New Site!

You now have access to a new useful site: http://www.eduplace.com/eservices/
With access to this site you have thousands of leveled books at your fingertips.  With the click of a button you can even print many of these books out.

Each week your child comes home with a leveled set of just right books to read at home.  In the bag is a small sheet of paper informing you of the level they are on and the level they should achieve by the end of the nine weeks.  Please use this written level as a guide when you are searching for books.

Here is the username and password you will need to access the books:
Username: dcpsstudent
Password: student

This is a general log-in and you will need to do much of the exploring yourself. 
As a guide:
1. After logging in, click "Online Leveled Books"
2. Click the yellow tab at the top "Find Books"
3. Identify the level of books you are looking for.  I would not recommend "1st grade".
3. Choose the genre you are interested in
4. Click the book you want. 
5. Read online or print out.
6. Record in reading log :-)

Patterns

We've been working with patterns over the last few weeks. Steven made a growing pattern that just kept growing!

posted from Bloggeroid

AR store

Students have been taking AR tests to go along with many of the books in their reading log.  You will see their score written down on their reading log.  Books that are checked out from the library are almost always eligible for a test. 

These tests test your child's comprehension on the book they read.  The tests are 5-10 questions long.  A score of 80% or better is considered to be adequate comprehension.  More points are earned the better they do on the tests.

We will be going to the AR store on Tuesday, December 6 around 2:10 in the afternoon.  Students will be able to purchase small items using their points.

If you are able to volunteer at any time during the store, please sign up using the information that was provided in an e-mail sent by me.  I'd be happy to resend if you need me to.

Book-It

Our December Book-It reading goal will be 25 books.  A lot of reading can be done over break, so I've set the goal a little higher than last month.  I will distribute certificates when we come back to school in January.

Santa Sacks

Throughout the month of December, I am offering a little more incentive for your child to stay on green for good behavior.  Each child had the opportunity to design their own "Santa Sack" to hang around the classroom.  Each day they are green throughout the month, they will get a little prize in their sack.  Sacks will be given out on the day before we leave for break (Friday, December 16).

If you would like to help contribute to our sacks, your help would be greatly appreciated.  I have plenty of pencils and erasers, but could use some other small, inexpensive prizes.  If your out and about and see something relatively inexpensive in a set of 16-18, I would be grateful for the help.  If you would like to send in a candy treat, contact me and I will let you know what I'm in need of.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will go home on Tuesday, November 29.  Please sign and return by the end of the week.

As always, e-mail me with questions or concerns.  I'd be happy to schedule a conference to discuss your child's progress in detail at any point throughout the year.

New Writing

We published our narrative pieces last week and have moved onto a new genre, PERSUASIVE!

The children are learning what an opinion is and how to support it.  We are following a simple format when doing our writing:

Opinion
Reason
Explain (or Example)
Opinion re-stated

We have already made a list of things we like and don't like so that the kids can easily draw from different ideas.  We will be discussing how to best choose a topic and how to better support our opinions.

Practice at home.  Next time your child asks for something, have them give you reasons and examples why they should have it.

We will working with this genre through December.

Class Trip

posted from Bloggeroid

Stockings

Our student council is sponsoring a toy drive in partnership with the Salvation Army.  Each class has been given two stockings to fill this holiday season for a boy or girl in need of toys.  Our class is responsible for one boy and one girl, each between the ages of 7-10. 

Recommended items include (but are not limited to):
silly bands, hand-held games, action figures, craft kits, trading cards, card games, stickers, earrings, etc..

They asked that you NOT wrap gifts, include perishable items, or include used items. 

Stockings are due December 6, so while you're doing your black Friday shopping, pick up a little something extra for a child in need :)

Scholastic Book Club

It's that time again!  Book club order forms went home on MONDAY(*edited) and are due Friday, November 18.
I've attached a letter with all of the directions for submitting your payment online.  Not only is this a convenient way to place your order, but we receive free books for every online order placed.

It may seem early, but this would be a great time to order for the holiday season.  Order for your child, siblings, cousins, etc...  There are some GREAT deals you won't want to pass up.  Every dollar spent earns our classroom points that can be used for books and other classroom resources.

Thanks for your support!

Book-it

I'm so proud of all of the students who made their Book-it reading goal for October.  The goal was 25 books for the month.  I attached a personal pan pizza certificate to their November calendar at the beginning of the month.  They also got recognized in class and they were able to put a sticker on our special Book-it reading chart. 

The goal for November is going to be 20 books.  Remember to keep reading even when we are off of school.  There are many holiday and weather day breaks in November, but that doesn't mean your child should be taking a reading vacation :)

Team up against Drugs

posted from Bloggeroid

Field Trip

We will be going on our first field trip.  Here's all the info you need:

When: Tuesday, November 15

Where: JCA

What: The First Thanksgiving Play

How Much: $8.50

Due by: Wednesday, November 9

I'm allowed two chaperones.  If you are interested, please check the appropriate box.  I will draw two names from the people that said they are interested.  I'll be doing this early next week, so please get your child's permission slip back sooner than later.

Second nine-weeks

What a terrific first nine weeks of school!  I feel like we have really fell into a routine.  The children understand the expectations for behavior in the classroom and they all work so hard on assignments. 

During the second nine-weeks of school we will continue to grow in all areas: 

During reading, I will introduce some new skills as well as reinforce and dive deeper into some ones we've already covered.  You can keep up with our skills each week by looking at your child's reading homework.  I also post some different ways to practice these skills on our class website under the "reading" tab.  Your child will be expected to read at a level E by the end of the nine weeks.  You can keep up with their reading level by looking at the bag of books they take home every Tuesday.  Remember this bag is only changed out on Tuesdays after they bring the previous bag back to school. 

I was accepting all books written down on your child's reading log, including books that you read to them.  Starting next week, I would only like books written down that your child read.  It is fine if they need your assistance, but do not write books solely read by an adult.  I would still encourage you to read to your child as this promotes great discussion with books and is a great way for you to model fluency and expression in your reading.

In math, we have introduced the concepts of addition and subtraction and have revisited those concepts multiple times.  I would like students to focus on memorizing doubles to 12 as well as totals of 10.  We will learn strategies to add more quickly.  Knowing doubles and totals of 10 will help aid in these strategies.  The goal this nine weeks is to work with larger numbers and to add and subtract more quickly.

Box Tops

We WON!  We were to top collectors in the first grade.  We will be awarded with a pizza party on Wednesday, November 2.  The PTA will be providing our class with all of the necessities for a pizza party: pizza, drinks, napkins, and plates.  We will miss our usual lunch time due to the arrival of the pizza.  If the weather is nice, I would love to eat outside with the children.
All students will get to participate.  If you do not want your child to partake, please e-mail me as soon as you can.

Red Ribbon Week

Wear read for Red Ribbon!

Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Thanksgiving food drive will be held this year from October 31st-November 18th.


Students are asked to bring in non-perishable items between October 31st-November 18th. On Monday, November 21st, the food will be collected in the mini-auditorium where it will be sorted by PTA volunteers.

As we are all aware, there is a lot of need right now. The food drive is a good way for our students and families to reach out to those in need.

Thank you so much for all you do and for helping with the food drive.

FAIR

Our school uses the Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) to measure the progress of our students as they build their critical reading skills. We will assess each student at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year.


This will help me in monitoring your child's progress and help guide my whole group and small group instruction with them.  I am assessing their word reading and passage reading.  During the passage, I monitor their fluency (how slowly or quickly they read), accuracy, and comprehension.
Depending how they do in their word reading, I may be led to do other tasks with them to see which areas they could use more help with.

I have printed out a parent letter which will go home on Monday, October 17.  This will let you know how your child did.  I have also made some suggestions on activities you could work with them at home.

If you would like to discuss your child's progress further, please feel free to e-mail me or set up a conference time for us to discuss.

Red Ribbon Week

Monday, October 24th—Get “Red”dy to say NO to drugs!!!
(Wear Red)


Tuesday, October 25th—Band Against Drugs
(Wear band-aid on shirt or wear wristband)

Wednesday, October 26th—I’m a “Jean-ius, I’m Drug Free”
(Wear Jeans and your Loretto shirt)

Thursday, October 27th—Be on the “Team” Against Drugs
(Wear your favorite sports team jersey)

Boosterthon Quick Facts

• All checks are made payable to "Loretto PTA"
• The first due date is Thursday, October 13th..
• 10% of what is collected by Thursday, October 13th will go back to our own classroom! So let's get those pledges in!
• Sponsors can pay online by entering their e-mail address at www.FunRun.com/payment
• When sending in envelopes with money, please make sure the student's name and teacher's name is on the envelope.

 

Just Right Bag of Books

Every Tuesday your child will have the opportunity to take home a bag of books on their level.  We started this process today.  Every child has a borrowed bag of books from me.  Please spend some time reading these books over the next week.  Next Tuesday, October 11, your child can exchange these books for some new books to bring home. 

Their level will change periodically throughout the year.  I will read with them periodically to make sure their book level really is JUST RIGHT.  Please be sure to include these books on your child's reading log.

It is important that books be exchanged on Tuesdays only.  I have a system for checking out these books from our classroom library and I have a parent that is handling the process of check out.  She is here only on Tuesdays.  Thank you for your help in remembering to send them back on Tuesdays.

Silly Sock Day

There sure were some silly socks today!

Book-it

We will be participating in the Book-it reading program sponsored by Pizza Hut.  Each month I will give the children a goal for the number of books to read for the month.  If they meet this goal, they will receive a certificate for a personal pan pizza.  They also get to put a sticker on a special reading chart.  This program will be in addition to the usual incentives I have going on in my classroom (stickers, treasure box, etc...).  If they meet their goal every month through April, they will get to participate in a pizza party at school.

The goal for the month of October is 25 books.  Help your child be successful in this by writing books read to them and books that they are reading.

Sunshine Math

Sunshine Math is an optional enrichment program sponsored by the Loretto PTA.  All students are encouraged to participate. 
Each week a pink sheet will be attached to your child's homework.  There will be approximately 10 math questions for your child to attempt.  Each problem is assigned stars based on the difficulty of the problem.  An easier problem may only be worth one star, while a more difficult, multi-step problem will be worth 4 stars.
The key word here is ATTEMPT.  This is not for a grade.  It's to encourage your child to think outside the box.  Many of these topics are not covered in class.  The sheets are meant to challenge the students who are up for it.  If your child can only complete three out of the ten problems, that is totally fine!  I'm encouraging the children to give it their best effort.  They will be rewarded with a party at the end of the year just for TRYING the paper. 
This paper is to be done with limited parental help.  It will not benefit your child for you to tell them how to do the problem nor should you feel obligated to teach your child new concepts.  Tell them to try their best!
Our parent volunteer, Glenda Dean, will be reviewing many of the problems with the children after the sheets are complete.  She will also be keeping track of the number of stars they earn. 

Boosterthon Fun Run

The pledges are rolling in!  The kids are earning prizes daily due to all of the money they are collecting.  It's exciting to have them get individually recognized for the pledges they've collected so far.  You should just see their beaming faces.
If you haven't gotten any pledges yet it's not too late.  Not only do the students earn individual prizes, but our class has been working it's way to meet class goals.  When we met the $10 mark, the class earned themselves extra recess time.  Today we found out that we hit the $20 mark, so they earned themselves a SILLY SOCK DAY!  We will have Silly Sock day next Tuesday, October 4.
The fun run will take place on Wednesday, October 5.  All of the students will be participating whether they collected pledges or not.  Each student will get a Boosterthon shirt to run in.  Please dress them in the appropriate shoes that day.  Our run will be from 8:45-9:45.  Parents are encouraged to attend.
Hope to see you all out there!

Boosterthon Fun Run

The Boosterthon Fun Run kicked off today with a thrilling pep rally and I am super excited about this year's program. Our team name is Cushnir's Dragonflies!  The Boosterthon Fun Run program involves all students in a fun, team building, fitness event while helping our school raise much-needed funds. The central focus of this year's character program is TEAMWORK. Whether it's a sports team, a family, or a class, we're all on teams. The island inspired EPIC ADVENTURE theme and The Boosterthon Team will take students on a fun-filled journey teaching them the importance of teamwork and how to be a great team.


Through the Boosterthon, I receive 10% of what our class raises to help go towards supplies for our classroom. On top of that, our entire school is raising support to go toward classrooms enhancements and technology at our school. My goal for our class is to raise $70/lap or up to $2,000!



Here's how you can help:

1) LOG-ON to your student's website at www.FunRun.com using your student's pledge pack and access code. Log on each night to watch the Epic Adventure action videos, get information and enter pledge information.

2) GET PLEDGES by connecting your student with 10 sponsors. This year there's an ONLINE PLEDGE PAY system. Be sure to capture and record the e-mail address of each sponsor, as they will have an easy opportunity to pay for your student's pledge by credit card.

3) COME TO THE BOOSTERTHON FUN RUN NEXT WEEK! Remember, students will be running 25-35 laps and we would love to have lots of support for our team!

For Fun Run times and a video message, go to http://boosterthoninfo.com/loretto/



Thank you for supporting our classroom and our school!

I'll see you next week at the Boosterthon Fun Run!

Progress Reports

Progress Reports went home on Friday.  They were printed on bright orange paper.  Please review, sign, and return at your earliest convenience.  If you would like to schedule a conference to discuss your child's grades, feel free to do so at any time throughout the year.

Lunch Change

Loretto has acquired a new teacher.  As a result, our lunch time was bumped from 11:05 to 11:15.  Early release days our lunch will be at 10:35.  Please make a note of this if you plan on eating with your child at any point.

Open House

Open House is on Thursday, September 15.  It will begin at 6:00 with a meeting led by Mr. Begley in the cafeteria.  Around 6:30, families will be invited to visit classrooms.
Looking forward to seeing everyone then!

Super Six

This is a term created by the county. Each month DCPS would like individual schools to focus on a particular reading strategy. In first grade, I will teach and practice one strategy per week that pertains to the curriculum. I plan on incorporating the monthly district-wide strategies as well. You can also practice these throughout the month at home when you read with your child.


This months strategy is MAKING CONNECTIONS. After reading a book together ask your child what it reminded them of:
A text-to-self connection would be something that happened to them. This is the most common response for a first grader.
A text-to-text connection is when it reminds them of another book.
A text-to-world connection is when it reminds them of something they heard about or saw on TV or in a movie.

We will be writing about books and making connections throughout the year. Getting your child to verbally explain their connection is the first step. Later, I will require them to write about their connections.

Accelerated Reader (AR)

You may have noticed some new numbers on the front of your child's folder.  This is their AR password.  I will be sending home a letter on Friday explaining the AR program here at school.  Basically, students take comprehension tests with 5-10 questions about a book they have read.  Students can earn points to later be used at our PTA-run AR store.  They also have the opportunity to be entered into a weekly drawing to earn a free book every time they do well on a test.  The more tests you take, the more points and chances in the drawing.  I have two student helpers that will be assisting with tests in the morning.  By the end of the year, students will take tests independently. 

If you still have questions about this program, please read the letter in your child's folder on Friday and let me know!

Scholastic Book Club

Order forms went home this week for our first Scholastic Book Club.  You can safely place all orders online following the directions on the attached bright green paper.  This would be the preferred method of handling orders.  If you do not feel comfortable doing this, I would be happy to accept your order with a check and I will input the order myself. 

All orders are due THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16.  For each order placed online, we earn one free book for our classroom!  I've been working at building our listening center library, so every order counts!

Please let me know if you have any questions about placing orders.

Library Check-out

Library check-out will be once a week.  Our check-out will take place on Thursdays immediately after lunch.  In order for your child to get a book, they must return the one previously checked out.  All students will get to check out a book tomorrow when we go for the first time.  Feel free to return the book at any time, but keep in mind that they will not receive a new book until Thursday's assigned check-out.

Math Bulletin Board

First Grade is in charge of the math bulletin board in the main hallway for the month of September.  We are working on combinations of numbers.  The students participated in an activity called "peas and carrots".  In my class, they were told they could have 9 vegetables on their plates.  Some are peas and some are carrots.  They got to choose a combination that would total 9.  I had to choose one plate to send up to the main hallway.  Congratulations to Avery!  She did a wonderful job adding pictures, numbers, AND words to tell what was happening on her plate.  The rest of the plates can be seen in the classroom.  I hope you will plan on coming to Open House to check out all of the other neat things the kids are working on!

Reading Log

I have fielded several questions about the children's reading log, so I just want to clarify:

• For the first nine-weeks of school I will accept books that you read TO your child as well as books that THEY are reading independently.  In another week or two we will start library check-out and I will also supplement with a "just-right" bag of books.
• I will send a note home about the AR program when I am ready to initiate in the classroom.  Ignore "AR" level and "AR" score on the right-hand side.
• Students get a star on the chart for every 5 books read.  They get a treasure box for every 10 books.

Homework

Homework went home for the first time today.  Attached to a bright green piece of paper is a two-sided math sheet.  Please make sure your child does not complete the paper in one sitting.  You can break it up over 2-3 nights to begin good homework habits.  They will gradually be receiving more homework each week. 

On the green paper I have given instructions as well as letting you know which completed forms I still need from you.  I have several Code of Conduct agreements still missing.  You can find this towards the back of the student handbook.

In addition to the math homework, please read with your child nightly.  The reading chart is beginning to fill up with stars and the treasure box is being visited daily. 

Thanks for your help and support from home!

Meet and Greet

I hope to see everyone on Friday, August 19 at 11:00 am for our annual Meet and Greet.  I will be going over school, grade-level, and classroom expectations and routines.  I will be sending home all of this information with your child on Monday if you are unable to make it.  Feel free to e-mail me at any time: downinge@duvalschools.org

SUMMER READING

Loretto Elementary students are being challenged to read during the summer to get a 'jump start' on next year's reading goal. Students will be required to read 20 books over the summer. That is less than 3 per week. Students who read the required number of books will be invited to attend the "Summer Reading Party" held at the beginning of next school year.

Reading logs and a suggested reading list can be found on the Loretto website:
http://www.duvalschools.org/loretto/Loretto_Elementary_School/Home.html

Book lists should be turned in by Friday, August 26 and it needs to be signed by a parent.

Themed Days for Week of June 6

Monday- Book Report Character Day
-Bring your book report in and dress as the main character. Don't forget your props!

Tuesday- PJ and stuffed animal day!
- Dress in comfortable clothing for a reading marathon. Keep dress code in mind (i.e.: no slippers), but students may wear pajama-type clothes! Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll to read to!

Wednesday- Arts and Craft Day
-Don’t plan on wearing your best clothes because we’ll be doing a variety of art activities that may get a little messy!

Thursday- Game and Book Signing Day
-Bring your favorite game from home (no batteries or lots of small pieces). We’ll also be signing yearbooks or other items the children bring.

Friday- Breakfast, clean-up and early release
-We’ll be enjoying doughnuts and juice as we clean up the room for summer. School will be dismissed at 12 noon. Remember there is no Extended Day.

THANK YOU!

Wow! Thank you for such a wonderful week! I felt so appreciated!!

It was a great way to be welcomed back after a difficult week away. I loved looking at my beautiful bouquet of flowers all week long. I think my favorite part was the huge smiles the kids had on their faces as they walked in the door. The chocolates and school supplies were also a nice treat. Someone must have gotten the word out how much I enjoy dark chocolate! I know this sounds funny, but new office supplies bring me happiness as well :)

The gift cards were so thoughtful. I felt like they were hand-picked for me. A big treat this week, was being delivered lunch and/or breakfast several days. Teachers never get to leave campus for lunch, so that was a really special treat for me.

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed being with your children. I feel so honored that you allow me to fill them with new thoughts and ideas. I will really treasure all of our memories we've experienced together this year.

THANK YOU!

Reading Carnival

Wednesday, May 18 from 8:45-11:15.

Carnival Invitation

Reading Celebration Week

Here's a line up of all of the festivities for next week. I'm sending a separate e-vite for our 1st grade carnival on Wednesday.

Monday: Teacher's Favorite Book Day--Teachers will share their favorite book(s) with the class.

Tuesday: Guest Reader Day--Various guests will be coming to the classrooms to read to the children during the morning.

Wednesday: Mini-Carnival Day--Teachers on the same grade level will group themselves and rotate children for game type activities.

Thursday: Sponge Throwing (at Mr. Begley) The top reader in each class will get to throw a whipped cream sponge at our principal. The entire school will be there to watch!

In the afternoon, grades 3, 4 and 5 will be visited by the author, Jane Wood.

Friday: Popcorn and Pajamas Day--Teachers and students will have a laid back day where they wear their pajamas, munch on popcorn and read.

In the morning grades K, 1 and 2 will be visited by the author, Kimberly Miller.

Play Day

Play Day for first graders will be Monday, May 2. The festivities will start around 9:00. In the past, the activities have lasted until 10:30 or 11:00. I like to have students eat lunch in the room afterward so we don't have to rush off to the lunch room (plus it's just more fun!). Please remember the following things on that Monday:

1. Your child should wear their class t-shirt

2. Your child should bring their lunch from home if possible

3. Put sunscreen on your child before leaving home

4. Hats are optional

Parents are welcome to attend! Please be sure to check into the office before meeting us out on the back field.

Character Students

The March character trait was Honesty. Our character student for that month was Chase. I can always count on Chase. He is especially reliable when it comes to completing his work. I can count on Chase to stick with his assignment before moving on to the next activity. Where some first graders might try to sneak incomplete work past the teacher, Chase sees it through to the end.

The April character trait is Self-Control. Our character student for this month is Ainsley. She has been very dedicated to her work in recent months. I can depend on Ainsley to get right to an assignment when directions are given and set a great example for the remainder of the class. She is also an excellent listener during whole group lessons and she is eager to participate.

Homework: Week of April 26

It's a four-day school week for the kids this week. I've decided this would be a good week to take the week off of spelling homework. The children will still be expected to complete the reading sheet and some math practice.

Please continue to have them read nightly. They have really grown in their independence and we need to work on that reading stamina. In 2nd grade, they are expected to read silently for 30 minutes each day. Try 15 minutes each night and work your way to 20 minutes by the end of the year.

We'll be back to our usual homework schedule the following week.

FCAT buddies

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Theresa Rogers, Lynn Greisman, Sherry Estes, Lynne Hulbert and Jessica Glenn!

We had plenty of goodies to provide to our 3rd grade FCAT buddies.

Mints were given to them at the beginning of the week. There was enough that they received them all week long.

They also got smiley face pencils, gold medals, Starbursts, cookies, and doughnut holes.

We enjoyed some popsicles with them today to celebrate the end of their testing!

Thank you for all of your help!

Butterfly Festival

10th ANNUAL JOSEPH A. STRASSER BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

Tree Hill Nature Center

Come to the 10th Annual Butterfly Festival at the Tree Hill Nature Center.

April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Special Festival Admission Pricing
Adults - $5
Seniors/Military/Students - $4
Children (4-17) - $3
Under 2 - FREE

Visit their website for more information and to print a coupon for $1 off children's admission. I believe the butterfly release is scheduled for 3:00.

I thought it would be a fun follow-up to what we've been studying in class. Our weekly reading story is about butterflies. I've extended this into our science time so we can learn even more information and also learn about other animal life cycles. See if your child can name the four different phases of the butterfly life cycle!

Poetry

April is national poetry month. We will be learning about poetry throughout the month of April. Last week the students created their own acrostic poem using their name. This week, the children are working on haikus. This type of poem uses a syllable pattern on each line of 5, 7, 5. Ask your child what kind of poem they are working on!

Sunshine Math Contest (UPDATE)

The tie breaker for the contest was held on Monday of this week. Eden went up against two other students and came out the winner! All three students will be recognized at a PTA meeting in May as first place winners, but Eden will go on to represent the Loretto first grade at the district level. Congratulations Eden!!

Sunshine Math Contest

Each child was given the opportunity to participate in the Sunshine Math Contest. The questions came from previous papers the children had already completed. The results came out yesterday, that our own EDEN, tied for first place in the first grade. She will participate in a tie-breaker to see which first grader will go on to represent Loretto at the county level. Congratulations Eden!!

Spring Pictures

Spring pictures go home on Friday. The deadline date to order “Spring Pictures” is 4/22/11. Parents are encouraged to place on-line orders, but they can also send in their money for the entire package at $45.00 or parts of the package. You must return any pictures they do not want to purchase.

Pictures

I just added some pictures to the album "Spring". I plan on taking a few more throughout the months of April and May and continue to add to the album, so check our pictures page out every so often.

Free breakfast!!

I found an article with the information below about a free breakfast at McDonalds:

McDonalds will be offering FREE breakfast to students on Monday, April 11 from 6 to 8:30 a.m. in preparation for the FCAT. The offer includes an egg mcmuffin, apple dippers and a milk or small orange juice. No substitutions. In store offer only while supplies last. Students under 15 must be accompanied by a parent. Child must be present for offer.

FCAT

You've received plenty of notes about the quiet time taking place during the weeks of FCAT (Apr 11-20). I'm sure there will be more to come. I wanted to take some time to mention our part in helping the older children take such a intimidating test.

We are paired up with Mrs. Riley's 3rd class. We will be their "FCAT buddy" during this testing period. I think it would be fun to do something supportive and encouraging for them every day of testing.

I will need your help with donating items and maybe even coming up with some cute slogans to send their way. Some ideas I've used in the past include:

"Stay COOL through testing."- send peppermints

"You're a smart COOKIE"- send a small bag of cookies to enjoy afterward

"Be a STAR and BURST through the test!"- Send some starburst candies

"You're SHARP!"- send cute pencils

I would love some input from my creative parents out there! If you think of something cute, e-mail me your thoughts.
I also like to end the week with Popsicles that both our class and Mrs. Riley's class will enjoy together.

If you have a neat idea or would be able to help out in some way, please let me know. I'll be finalizing things after break.

Scholastic Book Club

Order forms for three separate book clubs went home today. All orders are due next Friday, March 25. If you plan on sending a check, I will need your order by Thursday before we leave for break. Orders can be placed securely online using the class code on the sheet attached with the order forms.
Let me know if you have questions!

Homework

Next week (March 21) there will be no homework. Please take this opportunity to encourage some additional reading during the time you would normally set aside for homework. There are several children who have a ways to go before meeting their 25-book goal for the month of March in order to earn their Book-It reading certificate. I'm looking forward to rewarding students in May who have met their goal EVERY month since we began the program.

Symphony Under the Stars

Loretto's annual Symphony Under the Stars will take place on Friday, April 29 from 6:00-8:30. The theme this year is "Night at the Movies". I've heard there will be lots of teachers and administrative dressed up as STARS and the paparazzi (5th grade patrols) will be taking lots of pictures. There will also be plenty of musical acts as in previous years. This will make for a night of family fun. Save the date and keep an eye for more details to come including the option to purchase a hot meal.

Field Trip

SUCCESS! We had so much fun at MOSH today. We started the morning off with a little presentation on habitats. Students sorted various animals into the habitat we all agreed they would most likely live in. We even met a few live creatures from some Florida habitats.

After the presentation, we were given about an hour to explore the rest of the museum. There was a LOT to look at and plenty of hands-on activities on the second floor.

We had a great picnic lunch with gorgeous weather right outside the MOSH.

Ask your child some questions about the day like:

1. What is a habitat?

2. Name a few habitats you've learned about.

3. What live creatures did you get to pet?

4. What was your favorite exhibit?

BEFORE (Alex and I on the bus ride there)

AFTER (A sleepy Kylee and Emma on the way back).

St. Patricks Day

Many of the first grade classes participate in student-made "leprechaun traps". They get pretty creative from year to year.

If your child would like to participate, there are really no rules. Traps need to be brought in on Wednesday, March 16 and left over night in hopes of catching a leprechaun. I will allow for students to explain their traps on St. Patrick's Day if they participated.

This is not a mandatory assignment, just something fun a lot of the first grade classes enlist the children to do.

Have fun and may you have the luck o' the Irish!

Book-it

The goal is set at 25 books for the month of March. This includes books read over break, so be sure to have your child write them down.

This is a great time of year to begin building some independence in your child. They should be able to copy their own book titles on their reading long. You may need to assist with the author's name.

In addition to writing their own books, they should be able to do their homework pretty independently and be responsible to pack and un-pack their backpacks in the evening and morning. This is a great and simple way to prepare them for 2nd grade!

Mark Your Calendars

It is never too soon to start letting you know that during the two weeks of FCAT testing (April 11th through April 20th ) the entire campus will be on Quiet Time from 9:00 am till 11:00 am.

The entire campus will be on Quiet Time. This includes volunteering in the classroom and eating lunch with your child. It seems that we should not be affected by lunch time, just be mindful that students will get extended time to test and these students will more than likely be located in the main hallway of the school.

We are paired up with Mrs. Riley's 3rd grade class during that FCAT testing period. During this time, our class will be doing little things to encourage her students during the exhausting testing period. I will be requesting the help of parents with a few items such as cookies, Popsicles, pencils, etc... which will be gifts from us to them! I will let you know in a future e-mail the exact items.

Seuss-a-bration!

Dr. Seuss' birthday was remembered on Wednesday by the entire school, but we celebrated the wonderful author all week!

The children completed a center where they made their own rhymes like Dr. Seuss, they were able to browse through various Seuss books, and they used the Seussville website. I am posting the site by popular demand of the children :)

The silly hats were GREAT on Wednesday! I took a few pictures and will post them soon.

Character Student of the Month

February's character trait was charity. We learned that it means to give without expecting something in return. Mrs. Greisman taught the kids they could give of their time, talents, or money. The class participated in picking up trash around the middle playground hoping to make it nice for all student's that use it.

This month's character student is Michaela. In addition to doing various charity work with her girl scout troupe, Michaela was one of several students who contributed books to our school book drive. I was impressed that she donated several books from her home collection with little expectation for what she will get in return.

Progress Reports

Mid-term progress for the 3rd nine-weeks will be in your child's folder on Monday. Please be sure to look over your child's grades, sign the paper, and return immediately.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Resource Change

The calendar shows that we will have computers on Monday, February 28. Due to a scheduling conflict, Mrs. Smith has postponed our computer class until Thursday, March 3.

Dr. Seuss Day

Dr. Seuss' birthday will be commemorated on Wednesday, March 2. The entire school will be having a "silly hat day" in honor of Seuss' most popular story, The Cat in the Hat. We will also be doing fun (and educational) activities all week to recognize this special author.
Don't forget your silly hat on the 2nd!

Book-it

FYI: Our Book-It goal this month will be 20 books. Please make sure your child has 20 books written down for the month of February so they can earn their Pizza Hut certificate. I am also planning something special for students who have met the goal every month.

Valentines

Valentines day is right around the corner!

Look in your child's folder on Friday for a list of all the students in our class. Sending Valentines is optional, but if you DO plan on sending them, please make sure you have:

1. included a Valentine for each student in our class
2. personalized the Valentine by writing each child's name on it (we will be doing an activity)

We will be doing additional activities during the course of our day to celebrate the holiday. I need every child to bring in a one gallon (milk) jug by next week. We will be making a craft to hold all of our Valentines.

I could also use a few other materials for our special day. If you are able to bring in any of the following things, please leave a comment on this post. Just click the comment link at the bottom of this article and write what you would like to bring.
Here are some things we need:

1. 18 boxes of Neco candy conversation hearts
2. at least 18 heart doilies
3. heart stickers
4. Valentine treat (cookies, brownies, etc...)

As always, thank you for your help!

100th Day

The 100th day of school is on Thursday, February 3rd. We will be doing lots of fun and exciting reading, writing, and math activities to go along with the number 100.

As a substitution for math homework, your child will be asked to create a project using 100 items. I've had a variety of projects come in over the years ranging from 100 things drawn on paper to a 100 piece sculpture. I'm always amazed with the children's creativity. If you find your child is stuck and needs suggestions, please contact me and I would be glad to help.
I expect all projects to be brought to school on Thursday, Feb. 3. Due to lack of space, I cannot accept the projects early. The children will each have an opportunity to share their masterpiece!

We will also be enjoying a 100 day snack with your help! I would like for each child to bring at least 100 of one small food item. Suggestion include: cheerios, raisins, small crackers, M&Ms, skittles, small cereal pieces, etc... It's not necessary to count out the items if you would be willing to send the entire bag or box. Just make sure it contains at least 100 of the item.

If you would like to send your snack item early, I would be happy to begin our collection.
Thank you for your cooperation!

Book Fair

The book fair starts on Thursday, January 27. I sent an e-mail with information about signing up to help if you're available.

Our class will be going to the book fair on Thursday, February 3 around 1:20. You are more than welcome to come shop with your child. There will also be a "Family Night" the same evening, if it works better for your schedule to come in the evening.

You can send money with your child on the 3rd if you give them permission to buy something without you there. Please remember that there is tax added to the cost of the books. If there's something specific they are supposed to be purchasing, please send a note or e-mail me.

Field Trip

We will be going to The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) on Monday, March 14.
We will be leaving at 8:45 and returning by 1:30. The cost is $10.50 and includes admission in the museum and transportation.
I am limited to 2 chaperones. The cost for chaperones is $7 at the door. Please let me know on your child's permission form if you are interested in attending with us. I will pick two names at random to go. If you've already been on one with us this year, I ask that you give another parent a chance to go.
Permission forms will be going home with your child over the weekend. Money and forms are due no later than Monday, February 7.
We will be eating at a nearby park, so it's important that you pack your child's lunch that day.

Book Drive

A message from Mrs. Miller- student council sponsor:

The Student Council is sponsoring a book drive for our school. We are challenging each student here to bring in one book from their own collection that they no longer read (in good shape, please). These books will be collected and leveled and then become available to our student body to select a "new" book. Of course, we will be happy to take more than one book if Mom is clearing out the bookshelf!!!! The more books we receive, the more books the students can select. The drive begins today and runs through the month of February. Thank you for your support.

Book Fair

The book fair will be held from January 27- February 4.
Our class will have a specific day and time to go which I will let you know when I find out. Parents are more than welcome to come and shop with their child on that day OR you can attend the designated family night with you whole family on Thursday, February 3.
Flyers should be going home soon with a listing of all of the books that will be available for purchase.