sheets yesterday.  These would be helpful to jumpstart math next year and also help with those "I'm bored" days.
• The reward movie will be this Thursday morning for all those that have returned their library books or paid the late fees.  The movie will be Cars and the PTA is providing popcorn. We will clean out our desks on Thursday so expect a full backpack that day.
• This Friday, school will dismiss at 2:30.  We will have a final video yearbook assembly in the morning.  Move out desks etc. then watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Mrs. Vogel's class. We are almost finished with the book :) If any of you would like to send treats for that movie we would welcome them. 

Have a wonderful summer!  Enjoy the warm sun and your beautiful children!!!

Newsletter May 16 - May 20

Our swimming field trip is tomorrow!  I have 27 super excited first graders.  I sent a detailed note home last week and have been giving information in this blog for week's so I won't go into detail again, but if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 

Here are this week's happenings:

• We are continuing our regular schedule with reading in the morning.  We are working on final assessments with the CKLA reading program and will conclude that early next week.
• Take-home books were due last Friday.  Please return those ASAP!  I have a few students who need to return those.  I will send a note home with your child if you need to help look for a lost book.  Remember that all students must return both their take-home book and library book to attend the school movie next Thursday, May 26 (will be watching Cars).  
• We will go to library this week on Wednesday rather than our regular Thursday time.  We are switching our PE/Music/Computer time with third grade since we will be on a field trip during our regular time tomorrow.  Help you child remember to bring their books back on Wednesday so that they can get a free book that day and also attend the aforementioned movie.
• This Friday, May 20 is the last day to turn in any late or missing work.  I sent home a grade print out last week and I've only had a few parents respond.  I have I still have a few unnamed math homework packets unaccounted for.  THE MAY PTA READING CALENDAR IS DUE FRIDAY AND IT'S THE LAST DAY FOR OUR 100 BOOK CHALLENGE!!  So far, I have Kollen, Rieley, Gavyn, Nathan, Jessen, Tena, Aiden, Nick, Sam, Rebecca, and Gavin that have read 100 books.  Pizza will delivered for those that have read 100 books on Monday, May 23.  Lunch is on me that day so if your child usually brings a home lunch and has read 100 books then you won't need to pack one that day.
• We are learning about American History now.  We just recently learned about the Boston Tea Party, "The shot heard round the world", and Paul Revere. Our reading program is amazing--it assumes that first graders can handle extremely complex information.  They can and do!!
• Spelling words were sent home today.  The test will be this Friday.  Again, we will practice in class, but helping study those words at home is helpful. 
• Field Day is this Friday.  We will leave our classroom at 10:00, head up to Canyon park and walk the trail, then play on the park.  I haven't had any parents volunteer to  help fill up water balloons yet.  If that changes we'll have a water balloon toss also.  Let me know if you could fill up water balloons for our class :)
• The last week of school will be filled with activities.  We will go to the St. George Children's museum on Tuesday, May (all day).  Have a school wide movie on Thursday morning and on Friday after cleaning up our room we will watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (first version with Gene Wilder) with Mrs. Vogel's class.  We will have popcorn and lay on our newly desk-less classroom.  We are reading the book now and will be finished reading it before Friday.  We also hope to go over to the public library on either Monday or Wednesday.  They will fill our kids in about their summer reading program and  then we'll play at the park for a few minutes.  I need to call the library and set it up and will let you know if that walking field trip occurs. SCHOOL GETS OUT AT 2:30 ON FRIDAY MAY 27! Wednesday is regular early out schedule.  
• I will have my students walk past the lost and found pile before the last day, but if you know your child is missing a jacket or something please remind them to get that.  All unclaimed items will be donated.

Newsletter May 9 - May 13

We just finished our second of two reading tests today.  I will send those results with your child by the end of the year (I usually send home grades, reading results and teacher assignments in a big envelope the last week of school).  If your child scored below benchmark on the DIBELS test we are required to send that information to your home.  Our reading specialist will send letters home to those students that scored below the end of the year benchmark.

Here are this week's happenings:

• Spelling words were sent home today.  They emphasize the three spellings for the long /a/ sound (ai, ay, and a_e).  The test will be this Friday.  We will practice these words in class, but helping your child study these at home is helpful.
• The last day for take-home books is this Friday, May 13.  Please keep reading those with your child until that date.  If your child has lost their take-home book the charge is $5.00 to replace the book.
• We took our Chapter 11 math test today.  We will start Chapter 12 tomorrow.  Chapter 12 continues with two-dimensional geometry.   We will be learning about equal and unequal parts, sides and vertices (angles) on two-dimensional shapes, and fractions (halves and fourths).  Again, I will not send home a Chapter 12 math packet home as homework, but rather we will complete those practice sheets in class.  I plan on finishing and testing on Chapter 12 on Friday, May 20.
• All missing work is due on Friday, May 20.  I will send home a grade print out tomorrow (Tuesday, May 10).  Please look over that and let me know if you notice any discrepancies.  I probably have 10 math packets without names on them for example.   
• Our Swimming field trip is coming home next Tuesday, May 17.  A note is coming home tomorrow (again Tuesday) giving details or answers to questions you may have.  Please read over that!!
• Field Day is Friday, May 20.  The first grade classes will walk up to the Canyon Park, walk part way up the walking trail, play on the park and have a water balloon toss.  In order to have the water balloon toss, we could use some parents to help supply and fill up water balloons for that day.  If you could help us by filling up those balloons (in advance) let me know.   If you would like to walk up the trail with us or come to the park you are more than welcome to join us.  The school lunch that day is a BBQ.  We all sit outside and enjoy a BBQ together.  If you child normally eats a home lunch that day you may want to consider school lunch instead.
• On Thursday, May 26 all K-2 graders will be watching a movie in the morning.  In order to attend that movie, all library books, take home books and lunch accounts must be paid for or returned.  Please help your child return all of their books or pay the appropriate fine, and make sure that their lunch account is paid.  
• We have 9 more school days until the 100 book challenge complete.  I  have a couple of students that have read well over 100 books--yay!!  We will have our "reading picnic" (pizza) the following Monday for those that have accomplished that reading goal!  I will let you know which newspaper edition your child's picture will appear in (only if they read 100 books). 

I'm always amazed how fast every year goes!!!  Once your child is in my class they are in my heart forever. 

Happy Reading!!

May 2 - May 6

I can't believe that I just wrote MAY!  I am  so excited as I see the progress that my students have made.  Today I noticed, as morning work was being completed, how easy it was for most students to read the directions themselves and complete the assignment.  That's one plus about teaching first grade--the growth is so noticeable! Thank you for the  notes that I have received at the start of Teacher Appreciation Week (that isn't a hint).  I love teaching and appreciate all of your sweet children.

Here are this week's happenings:

• The April PTA reading calendar is now due!  I will give out certificates and a small treat for those that have that calendar returned by this Friday, May 6.  After that, I will still give credit for reading, but the certificate and treat will not be attached. The May calendar has been sent home.  It will be due on May 20. 
• We are cruising through Chapter 11 in math about 3-dimensional shapes.  The math packet for Chapter 11 will be due next Monday, May 9 and we will test that same day.  Chapter 11 will be our last math packet homework of the year.  We will work through Chapter 12 until the last week of school.  I want all work to be turned in by May 20 so I will use the math homework sheets as morning work instead of sending the packet home for homework. Yes, you are welcome!
• The last day for take-home library books will be May 13.  Please return all books by then, or pay the lost fee of $5.00 to Mrs. Scholes in the office.  That means that we have two more weeks of take-home books counting towards your child's grade.  Remember that each day of reading counts for 5 points. 
• The last day for Library books is Thursday, May 19.  I sent home yellow late notices yesterday.  Please help your child find their missing books or pay the fine by May 19.  All students that have returned both of their library books or paid the appropriate fine will be able to pick out a free book from Mrs. Clark, our librarian, on our library day (again May 19).  
• If you want to order Scholastic books (I sent home a packet of fliers last week) please do so by tomorrow, May 4.  
• I haven't received all of our field trip permission slips back yet.  I asked for those to be returned by April 29 so that I could get a lunch count to our lunch manager.  If your child hasn't returned their slip yet, I counted them as ordering a school lunch.  Thanks to those that sent the money along with your permission slip.  We need to pay the swimming pool and the carousel fee before we go so that money needs to be turned in by May 13.  I have 5 helpers for swimming (that is enough), but I still need two more helpers to go with us to St. George for the Children's museum trip on May 24.  Please consider helping us and send me an e-mail. If you want to still go swimming we will take any that want to help.  Thank you!!!
• We having spelling words this week.  Those new words were sent home yesterday (Monday) and the test will be this Friday.
• We are continuing our study on Animal Habitats.  I think the "favorites" so far have been the Arctic Tundra and Ocean and the Amazon Rainforest.  We will finish that Unit this week and move onto "A New Nation: American Independence" for the remainder of May.
• Our final DIBELS test is this Thursday.  Please help your child perform their best by helping them get a good nights sleep.  If they are sick, please keep them home as there is a make-up week for just that eventuality.  

Happy Reading!! We have 17 more days until the 100-book Challenge is complete.  

Newsletter April 25 - April 29

Today I sent home a permission/information sheet about our two upcoming May Field Trips (Aquatic Center and St. George Children's Museum).  Please sign and return that by this Friday, April 29. I need three more adults for each field trip.  Please consider attending one or both of these field trips with us.

Here are this week's happenings:

• This week is our last week for Reading interventions.  Next week is our final DIBELS testing on Thursday, May 9.  I am excited to see the progress! I'm amazed at my little readers!
• We have started our Unit on Animal Habitats.  On Friday, we discussed what is necessary for a "good habitat" (food, water, and shelter).  Today we explored the Arctic Habitat.  My students loved learning about the different animals that inhabit this cold habitat and the adaptions needed to survive.
• Tomorrow we will have our Math Chapter 10 test. The math homework packet is also due!  We will start Chapter 11 on Thursday.  I will send a new homework packet home that day.
• Many of my students have overdue library books.  I will send home a late notice this week.  Please look for is (on yellow paper) and return those missing books or pay for them.  If you need to pay for them please do so in the office and Mrs. Scholes will give our librarian the receipt.
• On Wednesday, I will send home the final Scholastic book order for the year.  I will include, April, May and a summer reading flier.  If you would like to order books please order by Wednesday, May 4.  That way the books will get back in before school dismisses in May.

I will be gone tomorrow afternoon.  We still need to replace the English-side of the dual immersion for first grade.  I will be involved in interviews again that day.  Mrs. Sherrin Rieff will be taking over for Mrs. Vogel.  She has already visited our class twice!!  She'll be a great addition to first grade.

Happy Reading!!  The 100-book challenge ends in four weeks!

Newsletter April 18 - April 22

I'm just going to get right into this week's happenings:

• This Thursday, we will go to BARD's Birthday Bash at SUU.  This is a walking field trip.  We will leave the school at approximately 12:20 and return by 3:30.  Thanks to those who have volunteered to accompany us on this field trip.  
• In math we are continuing our unit on graphing. Today we worked on tally charts to organize information.  That is Lesson 10.5 if you are wondering where your child should be on their homework.  We are managing to keep to the schedule with this unit. (so far).
• We will finish up our "History of the Earth" unit this week.  Since our last newsletter we have learned about three different types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic), as well as fossils and the "fossil record".  Tomorrow we will learn about dinosaurs and on Wednesday we will make "fossil imprints" as a culminating activity.  We will start our Unit on Animal Habitats on Wednesday or Thursday.
• Keep reading towards the 100 book challenge!  Many students are "almost" there! There are less than five weeks remaining in this challenge and about two weeks until our next DIBELS test.  Practice makes perfect!!
• I mentioned our Aquatic Center field trip in last week's newsletter.  Please scroll down and read about that if you missed that newsletter.  That will be on May 17 in the afternoon.  I NEED 4-5 volunteers that will help that day (actually get in and swim).  We can't go without help.  Please consider helping us out that day.  We have scheduled another fun field trip for Tuesday, May 24.  All the first grade classes will board buses at 9:00 am for the St. George Children's Museum.  We will tour the museum for two hours and then have lunch and hopefully ride the Merry Go Round (still waiting on word about that).  The cost for this field trip is a donation :)  We need several volunteers that day also as the museum asks for a 5 to 1 adult to child ratio.  If you could come with us that day please let me know.  You can ride the bus down with our class.  We will be gone from 9:00 am until 2:30 pm that day.  These two field trips are a fun way to end our year.
• If your child has late library books please get those returned.  We have library every Thursday at 1:30.  Just a reminder that we have PE and Computers every Tuesday and Friday so make sure your child is wearing proper shoes those days.

Have a nice night and Happy Reading!!

Newsletter April 11 - April 15

Thanks to those that offered to come with us to Bard's Birthday Bash next week.  If you volunteered, just come to our classroom at 12:20 and we will leave shortly after that time.

Here are this week's happenings:

• First Grade Student awards will be this Friday, April 15 at 3:00 in the lunchroom.  These awards are attendance awards as well as "Catch the Vision" and "Most Improved".  I will let you know if your child is receiving an award so that you may attend the brief ceremony.
• I sent home a Yearbook order today.  This is a last minute order and it's due by this Wednesday, April 13.  If you would like to order a yearbook for your child (optional), then please send the order form and $15 by that date.
• We started Chapter 10 in Math today.  It is a unit on graphing.  Today we started with picture graphs.  The homework packet for Chapter 10 was sent home today and will be due on April 26.
• We are continuing our learning about the History of the Earth (geology) Unit.  Today we talked about minerals and the vocabulary word "characteristics".  My students especially loved the lesson last Friday on volcanoes and geysers.
• With the year winding down, field trips for May have already been planned.  I am still waiting for the Children's Museum in St. George to respond, but as of now we have a swimming field trip at the Aquatic Center scheduled for the afternoon of May17.  I am informing you early because we will need several volunteers to help with this field trip.  The pool suggests 1 adult per every 12 students in the pool.  We like to divide that number in half.  We feel more comfortable with 1 adult to every 5-6 students in the pool.  I will need at least four brave adults that will actually get in the pool and help us that day.  Male volunteers are especially helpful as I cannot go into the boys locker room and they help coordinate the boys in the locker room as well as supervise in the pool. If you can help please let me know. We will leave the school at 12:45 pm. and return just before school dismisses at 3:30.  The cost for this field trip is $1.25 per student and that includes the slide :)
• I mentioned last week or the week before about take-home books getting longer as my students are going up the levels.  If it takes your child longer than 15 minutes to read their book three times please don't reread it.  I don't want homework to be longer than 15-20 minutes tops. 
• Don't forget that the 100-book challenge ends on May 20.  Only those that read 100 books will have their picture submitted for the paper and participate in the 100-book challenge activities (balloon launching and lunch with me for our "reading picnic").  Our final DIBELS test will be on May 5.  Keep going strong!!

Have a wonderful day!

Newsletter April 4 - 8

This week I will be gone on Thursday as I sit in on interviews for two new first grade positions.  Mrs. Sauceda will be heading up to 4th grade and Mrs. Vogel will be staying home with her baby that is due in October.  I will miss both of these competent teachers.

Here are this week's happenings:

• We are just a tad bit behind still in math.  On Friday, I had a special guest teacher come and teach an enrichment (art) lesson about the solar system.  We then had a "surprise" assembly presented by the Milk Council about healthy living.  We didn't get to math that day.  Today we worked on Lesson 9.8 and tomorrow we will complete Lesson 9.9.  I will have my substitute complete Chapter 9 review with my class on Thursday and the test for Chapter 9 will be this Friday, April 9.  The homework packet will be due Friday too!  Please return the color tiles and paper clips that I sent home.  Especially the color tiles.  The paper clips are a bit easier to replace :)
• I sent home a list of spelling words. This week the list concentrates on alternative spellings for both the /s/ and /z/ sounds.  The test will be Friday, April 9.
• We have finished our Astronomy Unit and will now move onto "The History of the Earth".  Today we learned about geologists, and the three important terms to remember whenever we "think about geology".  Those words are heat, pressure and time.  In this unit, we will learn about the earth's continents and oceans.  We will learn about rocks, minerals, fossils, volcanoes, and geysers.  My student's loved learning about the solar system (so did I) and I think they will equally enjoy this unit.  
• Congratulations to Nick!  He has joined the 100-book club!  Keep reading!!!
• On April 21, we along with Mrs. Vogel's class will walk to SUU for BARD's Birthday Bash!  This is a great activity where our students will "perform" a portion of a play on the Shakespearean theater stage.  We will participate in jousting, tug-o-war, and maypole activities as well as eat cake with the queen.  We will leave East Elementary at about 12:20 that day and return just before school gets out.  I would really like an extra adult to walk over there with us. Please consider your schedules and let me know if you can help walk (and stay to walk back) to SUU on the afternoon of April 21.
• I apologize that 3rd quarter grades weren't sent home last week.  I have no excuses, except that last week turned into a busy week and I was trying to catch up a few students that didn't take a few Reading Assessments due to absences.  I just printed those off and I will send them home tomorrow.  

Happy Reading!

Newsletter March 18 - April 1

I hope that you all had a nice Easter weekend.  It seems that a storm is blowing in.  That's Utah weather at it's finest!  Thanks to those that sent candy-filled Easter eggs.  We had a great time finding 17 eggs each!  Thanks also to Jayleigh and Jaiger's mom for helping to transport all of the eggs and hiding them at the park for us!  Today begins our fourth quarter of school--we have 9 more weeks and 9 more weeks of great academic growth!

Here are this week's happenings:

• Tonight is the PTA sponsored Talent Show.  The First grade portion starts right at 6:00.  I didn't have anyone from our class sign-up to participate (that I know of), but you are welcome to come and watch and check out the art display.
• On Friday, the PTA is sponsoring a "Pops and Pancakes" event.  Bring a "Pop" (dad, grandpa, uncle etc) and enjoy a free pancake breakfast.  It begins at 7:45am and ends at 8:30am. Students need to have a "pop" to attend and remember that teachers are not at the school until 8:20.  
• Today we began Unit 6 in our Skills reading program.  We discussed three different spellings for the /s/ sound (s, ss, and c).  We also began learning about narrative writing.  We learned that to be a "good" narrative that author must include information about "who, what, when, where and why?"  Spelling words came home today and the test will be Friday, April 1.  Notice that the final consonants on the root words are doubled when the ending is added (i.e. swim=swimming). 
• We are a day behind on our math schedule.  Today we completed Lesson 9.5.  Tomorrow we will start with time.  I will move the test to April 6 with the homework packet due on April 5.
• The March PTA calendar is due this Friday, April 1.  I will send home the Kite for Flight calendars too on Wednesday.
• Since we just completed quarter 3, I will send home a quarter 3 grade printout by this Thursday.  Please watch for that, and let me know if you see any discrepancies.  
• Some students now are on take-home levels that have longer books.  I only want to have your child read for 15 minutes each school night so if rereading their take-home book requires longer than 15 minutes just count it as rereading it 3 times.  Please continue to reread the books 3 times if it fits into that 15 minute time-frame.  It's so valuable for fluency (speed, accuracy, rate) to reread text!!! I just know that kids need "free time " and don't want to overwhelm you or your child with homework, but also want to stress the importance of continuing to practice reading at home. 

Have a great week and Happy Reading!

Newsletter March 21 - 25

It's officially Spring and we're almost "officially" finished with the third quarter of school.  The quarter ends this Friday, March 25.  Please turn in any late or missing assignments by that date.  I sent home grades a couple of weeks ago if you have any issues please contact me so that I can change them before Friday.

Here are this week's happenings:

• If you want to order from the March Scholastic magazines please order online by tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22 or send your check and order form by tomorrow (it's much easier online).
• Today we started Chapter 9 in math.  This unit covers measurement and time to the hour and half -hour.  I sent home the homework packet today with "color tiles" and paper clips.  These will be used for the homework assignments and need to be returned (at least the color tiles for sure) after the packet is complete.  The packet will be due on April 5.
• We are having fun learning about Astronomy.  Today we talked about constellations.  We learned that the ancient Greeks made  up myths to explain what they believed about the stars.  We started to create our own "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper".  The students drew realistic stars (we know that they are round and either red or blue), and tomorrow we will assemble them into the familiar star groups. 
• This week we will conclude our Skills unit #5 (phonics and reading portion).  We have learned so many things.  We have learned about  adjectives, root words and endings and when to double the final consonant before adding an ending.  We have learned that there are multiple spellings for the /j/ sound ('j', 'g', 'ge').  We learned that 'g' is slightly more common than the 'j' spelling. We planned and wrote an opinion paper and have gone on adventures with "Kate and Max" from our reader, "Kate's Book".   We have two more Skills units to go until the end of the year.  This week we will not have spelling words, but will resume with spelling words next wek when we start into Unit #6. 
• I will be sending home the Kite For Flight reading calendars that I had you sign at SEP conferences.  I guess the Lion's Club is now requiring that the calendar be in the home and delivered to the event by the individual.  I will also send home your child's January and February reading calendars so that you can fill the Lion's Club calendar out.  I will let you know if  the PTA can return the calendars to the event, so hang onto them.
• Last but not least....  I hope that you saw the note about our First Grade Easter Egg hunt.  I will not go into detail here as the note clearly explains the event.  If you haven't seen it, it's on pink paper.  Thanks to those that have already sent 12, plastic, candy-filled eggs.  I need some help that day "hiding" the eggs.  If you can help at about 1:30 on Friday, March 25 please send me an e-mail or note. 
• Rieley has now joined Rebecca!!! They have both read 100 books and they haven't stopped!  We have a couple of students who are very close!  The deadline for this challenge is May 20.  

Have a nice Easter weekend!  "Hoppy" Reading :)

Newsletter March 14 - 18

I hope that you all had a nice week long spring break!  We have two more weeks left of third quarter and 11 more weeks of school.  Please be consistent, and continue to work hard with your child until the end.

Here are this week's happenings:

• I sent home a grade print out today.  Please look it over and let me know if you have any concerns.
• The March Scholastic book order will be due next Tuesday, March 22.
• We will review Math Chapter 8 concepts starting tomorrow and test this Thursday, March 17 and finish testing on Friday, March 18.  The homework packet for Chapter 8 is due this Wednesday, March 16.
• On March 28, East Elementary will be having a Talent/Arts Night.  I sent home an information sheet the week before our break.  If your child wants to participate then the form needs to be returned by March 23. 
• New spelling words were sent home today.  The test will be this Friday, March 18. There are several words with double consonant spellings so a bit of extra practice at home would be helpful.
• I sent home a 100-book challenge book recording sheet today (sent one home with everyone) to remind you of that challenge!! Like I mentioned at the beginning of this newsletter, we still have 11 weeks left of school (10 to complete the challenge).  You are behind (since I sent home the the challenge in January) , but it is still a manageable goal.  Rebecca is the first member of our class to read 100 books!!!!  Nick isn't far behind.  
• Thanks to those that have sent clorox wipes and pencil-top eraser!   I so appreciate your willingness to donate supplies. 
• Today we started our new unit in Reading--we will be learning about Astronomy.  Today we learned about the earth's atmosphere as well as outer space.  We also learned about astronomers and what they study (astronomy).  I think this will be an exciting topic of study as my students had comment after comment about outer space. 

Happy Reading!

February 29 - March 4

Happy Leap Day!  I am back in the saddle after catching the sickness that is rampant.  I still don't have a voice, but am feeling a bit better.  Thanks to Mrs. Vogel for helping sub my class.  They were taught well in my absence. 

Here are this week's happenings:

• Friday it's Spring picture day.  I sent home an information packet last week.  Your child's picture will ONLY be taken if you send back money.
• Our next spelling test is this Thursday, March 3.  I sent home a list of words to practice today.  We are learning about the /j/ sound spelled three different ways--'j', 'g', and 'ge'.  You will see that applied in this week's spelling words.  We are also learning about adding endings to root words so you will see the apparent in the words also (jumping, charged).  
• The end of third quarter is March 25.  I will try my hardest to get a grade print out of this quarter's grades by this Friday before we have Spring break.  
• Our plants have grown like crazy.  They are starting to get little yellow flowers on them.  Today we talked about the parts of a flower and the purposes of each part.  This week we will also discuss pollination.  We will have "actual" dried bees and we'll "pollinate" our plants.  
• In math we just finished Lesson 8.5.  We have learned to use a hundreds chart and to draw a picture to add "ones" or "tens" to a two-digit number.  I feel like most of my students are understanding this concept.  Please keep up with the Chapter 8 homework packet.  You should be through Lesson 8.5 today.  
• I could still use some pencil top erasers.  As I mentioned last week, we are totally out and we could use some more packages to get us through the school year.  I could also use Lysol or Clorox wipes.  With all of the sicknesses going around those are helpful to quickly clean off desks, tables, chairs etc.  
• I hope that you all have a wonderful Spring break!  We still have several weeks of school left, so please don't slack off with nightly reading.  Our End of the year DIBELS testing will be before we know it and in order to "benchmark" students need to be reading 47 words accurately in a minute.  That's a big jump from the middle of the year cut off of 23 words. Practice, practice, by reading, reading and more reading!!

Newsletter February 22 - February 26

Our first ever Science Expo was a success!  Thank you all for making time or getting off work early to attend our Science Expo.   I thought my little readers did a great job explaining the life cycles of chickens, frogs, butterflies, and plants using a reader's theater format.

Here are this week's happenings:

• The February Scholastic book order is due tomorrow, February 23.  If you would like to order it's easiest to use the online code on the flier I sent home with the book titles last week.  I also have a link to Scholastic on this blog.  Scroll down--it's underneath our spelling words.
• Speaking of spelling words--our test will be this Thursday, February 25.  I sent home the list of words today.  The words are again reinforcing what we are learning in the skills portion of our reading program.  This week I introduced a "new" spelling for the /ch/ sound ('tch').  We have also learned about adding a suffix to a root word.  Ask your kids the three rules before adding a suffix (word is one syllable, word has a short vowel, and the short vowel is following by ONE consonant).  If those three rules are met, then before adding the ending we double the final consonant (i.e. hop = hopping and duck = ducking)
• We started Math Chapter 8 today.  I unfortunately don't have my cute daughter helping in my classroom anymore, and I haven't ripped out the homework packets yet.  I will do that today, and send the packet home tomorrow with a schedule.  For your information now, the packet will be due on Wednesday, March 16.  Please make sure you send those packets back with your child's name on it.  I have a hard time distinguishing between number handwriting sometimes :)
• Our 100-book challenge is going strong.  Rebecca has read 50 books!!!  Rieley, Nick and Sam have each read 30 books!!  Please use this challenge as incentive to get your kids to read!! My home reading expectation is 15 minutes every school night, so this challenge should be EASY to achieve if your child is meeting my expectation. 
• We are continuing to learn about the plant life cycle through growth of Brassica Rapa.  Today we talked about and observed parts of a plant (stems, roots, and leaves).  Ask your child about how each part mentioned absorbed the red food coloring.  Our little plants are thriving, and it's fun to watch my kids so excited to see their plant's growth every morning. 
• Our classroom supply of pencil-top erasers is out.  If you want to help replenish this supply I would appreciate it. I could use several more packages of pencil-top erasers to get us through the year.  Thanks!!
• I am sending home new "homework folders" for all students tomorrow.  Please use this as a time to reorganize yourself and your child.  Please, if you haven't been doing this send back your child's homework folder EVERYDAY.  Check their folder every night for homework assignments or notes.  Make it a habit to read your child's take-home book every night. 

Happy Reading!!

February 16 - 19

Welcome back after a three-day weekend.  I managed to go to St. George and hike at Snow Canyon and even brought a little bit of a sunburn back with me.  Thank you for all of the nice Valentine's Day gifts and chocolates!  They were so appreciated and sweet!

Here are the happenings for this shortened week:

• Science Expo is this Friday, February 19 from 2:00 - 2:45. Feel free to come and visit our classroom and see and hear what we have learned about life cycles.  This is informal and an open house so you may visit anytime during that 45 minute time frame.  That way if you have other children that attend our school  you will be able to visit their classrooms too.
• Our Spelling Test is tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 18).  I sent a list of words home last week.  A note about spelling--these words reinforce the spelling patterns we are learning in the Skills portion of our reading program.  The patterns are reinforced in reading, writing and spelling.
• Sam is off to a great start with our 100-book challenge!  He has already read 30 books.  He was the first person to receive a free book and treat (every 25 books).  Please use this incentive to encourage reading at home.  Don't leave it until the last minute!!
• February's Scholastic book order will come home tomorrow and will be due on Tuesday, February 23.  There are always great titles for $1.00.  This time I think there is "Fly Guy" book for $1.00.
• We have been busy getting ready for the Science Expo so we are a bit behind with math.  I will review and test Chapter 7 tomorrow (possibly finish the exam on Friday).  We have also taken a bit of a break with our study of Ancient American Civilizations.  We will pick that up next week.  We will continue to learn and write about and discuss King Moctuzuma (famous Aztec emperor) and will also continue our study of the plants life cycle.  We have a great time planting Brassica rapa (mustard fast) seeds and as the name connotes our plants have already started to sprout. Tomorrow we will learn about how seeds begin to form into plants.  We will examine sprouted mung beans.  

I hope to see many of you on Friday afternoon.
 Happy Reading!!!

Newsletter February 8 - February 12

Here we go again--hopefully this time I can actually publish this newsletter.  It was so nice to visit with most of you during SEP conferences last week.  I still need to catch a couple of you :)  SEP conferences are not the only time that I will meet with you personally.  If you ever want to meet with me please feel free to contact me and we can meet anytime.

This is going to be a busy week--Here are a few highlights:

• We are still a bit behind with our Chapter 7 math schedule.  Today we just completed Lesson 7.4.  Our math packet will be due next Tuesday, February 16, instead of the date on the original schedule.  The test for Chapter 7 will also be on that date.
• This Friday, February 12 we now have an assembly at 2:50.  The Playmakers theater group from SUU will present that assembly.  Our Valentine's Day party time will need to change due to that assembly.  We will now have our party from 2:00-2:40 that day.  I have decided that it will be easier to decorate bags that I will buy from Wal-Mart (gift bags) rather than cover the cans.  I will still need decorating items for the bags (stickers, ribbon etc.)  If you can help with decorating items please send those by this Wednesday, February 10.  If you would like to send $1.00 to cover the bags that would be helpful too, but not necessary since I didn't warn you in advance.  We will decorate cookies during the party also.  Thank you to Jayleigh's mom for already sending some items for the cookies.  I will e-mail those that signed up to help with our Valentine's Day party at Back-to-School night to either help during the party or to send some cookie items.  If you didn't sign up and would still like to help, I'd love to have you.  I can use help as the children decorate cookies and also help as they hand out their Valentine's day cards. Let me know if you'd like to come and help.  Remember that we have 25 students in our class and if you child brings Valentine cards or treats to please bring one for every student.  I sent home a list of students last Monday.
• On Thursday, the Red Butte Garden outreach program will be visiting our classroom.  They will be presenting the first lesson in a series of lessons about a plant's life cycle.  We will also start learning about other life cycles this week in preparation for our Science Expo.  The science expo will be next Friday, February 19.  Parents are invited to visit our classroom from 2:00-2:45  (open house style) and observe what we have been learning about life cycles.  
• Sam and Rieley have already started reading books towards our 100-book challenge.  Today I told all of my students about the challenge.  Remember that I sent home a letter with a recording sheet as well as explained it quickly to you at your SEP conference.  If your child reads their take-home book every school night (which they should be doing anyway), they will easily be able to reach the 100-book goal by May 20th. 
• This Thursday we will be back to our regular library day.  Make sure that you child returns their books so that during library time they can pick out new books.  Look for those books that have been lost and return them by Thursday. 

Have a wonderful 3-day weekend and Valentine's Day!! I love teaching first grade and love this class of mine! 

Newesletter January 25 - 29

Brrr..... it is freezing outside!  Please make sure that you check the weather and send appropriate attire with your child everyday!  Lunch break is typically about 25 minutes and that is a long  time without a coat.

The following are helpful notes for this week:

• The January Scholastic book order that I sent home last week is due tomorrow, January 26.  Ordering online using our classroom code is the more efficient and easiest way to order.
• Tomorrow the 100 day homework project assignment instructions will be sent home.  Don't worry, it's not a huge assignment, but one that the kids really enjoy.
• Chapter 6 Math Homework packet is due on Wednesday, January 27.  The test will be the following day, Thursday January 28.  
• The PTA January reading calendar (yellow paper) will be due on Monday,  February 1.  This is worth 50 points in my class.  The PTA will provide prizes.
• Please send back your SEP assignment note ASAP.  Remember that our SEP conferences are next week, February 1 - 5 and that school will dismiss at 2:30 everyday that week including Wednesday.
• Our library day will be on Friday this week instead of Thursday.  We will not have library next week due to the PTA book fair.  Please make sure that your child is returning their library books every week!
• If you ordered a class picture those will be reprinted.  Remember we had one "extra" student from second grade on our print.  I will send those home as soon as they return.
• This year instead of a science fair, our school has opted for a Science Expo day.  Each class will work on science concepts and projects and present those to parents on Friday, February 19.  Our class will work on life cycles.  We will learn about the butterfly life cycle, a chicken's life cycle, and the plant life cycle.  Parents are invited to come to our classroom from 2:00-2:45 that day.  
• We are continuing our study of Ancient American Civilizations.  We have learned about the Mayan's most prodigious crop, maize, the importance of extended family to the Mayans, and about the large Mayan city Bakaal.  We study vocabulary words daily (words such as: harvest and noiselessly) and have also investigated proverbs, one being:  "the more the merrier".  We are learning together!!
• I sent home a note last week about signing up for "Remind".  Thanks to those that did that.  If you haven't, it's simple and easy and is such a great way to hear about happenings in my classroom.  Sign up now if you haven't!
• Read every night for 15 minutes!!! 

Have a great day!

Newsletter January 19 - 22

I hope you all had a nice MLK holiday.  I was driving a lot--back and forth to Vegas on Saturday and back and forth to Provo on Monday.  I think I have caught up on my sleep.

This is what's happening this week:

• We will begin our Unit on Early American Civilizations. We learn about the Maya, Inca and Aztec civilizations.  During reading groups this week and just today during our computer time, I had two excited students come and show me "the great pyramid" and a "sarcophagus".  What we have learned about Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia has transferred :)  I am excited to see what our journey through the Early American civilizations will take us.
• Tomorrow is our spelling test.  I sent home the words last week, with the date of the test on the top.  Please make sure that you child knows these words.  They are also on the right-hand  sidebar of this blog.
• It didn't register with me that SEP conferences will be the first week of February (Feb. 1 - 5) this year.  They have always been the first week in March.  I am kind of happy for the earlier conferences.  I will send home your child's assigned time by this Friday.  Please look it over and send it back ASAP.  If you need to change your time, you are welcome to contact me via e-mail or Remind, or send a note on the assignment sheet.  At these conferences, we will discuss your child's recent DIBELS scores, and I will save their 2nd quarter grades for that time, as to better discuss them with you. School will dismiss at 2:30 everyday that week, including Wednesday.
• The 100th day of school will be on Monday, Feb. 1.  I will send home a little homework assignment by next Monday.  It is not very time-consuming, but the kids love it.  It will be due that Monday, Feb. 1.  I will demonstrate the assignment to my students before I send home the assignment.  I will also send home information about our super-exciting, 100-Book challenge that day.  Please watch for both pieces of information regarding the 100th day assignment and the 100-book challenge!
• Our classroom pictures have arrived, but there is an error.  A second grade student was inadvertently placed on our print.  He is absent from his actual class.  I am hoping that the company will reprint all of those pictures.  I have e-mailed the company and  I will let you know when I hear back from them.  
• The Math Chapter 6 Homework packet will be due on, Wednesday, January 27.  The test for that chapter will be the following day on Thursday, January 28.

Happy Reading--remember to read with your child for 15 minutes each school night!!  It helps!!

Newsletter January 11 - January 15

This Friday is the end of the second term.  Please have all missing homework or assignments in by that date.  I will not accept late assignments for the second quarter after that date.  We will also have our middle of the year DIBELS testing.  Please make sure that you child is here that day, well and rested.  I will send home results of that test next week.  If your child would benefit from a reading intervention group based on those results I will inform you via e-mail for your consent. 

Our spelling test will be this Wednesday.  Please help your child study the words.  I sent home a list of words last week, and the list is on the right-hand sidebar of this blog.

I sent home a "take home" reading sheet titled "Things That Swim".  That is an actual piece of text that we have read in class.  That would be great practice for your child at home and can be used for some of their reading time.  That does not need to be returned.

If you have any box tops and could send them by tomorrow, Tuesday, January 12 that would be great.  The winning class will receive a pizza party.  They will collect them tomorrow morning.

Our first grade awards assembly will be tomorrow at 3:00 in the lunchroom.  I have informed you via e-mail if your child will be receiving an award.  Parents are welcome to attend.

We are finally finishing up on our Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt unit.  We will begin and finish the lessons on "world religions" this week.  We will focus on three main religions--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  Information about these religions will be taught and the role that religion plays in modern and ancient civilizations. 

In math, we reviewed "ten more" today.  It took longer than I anticipated so we did not get to lesson 6.3.  Please wait until tomorrow to work on 6.3 homework as my students have not been exposed to the concept yet and will likely be confused and frustrated. 

Have a nice three day weekend and Happy Reading!