Mrs. Roy's First Grade Class

Thank you for joining us yesterday for our writing celebration! They loved going back at various times throughout the day to read the notes on their compliments page. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did! J We also had our book buddy celebration yesterday and watched a magician perform during our lunchtime.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens was a hit last Friday! Thank you chaperones! Be sure to ask your child about it if you haven’t already done so. We had a fun-filled day: exploring the visitor center, ponds, walking the trails, tadpoles, lily pads, lotus plants, dragonflies, a visit with the Park Ranger, long bus rides, etc.

Our class store was a hit! I’m sure you noticed the various trinkets that have come home by now. The students had opportunities to count, save, count back, and make change with money they earned from the classroom. This skill will continue to be practiced in second grade.

Last Wednesday we visited each of the second grade classrooms. The students had a chance to ask the teachers and students questions about what it was like in second grade, changes, and any thing else they were itching to ask. We will do the same throughout this week for the upcoming Kindergarteners.

       Remember there is no homework this week. The students reflected on major pieces of first grade last week. I will continue to send home materials throughout this week. We are spending the majority of this week organizing, cleaning, and packing the classroom. It seems as though it shouldn’t take that long and shouldn’t involve the students however it’s actually part of Responsive Classroom, the curriculum I follow. I use this to create a strong community in the classroom in the beginning of the year, manage the classroom throughout the year, and pack up the classroom at the end of the year. This gives the students a sense of closure, ownership, and responsibility (they helped set up and create the classroom, so there is a strong sense of ownership to be apart of taking it down). For instance, whenever changes are made to the classroom it is either with them or during morning meeting we’ll talk about what’s different and why. Most importantly we are having fun during this process. They especially love helping, recalling using various materials, and claiming what’s theirs!

       Friday, our last day together, will be a closing circle for my classroom. I like to take the time for each child to share a favorite memory and send them off to second grade. If your child’s last day is before Friday, no worries, I do this on each child’s last day so that they also have a sense of closure.

* Report cards are in your Take Home Tuesday Folder. Enclosed you will find anything to work on over the summer for a smooth transition into second grade. Some materials have already been sent home such as websites, and math tools games.

* Wednesday, June 15^th– Summer Birthday Party 2:30-3 (for summer birthday families)

One last note –

Thank you parents for a great year! I truly have enjoyed being your child’s first grade teacher! I will miss the East Coast, DC, but I will especially miss Janney. Some students have asked if they can call, email, or write. I have included my dad’s address. This is a place I will stay for a few weeks and visit often. Emailing my Gmail account is also OK heatherroy83@gmail.com.

Jeff and I are finishing up packing our apartment this week. We load a door-to-door storage box this weekend and begin our weeklong drive on Monday. We are looking forward to driving across the country with our dog! J

Enjoy your week, the summer, and the new building in second grade!!!!

Mrs. Roy 

202-251-2822

heatherroy83@gmail.com

heather.roy@dc.gov

27124 35^th Ave. NE

Arlington, WA  98223