Conference Week 2020

Hello Room 9 families. Although the days ahead are short we have a lot we are packing in to this week before Spring Break. Here is what is going on the next 5 days...

Math: We wrapped up our unit on coins and we will begin our unit on place value. Miss Llamas and I will be co-teaching these lessons. We will begin with understanding our groups of tens and recognizing numbers as tens and ones, looking at writing numbers in the place value chart and using the place value chart to understand the value of a two digit number.

ELA:  We will begin our 7th unit in our NatGeo curriculum, then and now. To correspond with this we will finish our Lit Study, "Twister on Tuesday" which we have been using to compare life on the prairie to life now. Since we are doing NatGeo this week, we will have spelling, which means homework. I figure with early release days there is plenty of time to get their work done. If you are going out of town, drop me an email or write me a letter in the agenda - I'm sure we can work something out. 

Science/Social Studies:  Continuing with our Now and Then theme we will be learning about Alexander Graham Bell and his invention of the telephone. We will also compare and contrast phones then and now. This will begin a unit on inventors, as well as lead us into our next science unit on sound.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Thanks to everyone who either signed up for conferences, or has discussed other options with me already. Our finalized list did go home on Friday. Of course, I say finalized loosely because if you want to meet and have not sign up you still may. Just pick an open spot or two and I will let you know which one works best. Do not forget all 3 days are early releases so please do plan for childcare accordingly. Wednesday is an extra early release time of 11:10 am, and Thursday and Friday will both be a 12:25pm release.

Marshall's Scholastic Book Fair: This week will also be our Scholastic Book Fair in the library. It will be open to all non bus riders after school, as well as during conferences to all. Please make time to come and visit and purchase some great books at great prices. More info here at   https://www.scholastic.com/bf/marshallmagnetschool.

Flagstaff Community Stem Night: Monday night at NAU Walk-Up SkyDome is Flagstaff Community Stem Night. This is a night to go and see all the fun and exciting STEM events and activities FUSD has to offer. This event is free, and runs from 5:30-7:30 pm. There are some really cool things to check out, I highly recommend this event. 

Spring Break: We will end this busy week with Spring Break. Spring Break will be March 16th-20th. We will return on Monday, March 23rd.

I cannot wait to share with you all the progress your students are making. I am blown away by each individual students growth this quarter! They have really worked hard this quarter and I am so proud of them. -Ms. Shaw

First Week March/ Conferences 2020

Welcome to March. This is where our year begins to kick into high speed. I still cannot believe how fast February flew by. We have so much coming up this month, so please read on for conference info and much more.

Math:  We have wrapped up our unit on measurement and data. Friday we began learning about coins and their values. On Friday we looked at pennies, nickels, and dimes. This week we will add quarters and learn how to count on using pennies from a given amount of coins (ex: if I show a dime and a nickel and I want the students to show me 18¢ they will add 3 more pennies). 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 out 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 until after we learn them on Tuesday to avoid frustrating or confusing 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 have wrapped up our NatGeo unit on weather. Next week we will take a break from NatGeo and instead do a corresponding LitStudy with another loved Magic Treehouse book, "Twister On Tuesday." We began learning about Tornadoes during our science unit last, and will continue to learn about them during the next two weeks while reading about Jack and Annie's adventures in Twister on Tuesday. This book will also kick off our social studies unit on Then and Now, comparing life now to life long ago.

Because we will not be doing any NatGeo there will be no spelling this week. Since we will not have spelling, there will be no homework this week. Homework will return next week. Enjoy the week off!

Science/Social Studies: We just wrapped up our unit on weather. Next week we will begin our unit on sound. We will also start studying famous inventors. These units should encompass the month of March.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Conferences are next week, Wednesday, March 11th-Friday, March 13th. For anyone who is interested in conferences this time around, and has already signed up, the semi-finalized list has gone home with your conference time indicated. I say semi-finalized because if you want a conference and your name is not on the list you still have this week to pick a couple of spots and return the sign up to me ASAP. Also, I forgot to accomodate for Wednesday's extra early release, so if you would like one of those times instead of the time you signed up for, please let me know. Remember, this is and has been a first come first serve basis. I will honor those who have already signed up and want to switch for a new time first to make up for my mistake to try to be fair. Sorry! Do not forget, all 3 conference days are early release days as follows:

• Wednesday March 11th extra early release at 11:10 
• Thursday March 12th and Friday March 13th release at 12:25

Book Fair:  While conferences are happening the library will be hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair. Feel free to come by either before or after your conference, or anytime during conference (March 9th-13th) week to buy some books for your student. All other times can be viewed on the link below. Book fair flyers will be going home with your students this week so you can see a sample of the books offered at our book fair. You can also check it out online through this link here   https://www.scholastic.com/bf/marshallmagnetschool.  This link will also allow you to set up digital payments for your child and shop online if you prefer. Money from the sales do come back to our Marshall library! Let the reading begin!

Spring Break: The week after conferences is Spring Break. Monday, March 16th-Friday, 20th school will be closed. Hopefully mother nature gets the call and the weather warms up! 

As always, I feel like I'm forgetting things so if and when I remember I will update and send an email. Hope your weekend was restful! Cannot wait to see those faces tomorrow! -Ms. Shaw

End of February Updates 2020

Wow, can you believe it is the end of February already? Where January seemed to last forever, February seems like it flew by. Here is what is happening in as we wrap up this month...

Math:  We will be concluding our Measurement and Data unit this week. We finished our unit on comparing and ordering lengths of objects with centimeters, and now we will wrap up the unit with collecting and interpreting data. Creating graphs, reading and writing tally marks, answering questions about the graphs, etc...

ELA:  We will finish our NatGeo unit on weather this week. The spelling sounds are oo (as in took) and ea (as in bread). Please make sure your child is studying the sounds when they do their homework. 

Science:  To coincide with our ELA unit we have been learning about air and weather. We have investigated air, made parachutes, and will be exploring balloon rockets this week. Next we will be concentrating on the weather side of the unit, learning about weather tools, meteorologists, etc....

Family Science Night:  This Tuesday is Family Science Night. This event is open to anyone who is interested in coming to check out the awesome science fair projects done by the older students here at Marshall, which is required in 3rd-5th grade. We are not required to do science fair projects in 1st grade. However, if you would like to bring your first grader to check out the science fair, you may Tuesday night from 5:00-6:30 in the gym.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Conferences are just around the corner. I will be sending home a sign-up sheet this week. If you would like a conference, please fill it out indicating your top 2 times that work for you and return. After I collect all forms I will compile a final list of those interested in having a spring conference and send a finalized form out about the beginning of next week. Conferences will be held Wednesday, March 11th - Friday, March 13th.

Spring Break: Spring Break will be the week after conferences, Monday, March 16th-Friday, March 20th.

Hope everyone had a relaxing and warm snowy weekend! -Ms. Shaw 

Valentines 2020

Hello families. Due to a lack of a post last week, this week you are in for a double scoop of the scoop. Here is what has been happening and what is coming up this week in room 9...

Math: Last week we moved into our unit on Measurement and Data. Last week we learned how to line up endpoints and put objects in order according to length. We also began measuring items in centimeters cubes, which we will continue to do this week as well. This will get into solving story problems with comparing lengths of objects and writing the answers in statements.

ELA: Last week we began our new NatGeo unit on weather, which we will continue for the next 3 weeks. We will also be focusing on our Reading Literature standard and reading the story "3 Snowbears" sequencing the story and comparing and contrasting it to the Jan Brett version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Jan Brett is the one who wrote "The Hat" and "The Mitten" stories we just finished, and based our animal reports off of. Also, we are finally finished with our animal reports (minus a few absent students). They are hanging in the hall for all to see. Feel free to stop by and check them out. 

Science/Social Studies:  Last week was our unit on American Symbols. We focused on learning about the Statue of Liberty, The American Flag, The Liberty Bell, and the Bald Eagle. We are going to begin our science unit on air and weather this week. 

Valentine's Day:  Valentines Day is this Friday. 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. Just a tip, it is so much easier on you if they write just their name on their valentine though. 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 Friday afternoon, after lunch. If you 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 note, no junk food will be allowed! They will get plenty in their valentine holders (I already purchased the candy conversation hearts for some math activities and this will be the only candy they will be allowed to eat during class). If you need another class list please let me know.

Dates to Remember:

• Monday, February 17th - School Closed - President's Day

• Tuesday, February 25th - Family Science Night 5-6:30 (More information to come)

• March 11th-13th Parent/Teacher Conferences (More information to come)

• March 16th - 20th - Spring Break

THINK Assembly:  Friday was our THINK assembly awarding children who exemplify the N in THINK, which stands for NOBLE. This time our award went to Elsie and Addisyn. This ceremony was extra special, as our guest speaker was none other than Mr. Billy, one of the most noble members of our Mustang community! Here are a few pictures from our day.

There might be some weather on the way this week. Please dress your child appropriately for the cold and snow! Also, tune into Facebook and the radio for delays, should there be any (I'm thinking Tuesday might happen, emphasis on might. Other than that, business as usual). Thank you! - Ms. Shaw

Quick Updates Last Week of January 2019

Happy School Choice Week! Thank you for picking Marshall as your school of choice. We truly believe in our one of a kind magnet programs and the benefits they have on our students. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to teach your child! Together we rise.

Growth Mindset Parent Night Presentation:  Do you want your child to be happier, more successful, and less stressed out? Marshall is providing an amazing opportunity for you to come and learn some powerful strategies to help your child thrive in and out of school. Dr. Blake Brandes (TEDx speaker and America's Got Talent performer) will be here to present and share with parents in the gym on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30-6:30. This is for parents only, Marshall will NOT be providing childcare. We encourage everyone to find a babysitter and attend this very important assembly. Then our students will have their own assembly on Friday during school hours. We really hope to see everyone there!

Growth mindset is a message I have been incorporating into my room the last couple of years. Teaching students that it is ok to make and learn from our mistakes. That we learn through perseverance, and the power of yet. I am excited to learn more from Dr. Brandes myself. Again, together we rise! - Ms. Shaw 

MLK 2019

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I hope that everyone took time to reflect and remember the importance of Dr. King and his legacy as well as to rest and prepare for our month of learning ahead. We are in for a long stretch without a break, and I for one am ready! Here's the scoop on what lies ahead...

Math:  We are going to wrap up our unit on solving addition and subtraction word problems with RDW (read, draw, and write) as well as revisiting the meaning of the equal sign and true and false number sentences. This means we will be fixing false number sentences with teen numbers. A very challenging concept and not one I expect mastery of.  This will also conclude our unit on Operations and Algebraic thinking, for now. We have also begun Rocket Math. Rocket Math is a partner activity designed to increase fluency in basic math facts. The students seem to be enjoying rocket math and are doing quite well. We hope to do Rocket Math at least 3 times a week.

ELA:  We will continue our NatGeo unit on Animal Movements. We will wrap up our Hat and Mitten tie in this week and begin our animal research with animals from these two stories this week as well. 

Social Studies:  Last week we began learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, his life, and his contributions to our society. I have to say our first lesson is always one of my favorite lessons of the year. We will conclude our learnings on MLK this week. Hopefully your children were able to communicate to you a little bit about who Dr. King is and why we have a day off to celebrate and remember his important work. 

Science:  I told you I would update you if anything changed, and I am. Next week we will begin our unit on Air and Weather not Balance and Motion. We will save Balance and Motion for the end of the year. Air and Weather will begin now to coincide with our next NatGeo unit. See what we did there? Love when our curriculum overlaps! Such a great way to learn. Both are amazing units. So Air and Weather is first. Thanks for understanding our need to be flexible.

We Need Snacks:  Can you help? We are out of snacks! Our little ones need a little something to refuel in the mornings between breakfast and lunch, otherwise this gets to be a very long stretch on empty stomachs. Crackers of any kind (graham, ritz, animal, etc), pretzels, fresh fruit of any kind, cheese sticks, goldfish, bars (nutri grain type), applesauce are some examples of snacks that we could use. Please, NO FRUIT SNACKS or sweets. We have a family who has been so kind to bring in fresh fruit and cheese sticks once a week, every week this year. The students have absolutely loved this. We do have a refrigerator to put these types of foods in. If you can help with snacks please bring enough for 23 kiddos. we have no allergies in our room! Thank you from our hungry little tummies! The midday fuel really helps our minds!

100th Day of School: Thursday is the 100th day of school. As we do, we will have some fun 100 days activities planned to celebrate 100 days smarter! Why is the 100th day so important? To be quite honest, funding for next year is based off our enrollment count on day 100. Therefore, your child's attendance matters. Not only on this day, but everyday! Did you know....

Wowza! How many days has your child missed this year? Has it all been for illness? It is so important that they be here each and every day! Think about how much they are truly missing over a lifetime when they are not here! This really puts it into perspective! Let's show up! Every day is so important!

Illness: So when should we stay home? If your child is ill. Here is yet another visual to help you determine when your child should stay home due to illness, and when they should return. 

Please pay extra attention to the I am ready to go back to in accordance to your child's illness. We follow these guidelines and appreciate it if you do as well, in the best interest of keeping everyone well! Thank you!

THINK Like a Mustang Innovative Assembly: On Friday we had a chance to honor 2 of our students as part of our PBIS initiative. Friday we held our assembly on Innovative, and gave our Innovative awards to Chiara and Raymond. These two are always problem solving in unique and creative ways, thinking outside the box, and cracking me up and catching me off guard with seeing and saying things from a perspective I did not see. Congratulations Chiara and Raymond on being Innovative!

This second semester is always a semester of growth in the first grade, and I have already seen so much of this growth since we have returned from break. Can't wait for us to show up everyday, and accomplish tons! -Ms. Shaw 

Welcome Back 2020!

Welcome back, and happy 2020. We hit the ground running last week for sure, and it felt great. Allow me to update you on what we have going on in our room...

Math:  This week we will focus on modeling subtraction of 9, 8, and 7 from teen numbers.

ELA:  Since we had a couple of weeks off, last week we had a Daily 5 Boot Camp. We spent the week reviewing and practicing one of the Daily 5 concepts- Read to Self, Work on Writing, Read to Someone, Word Work, and Listen to Reading.  This was just an opportunity to remember and practice the procedures we have set in place to become better readers and writers.  We will also began reading the story "The Mitten" by Jan Brett.  Next week we will read her story "The Hat" and do a little story comparison and focusing on character, problem and solution, and sequencing. Next week students will also choose an animal from one the stories to research and write a report about. This will coincide with our NatGeo stories for the next 4 weeks, which focus on animal movements.

Science and Social Studies:  This week we will learn all about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what important role he played in American History. After that we will begin our science unit on balance and motion, or that is at least the plan for now. I will update you if the plan changes for science.

Meet Miss Llamas:  Miss Llamas will be joining us this semester in room 9 as our student teacher.  We are very excited to have her with us. I will let her introduce herself...

Hello everyone,  my name is Alyssa Llamas! Your kiddos call me Miss Llamas in the classroom. I’m studying to be an elementary school teacher at NAU. I am currently in the process of completing my student teaching, which is why I’m in Ms. Shaw’s room! I am super excited to be able to learn and grow along side your students for the next few months. I’ll be in the classroom everyday, helping and teaching until early May. It’s only been a week and your kids have already made such a huge impact on me!

Snacks Needed:  We are running very low on snacks and could use some snack donations. Please make sure to supply enough for 23 students if you are able to help. Thank you so much!

Dates to Remember:  A few days to mark on your calendar for this month:

• Tuesday, January 14th - Chipotle fundraiser - 30% back to Marshall from 4-8pm. 
• Monday, January 20th - School Closed for MLK day.

Hanukkah Celebration: Before we left for break we had our final holiday celebration. Hanukkah! The kids played dreidel and enjoyed latkes (most of them anyway). Again, thank you all who donated supplies and who came in and helped with this amazing day. Here are some pictures from our Hanukkah celebration.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate my families and all the kindness you showed to me before break. Thank you for everything, I love my families, these crazy kiddos, and my job. Anything else is extra icing, and I appreciate it. Can't wait to rock semester 2! - Ms. Shaw