Updates Jan 29th-Feb 2nd

Hello Families.  I cannot believe we are wrapping up the end of January.  It seems like our second half of the school year is moving at full speed.  With no snow days and no holidays, it has set a nice tone of consistency to our routine and learning environment here in room 9.  I like the no interruptions even if I do miss the well needed snow.  I wonder if Punxsutwaney Phil will be ordering Winter or Spring for us this year?  The kids will let you know on Friday, as they delve into some Groundhog's day activities.  If he calls for 6 more weeks of winter, let's hope he orders some snow to go with it!  Here's what will be happening in our class prior to all our Friday festivities...

Math:  Monday we test on RDW (read, draw, write word problems) and true and false number sentences.  Then we jump into measurement!  Students will learn to compare lengths of objects.

Language Arts:  On Monday we wrap up our "Hat" and "Mitten" unit with the students writing an opinion page about if they would prefer wearing mitten's or gloves.  Then on Tuesday we begin a chapter book, "My Father's Dragon."  Each child will have their own copy to follow along with as we join Elmer on his retelling of his father's adventure to save a dragon.  Student's will be working on various concepts such as making predictions, and comprehension.  In Daily 5 we will work on the strategy "chunk letters and sounds together."  Our Hartcourt story of the week will be "A Bed Full of Cats."  

Science:  We will continue working on balance activities this week!

Social Studies:  The student's wrapped up their ancient civilizations unit on Friday with a hot chocolate party.  On Monday they will begin their national symbols unit.

Classroom News:

We need glue sticks!  If anyone can buy a pack and donate to the class community pile it would be greatly appreciated!  

Please remember to check and sign agendas daily!  We are seeing an increase in some behaviors and the agenda is not being signed to let us know that you are aware of this.  When first graders know that their parents are not checking in on their day, the yellow and red faces become relatively useless.  Therefore, the behaviors increase instead of decrease.  This is not what we want to see happening.  As a result, I will be keeping students with yellow and red faces in from recess if their agenda is not signed that night.  If it is not signed on the second night I will make a phone call to make sure parents are aware of the behaviors taking place in class.  It is important students know that parents are aware of what is happening during their day, and if they are being disruptive, their parent will know about it that night, and they will have a discussion that will help reinforce set in place here at school.  This helps us keep everyone safe and helps us to focus more on learning and less on discipline.  Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation on this matter!

The science fair is coming!  Be on the lookout for more information.

Save the Date:

• Wednesday, February 7th - PTO in the library (all are welcome - childcare is available)
• Monday, February 19th - School Closed (President's Day)
• February 12th - 16th - Random Acts of Kindness Week sponsored by PTO
• Wednesday, February 28th - Kindergarten Registration

Can't wait for our week ahead!  See everyone Monday morning. -Ms. Shaw