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.
October 29, 2012
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!
Field Trip
We will take our first field trip to the UNF Nature Trails on Tuesday, October 23.
We will be guided through some of the trails and end with science stations where the students will explore living and non-living things as part of our first grade science curriculum.
As of right now, I am allowed two parent chaperones. If you are interested in attending with us, please mark the appropriate place on your child's permission form. I will do a drawing to pick two parents. Once you have been chosen, the cost is $5 per chaperone.
Student cost is $9.50.
All permission slips and monies (student and chaperone) are due no later than Monday, October 15.
I will be posting more details about the field trip in the weeks to come.
We will be guided through some of the trails and end with science stations where the students will explore living and non-living things as part of our first grade science curriculum.
As of right now, I am allowed two parent chaperones. If you are interested in attending with us, please mark the appropriate place on your child's permission form. I will do a drawing to pick two parents. Once you have been chosen, the cost is $5 per chaperone.
Student cost is $9.50.
All permission slips and monies (student and chaperone) are due no later than Monday, October 15.
I will be posting more details about the field trip in the weeks to come.
October 1, 2012
Boosterthon
The Boosterthon Fun Run kicked off today with a thrilling pep rally and I am super excited about this year’s program.
The Boosterthon Fun Run program involves all students in a fun, team building, fitness event. The central focus of this year’s character program is CHOICES. On the road of life, there are a lot of choices to make. This year’s character theme is HIGHWAY USA and the Booster Team will take students on a fun-filled journey teaching them the importance of making the choices that count.
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 much needed funds for the AR program, AR store, sunshine state math and other school wide curriculums.
Here’s how you can help:
1) LOG-ON to your student’s website at www.FunRun.com using your student’s Pledge Book and access code. Log on each night to watch the Highway USA music videos, and enter pledge information.
2) GET PLEDGES by connecting your student with 10 sponsors.
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 Boosterthon Fun Run times and a video message, go to: http://boosterthoninfo.com/loretto-elementary-school
Thank you for supporting our classroom and our school!
The Boosterthon Fun Run program involves all students in a fun, team building, fitness event. The central focus of this year’s character program is CHOICES. On the road of life, there are a lot of choices to make. This year’s character theme is HIGHWAY USA and the Booster Team will take students on a fun-filled journey teaching them the importance of making the choices that count.
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 much needed funds for the AR program, AR store, sunshine state math and other school wide curriculums.
Here’s how you can help:
1) LOG-ON to your student’s website at www.FunRun.com using your student’s Pledge Book and access code. Log on each night to watch the Highway USA music videos, and enter pledge information.
2) GET PLEDGES by connecting your student with 10 sponsors.
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 Boosterthon Fun Run times and a video message, go to: http://boosterthoninfo.com/loretto-elementary-school
Thank you for supporting our classroom and our school!
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