Announcements

1/6/10

Once again Happy New Year! I hope you all had an enjoyable and restful break and your batteries are recharged for the New Year! We have lots going on...
  • In Math we have started our timed tests. The students have 2-3 minutes to complete 20 problems. All the facts will go up to 19, (same as the yellow card I handed out at conferences). As the students complete each fact with a 100%, they are able to color a part of an ice cream sundae and paste on their folder. They will earn an ice cream when they have passed all of their facts (0-10). We will continue to learn about place value, and soon start subtraction. We will have a Math test on Topic 11 next week.
  • Vassar Road has a new bullying program in place which has been created by the SLT (School Leadership Team). A letter from Mr. Annis along with the rubric that will be followed for consequences from bullying was sent home in early December. Today, the students and I talked about bullying behaviors (both verbal and physical) during morning read-aloud. I have modified the rubric so that at the top of the paper there is a spot for you to sign and the consequence. I am hoping that we will not need to use this at all, but if it comes home please see the rubric and discuss the behavior with your child. A few parent members of the SLT will be presenting Bullying Lessons over the next few months. There will also be a bullying form accessible to the students in a "Speak up, Reach out, Help a Friend" box in the Main Office. This form will be available to download off the website as well to assist your student in filling it out about bullying if necessary.
  • Another initiative of the SLT is recycling water bottles. If you send your child in with a water bottle, the students have been doing a great job of recycling! We are really trying to go "green".
  • We have an author visit from Iza Trapani coming up on the 19th of January. We are in the middle of our author story and studying bears which relates to Iza's story "Black Bear's Hudson River Tale". This story will be presented to the students on January 22nd.
  • Book Orders are coming home this week for January. They are due by the end of the month. Some book orders are hard copies, two are not. Browse online. The ordering information is as follows: 

    Password:        BookOrders


    Remember, placing your online credit card order is completely safe and secure.

    Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. And this month, our class can earn additional FREE books, just for trying this online ordering service. 

    Book orders are due on January 28, 2010. Please make your selections by then, so that I may get the materials in a timely manner.
  • We are working hard in Writer's Workshop. We have been using transition words and thinking maps to assist with our writing. We also have been working on Small Moments writing.
  • In Science, we will be studying "sink or float" and testing which objects will sink or float.
  • We are still working on becoming responsible 1st graders with our library books. The students MUST keep the library books in their backpacks. I will be checking each day. I understand that they do not get to finish the library book some nights with families busy schedules. However, please keep the books in their backpack. Every year, more and more books get lost and damaged from the library. Although we have been good so far this year, I have had to remind students an awful lot about it.
  • If you haven't already done so, please send your child in with new crayons (box of 24 is sufficient). They are all low on crayons.
  • In Fundations, we have started bonus letters (f, l, s) and the welded/glued sound of (all) in spelling. The bonus letters are needed when an f, l, or s, follows a short vowel (tell, huff, miss). 
  • Mr. Annis has sent home a notice stating if you haven't signed up for the google group, and still wish to receive hard copies of information, please send in the form as soon as possible.
  • I've also added another section on my site with great books for your child with the title, author, and reading level. If you have any questions about their independent reading level, please feel free to contact me.
I know that was a lot of information. I probably forgot some information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

1/3/10

Welcome to 2010! A new year, a new decade! I hope everyone is enjoying their break, and enjoys their last day tomorrow! 


One quick note, please be sure to return your library books Monday Morning! We will have Library this week and need to continue our 100% book return for extra chances in the prize box! Please make sure they are in your child's backpack and search restlessly for them tomorrow (Sunday). 



12/21/09
  • Our Holiday Party is scheduled tomorrow starting at 1:30. Hope to see you there!

  • There will be no Homework this week for Spelling. We will also not have any more math homework until after the break. We will resume Topic 11 at that time in addition to Spelling.

  • If Santa needs any last minute gift ideas or stocking stuffers for your child, tell him they could use crayons. I've been told that many of you have a direct line to him and speak to him often! The majority of the class seems to be getting low.

  • Please bring library books back by Wednesday. One less thing to get lost amongst the toys and gifts from Santa!

  • If I don't get to see you at the party, have a happy holiday with all of your families! See you in 2010!


 
Last Modified: Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010
 
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