Pizza Party!

Things are very busy in 1st grade!  I almost feel as though I can't catch my breath as we have so many things going on in class and at school.  'Tis the time of year for oodles of excitement!  With a few days to spare, all students in our class have read 50 or more books for the trophy program.  As promised, I will be treating the students to a Pizza Party!  On Thursday, May 5, I will order Pizza (cheese and pepperoni).  Please send your child with an extra snack/side item for the day.  I'll grab some cookies to serve as dessert too.  Students can still get milk from the lunchroom this day.  We will also take an extra recess and enjoy a movie to celebrate all of their hard-work and take a much needed morning off.  It will be back to work that afternoon as we can't have fun all day!

Reading Raider and Weekly Word Writing will be due on Thursday this week.  This is to prepare for our April Character Champion Assembly.  This will be the last Weekly Word Writing for the year.

Information about Camp Week will come home at the end of the week.  There is important information in this letter!  We are also looking to collect some donations for the events.  We have been working hard to collect materials, but an event of this caliber needs your help.  We greatly appreciate your support in making this event successful.  Please read the letter carefully regarding donations.  Do not send any donations until you have received a confirmation letter from me.  This will eliminate duplicates.  All students will be able to bring a few items to store at school for the week too!  Think camping!

I am working to finalize the May calendar.  Can you believe it is almost May?!  The last two weeks of school are jam packed with events, field trips, a play, and picnic.  I will do my best to send reminders regarding the events and materials that may be needed.  If you have any questions about events, please don't hesitate to email or call.

Now is the time to start thinking about summer.  In the past we have printed "Summer Bridge" packets for all students to complete over the summer for extra practice.  We know that life is busy, especially in the summer.  Additionally, you may have other plans to help support your child's education in the summer.  This year, we will only be printing packets for those families that are interested.  If you would like a summer homework packet, please send a quick email to me indicating your interest.  We will get copies ordered and to students who are interested.  This is completely optional.  

Upcoming Reminders:

April 28: Final Scholastic Book Order Due

April 28: Weekly Word and Reading Raider Due

May 5: Class Pizza Party
May 6: No School

May 13: Reading Trophy Program 1:15

It's That Time of Year

Wow!  I just can't get over the fact that we are already nearing the end of April!  We are nearing the end of the Reading Trophy program and I am so pleased with the progress the students have made.  The last day to turn in forms is Wednesday, April 27.  I hope you are as excited as I am about their reading growth!  It's so fun to see what readers these students have become!  Just a quick reminder, the program will take place on Friday, May 13 at 1:15.  Get here early to grab your seat!

This week we learned all about compound words in reading.  We practiced joining and separating words as well as clapping syllables.  When I was trying to figure out how to teach the skill this year, a light bulb went off in my head in the middle of the Easter clearance section at Target!  Those 70% off Easter eggs were calling my name and they worked perfectly for several compound word activities!

In math we have been learning about two dimensional shapes and polygons.  The students created their own Shape Monster using one of the shapes we had learned about.  They then wrote about the shape's attributes in a narrative piece.  The Shape Monsters and writing are posted outside of the classroom and look just darling!

Science investigations are a favorite day for 1st graders!  Our focus has been light, specifically, "How does light travel?"  The students used flashlights to determine what materials light would pass through.  Today students will see how mirrors allow light to reflect off of different surfaces.

Upcoming Reminders:

Thursday, April 21: Bookfair

Friday, April 22: Camp Shirt Order Forms Due

Friday, April 22: AIMSweb Assessments

Wednesday, April 27: Reading Trophy Forms Due

Operation Big Bandaid

Be prepared for photo overload!  We had another great week in 1st grade, as usual.  We began with a birthday celebration.  Happy 7th Birthday Ella!

We then ventured to Essentia Health for Operation Big Bandaid.  This is one of the most organized and well-planned field trips the 1st graders get to attend.  In an interactive "play style" presentation, students get to learn all about going to the hospital.  Students are each assigned a role in a performance for our entire class.  The performance is interactive, educational and fun!  Today, Tinah, our patient visited the hospital with her Mom, Aubrey and Dad, Isaac, to have her tonsils removed.  She met doctors, nurses, dietitians, volunteers and more during the presentation.  Don't worry, I snapped a photo of your special 1st grader that you will get a chance to keep at the end of the school year.  We are working on something special to share with you at the end of the year.  For now, enjoy these photos and ask your 1st grader to tell you about the presentation!

 

 

 We wrapped up the week with our March Character Champion Assembly!  This month Nico and Aubrey were recognized as Character Medalists.  Isaac was named our Character Champion.  A surprise visit from the Mayor made this day extra special for our champion!  Way to go, Isaac!

Upcoming Reminders:

April 8: School Carnival (Wear your sports gear!)