Washington Walk-a-thon!

Wow!  We had a fabulous, first annual Walk-a-thon at Washington on Friday!  I saw so much excitement, joy and pride in the 1st graders as they walked and ran 207 laps on a chilly day outside.  Thank you so much to the families and friends that attended, donated and supported from afar.  Our students and school greatly appreciate the donations.  As of Friday, our school total was just over $17,500!  WOW!  We are eager to use the funds to boost our book room supply of quality literature as well as purchase STEM materials for our school.  Additionally, these funds help support our first grade reading medalist program that occurs each spring!

Star Students

Cole was our Star Student and we enjoyed getting to know him!  He really enjoys recess and gym at school and shared that he can even do a front flip.  We enjoyed reading a sweet letter from his big brother to the classroom.  He beamed as he heard just how special he was!

Asher was not only our Star Student but also celebrated a birthday!  Asher is a great kiddo that is kind to his classmates at school.  He enjoyed bringing his superheros to school for show and tell.  We loved learning more about Asher and I found out that he has a sweet tooth like me! 

A Peek at Our Week

Reading: We have been busy with small group reading for the past two weeks.  Thank you for taking time to read the guided reading books with your students at home.  Remember, you can jot these books down the Book-It log as well!  This week in reading we will learn more about story structure, which includes character, settings and plot, while reading Gus Takes the Train.  We will continue to practice using nouns, verbs and adjectives in our speaking and writing.  Below we practiced labeling Jackson with adjectives that describe him!  What a great sport he was!

Writing: In writer's workshop students will participate in their first reading celebration of the year.  Students will share their published writing with peers, showcasing their amazing pieces.  We will move into our first structured writing unit where students will learn about personal narrative stories.  Students will work hard to write about a small moment that has happened in their life.  I will use a one on one conferencing model to share students strengths and personal goals when writing.

Math: In math students are busy learning about addition to 10.  Students have practiced strategies such as counting on and arranging the order.  We have also learned how to use part-part-total diagrams to help with addition.  We will take our unit 2 test this week in math.  Please watch for it to come home and as usual, review, sign and return to school.  In preparation for Math Workshop to begin, students have learned how to work independently as well as with partners by playing games.  We even practiced missing addends with a fun write the room activity!  I look forward to beginning my work with small groups next week!

Science: Our plant life cycle exploration is in full force!  Students experimented with plant needs by giving some seeds water, shade and little oxygen.  All students planted carrots or sugar snap pea seeds and luckily, they all seem to be growing nicely on our windowsill.  By using clear cups, students are able to see the complex root growth occurring throughout the soil.  Students also created animal habitat dioramas after discussing the differences among various environments.  

Upcoming Reminders

October 11: Scholastic Book Fair (Please feel free to send cash with your child to shop during school.   All cash should be labeled in an envelope or baggie.)

October 12: Scholastic Book Orders Due (Don't forget to select your FREE book!)

October 15: Field trip to MSUM for Steel Drum Show 10:00-11:30 (Please note, this is not on the calendar)

October 18-19: No School