Megan McGovern's Class

Art Walk
 
Come join us for a celebration of your child's artwork.

It is to be held on April 25

at Mountainview Christain Church located at
2927 East Campbell Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85016   

It is an open house from 3:00-4:00p.m.

I hope to see you there!





 



April 10th

Dear Parents,

Our field trip tomorrow is an almost all day affair so please make sure that your child comes with a lunch in the morning to bring along.  Lunchboxes with ice packs would be great to keep them cool in the car before our picnic.  We are leaving at 8:45 and plan on returning at about 1:30.  Our first stop is the Musical Instrument Museum and our second stop is the Paradise Vally Park, a mile away, at 17642 N. 40th Street.  If your child requires a car seat, please drop it off with them in the morning.  Some cars may have extras, but that is not always the case.

I have sent home another copy of the ice cream social paper for those that did not see it the first time.  Many children have been forgeting their backpacks and folders which make transfering papers from school to home and back a challenge. 

I have also sent home in the last two days, permission slips for the 1st and 2nd grade movie trip and the 3rd grade skate party trip.

Our official date for the Art Walk is April 25 from 3-4 p.m.  More information is to follow soon.


Thanks,
Megan



April 4, 2012

Dear Parents,

We have a packed month so I am just going to give a list of dates to remember and a few quick notes.

April 6- 1/2 day, no pizza for circle kids
April 11- field trip to MIM
April 12 Ice Cream Social( note in folder today)
April 16-20- Stanford and AIMS testing for 2nds and 3rds
April 26- possible Art Walk- will send more info soon, date may change

May 2- field trip to movie for 1sts and 2nds
May 4,7- parent/teacher conferences
May 9- third grade skate party
May 22- Pool Party at Citlali's house
May 23- 1/2 day for ALL, last day of school( I cannot believe it!)

Third grade parents, please look in your child's folder tonight for a note from SARRC and shadow day permission slips.

I figured that this would be enough info to digest at the moment.

Megan



March 1, 2012

Dear Parents,

I am sure that all of you received the email about pajama day.  I asked the children to copy the note from the board to go home, but in case they did not... here are the facts.

Your child may where pajamas appropriate for school.  They need to be good jammies that can run and play during p.e. and recess.( This sentence sounds really funny to me, but I hope you catch my drift.)  They may bring slippers, but they need regular shoes for their outdoor activities.  One small blanket and one small stuffed animal may be packed, but it has to fit in the bag that is being used to transport everything.  This is a day to read!  A bag of books labeled with the child's name is a must.  I will accept an activity book, but something that involves using a pencil, such as Mad Libs or wordsearch, hidden picture... 

Today, Paige Singer(Ahser's mom) came into the classroom and cooked an ostrich egg for us.  We had a great experience learning about the ostrich and eggs.  Many were willing to try the snack, but a few did not have enough adventure in them to take a taste.  You can only imagine the research on birds that took place after this experience!  I, of course, used this perfect opportunity to introduce the parts of birds and the classification of birds to spark even further interest in a new study!

The children have been busy working really hard.  Be sure to ask at dinner what is happening in the classroom.  I know that some will say nothing, but if you keep prodding they may give a bit more information.

Have a great Spring Break!

Megan

The thirds years had to work on an in-class biography assignment and started sharing what they learned today.  when the projects are done, you will get to see them at home.  Make sure to ask third year parents!





February 20, 2012


Dear Parents,

The presentations for our Australia study have been awesome!  It is just amazing to see what these children can do.  In culmination of their hard work, we will celebrate with the Australian Luncheon this Friday.  I hope that it has been on your calendar.  I apologize for the late sign-up, but it is now ready to go.  It will take place from 11:30-1:00 on February 24th in the classroom, ODE, and on the playground.

Have a great week and I will see you Friday!  The children are very proud and ready to share their work.

Megan




February 1, 2012

Dear Parents,

Presentations start February 6th.   It's that wonderful time of year when the children learn so much from one another on their specific study of Australia.  Please make sure that you are here at 8:30 so that everyone has a full audience! 

here are the dates as a reminder:
February 6th- Myles and Ben
February 7th- Kacie and Citlali
February 8th- Phoenix and Asher F.
February 9th- Harper and Sadie
February 10th - Semera and Syre
February 13th TJ, Ella, and Aidan
February 14th- Sheena and Paolina
February 15th- Charlie, Griffin, and Alex
February 16th -Jordan, Mac, and Aiden
February 17th -Fatih and Andrew
February 21th- Drew and Ari
February 22nd- Stephanie and Ellie
February 23rd- Haille, Asher W., and Allison
February 24th- Topher 

The 24th is also the day of the luncheon.  I hope to see you there.

This month we have three field trips.  Two are "in-house".  Next week(not sure of the date yet), someone will be coming in to play the digeridoo for us and on February 21st, we have Just Dance coming in with a stringed quartet.

On February 10th, we have been invited to walk across the street and enjoy a performance by the drama department at Camelback High School.  All Elementary I classes are attending.  This is our first interaction with the school and is exciting since the Montessori High School will be opening up next year in one of their buildings. 

The children have been very busy since the start of the new year.  The thirds have been loving the Timeline of Life work, the seconds just received a lesson on the BC/AD timeline and I cannot wait to see how they work with that.  The firsts have had their amphibian lesson and love to research about different animals. 

We will passs out Valentine cards on the 14th.  Please just have your child sign 30 cards for our 31 students and the "passing out" process will run smoothly without having to look for names on bags.

If you have not yet turned in this semster's pizza Friday money, please do so as soon as possible so that your child can participate for the rest of the year.  Please, also to remember to send in a snack on
Friday mornings so that your chid has something to tide them over until lunch.  I have many hungary children asking me to feed them and I am just not eqquipped to do so.

Have a great February. 
Megan


January 4, 2012

Happy New Year!  I hope that you all enjoyed your holidays.  I would like to thank you for your gifts and kind words.   It really means a lot to me.

We are getting ready to start out Australia projects- yes, it is that time again.  If you have any date/time conflicts during the weeks of February 6th through February 24th, please let me know ASAP.  I would like to send home the dates by Friday , January 6th.  I will, however, send home the topics as soon as they are chosen, which may be as early as today.  I know that my son and I like to get started right away, and I am sure some of you do too!

The Australia Luncheon will be held on February 24th from 11:30-1:00.  Make sure to mark your calendars.

We are having a field trip next week so please look for a permission slip in your child's take home folder today.  We will be attending the Arizona Museum of Natural History. 

THe children came back to school well-rested from their winter break and have really buckled down with their work.  I just love to observe them learn and grow( kind of corny, I know)!

Your Child's teacher,
Megan

December 5, 2011

Gingerbread house time is here again!  I have a sign-up on the website if you are able to bring in some goodies for the kids to create their houses.  I do need a volunteer to make the meringue.  I know that this is a big job and sometimes people get together to make the sticky goo so that it goes faster( and let's face it-more fun.)  If you are willing and/or able to make the meringue, please let me know.  If you want help to make it, I can get that started, too.  I think that a parent has some left over sugar from last year's event so we may have some of the supplies needed.

The more help, the better.  If you can come any time between 8:00-11:30, we can put you to work.  I need help with set-up, building with the children, and clean-up.

I think this is the only big event before break.

Megan

November 21, 2011

The children have completed their European projects, and I must say, they were amazing.  Everyone did such a fabulous job and I am proud of them all!

It was great to see you at the lucheon.  I think that it was our most successful yet.  The food was delicous!  One day we will get it together enough to creat a cookbook out of the the different foods that are shared.

I still have ten spots for tne families on my conference sign-up sheet.  If you have not had a chance to pick a date and time, please do so soon so that I can meet with each of you.  I do not only do the FRiday and Monday conference days so double check your date and time to make sure that you knw when it is.  It  think that I confuse people sometimes with my scheduling. 

Our next big event will be the Gingerbread House Party.  I need as many helpers as I can get.  A page will go up soon on the website for the goodies to be purchased for this project.  It is will on Friday December 16th( wow that sounds soon).  It takes us the whole morning to set- up, build, and clean up so any time taht you are able to by between 8:00-11:00a.m. would be wonderful.

I have lots of assessments to squeeze in this week before conferences.  If you are goign to be any day this week, please let me know so that I can plan ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Megan

November 9th, 2011

Good Afternoon!

The presentations, thus far, have been FABULOUS!  We are learning so much from one another.  I can tell how hard everyone is working.  in order to celebrate everyone's greatest efforts, we are hosting a luncheon.

I have put up the sign-up for the European Luncheon.  It will be held on Friday, November 18th, from 11:30-1:00.  It is a wonderful time to see what the children have been doing with their study of Europe.  All three classes on the Davis campus will be displaying the projects and your child will give you a tour of each room.  We also offer a pot-luck lunch.  We encourage everyone to sign up for one time on the website to share.  I cannot even tell you how many wonderful new dishes I have tried over the years.   This is also a great time to meet your child's friends' parents.

I have also put the conference sign-ups on the website.  Please make a note of the day and time as space is limited.  I have 31 one students and 31 spots!  With the holidays around the corner(yikes!) it is really hard to fit everything in, so please sign - up quickly to get the spot that you want.

When signing up for either(or both)events, please use the password megan001 and if a mistake is made DO NOT hit the remove button as that WILL delete the whole row and not just your error.  Simply exit the page without the password and try again.

Thanks for your help in all of the above and I look forward to seeing you soon!



October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween! The children were all very interested when Jordan came in and shared his experience with donating to UNICEF.  All of them showed an interest in collecting tonight.  The boxes went home today and if you participate, great; if you prefer not to participate, I can understand that, as well.  If you would like to participate, I would love to do one lump check from the class and have the children bring in their money and count it collectively.  There are so many lessons to be taught with these small boxes...

Presentations start Wednesday morning.  Please make sure that your child is on time to learn and enjoy what the other students want to share.  If you are having any challenges with the projects, especially first years, please let me know so that I may assist you if I can.  The European Luncheon is coming up on Friday, November 18th from 11:30-1:00.  I will have the sign-up for it by the end of the week ( as soon as my third grader has finished his presentation .

I think that we are in need of parent volunteers for pizza Friday.  Everyone should only have to sign- up for one day each year if everyone participates.  If you have already taken a turn, thank you.  If you have signed-up already for a future date, then you are set, as well.

An ODE note went home a week ago and i want dto let you know that each child has an assigned day so if you are interested in coming, just ask your child what day is their ODE day and that would be the best day to attend the vegan cooking. 

I know I am forgetting something, but, for the life of me, I cannot remember what it is so you will probably be getting another email soon-sorry.

Have a safe and fun night!
Megan



October 20, 2011

Happy Fall everyone!  I hope that I get the chance to see all of you at the carnival this weekend.  The children always have such a good time.

I may have goofed!  I forgot to send home a notice that I had sent a hard copy of the children's presentations in their take home folders before break.  If you have not seen it, please let me know.  They do start in two weeks.  I do send things home in the take home folders periodically, though, so it is always good to have a routine of checking on a daily basis so that nothing is missed.  I always let the students know when something important has gone home.

Picture proofs also went home on Monday and they are due back by October 24th if you wish to order.

We have started our study of Europe in class along with some history lessons in the "Clock of Eras", fundamental needs of man, and time.  The first years had a lot of fun figuring out all of the different ways we measure time(once we got past the clock).  They may be coming home to talk to you about your age, but I assure you it is just for a graphing exercise  to measeure a year. 

Thank you for sharing your children with me!  It is amazing what I learn from them everyday.

Megan


September 22, 2011

I cannot believe a month has already flown by!  We certainly have been busy in here.  They are busy learning about invertebrates and fish, seaweed and types of leaves.  A first grade student came running in after recess today because she found a simple-lobed leaf on the playground.  Now she is excited to come back tomorrow and research more about that plant and do an art project of some kind. 

I have given an overview of the time line of life to start our history work and we are getting ready to learn about the history of writing, which they all LOVE to do!  I think that I will display their cave paintings at the artist's tea this year.

Some of the children are doing work on triangles and others are learning about polygons.  One of my students created a beautiful pop-up book with the curved shapes drawer from the geometry cabinet. 

Coming up at the beginning of October, the children will be picking their topics for our study of Europe.  If you have already chosen a topic, please email me a reminder so that I can start making a list.  When the "official topic picking" takes place, I will send a hard copy home in your child's take-home folder and send out an email with details as to what happens with these amazing projects.  I will have ideas from which the children may choose, but if you want to brainstorm ahead of time, I do encourage first years to choose an animal.

The children are finally able to spend the entire work time in the ODE with our weather change.  The temperature is better, but they still need to stay hydrated.  It would be great if you could send in a water bottle each day so that your child is sure to have it on the day that they are in the outdoor environment.  They each get to attend one morning and one afternoon.  The activities out there are wonderful.  This week they are creating their solar ovens so that they can put them to use next week.  The ovens were built in teams which was a great experience for them all.

If your child is still in the learning to read stage or learning to read fluently, please make sure they are reading every night out loud.( I just had to get that plug in :))

Megan
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August 25, 2011

Hi There,

Three weeks under our belt and assessments are almost finished.  We have started our math and language lessons.  I have also presented "The Big Bang!"  in story form.  I talked to the children about the scientific version of how the earth was created.  We also touched on the fact that many people believe in different ways that the earth was created.  I will be sharing creation stories from around the world and from different religions.  This is how we start our cultural curriculum of geography, history, zoology, and botany.  Since the earth was full of volcanoes at one time, they each had a chance to "erupt" a volcano.  This activity will continue- let me tell you, it is one of the FAVORITES of the year!

A few reminders:  School is closed to ALL students tomorrow, August 26th, for a teacher in-service day.

Scholastic book orders are due by the end of today; I will be ordering the books in the morning.  So far we have earned over a 1,000 bonus points for our classroom!  Thank you!!!!

Your child's teacher,
Megan


August 17, 2011

Hello Parents,

I sent home a scholastic book order yesterday.  All of the directions are right the website if you are interested in ordering.

Pizza Friday will start tomorrow(Yeah!)  If you have not sent in your pizza check, there is still time.  The deadline for sending in a check or contacting me with a payment plan needs to be September 6, 2011.  There is a sign-up on the website for bringing in pizza snack.  We have 31 students this year so make sure that there is enough for all.  Please remember to send in a morning snack for your child on Fridays, even if you are not packing a lunch because we eat the snacks as a group  before specials( and afternoon, if they are in circle).  The children are asking me for food if one is not packed for them and I am not equipped to feed them.

I have a sign-up on this site for the Halloween carnival and ceramics, too!

Your child's teacher,
Megan

August 15, 2011

Dear Parents,

My monthly news and some updates will come through on this newsflash.  I also send things from my villa email account which you should have also received. 

When you receive this newsflash, I would appreciate it if you could let me know once again that you received it.  Just say "got it" and I will know.  Because I use both forms of communication, I really need to make sure everyone is on each email list.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 16th, from 7:45-9:00, you are invited to attend, with your child(ren) and family, to come and see the night sky through telescopes that are going to be set up on the back driveway for just our use!  The parents of Lura Amparan's assistant, Mary, are astronomers have graciously offered their services for this special event.  If you choose to come, you need to remain with your child and then leave with them once you are finished viewing.  I am asking that if you attend, you are responsible for your child(ren) during the entire event. 

I hope that you all received the form for enrichment classes that went home in the take home folder on Friday.  Today, you will find a sign-up for Choir.  If you are interested in having your child participate in this free class offered from 8-8:30 on Wednesday mornings in the ODE, then either return the form in the take- home folder or contact Clare at claritab@cox.net.

If you are interested in Pizza Friday, I have information for you in the packet that was handed out on Parent night last Wednesday.  If you were not able to make it, I sent a folder home with the information that was discussed.  You can make a check out to me so that  can out it into the classroom account to pay for pizza each week.  It is $100 for the year, or $50 for the semester.  There will be a sign-up for the snacks each week to go with eh pizza.  We suggest and fruit and veggie as well as a drink for each child.  We have 31 students this year.

I am looking forward to a great year!

Megan