Updates and Conference/Gallop/Picture Info

Hello families.  We are officially in full swings here in room 9.  RTI began last week, as did Suzuki.  This means our normal routines are all in place and the children are very familiar with what, when, and how we do things in our class.  I have begun to post our day in a pocket chart in the classroom, and the students have enjoyed reading it every morning and knowing what their day will look like.  They also were very happy with our science and social studies switch we began with Mrs. Ogg, and really enjoyed going to her room last Wednesday and Thursday.  It's been such a great start to our school year!  Here is what is happening this week...

Math:  We will wrap up learning about the commutative property of addition (better known to first graders as flip flop facts) and move into doubles and doubles plus one (ex: 2+2 is a double 2+3 is a double plus one).

ELA:  This weeks NatGeo story is "Are You Living?"  It is the first of a four week unit about plants and living vs nonliving.  We will be tying these stories into our science for the next 4 weeks as well.  This weeks spelling will be focused on qu and y words. 

Science:  Tying in with our ELA, we will begin our 4 week plant unit.  This week we will plant ryegrass and alfalfa seeds and focus on the question, "What happens to seeds in moist soil?"  This also begins our learning about the inquiry process, which we will do (and write in our science notebooks) every time we do an experiment.  

Social Studies:  The students will continue their studies on wants and needs/ goods and services with Mrs. Ogg.

Scholastic Book Orders Due:  Scholastic book orders are due.  I had set the date for Monday, but will extend it through Wednesday.  I have many children saying they are buying books, but have not received any book orders back at this point.  If you need another book order form please let me know.  If you are turning one in, please put it in the blue agenda folder and I will see it when I check folders.  Remember, you can also order online by using our classroom code Q7YBM.  In fact, if you order $25 worth of books online this month, you will receive a free book (up to $5). There are some really great titles this month, so don't miss out!

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Conferences are Monday, October 8th- Wednesday, October 10th.  I will be sending home a paper sign up about midweek.  Please pick 2 or 3 spots that would best for you and return ASAP.  Indicate 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice.  I will comprise a final conference list from this.  I have found that this is the best way to accommodate everyone's schedules and most will end up with their first or second choices.  It will be first come first serve, so returning it in the agenda as fast as possible is a good idea.  These will also be early releases, however those times have not been given to me yet.  I will let you know as soon as I have that information.  I look forward to conferencing with everyone!  

Marshall Mustang Gallop/Jog-a-Thon:  It's that time of year, our one and only fundraiser of the year kicks off this Friday.  Your child will be taking home a packet to collect money for the Gallop that will take place on Friday, October 5th.  There will be information attached explaining how the Gallop works, however for those of you that do not know here is a brief rundown.  In your packet you will have an envelope to collect pledges for the Gallop.  Pledges can take the shape of a flat donation or a price pledged for laps ran.  On the 5th of October the students will go out to our field and run their laps, which we will report the amount of laps they ran back to you.  At this point you will go back out and collect the pledges and return to us on October 9th.  I will warn you, the kids run a lot of laps (14 is average) so someone pledging $5 a lap could take a hit to their pocketbook without realizing it.  You may want to warn friends and family members beforehand.  This is our only fundraiser, so any efforts you can give in helping our school raise funds is always greatly appreciated!  We will need a volunteer or two on this morning, that info should go out on Friday as well.  This is truly a fun "fun"draiser and one of my favorite Marshall events of the year!

BoxTops:  Thank you to everyone who has turned it boxtops thus far.  Our little pile is growing!  Keep on collecting.  Box tops are due on Tuesday, October 9th.

Picture Day:  This Thursday, September 20th is our picture day!  Every child will have their picture taken for the purpose of lunch cards.  If you would like to purchase a picture packet please return the envelope that went home along with payment by picture day.  You may also buy pictures online, I just ask you let me know on blank packet envelop or in agenda.  Thank you.

Looking forward to seeing the students tomorrow!  -Ms. Shaw