Students will be out of school for about 2 1/2 weeks for the upcoming holiday break. It's extremely important that they continue to practice skills and strategies that we've been working so hard on.
There are a plethora of websites and resources available if you need some reccomendations. Above all else: READ, READ, READ!
Here is a link to the DCPS winter packets for reading, math, and science:
Winter Packets
I will reward students who turn in individual packets in reading and math. This is totally optional, but would be benificial for your child to work on during the break.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
December 7, 2012
Character Students
November's character trait was Patriotism.
Our character student was Jacob. He is always very respectful when we do our pledge of allegiance in the morning. He is also a great school citiizen who is obedient and follows school rules.
December's trait is Kindness.
Our character student is Grady. Grady works well with others during cooperative learning. He is a great friend when someone is hurt or needs help. Grady is quick to share with others.
Great job Jacob and Grady! Students will be learning about tolerance in the month of January.
Our character student was Jacob. He is always very respectful when we do our pledge of allegiance in the morning. He is also a great school citiizen who is obedient and follows school rules.
December's trait is Kindness.
Our character student is Grady. Grady works well with others during cooperative learning. He is a great friend when someone is hurt or needs help. Grady is quick to share with others.
Great job Jacob and Grady! Students will be learning about tolerance in the month of January.
November 28, 2012
Salvation Army
Our student council is helping promote a toy drive for the Salvation Army.
Our class has been assigned two stockings to fill with toys and gifts. One will be for a boy age 4-7 and one will be for a girl age 4-7.
I'm talking to the children about giving and being thankful for all they have. It might be a great family idea to go to an inexpensive store like the dollar store and have your child pick out a gift they would like to give to another child that doesn't have as many toys and things.
We will turn the stockings in the first week of December.
Our class has been assigned two stockings to fill with toys and gifts. One will be for a boy age 4-7 and one will be for a girl age 4-7.
I'm talking to the children about giving and being thankful for all they have. It might be a great family idea to go to an inexpensive store like the dollar store and have your child pick out a gift they would like to give to another child that doesn't have as many toys and things.
We will turn the stockings in the first week of December.
Books-a-Go-Go
During this week of the Scholastic Book Fair we will be collecting any book you may have at home that you have already read and don’t want to keep. Your donated book will be given to a needy child right here in Jacksonville. In return, YOU will receive a special “Books-a-Go-Go” bookmark that you can keep and use while reading your new book from the Book Fair.
Ms. Atkins and the other PTA volunteers can show you where the collection box is in the Library when your class visits the Book Fair – OR you may drop off your donated book in the Library any time before Friday, December 7.
Ms. Atkins and the other PTA volunteers can show you where the collection box is in the Library when your class visits the Book Fair – OR you may drop off your donated book in the Library any time before Friday, December 7.
November 27, 2012
Books
Due to the Book Fair in the library, we will not have our usual check-out for the next two weeks.
I have offered for the children to "check out" a book from our classroom library. Please be sure to have your child keep track of this book and return once they are finished. I didn't set a schedule for them to read and return, so they may keep it as long as they need. I will let them exchange books before or after school.
I have offered for the children to "check out" a book from our classroom library. Please be sure to have your child keep track of this book and return once they are finished. I didn't set a schedule for them to read and return, so they may keep it as long as they need. I will let them exchange books before or after school.
Progress Reports
It's already the middle of the second nine weeks of school. A purple progress report went home with your child today. Please sign and return by the end of the week to confirm that you saw your child's report.
November 22, 2012
November 11, 2012
Homework
Week of November 12:
Due to the shortened school week, there will be no spelling homework this week. Please have your child focus on reading at least one book every night. "Just Right" bags of books will be changed out on Wednesday as usual. I am going to get with our librarian about a day and time we can make-up our check out time since we will not be able to check out on Monday.
Homework will consist of a double-sided math sheet, reading practice paper, and Sunshine Math.
Week of November 19:
There will be no homework
Due to the shortened school week, there will be no spelling homework this week. Please have your child focus on reading at least one book every night. "Just Right" bags of books will be changed out on Wednesday as usual. I am going to get with our librarian about a day and time we can make-up our check out time since we will not be able to check out on Monday.
Homework will consist of a double-sided math sheet, reading practice paper, and Sunshine Math.
Week of November 19:
There will be no homework
November 7, 2012
REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST
Each year the PTA sponsors the Reflections Program. The Reflections program offers students the opportunity to create works of art based on a specific theme for fun and recognition. All students are eligible to participate. This year's theme is "The Magic of a Moment".
Students can choose from a variety of categories including: film production, literature, musical composition, dance choreography, photography, and visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).
This year, the National PTA has included a Special Artist Division. The National PTA Special Artist Division is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact PTA sponsor, Cassia Brunner at parvulabela@mac.com.
Students can choose from a variety of categories including: film production, literature, musical composition, dance choreography, photography, and visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).
This year, the National PTA has included a Special Artist Division. The National PTA Special Artist Division is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact PTA sponsor, Cassia Brunner at parvulabela@mac.com.
November 6, 2012
I voted
Mrs. France came and read a story about voting today. All the kids got to place their vote for an activity & they even got am "I voted" sticker.
posted from Bloggeroid
Red Elephant Pizza Day
Our next Family Fun Night is November 15th at Red Elephant.
Red Elephant will donate a few large pizzas for a classroom party for the teacher with the most students that attend the Family Fun Night from 5pm-8pm. There will be PTA volunteers between these hours to count kids.
November 5, 2012
Report Cards
Report cards were sent in student's folders today. Please sign and return the lower right portion of the report card ALONG WITH the manilla envelope. I will use that envelope throughout the year to send home your child's report cards. Please take out award certificates and ribbons before returning the envelope.
I would like signed report card slips by the end of the week.
I would like signed report card slips by the end of the week.
November 1, 2012
Scholastic Book Clubs
Our first book club orders are going home with your child on Friday. All orders are due FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9.
If this is your first time ordering, I've attached a green sheet with directions. You have two options for payment:
1. Send in cash or check (made out to Scholastic) with your order forms marked with the books your would like. You can make out one check for all book clubs.
2. Pay online. This is the perferred way for you to pay. Go to the Scholastic website (see link above). Enter our unique class activiation code listed on the green sheet and place your order. You will have access to all of the book clubs they have available expanding your choices for books.
Each order earns points for the classroom that I can use towards books and other classroom materials. I have a wonderful listening center and resources thanks to the many parents who purchased books over the years. I would love to continue to add to our collection.
As we approach the holiday season, you may want to make some of your purchases as gifts. Please send me a note or e-mail letting me know that you would like these books to be kept a secret and I will put them aside for you to pick up at your convenience. Otherwise, I usually send home books with your child once they arrive in the classroom.
Character Student
The character trait for the month of October was Cooperation. Our character student of the month is MASON!
Mason is always willing to do what he's asked to do. He never asks "WHY?" and rarely delays getting right to the task. Mason is always willing to help others and sometimes even goes out of his way to help someone solve their problem. He sets a great example for his classmates and is a wonderful part of our classroom dynamic.
Great job Mason!
Mason is always willing to do what he's asked to do. He never asks "WHY?" and rarely delays getting right to the task. Mason is always willing to help others and sometimes even goes out of his way to help someone solve their problem. He sets a great example for his classmates and is a wonderful part of our classroom dynamic.
Great job Mason!
October 29, 2012
Class Directory
A huge thanks to our homeroom mom, Mrs. Kidwai, for compiling everyone's information into our class directory.
Directories went home today. Please look over your information and make sure everything is correct. If you notice an error, let me know and I will send an e-mail out to have parents correct it on their copy.
Directories went home today. Please look over your information and make sure everything is correct. If you notice an error, let me know and I will send an e-mail out to have parents correct it on their copy.
IXL math homework
Have your child log into IXL this week to complete the following activities:
D.9 Subtraction doubles
D.10 Subtraction facts- numbers to 10
Let me know if you need their username/password information. Also let me know if you are unable to get access to a computer.
D.9 Subtraction doubles
D.10 Subtraction facts- numbers to 10
Let me know if you need their username/password information. Also let me know if you are unable to get access to a computer.
October 26, 2012
First Nine Weeks
I can't believe the children have been in school for 9 weeks already!
I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your children. They are all so unique and have wonderful strengths which make our class blend so nicely together.
A few notes about the end of the nine-week period:
1. From here on out, I would like only books read by your child to be written on the reading log. I still HIGHLY encourage you to read to and with your child, but at this point, all of the children have the ability to read and I would like to reward them for only books THEY read independently. Your help is always encouraged and it's a wonderful idea to talk with your child about the story after they finish.
2. Students need to build their reading stamina. I would like to see each child read continuously by themselves for 30 minutes by the end of first grade. This nine-weeks we worked on reading for 5-10 minutes each day. That proved challenging for many children. Work on this at home by providing your child with a variety of books to look at. Set a timer and tell them they should read (or look at) books for 5 minutes. As your child accomplishes this goal, build on the time. This nine-weeks we'll work on 10-15 minutes of reading time.
3. One of the goals in first grade is to build each child's independence. By the end of first grade, students should be able to do things like complete homework on their own, follow 3-4 step directions, and work cooperatively in a group. You can help at home by allowing your child to take on responsibilities such as packing their own backpack, setting or clearing the dinner table, working on a section of their homework alone for a set period of time. Try giving your child 3-step directions one time and see how well they follow them. Add more details or add to the number of steps as your child masters each level.
4. Every nine-weeks I pick a "Most Improved" student. This nine-weeks the award goes to Mason T! Mason has done an awesome job adjusting to first grade and has really begun to show off what a hard worker he is. Mason has gone from mostly drawing pictures during Writer's Workshop to writing about three new stories a week. His reading level is advancing beautifully and he's really got a handle on all of the new reading skills. I'm so proud of Mason for participating in class lessons and always being such a helpful friend whether he's at his table or working in a small group. Great job Mason! Keep up the good work!!!
I'm looking forward to another wonderful semester!
I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your children. They are all so unique and have wonderful strengths which make our class blend so nicely together.
A few notes about the end of the nine-week period:
1. From here on out, I would like only books read by your child to be written on the reading log. I still HIGHLY encourage you to read to and with your child, but at this point, all of the children have the ability to read and I would like to reward them for only books THEY read independently. Your help is always encouraged and it's a wonderful idea to talk with your child about the story after they finish.
2. Students need to build their reading stamina. I would like to see each child read continuously by themselves for 30 minutes by the end of first grade. This nine-weeks we worked on reading for 5-10 minutes each day. That proved challenging for many children. Work on this at home by providing your child with a variety of books to look at. Set a timer and tell them they should read (or look at) books for 5 minutes. As your child accomplishes this goal, build on the time. This nine-weeks we'll work on 10-15 minutes of reading time.
3. One of the goals in first grade is to build each child's independence. By the end of first grade, students should be able to do things like complete homework on their own, follow 3-4 step directions, and work cooperatively in a group. You can help at home by allowing your child to take on responsibilities such as packing their own backpack, setting or clearing the dinner table, working on a section of their homework alone for a set period of time. Try giving your child 3-step directions one time and see how well they follow them. Add more details or add to the number of steps as your child masters each level.
4. Every nine-weeks I pick a "Most Improved" student. This nine-weeks the award goes to Mason T! Mason has done an awesome job adjusting to first grade and has really begun to show off what a hard worker he is. Mason has gone from mostly drawing pictures during Writer's Workshop to writing about three new stories a week. His reading level is advancing beautifully and he's really got a handle on all of the new reading skills. I'm so proud of Mason for participating in class lessons and always being such a helpful friend whether he's at his table or working in a small group. Great job Mason! Keep up the good work!!!
I'm looking forward to another wonderful semester!
Attendance Reminders
As per Duval County School Board and Florida Statutes:
Acceptable written explanations for absences:
Early check outs is defined as signing out a child before the end of the school day.
We will not release students after 2:30 pm or 1:15 on early release days.
3 tardies or 3 early check outs within 30 days – parents will receive written notice. Additional tardies or early checkouts will result in a mandatory parent conference with the guidance counselor and/or principal.
Students will not be recognized by the school for perfect attendance if they have more than 3 unexcused tardies or 3 or more early check-outs.
Six unexcused tardies or six early check outs or five unexcused absences in any 45 day grading period will result in a referral to the Attendance Intervention Team and possibly to the State Attorney’s Office.
Acceptable written explanations for absences:
- Illness or injury of student
- Serious illness or death in the student’s family
- Inclement weather
- Official religious holiday
Early check outs is defined as signing out a child before the end of the school day.
We will not release students after 2:30 pm or 1:15 on early release days.
3 tardies or 3 early check outs within 30 days – parents will receive written notice. Additional tardies or early checkouts will result in a mandatory parent conference with the guidance counselor and/or principal.
Students will not be recognized by the school for perfect attendance if they have more than 3 unexcused tardies or 3 or more early check-outs.
Six unexcused tardies or six early check outs or five unexcused absences in any 45 day grading period will result in a referral to the Attendance Intervention Team and possibly to the State Attorney’s Office.
October 25, 2012
October 24, 2012
October 23, 2012
Books in a Bag
Starting on Wednesday, I will be sending home books in a bag that are just right for your child. In the Ziploc bag you will find a note detailing the program as well as what level your child is currently reading on. This level will change throughout the year as I read periodically with him or her.
Your child will have the opportunity to change out these books on WEDNESDAYS when my parent volunteer is in the room. Please be sure to record the books that your child reads in their reading log so I know that they are ready to have a new bag of books. If your child does not bring the bag of books on Wednesday, they will have to wait until the following Wednesday since I'm pretty reliant on the parent volunteer to do the exchanging.
You may find the books are "too easy" for your child. Please take the opportunity to practice reading skills with the independently read books. You can discuss the following skills:
Many of these books are irreplaceable, so please keep track of them and treat them kindly.
Questions? Be sure to contact me!
Your child will have the opportunity to change out these books on WEDNESDAYS when my parent volunteer is in the room. Please be sure to record the books that your child reads in their reading log so I know that they are ready to have a new bag of books. If your child does not bring the bag of books on Wednesday, they will have to wait until the following Wednesday since I'm pretty reliant on the parent volunteer to do the exchanging.
You may find the books are "too easy" for your child. Please take the opportunity to practice reading skills with the independently read books. You can discuss the following skills:
- Sequencing the story (first, next, then, last)
- Story Structure (character, setting, problem, solution)
- Real and Fantasy
- Compare and Contrast (how are things the same/different)
- Predicting
- Cause and Effect (here's what happened, why did that happen?)
Many of these books are irreplaceable, so please keep track of them and treat them kindly.
Questions? Be sure to contact me!
October 21, 2012
Math Practice
Here's a website I found with FREE printable math flashcards:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math.html#operationsgames
We are just wrapping up our unit on adding sums up to 12 and will begin a unit on subtraction with differences up to 12. We will continue to build on what we know and work our way up to sums and differences to 18 in the coming months.
Your children KNOW how to add and subtract, so now we are working on getting quicker and learning strategies to do this. Primarily we have focused on knowing:
Adding and subtracting with 0, 1, and 2
This week I am also sending information home on how to log into IXL.com to get additional math practice. Here's the link:
https://www.ixl.com/signin/loretto
Use your child's unique username and password to sign-in.
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math.html#operationsgames
We are just wrapping up our unit on adding sums up to 12 and will begin a unit on subtraction with differences up to 12. We will continue to build on what we know and work our way up to sums and differences to 18 in the coming months.
Your children KNOW how to add and subtract, so now we are working on getting quicker and learning strategies to do this. Primarily we have focused on knowing:
Adding and subtracting with 0, 1, and 2
Doubles
Near Doubles (Doubles plus or minus 1)
Totals of Ten
Near totals of ten (plus or minus 1)
Putting the big number in your head and counting up or down
This week I am also sending information home on how to log into IXL.com to get additional math practice. Here's the link:
https://www.ixl.com/signin/loretto
Use your child's unique username and password to sign-in.
October 15, 2012
Thanksgiving Food Drive
We just found out it's the 40th day of school today! I can't believe we're halfway through October.
It's almost time for Loretto's annual Thanksgiving food collection which directly assists LORETTO families.
Beginning October 29, they are asking that you send in at least one non-perishable food item to be distributed to a Loretto family in need. Items that are served with Thanksgiving dinner are especially welcome.
All donations must be sent in by November 16th.
If you have any questions or would like to help collect and sort the food on the 16th, please contact Emily Heeg at emilyheeg@yahoo.com or 537-3215.
It's almost time for Loretto's annual Thanksgiving food collection which directly assists LORETTO families.
Beginning October 29, they are asking that you send in at least one non-perishable food item to be distributed to a Loretto family in need. Items that are served with Thanksgiving dinner are especially welcome.
All donations must be sent in by November 16th.
If you have any questions or would like to help collect and sort the food on the 16th, please contact Emily Heeg at emilyheeg@yahoo.com or 537-3215.
October 10, 2012
Red Ribbon Week
Monday, October 22nd — “Get “Red”dy to say NO to drugs!!!”
(Wear Red—as much as you can)
Tuesday, October 23rd— “Shade out Drugs!!”
(Wear Shades)
Wednesday, October 24th— “Put a Cap on Drugs!!”
(Wear a Cap)
Thursday, October 25th— “Team-Up Against Drugs”
(Wear your favorite sports team jersey or school t-shirt)
(Wear Red—as much as you can)
Tuesday, October 23rd— “Shade out Drugs!!”
(Wear Shades)
Wednesday, October 24th— “Put a Cap on Drugs!!”
(Wear a Cap)
Thursday, October 25th— “Team-Up Against Drugs”
(Wear your favorite sports team jersey or school t-shirt)
October 6, 2012
Box Tops
The deadline to turn in box tops is fast approaching. Be sure to get those in as soon as you are able. Keep on collecting if you've already submitted some!
The PTA asks that for large amounts of box tops, you print out a collection sheet:
http://www.boxtops4education.com/Image.aspx?id=6519
You could also put the box tops in baggies of 50 to help with counting the box tops.
The PTA asks that for large amounts of box tops, you print out a collection sheet:
http://www.boxtops4education.com/Image.aspx?id=6519
You could also put the box tops in baggies of 50 to help with counting the box tops.
October 5, 2012
October 4, 2012
October 3, 2012
Garden Up Keep
Have a green thumb? Love working outdoors? Just looking for a way to help keep your child's school looking nice? Consider signing up to water the portable gardens!
All of the gardens outside the portable areas were lovingly planted by volunteer parents such as yourself. Most of the gardens are less than a year old. The first grade teachers would love to keep the gardens looking beautiful and we need your help! Please click on the link below and consider signing up for at least one day to help water the gardens.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C49AAAB2BA57-gardening
Feel free to share the link with other family members or service organizations to help cover more dates. Contact me with questions or concerns!
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