Last Week of February 2019 Updates

I cannot believe that we are in the last week of February.  With the use of more snow days I feel like this month flew by.  This week we will spend some time catching up and then getting into some new concepts as quickly as we can.  Here's what it will look like academically in room 9...

Math:  We will finish up our unit on coins and their values and then move into place value.  The first part of place value will be will be looking at ten and ones.  

ELA:  We will have a chance to get into our NatGeo stories about weather, which we did not have a chance to do last week.  Also, we will stay with last weeks spelling words this week.  That means I will send home the same spelling list as last week.  This is a difficult spelling sound (ie and igh that say long i) so the extra week will be beneficial.  I will also send home the same sentence homework, but it is up to each family how much of that page they care to practice this week.  All I care about is the spelling and math this week.  If you think your child needs to practice their sentence writing for the test, it is there for that purpose.  If you care to skip part or all, that is an option for you this week.

Science:  We will take our assessment on balance and move on to some fun weather science for a few weeks.

Social Studies:  We did not have the chance to visit Mrs. Ogg last week, so this week we will see her to learn about President's. 

 Science Fair Projects:  Just a reminder, science fair projects are due this Wednesday morning - if your child choose to do an individual science fair project.  Science Fair Family Night will be Wednesday March 6th from 5:00-6:30 in the gym.

Family Fitness Night:  This Thursday night is our fun filled 5th annual Family Fitness Night.  Come check out our community partners that will be here to offer activities and information on many health, wellness, and mindfulness opportunities offered to our youth in Flagstaff.  Kids will actively participate in many choices such as yoga, healthy snacks, and a ton more.  Hope everyone can make time to join us in the free night of family fun!

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Conferences will be held Wednesday March 13th-Friday March 15th.  These will look very different than they did in the fall.  A lot more information to come at the end of the week, please stay tuned for that!

So good to have everyone back today!  Some of us were a little more tired than usual.  Time to get back to our routines. Please, no stress over the homework this week.  If the students are tired and not feeling it, write me a note and skip it that night.  Let's just spend this week getting back into the groove of things.  At the end of the night I want happy and peaceful households.  No stress or arguments over homework at all!  Dinner, bedtime stories, and snuggles are more important to me this week than homework.  My intent is not to make this week harder than it needs to be. I love my  families!   - Ms. Shaw

President's Day Week 2019

Happy snowy President's Day.  I hope everyone is having some fun in the snow on this beautiful day off.  With another storm coming Wednesday night, I'm wondering how many days of school we will actually have this week.  Still planned for a full four days.  Here's what we have planned for the next week, regardless of when those day's may actually happen...

Math:  We began learning about coins and their values.  This will be the focus the remainder of this week as well (pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters).  This is always an interesting unit because most get it, but for whatever reason if a child does not, it proves to be very tricky for them to distinguish between the coins.  Feel free to break your change and play little games with your child.  What is the coin called?  How much is a certain coin worth?  What about a mixture of coins?  Put a pile of coins together and see if they can pick out the nickels and then tell you the value of a nickel, etc.  Please avoid quarters however, we have not learned this yet (this week) and this could frustrate your child.  Any extra practice at home doing these types of activities is always useful during this unit.  Thank you for your partnership!

ELA:  We will be reading stories about the weather from our NatGeo series this week.  

Science:  We fell a little behind on finishing our balance unit last week, so this is what we will be doing this week.  

Social Studies:  The kids are learning about President's this week, which is very fitting.

Science Fair:  If your child is doing a science fair project (which is not required) it is due Wednesday, February 27th.  The science fair will be set up in the gym, and our Science Fair Family Night will be taking place on Wednesday, March 6th.  When I have more details, such as a time frame, I will share with you immediately.

Family Fitness Night:  Thursday February 28th is our 5th annual Family Fitness Night.  This is one of the best nights of FREE family fun Marshall has to offer.  The students and their families have the opportunity to come check out vendors and community groups that offer opportunities for all to participate in games, activities and lessons in health, wellness, and mindfulness.  In the past there has been football, yoga, hockey, healthy snacks, and much more.  I'm sure it will look very much the same this year.  The best part is that your child will go home TIRED and bedtime should be a breeze!  Let us tucker them out for you, and come join in the fun!  Hope to see everyone there.

Dates to Remember:

• Wednesday, February 27th - Science Fair Projects Due

• Thursday, February 28th - Family Fitness Night

• Wednesday, March 6th - Science Fair Family Night

• Monday, March 11th - STEM Night at NAU 

• Wednesday, March 13th - Friday March 15th - Parent Teacher Conferences - This will look very different than fall conferences - more details next weeks blog.  Be on the look out!

• March 18th - 22nd - Spring Break

I hope everyone enjoyed their 3 day weekend.  Please make sure to check the Marshall or FUSD website or Facebook pages for school late start or closure updates.  I'm guessing we may have some of these in our future.  Cannot wait to see the kids tomorrow!  Stay warm tonight, and drive safe this week! -Ms. Shaw

February 2019 Pre Valentines Double Edition

Happy February!  Again, sorry for the lack of post last week.  Didn't happen on Super Bowl Sunday, and that was followed by technical computer issues, which resulted in a lack of computer for a few days.  Anyway, I'm back on track this week, so I'm giving you another double scoop of the scoop.  Here's is what has been happening, and what is coming up in our classroom, including some photo's of our porridge taste testing.

Math:  We are finishing our unit on measurement and data this week.  The kids have learned how to read data and record it with tally's (which they learned how to write correctly) and now they are on to making graphs where they organize the data in a type of picture/bar graph.  They are also learning how to use this information to solve word problems, and key in on key terms such as more than and total to determine which operation to use.  After that they are using the information to write number sentences to help answer questions being asked about the graph.  After we wrap up this unit we will be moving on to money.

ELA:  Last week we decided to focus on our Reading Literature Standard and compare and contrast the two stories "3 Snowbears" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."  We read the Jan Brett version, which the children were familiar with her books from when we did "The Hat" and "The Mitten."  Our students really did an amazing job with finding a lot of similarities and differences between the two stories, and sequencing the "3 Snowbears."   On Friday we decided to make porridge and graph if we preferred our porridge with honey or with chocolate sauce.  Chocolate sauce won by a single vote, and not every child voted because not every child was actually willing to try porridge!  I did manage to get some REALLY funny pictures out of the whole ordeal.  I'll post them below.  Next week we will return to NatGeo where our stories will focus on the weather for the next several weeks.  

Because we are going back to NatGeo we will be having spelling again next week.  Which means a return of homework.  We were not planning on spelling homework last week, but when both copiers broke on Monday (yes - both!!) math homework was not happening either.  I told the kids to tell you verbally, ya know, since I was having computer issues and all and couldn't communicate anything via email.  Sorry if there was any confusion.  I'm sure there was a lot of sadness.  Never fear, homework is back on this week!  You're welcome!  

Science:  We are going to wrap up our balance part of our balance and motion unit this week.  After that we will do a few weeks of weather to correspond with our ELA, and then go back to our motion part of our balance and motion unit. 

Social Studies:  The students are continuing their studies on American Symbols with Ms. Ogg, after which they will move into Ancient Greece.

Science Fair:  Science Fair projects are due on February 27th.  Again, in first grade this is not required, but if your child is interested they may participate.  Only experiments will be judged.  Please make sure the experiment follows the inquiry process (your child knows this - we study and follow it every time we do an investigation in science).  Most importantly, please have fun!

Kindergarten Registration:  Because of the snow day last Wednesday Kindergarten registration was rescheduled to this coming Wednesday, February 13th - 4:30-6:30 in the gym.  If you have a younger sibling ready to begin Kindergarten at Marshall we will see you Wednesday!

Valentines Day:  Valentines Day is this Thursday.  We will be exchanging valentines.  I sent home a class list on Friday so that if your child wishes to write names on their valentines they may.  Honestly though, it is so much easier on you if they write just their name on their valentines.  I will make sure they get one valentine in each friends holder, as I will be helping them pass out their valentines that morning.  Our celebration will take place that afternoon before specials.  If your child chooses to bring in valentines they must bring in one for EVERYONE in the class!!  If they would like to bring in a healthy treat to share they may (no sign up, we'll take what we get).  Please, no junk...they will get plenty in their Valentine holders (I already have purchased the candy conversation hearts for a graphing activity).  We already have punch, cups, and napkins but if anyone wishes to bring in  plates that would be helpful.  Just write me a quick note in the agenda letting me know.  Your help is appreciated!  If you need another list, please let me know. 

Tax Credit Donations:  Please remember if you have not done your taxes that you can still make your tax credit donations to Marshall School.  This is a dollar for dollar credit, and every dollar goes directly to each and every student here at Marshall.  We pay for everything from field trips to our magnet programs, including our twice weekly Suzuki violin program which our first graders participate in. Thank you for you consideration and your support of our unique programs that make Marshall so special!

Family Fitness Night:  Thursday, February 28th is our 5th annual Family Fitness Night.  This is one of my favorite Marshall events, with a huge community turn out of vendors promoting fitness, health, and wellness.  I believe the event will take place from 5:30-7:00.  I will update you as the date draw closer.  I hope to see everyone there.

Dates to Remember:

• Monday, February 18th - School Closed - President's Day
• Thursday, February 14th - Valentines Day - Class Party 
• Wednesday, February 27th - Science Fair Projects Due
• Thursday, February 28th - Family Fitness Night

Porridge Taste Testing:  As promised, here are the pictures from our taste testing.  If your child is missing (Andres) it is because they disliked porridge so much they would not allow me to take their picture!  Trust me, I tried.  The faces they make are hilarious and I hope they bring you as much joy as they do me each time I look at them.

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  - 💜Ms. Shaw