Hello families. We have a lot of information to cover in this weeks blog. Some things I only have limited information about for now but I will share what I know and update as more information comes along. Let's start with what we are learning about for now...

Math:  This week we began working on data interpretation. We are learning on how to write and read tally marks as well as how to create various graphs and read and interpret the data from them to answer various types of questions about the graphs. We will continue this into next week.

ELA:  We began our 6th unit in our Nat Geo curriculum, which is all about weather. We will tie this into our upcoming science unit. This week we worked on the spelling sound ie/igh and next week we will work on oa/ow. 

Social Studies: Last week the students learned all about the bald eagle. This week we spent time learning new facts about the Statue of Liberty, and tomorrow we will wrap up our unit on American symbols with  learning about the Liberty Bell.

Science:  Next week we will begin our unit on the weather. We will track the weather for the month of March and learn about different weather tools. 

Return to School:  On Tuesday night's Governing Board meeting a return to school was decided by the board. This means that on March 22nd our first graders may return to in person instruction. If you prefer your child stay in remote learning for the remainder of the year, this option is available to you as well. At Marshall there are still factors to take into consideration before we know what exactly this will look like for either option. We have been meeting as a team with Principal Reasor to discuss what this may look like in first grade at Marshall. We are in a unique situation at our grade level, one of the reasons being is that two of us have an accommodation to teach remotely for the rest of the year. I am one of the two, which means I will not be returning to the building, but I will be in the classroom everyday. This means that for those who choose to return to in person learning, I will be zooming into the room to lead the day's learning. I will have who the district is calling a sub-aide, but who I will be calling my co-teacher in the room to help me focus and teach the in person kiddos. These details are also being worked on, and I am excited about the possibilities that this will bring. What we are hoping to accomplish is that the other teacher with an accommodation will then remain the FRL teacher, and all our first graders who opt to remain in remote learning will finish the fourth quarter with her. This is an unique situation to just our grade level, with a lot of pros. The biggest pro being educational equity. The remote kiddos will remain with a teacher that will be able to focus solely on a schedule and a day that fits their needs, and the in person kiddos will have the same advantages. As the person who will be zooming in with a co-teacher or two I have lots of ideas already playing through my head that will benefit the learning of the kiddos in our classroom. Now, keep in mind this is just the plan depending on how numbers work out. We still need you in order to make this work! If you have not made a decision if your child will be returning to in person or stay in remote learning we need you to please let us know now!! Feel free to email me at ashaw@fusd1.org or to call the front office at 773-4044 and let them know your back to school plans today. Once we have heard from every family a firm decision we can finalize what first grade will look like on the 22nd. I hope this information will help you with this decision. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. 

Material Distribution:  We do need to do a material pick up for March. I am probably even sending home the remainder of March materials, but even that is subject to change. Materials will be ready for pick up on Sunday morning (February 28th). If I get them out earlier I will let you know. 

Report Cards and Parent/Teacher Conferences: Spring Conferences have traditionally always been optional. This year will be no different, Your child's report card will be ready for viewing by Friday of next week (March 5th).  If you are choosing to remain in remote learning and wish to have a conference please reach out to me via email and we will set up a conference for the week of March 8th-12th. If you are going to be returning to the classroom and would like a conference you can reach out and we will set up a conference for the first week of April. I believe we will probably have a bit more to talk about if we wait until the week after we return than if we do so before. If you do not feel we need a conference, that is fine as well. As I mentioned, spring conferences have always been optional.  We will do what works for you.

Book Fair:  Traditionally we always hold our ever popular book fair during conference week. The book fair will take place this year as well, but as with everything else, it will look a little different. Here is a link explaining how the book fair works and here is a link to our Marshall School Scholastic Website. When you go to the website there is an active link to online shopping, and if you spend $25 dollars on book only purchases you get free shipping. Happy reading!

I know this was a ton of information. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. Happy Friday! -Ms. Shaw

Valentines Week Post

 Happy Valentines Week. February is short and jam packed. Here is all of what we are trying to pack in....

Math:  We wrapped up addition and subtraction - for now. This week we have began our unit on measurement and data, where we will remain for the month of February. This week we worked on indirect comparison in length measurement. Next week we will work on standard length units, which basically means we will learn to measure things in centimeters using our centimeter cubes. 

ELA:  Last week we read Jan Brett's "Goldilocks and the 3 Bears" and her other book "The 3 Snowbears." We compared and contrasted the two stories with a Venn diagram, sequenced the order of events using the terms First, Then, Next, Last, and the students took a comprehension test on the 3 Snowbears. 

Social Studies:  February is full of social studies. We began this month learning about Groundhogs day, how did it begin and what is it? This week we began learning about American Symbols. This week we learned about the American Flag. The students learned not only what the stars and stripes stand for, they also learned a few interesting facts about the flag and some rules associated with the flag. Next week we will learn about the Statue of Liberty. This month is also Black History month. Starting next week we will learn about what Black History Month is and each week we will learn about and celebrate an important figure of the Black community. 

Valentines Day:  Valentines day is looking a little different this year. Although we cannot exchange traditional Valentines I have attached a Google Slides Valentine Exchange. You will find your child's name on one of the slides in the presentation. If you wish you may add a small picture of your child (just of them alone, no need for a family picture this time) to their slide. Then, with your help your child may go in and type in a short but sweet Valentine greeting to each of their classmates. You are not required to participate, but I ask if your child send a valentine message to one classmate that they send one to all. I have also made slides for some special adults in our lives, such as Ms. V, the specials teachers, and Principal Reasor. I will read some of their messages to them on Friday and probably throughout the week during closing circle next week. Of course, we will spend Friday doing some fun Valentine activities. Please make sure while you are in a child's slide you do not delete it, or someone else's comment to them. Thank you- and Happy Valentine's Day!

 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CmKzGjg_Bvf5Z-Q5SzGYa0ioqGPI_tDXSzYmafHHf90/edit#slide=id.gb90bf9dcc4_1_17

Lexia:  Please remember, Lexia is a 30-40 minute requirement each week your child must be working independently on this App for at least 30-40 minutes weekly. I have built in time for them to do so on Monday's, Wednesday's, Thursday's, and most Friday's. Their log in is the initial of their first name along with their last name (ex: ashaw) and their password is abc1. Please make sure they are taking the time to do this every week. 

Passwords:  Yes, I know these passwords have been a lot to keep track of. In our next distribution I plan on including a page with two squares that will have all your apps and your child's log in information on them. One can be taped to the iPad, one can hang on the fridge, parents can share, however you see best used for your family. Look for that to come.

Happy Valentines to all. I truly have loved getting to know the kiddos this year. Their little personalities are so unique and this class is so happy and bring me joy. I love them to pieces, and glad that they are the ones I have spent this crazy year with! 💕-Ms. Shaw