Our Weekly Newsletter 4/15

Hello
I can't believe we're here and that this is my last week with the kids.  It has truly been an honor to work with each and every student in this class.  They are a uniquely special little group.  I will miss them all terribly but very much look forward to bringing my little girl back for special events and seeing the kids.  Thank you to each and every one of you for your support this year.  I have loved getting to know you, work with you and share cute stories about your kids with you!  This has been a wonderful school year and I know it will continue to be amazing with Hillary as teacher.  Thank you again to all of you for raising such great kids and for your continual support of our classroom!

The students did an incredible job at the speech meet!!!  I was so impressed with how they rose to the challenge of public speaking, got on a big stage and articulately recited their selection.  It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen!  Thank you for all the hard work I know you put in at home to help make your child successful in this endeavor.

This week we are focusing on the letter 'Z'. Please reinforce the sound the letter 'Z' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week. Please space out the activities throughout the week. The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week. Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the April calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'Z' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'Z' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

A Special Request
Miss Welkley, our music teacher, has asked if it would be possible for some parents from our class to make headbands with felt animal ears on them for each member of our class for the Spring Concert in May. The goal is to have 3 different types of animal ears represented. Please contact Hillary if you are willing and able to help complete this task.

Field Trips
We have a couple field trips coming up at the end of April. Thank you to everyone for signing up to drive and making it possible to go on these trips! On Wednesday, April 24th, we will be going to the UCSC Life Lab. This is a fabulous, hands-on field trip where the students get to explore in the gorgeous life lab up at UCSC. The cost of the trip to UCSC is $4. The following week, on Tuesday, April 30th, we will be heading to the Seymour Center. This is another great field trip where the students will get to learn about ocean animals and even touch some of them! The cost of the trip to the Seymour Center is $5. Please return the permission slips and money by the dates stated on the forms.

Important Dates

• April 19th- My last day :(
• April 24th- Field Trip to UCSC Life Lab
• April 26th- Half Day
• April 30th- Field Trip to Seymour Center

Our Weekly Newsletter 4/8

Hello

I hope you all a restful and fun Spring Break!!!  It was so wonderful to see all the kids' smiling faces this morning!

We practiced our Speech Meet today and so many of the kids have done a great job memorizing their selection!  Please continue to practice, practice, practice!  The meet is coming up quick! 

This week we are focusing on the letter 'Y'. Please reinforce the sound the letter 'Y' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week. Please space out the activities throughout the week. The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week. Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the April calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'Y' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'Y' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log
5. Practice for the Speech Meet!

 

Speech Meet
Our speech meet is this Wednesday, April 10th from 1:45-2:45!  It is so important that your child practices their selection at home. The goal is for them to be comfortable getting up and reciting it in front of a group. You are all very welcome and encouraged to come and watch the excitement and cuteness!

A Special Request
Miss Welkley, our music teacher, has asked if it would be possible for some parents from our class to make headbands with felt animal ears on them for each member of our class for the Spring Concert in May.  The goal is to have 3 different types of animal ears represented.  Please email me if you are willing and able to help complete this task.

Field Trips
We have a couple field trips coming up at the end of this month. Thank you to everyone for signing up to drive and making it possible to go on these trips! On Wednesday, April 24th, we will be going to the UCSC Life Lab. This is a fabulous, hands-on field trip where the students get to explore in the gorgeous life lab up at UCSC. The cost of the trip to UCSC is $4. The following week, on Tuesday, April 30th, we will be heading to the Seymour Center. This is another great field trip where the students will get to learn about ocean animals and even touch some of them! The cost of the trip to the Seymour Center is $5. Please return the permission slips and money by the dates stated on the forms.

Important Dates

• April 10th- Speech Meet
• April 19th- My last day :(
• April 24th- Field Trip to UCSC Life Lab
• April 30th- Field Trip to Seymour Center

Our Weekly Newsletter 3/25

Hello

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely weekend!  Did your child tell you the Easter story with their eggs?  I was so impressed with their ability to retain and recall all the details of the story they learned.  I hope you enjoyed it!

Here are a few reminders/highlights:
- Field trip cost- $9 for both ($4 for UCSC and $5 for Seymour Center)
- Please bring in 6 filled eggs for our Easter egg hunt by Wednesday
- We still need items for our Easter party.  Please sign up if you are able!

This week we are focusing on the letter 'Q'. Please reinforce the sound the letter 'Q' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and week-long break with your loved ones! Please make sure to practice your child's speech meet selection over the break!

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week. Please space out the activities throughout the week. The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week. Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the March calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'Q' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'Q' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log
5. Practice for the Speech Meet!
6. Complete the March calendar journal

 

Report Cards
Report cards will be going home later this week.  I am so proud of the progress each and every student has made!  You may notice in some areas on the report card that a score has dropped from a 4 to a 3.  This just means that your child met the benchmark early and is now right on track.  If a score has dropped down to a 2 or 1, I would be happy to talk to you if you have any questions. 

Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss's birthday was on March 2nd, so this month we are going to be reading his books and doing various activities to celebrate his life and amazing books. As part of this, we will be having spirit days at the end of each week. 
Thursday, March 28th- Crazy Socks Day

Easter
We will be celebrating Easter with a party this Thursday, March 28th from 12:30-1:45. As part of our celebration, we will be having an Easter egg hunt. I am asking each child to bring in 6 plastic eggs filled with treats (little toys, candy, etc...). Please be sure to send these in by the 27th so all children can participate and collect eggs. We still need items for our party.  Please check Shutterfly to sign up!

Speech Meet
Both kindergarten classes will be having our annual Speech Meet on Wednesday, April 10th from 1:45-2:45! Please practice your child's selection with them at home.  The goal is for them to be comfortable getting up and reciting it in front of a group.  You are all very welcome and encouraged to come and watch the excitement and cuteness! 

Field Trips
We have a couple field trips coming up at the end of April. Thank you to everyone for signing up to drive and making it possible to go on these trips! On Wednesday, April 24th, we will be going to the UCSC Life Lab. This is a fabulous, hands-on field trip where the students get to explore in the gorgeous life lab up at UCSC. The cost of the trip to UCSC is $4. The following week, on Tuesday, April 30th, we will be heading to the Seymour Center. This is another great field trip where the students will get to learn about ocean animals and even touch some of them! The cost of the trip to the Seymour Center is $5.  Please return the permission slips and money by the dates stated on the forms.

Important Dates

• March 28th- Crazy Socks Day and Easter Party
• March 29th- No School for Good Friday
• April 1st-5th- No School for Spring Break
• April 10th- Speech Meet
• April 19th- My last day :(
• April 24th- Field Trip to UCSC Life Lab
• April 30th- Field Trip to Seymour Center

Our Weekly Newsletter 3/18

Hello

I must commend all of you on amazingly creative leprechaun traps!  I hope you had a blast working with your kids to come up with a design.  The students were so proud of their work and we all had so much fun trying to catch leprechauns and search for gold.  Thank you for being participants!

Here are a few reminders/highlights:
- Field trip cost- $9 for both ($4 for UCSC and $5 for Seymour Center)
- Please bring in an egg holder
- Please bring in 6 filled eggs for our Easter egg hunt
- Please help your child choose their speech meet selection and turn it into me

This week we are focusing on the letter 'J'. Please reinforce the sound the letter 'J' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week. Please space out the activities throughout the week. The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week. Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the March calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'J' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'J' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log
5. Choose a selection for the Speech Meet and practice!

 

Picture Day
Our Spring picture day is this Thursday, March 21st, at 9:30am.  Order forms will be sent home after picture day.  Please remember to send your child in their best!

Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss's birthday was on March 2nd, so this month we are going to be reading his books and doing various activities to celebrate his life and amazing books. As part of this, we will be having spirit days at the end of each week. 
Friday, March 22nd- Crazy Hair Day
Thursday, March 28th- Crazy Socks Day

Easter
We will be talking about the Easter story throughout the month of March. We will be celebrating Easter with a party on Thursday, March 28th from 12:30-1:45. As part of our celebration, we will be having an Easter egg hunt. I am asking each child to bring in 6 plastic eggs filled with treats (little toys, candy, etc...). Please be sure to send these in by the 27th so all children can participate and collect eggs. There is a sign-up sheet on Shutterfly for food items needed for our party.

Speech Meet
Both kindergarten classes will be having our annual Speech Meet on Wednesday, April 10th from 1:45-2:45! Please have your child choose a Bible verse or poem that they would like to memorize. Please turn your child's selection in to me by Friday, March 22nd.

Field Trips
We have a couple field trips coming up at the end of April. Thank you to everyone for signing up to drive and making it possible to go on these trips! On Wednesday, April 24th, we will be going to the UCSC Life Lab. This is a fabulous, hands-on field trip where the students get to explore in the gorgeous life lab up at UCSC. The cost of the trip to UCSC is $4. The following week, on Tuesday, April 30th, we will be heading to the Seymour Center. This is another great field trip where the students will get to learn about ocean animals and even touch some of them! The cost of the trip to the Seymour Center is $5.

Important Dates

• March 22nd- Half Day and Crazy Hair Day
• March 28th- Crazy Socks Day and Easter Party
• March 29th- No School for Good Friday
• April 1st-5th- No School for Spring Break
• April 24th- Field Trip to UCSC Life Lab
• April 30th- Field Trip to Seymour Center

Our Weekly Newsletter 3/11

Hello

Last week I announced our field trips but forgot to tell you the cost.  Please read below to find out the costs.

Also, I am asking that each student bring in an empty egg container for a project we will be doing.  Please send this in at your earliest convenience, preferably by this Friday.

This week we are focusing on the letter 'V'. Please reinforce the sound the letter 'V' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week. Please space out the activities throughout the week. The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week. Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the March calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'V' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'V' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log
5. Choose a selection for the Speech Meet

Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss's birthday was on March 2nd, so this month we are going to be reading his books and doing various activities to celebrate his life and amazing books. As part of this, we will be having spirit days at the end of each week. 
Friday, March 15th- Green Day- wear as much green as you can (for Green Eggs and Ham/St. Patrick's Day)
Friday, March 22nd- Crazy Hair Day
Thursday, March 28th- Crazy Socks Day

Leprechaun Traps
For a little fun, I am asking that each child make a leprechaun trap at home. These will be due back to class by this Thursday, March 14th (it is very important that they are back on this date, as I will be doing something special- a surprise- with them for the next day). These are just a fun opportunity to use imagination to "catch" imaginary creatures. Leprechauns like- rainbows, gold, green, and anything shiny. Be creative and have fun imagining how to create a little trap that will invite leprechauns to visit!

Easter
We will be talking about the Easter story throughout the month of March. We will be celebrating Easter with a party on Thursday, March 28th from 12:30-1:45. As part of our celebration, we will be having an Easter egg hunt. I am asking each child to bring in 6 plastic eggs filled with treats (little toys, candy, etc...). Please be sure to send these in by the 27th so all children can participate and collect eggs. There is a sign-up sheet on Shutterfly for food items needed for our party. 

Speech Meet
Both kindergarten classes will be having our annual Speech Meet on Wednesday, April 10th from 1:45-2:45!  Please have your child choose a Bible verse or poem that they would like to memorize.  Please turn your child's selection in to me by Friday, March 22nd.

Field Trips
We have a couple field trips coming up at the end of April.  Thank you to everyone for signing up to drive and making it possible to go on these trips! On Wednesday, April 24th, we will be going to the UCSC Life Lab. This is a fabulous, hands-on field trip where the students get to explore in the gorgeous life lab up at UCSC. The cost of the trip to UCSC is $4. The following week, on Tuesday, April 30th, we will be heading to the Seymour Center. This is another great field trip where the students will get to learn about ocean animals and even touch some of them! The cost of the trip to the Seymour Center is $5.

Important Dates

• March 15th- Green day
• March 22nd- Half Day and Crazy Hair Day
• March 28th- Crazy Socks Day and Easter Party
• March 29th- No School for Good Friday
• April 1st-5th- No School for Spring Break
• April 24th- Field Trip to UCSC Life Lab
• April 30th- Field Trip to Seymour Center

Our Weekly Newsletter 3/4

Hello

It was so fun to see most everyone at Open House!  The students were so proud to show you their work and did such a good job giving you the full tour of the classroom.

This week we are focusing on the letter 'X'. Please reinforce the sound the letter 'X' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week. Please space out the activities throughout the week. The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week. Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the March calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'X' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'X' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

 

Dr. SeussDr. Seuss's birthday was on March 2nd, so this month we are going to be reading his books and doing various activities to celebrate his life and amazing books.  As part of this, we will be having spirit days at the end of each week. 
Friday, March 8th- Stripes Day- wear as many stripes as you can!
Friday, March 15th- Green Day- wear as much green as you can (for Green Eggs and Ham/St. Patrick's Day)
Friday, March 22nd- Crazy Hair Day
Thursday, March 28th- Crazy Socks Day

Leprechaun Traps
For a little fun, I am asking that each child make a leprechaun trap at home.  These will be due back to class by Thursday, March 14th (it is very important that they are back on this date, as I will be doing something special- a surprise- with them for the next day).  These are just a fun opportunity to use imagination to "catch" imaginary creatures.  Leprechauns like- rainbows, gold, green, and anything shiny.  Be creative and have fun imagining how to create a little trap that will invite leprechauns to visit! 

Easter
We will be talking about the Easter story throughout the month of March.  We will be celebrating Easter with a party on Thursday, March 28th from 12:45-1:45.  As part of our celebration, we will be having an Easter egg hunt.  I am asking each child to bring in 6 plastic eggs filled with treats (little toys, candy, etc...).  Please be sure to send these in by the 27th so all children can participate and collect eggs. 

Field Trips
We have a couple field trips coming up at the end of April.  I have posted sign-up sheets on the Shutterfly website so you can mark them on your calendars and sign-up to drive if you are available.  On Wednesday, April 24th, we will be going to the UCSC Life Lab.  This is a fabulous, hands-on field trip where the students get to explore in the gorgeous life lab up at UCSC.  The following week, on Tuesday, April 30th, we will be heading to the Seymour Center.  This is another great field trip where the students will get to learn about ocean animals and even touch some of them!  Please check the Shutterfly website for the sign-up sheets!

Important Dates

• March 8th- Stripes Day
• March 15th- Green day
• March 22nd- Half Day and Crazy Hair Day
• March 28th- Crazy Socks Day and Easter Party
• March 29th- No School for Good Friday
• April 1st-5th- No School for Spring Break
• April 24th- Field Trip to UCSC Life Lab
• April 30th- Field Trip to Seymour Center

Our Weekly Newsletter 2/25

Hello

The students, along with Hillary Dixon and Rachel Nigh, have made a beautiful beach umbrella that will be put up for auction!  If you have not already brought in $5 to put toward the umbrella, please bring it in as soon as you can.  Thank you so much for your participation!

This week we are focusing on the letter 'W'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'W' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the February calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'W' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'W' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log
5. Fill out the February calendar journal

Open House
Open House is coming up this Thursday, February 28th!  I hope you can all make it to see how busy your children have been in school.  This is a chance for your child to show you around the classroom and show off their beautiful work.  Open House is from 7-8.  I hope to see you all there!

Tardies
I wanted to write a gentle reminder to please try to have your child to school on time each day.  We do educational activities at the start of each day that help the students settle in and adjust to being at school which I feel is very important for the students to participate in.  I know you all have very busy schedules and that things come up in the morning, so please just do the best you can.  Thank you for understanding!

Important Dates

• Feb. 28th- Half Day

• Feb. 28th- Open House/Art Show

Our Weekly Newsletter 2/19

Hello

I hope you all enjoyed a nice long weekend!  We had a great Valentine's Day!  Thank you to everyone who provided food and/or time to making our party possible!  The kids looked so cute in their red, pink and white all day.  Thank you also for all my thoughtful valentines.  It was fun to go home and look through all the little cards and treats.

This week we are focusing on the letter 'G'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'G' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the February calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'G' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'G' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

Open House
Open House is coming up on Thursday, February 28th!  I hope you can all make it to see how busy your children have been in school.  They have lots of beautiful work to show you!  Open House is from 7-8.  I hope to see you all there!

Important Dates

• Feb. 28th- Half Day

• Feb. 28th- Open House/Art Show

Our Weekly Newsletter 2/11

Hello

I am so sorry that I did not post the newsletter yesterday!  I think I have to blame pregnancy brain on this one, since it did not even cross my mind!
Last week was such a fun week in school!  We had a wonderful 100th day of school and the kids learned how to say Gung Hay Fat Choy in preparation for Chinese New Year.  Pretty cute!

Thank you to all who donated prizes for our prize box!  We are stocked up! 

This week we are focusing on the letter 'U'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'U' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the February calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'U' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'U' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

Valentine's Day

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day by handing out valentines to each other and with a party.  Each child is encouraged to bring valentines for each member of the class, if they choose to bring valentines at all.  Please send your child's valentines to school when they are complete (if possible, before Valentine's Day), so they can pass them out to the different boxes, which have been completed. 

Our Valentine's Day party will be this Thursday, February 14th from 12:30-1:45.  There is a sign-up sheet on Shutterfly for volunteers and supplies/treats needed.  If all the spots are filled, please don't sign up to bring anything extra, as we will have plenty of treats!  Thank you for your generosity and help!

Important Dates

• Feb. 14th- Valentine's Day
• Feb. 18th- No School for President's Day
• Feb. 28th- Half Day
• Feb. 28th- Open House/Art Show

Our Weekly Newsletter 2/4

Hello

We have just begun a unit on recycling and our environment.  Whenever possible, please demonstrate recycling at home and talk about ways to keep Earth clean.  We have some passionate, Earth conscious kids in this class!  I love it!

This week we are focusing on the letter 'K'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'K' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the February calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'K' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'K' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

100th Day of School!

We will be celebrating our 100th day of school tomorrow, Tuesday, February 5th. I am asking that each child bring in a collection of 100 things (ex. pasta, beans, straws, buttons, etc...) to display in class.  Please count the collection by 1's, 5's and 10's! 
Valentine's Day
We will be celebrating Valentine's Day by handing out valentines to each other and with a party.  Each child is encouraged to bring valentines for each member of the class, if they choose to bring valentines at all.  Each student will be making a special box to collect their valentines and treats in.  Please send your child's valentines to school when they are complete (if possible, before Valentine's Day), so they can pass them out to the different boxes. 

Our Valentine's Day party will be on February 14th from 12:30-1:45.  There is a sign-up sheet on Shutterfly for volunteers and supplies/treats needed.  If all the spots are filled, please don't sign up to bring anything extra, as we will have plenty of treats!  Thank you for your generosity and help!
Read At Home

The students are doing such a great job with their reading!!!  I love reading with so many kids each day.  When practicing at home, please be sure your child learns the title of the book and is very confident with all the words in the book before sending the book back to school.  The books can be returned anytime.  You do not have to wait for Fridays and you do not have to send it back everyday if your child needs more time with it.

Wish List

• Small prizes for the prize box (these readers are cleaning me out!  Thank you to everyone who has already brought stuff in!)

Important Dates

• Feb. 5th- 100th Day of School!!!
• Feb. 14th- Valentine's Day
• Feb. 18th- No School for President's Day
• Feb. 28th- Half Day
• Feb. 28th- Open House/Art Show

Our Weekly Newsletter 1/28

Hello

As you all know, our class has had a lot of sickness going around.  We are working very hard to make sure they keep their hands clean and talking about proper ways to cough, sneeze and blow their nose.  Please reinforce the importance of washing their hands at home, particularly after they use the bathroom, cough, sneeze and blow their nose.  We want to stop the spread of these nasty germs!!!

This week we are focusing on the letter 'L'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'L' makes and point it out everywhere you can. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the January calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'L' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'L' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log
5. Complete the January calendar journal

Report Cards
Report cards are due to go home this Wednesday.  I am so proud of the students. They are learning and growing so much!  I want to clarify a few things on the report card, as we will not be meeting for conferences to go over it.  Throughout the year the benchmarks change.  For example, in the Fall I expected the students to know at least 15 letters and letter sounds to be considered proficient.  For this Winter quarter, I am looking for them to know at least 20 letters and sounds to be considered proficient.  In some cases you may see a dip, particularly in sight words and decoding. In the comment section, I clarified areas I have seen a lot of growth and areas I would like to see the students focus on for this next quarter.  I hope this clarifies some things but if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to go over anything on the report card.

100th Day of School!

We will be celebrating our 100th day of school on Tuesday, February 5th.  On that day I am asking that each child bring in a collection of 100 things (ex. pasta, beans, straws, buttons, etc...) to display in class.  We will be doing some fun activities that day to celebrate our 100th day!  I can't believe it's already been this long!

Valentine's Day
We will be celebrating Valentine's Day by handing out valentines to each other and with a party.  Each child is encouraged to bring valentines for each member of the class, if they choose tobring valentines at all.  Each student will be making a special box to collect their valentines and treats in.  Please send your child's valentines to school when they are complete, so they can pass them out to the different boxes. 

Our Valentine's Day party will be on February 14th from 12:30-1:45.  I will soon be posting a sign-up sheet on Shutterfly for volunteers and supplies/treats needed.

Maternity Leave
As you all know my husband and I are expecting our first little one in early May.  I am unsure of the exact date I will begin my maternity leave, but I am very excited to announce that Hillary Dixon will be taking over for me once I go on leave until the end of the year!  I have no doubts this will be an incredibly smooth transition, as the students already know and love Hillary and Hillary knows the school and program so well.  We are so lucky to have her!


Read At Home

The students are doing such a great job with their reading!!!  I love reading with so many kids each day.  When practicing at home, please be sure your child learns the title of the book and is very confident with all the words in the book before sending the book back to school.  The books can be returned anytime.  You do not have to wait for Fridays and you do not have to send it back everyday if your child needs more time with it.

Wish List

• Small prizes for the prize box (these readers are cleaning me out!)

Important Dates

• Jan. 25th- Minimum Day (out at noon)
• Jan. 28th- Character Awards Assembly (2:25)
• Feb. 5th- 100th Day of School!!!
• Feb. 14th- Valentine's Day
• Feb. 18th- No School for President's Day
• Feb. 28th- Half Day
• Feb. 28th- Open House/Art Show

Our Weekly Newsletter 1/22

Hello

This week we are focusing on the letter 'B'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'B' makes and point it out everywhere you can.  Please also make sure that their b's are facing the correct direction when they are practicing their handwriting at home and point out the difference between lowercase b's and d's. This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the January calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'B' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'B' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

Teddy Bear Week
Welcome to teddy bear week!  We will be doing some fun activities with our teddy bears on Thursday and Friday, so please send your child's teddy bear with them to school by Wednesday or Thursday! Thursday night the teddy bears will be having a sleepover at school!  On Thursday we will be having a pajama party with our teddy bears.  Please send your child to school in their pajamas on that day!

Read At Home

The students are doing such a great job with their reading!!!  I love reading with so many kids each day.  When praciticing at home, please be sure your child learns the title of the book and is very confident with all the words in the book before sending the book back to school.  The books can be returned anytime.  You do not have to wait for Fridays and you do not have to send it back everyday if your child needs more time with it.

Wish List

• Small prizes for the prize box (these readers are cleaning me out!)

Important Dates

• Jan. 25th- Minimum Day (out at noon)
• Jan. 28th- Character Awards Assembly (2:25)

Our Weekly Newsletter 1/14

Hello

This week we are focusing on the letter 'E'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'E' makes and point it out everywhere you can.  This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.  The sound of 'E' tends to be a hard letter for students to distinguish from other letter sounds.  Please practice showing them the difference between a, i and e words. 

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the January calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'E' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'E' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

Read At Home

The students are doing such a great job with their reading!!!  I love reading with so many kids each day.  When praciticing at home, please be sure your child learns the title of the book and is very confident with all the words in the book before sending the book back to school.  The books can be returned anytime.  You do not have to wait for Fridays and you do not have to send it back everyday if your child needs more time with it.

Important Dates

• Jan. 21st- No School (M.L.K. Jr. Day)
• Jan. 25th- Minimum Day (out at noon)
• Jan. 28th- Character Awards Assembly (2:25)

Our Weekly Newsletter 1/7

Hello

I hope you all enjoyed a fun and relaxing Christmas Break with your loved ones.  It was fun hearing the kids' stories this morning.  It sounds like your 2 weeks were action packed! 

Thank you so so much for the very generous class gift!  I cannot wait to go and enjoy a massage.  Over the holidays I reflected back on this school year so far and I am so grateful for such an amazing group of students to teach and all of you wonderful, supportive parents that I am fortunate enough to get to know.  Thank you for all you do for our classroom and for me.

Also, how awesome were your kids in their little Christmas play?!  I was so proud of them!  At one point I was so wrapped up in their cuteness, I completely forgot where we were at in a song!  Thank you for the work you did with them at home to help make it such a success!
This week we are focusing on the letter 'R'.  Please reinforce the sound the letter 'R' makes and point it out everywhere you can.  This really helps solidify the information being taught at school.

Also, make sure to send your child's sight words back to school when they have memorized them so they can read them to me and get a prize!

Homework

Here is the list of tasks to be completed this week.  Please space out the activities throughout the week.  The homework is meant to be done in small chunks throughout the week.  Remember to return the homework folder on Friday.

1. Choose 3-4 activities from the January calendar

2. Make a collage/draw pictures of things that begin with 'R' in the yellow book

3. Complete the 'R' page in the handwriting book

4. Read 10 minutes a night and fill out the reading log

Read At Home
This week we will be beginning our Read At Home program.  Your child will be bringing home a book, book list, and an instructional letter.  Please read the letter and let me know if you have any questions.  This reading time can be used for their 10 minutes a night or in addition to if your child is excited about it!  These materials will be coming home by Wednesday, so please keep an eye out!

Class Wish List

• Black sharpies (a class set)

Important Dates

• Jan. 21st- No School (M.L.K. Jr. Day)
• Jan. 25th- Minimum Day
• Jan. 28th- Character Awards Assembly (2:25)