What we're learning this month...
Literacy Centers are under way, and we are starting to master the routine. Small reading groups will begin next week. Please remember to continue to practice the word wall words. We have begun to add 3 new words a week. I included an updated list on the back of the newsletter.
In Math, we will be working on number sense, which will include visualizing numbers, building numbers in different ways, counting, working with number combinations, and completing word problems (or story problems, as they are called in our math program).
In Science, we are continuing with various “science labs” and learning to use the Scientific Method.
In Social Studies, we will begin our unit on Mexico and Mexican folk tales this month. Please contact me if you have any stories or artifacts from Mexico that you would like to share with the class.
Parents, we are in need of Mystery Readers! Please see the section of our website labeled "Mystery Reader" for a list of available dates. Contact me to sign up.
Are you finding this website useful? Is there information that you think is missing? Let me know your ideas and I welcome your feedback!
September 23, 2011
Thank you to everyone who came to Back To School Night! It was great meeting those of you who I had not yet had the chance to meet. I hope that the information I provided was helpful, despite the brief presentation. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have.
There was something that I neglected to mention last night. Beginning next week, we will begin rotating the first grade teachers at pick-up. Ms. Mann, Miss Stroomer, and I will be rotating weekly for pick up. Next week, Ms. Mann will have pick-up duty, so she will be the face you see in the mornings. I will speak to the children about this today, so they are not caught off guard when I am not on the playground Monday morning.
Also, I mentioned beginning homework next week. After speaking with Ms. Mann, we have decided to wait until the first week in October to begin homework for grade 1. Please be on the lookout for homework to come home on Monday, October 3rd.
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to volunteer in our classroom! I am working on a schedule right now, based on the information that I have. I will be in contact, via e-mail, to finalize a schedule sometime next week. I plan to begin volunteers the week of October 3rd. If you did not have the chance to sign up, but would still like to volunteer, please let me know.
On the "Documents" page of our website, you can access the Power Point presentation from Back to School Night, the handout on "A Day in First Grade" w/curriculum information, and the list of volunteer needs. Please feel free to view these documents and let me know if you have any questions.
September 14, 2011
We are now 5 days into first grade, and things are progressing nicely in Room 9! A few things that I wanted to call to your attention:
1. Back to School Night is next Thursday, 9/22, from 6:00-8:00. Ms. D'Amico is working to provide child care at this event, so stay tuned for more information regarding that. I strongly suggest that at least one parent/guardian attends Back to School Night. There is a lot of important information that is distributed and discussed that evening, as well as time given to answer your questions.
2. Paperwork! So many papers have been sent home in the last week, and a brand new batch is headed your way this afternoon. If you have not done so already, please turn in the Hardy School Non-Negotiable Rules form. This was due back this past Monday, 9/12. The paperwork coming home this afternoon should be returned to school no later than this Friday, 9/16. I realize that this is a quick turn-around, but these are important papers for us to have on file here at Hardy. Please do your best to return these as soon as possible.
3. Parent Meetings: I have heard back from most of you and have begun meeting with parents this week. I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, as this helps me to get to know your child even more quickly. If you have not signed up for a meeting yet, there are very few slots left. Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can arrange for a day and time to meet.
4. Summer Reading: Please return your child's summer reading log, along with a photograph of them reading over the summer to school as soon as possible. This photo will be part of a whole school display in the hallway downstairs for the next few weeks, so we can all recognize and appreciate the reading that students did over the summer! We will also recognize each child at a special assembly in a few weeks, but this recognition will only happen if their reading log is turned in. Please contact me with any questions you have about this.
September 8, 2011
Day one was such fun! We had a great day in Room 9 getting to know about first grade and each other. I'm sure that tomorrow will be just as terrific, and hopefully drier!
Parents, please make sure to go through your child's home school folder tonight. There are some forms that are time sensitive and need to be returned a.s.a.p. This folder should come to school with your child every day. You should be diligent about checking this folder daily, especially at this time of year when there will be a lot of paperwork and notices coming home.
September 2, 2011
Today I put some of the finishing touches on Room 9. I uploaded a couple of pictures on the "photos" page of the website. Please remember, it's not finished yet! I will complete the room on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. I am so excited for everyone to be in the classroom and for us to start the school year together!
On Thursday, September 8th, I will meet you outside by the playground door closest to the cafeteria. I will be holding a sign with my name on it so you can easily locate our class. We will line up there and walk to our classroom together.
You will need to bring several things on the first day of school. Please bring the items from the supply list. You will also need to bring a lunch or lunch money and a snack with a drink. Don’t forget your summer reading graph-I look forward to hearing about the books you read and what your favorites were!
I look forward to seeing you all next Thursday! Enjoy the long weekend!