Oh what fun it is to craft and play!
December 17, 2013
December 11, 2013
Character Students
Each month students work towards a specific character trait. I then pick a student who most exemplifies this trait. I never got around to posting previously, so I will post past winners as well as this month's.
This month's character trait is KINDNESS. Kaitlynn does an excellent job modeling this for others. She is always patient when working in a group and rarely leaves anyone out. She is very helpful in the classroom as well. Other students are eager to work with Kaitlynn because she is so very kind. Congratulations Kaitlynn, keep up the good work!
August/September-
The character trait was respect and responsibility. Tony was our character student
October/November-
The trait was Cooperation and Patriotism. Our character student was Matthew.
This month's character trait is KINDNESS. Kaitlynn does an excellent job modeling this for others. She is always patient when working in a group and rarely leaves anyone out. She is very helpful in the classroom as well. Other students are eager to work with Kaitlynn because she is so very kind. Congratulations Kaitlynn, keep up the good work!
August/September-
The character trait was respect and responsibility. Tony was our character student
October/November-
The trait was Cooperation and Patriotism. Our character student was Matthew.
November 26, 2013
Scholastic Book Orders
I've sent home Scholastic Book Club fliers for you to order books from. Buying books make great gifts for the holidays! There are some great buys, so take a look.
Orders can be placed online (highly recommended) by clicking the link above or you can send the order in to school and I will place the order for you. When you go online, you'll see many more catalogs available. Feel free to order from whichever you like.
Your purchase helps earn points for our classroom which will go towards more books and other materials for our room.
All orders are due no later than Friday, December 6.
Thank you in advance!
November 12, 2013
Thanksgiving food drive
It is time for our annual Food Drive-which directly
assists families in our Loretto community and the Mandarin Food Bank.
Please bring non-perishable food items to school.
Items that are cooked at Thanksgiving meals are particularly welcome.
All
donations must be received by November 22nd.
October 13, 2013
Ident-A-Kid
IDENT-A-KID
MAKE UP DAY
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2013
Extra applications are in the front office for parents interested in having their child participate in the Ident-A-Kid
program.
If
you or any parents have questions, please feel free to contact either
one of us. Please let us know if you need more applications.
Ident-A-Kid
wants
to be the solution for all your safety needs along with our Campus
Visitor Management System and Notification Parent Alert. For more
information, please visit our websites at www.identakid.com or http://www.ccssvm.com.
Again, thank you for your time and support to Ident-A-Kid
Services of America. We look forward to seeing you soon.
--
Respectfully,
Leslea D. Amidon
Debby Boote
Program Director Consultant
904-635-9690 904-707-3936
October 10, 2013
Boosterthon Fun Run
It was so great seeing the kids the other day. They did an awesome job learning about good sportsmanship throughout the week. Wow! Can they run! Despite the dreary weather, everyone had a great time. Thanks to all who pledged money.
October 2, 2013
Boosterthon
The
Boosterthon Fun Run kicked off Monday 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 while helping our school raise much-needed
funds. The central focus of this year’s character program is FRIENDSHIP. This year’s character theme is CAMP HIGH
FIVE, and the Booster Team will take students on a fun-filled journey teaching them the importance of friendship.
Here’s how you can help:
1) LOG ON to your student’s website at www.FunRun.com
using your student’s access code on the Pledge Book that cam home with them today. Log on each night to watch the Camp High Five character and music videos, and enter pledge information.
2) GET PLEDGES by connecting your student with 10 sponsors.
The new funrun.com
has many ways to use social media in the pledging process and pay
online. 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 online.
3) COME TO THE BOOSTERTHON FUN RUN NEXT WEEK! Remember, students
will be running 30-35 laps and we would love to have lots of support for our team!
Thank you for supporting our classroom and our school!
I’ll see you next week at the Boosterthon Fun Run!
Red Ribbon Week
Here are the themes for Red Ribbon Week:
Monday, October 21st — “Stick Together Against Drugs!!!” (Wear your favorite sports team jersey or school t-shirt)
Tuesday, October 22nd— “Turn Your Back On Drugs!!!” (Wear something backwards)
Wednesday, October 23rd — “Sock” it to drugs!!!” (Wear crazy socks)
Thursday, October 24th— “Get ”Red”dy to say NO to drugs!!!” (Wear RED—as much as you can)
Monday, October 21st — “Stick Together Against Drugs!!!” (Wear your favorite sports team jersey or school t-shirt)
Tuesday, October 22nd— “Turn Your Back On Drugs!!!” (Wear something backwards)
Wednesday, October 23rd — “Sock” it to drugs!!!” (Wear crazy socks)
Thursday, October 24th— “Get ”Red”dy to say NO to drugs!!!” (Wear RED—as much as you can)
September 25, 2013
Boosterthon
Our annual Boosterthon fundraiser will officially begin Monday, Sept 30. Fundraising will continue through October 8 ending with the fun run on Wednesday, October 9. More information will be coming home soon!
September 12, 2013
September 8, 2013
August 29, 2013
Website of the Week (WOW)
The focus during our phonics time has been reviewing short vowel sounds. We will continue reviewing short vowel sounds through the next two weeks. A great site to use is Starfall: http://www.starfall.com
There are some great activities and stories to read to go along with short vowels. Feel free to write these stories in your child's reading log!
There are some great activities and stories to read to go along with short vowels. Feel free to write these stories in your child's reading log!
August 26, 2013
Exploring math materials
During our first week of school, students got a chance to explore some of the math manipulatives we'll be using this year.
posted from Bloggeroid
August 22, 2013
Reading Logs
I'm asking that you TRY to read with your child nightly. That could be you reading to them or they could read to you. These books should be written in your child's reading log (located in their folder). YES! Even books you read to them should be written down.
I will reward students for these books during the first nine-weeks of school. After that, students will be doing more reading on their own and I would like for only books THEY read to be recorded. I will be sure to post a note and send an e-mail when it's time to stop writing books you read to them.
I'm already seeing a great flow of books on logs. Let's try to keep that up all year. First grade is a HUGE grade for reading growth. Typically they come in around a level C and leave at a level I. That's a jump of approximately 6 levels! Other grades see a jump of only 3-4 levels in comparison.
I will keep you informed on the skill we are practicing in class so that you can be sure to discuss this while reading books. For the next 3 weeks we will be working on QUESTIONING. This is a huge topic to cover, but for the most part, students should be able to answer Who, What, When, Where, and Why questions about stories. Examples include: "What happened after...?", "Where did the story take place?", "What was the problem in the story?"
Please feel free to e-mail me with your own questions about how you can help improve your child's reading ability.
I will reward students for these books during the first nine-weeks of school. After that, students will be doing more reading on their own and I would like for only books THEY read to be recorded. I will be sure to post a note and send an e-mail when it's time to stop writing books you read to them.
I'm already seeing a great flow of books on logs. Let's try to keep that up all year. First grade is a HUGE grade for reading growth. Typically they come in around a level C and leave at a level I. That's a jump of approximately 6 levels! Other grades see a jump of only 3-4 levels in comparison.
I will keep you informed on the skill we are practicing in class so that you can be sure to discuss this while reading books. For the next 3 weeks we will be working on QUESTIONING. This is a huge topic to cover, but for the most part, students should be able to answer Who, What, When, Where, and Why questions about stories. Examples include: "What happened after...?", "Where did the story take place?", "What was the problem in the story?"
Please feel free to e-mail me with your own questions about how you can help improve your child's reading ability.
August 13, 2013
Orientation
I'm extremely excited to meet everyone! Orientation (also known as meet and greet) will take place Thursday, August 15 from 12:00-1:00.
This is a great time to drop off supplies and come say "Hello!" before starting school on Monday.
Hope to see you then!
This is a great time to drop off supplies and come say "Hello!" before starting school on Monday.
Hope to see you then!
June 11, 2013
Comprehension website
I had some parents asking me about AR over the summer. Since this is a program purchased by the school, it can only be accessed at school. I did find what seems to be another great site to monitor your child's comprehension on books. Best of all, it's FREE! I glanced at a few of the pages, but it seems simillar to AR where children take a test and earn points. It will be up to you whether you want to set up a reward system at home. This would be a great way to keep your child accountable as to whether they are truly reading and understanding books this summer. Here's the site:
June 3, 2013
June 1, 2013
Summer Website
Here's a website with a lot of great links especially for 1st graders entering 2nd grade:
http://ayearofmanyfirsts.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-review-websites-for-kids.html
http://ayearofmanyfirsts.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-review-websites-for-kids.html
May 30, 2013
AR
Students with the most AR points were recognized at the PTA mtg.
Zoe placed 2nd and Sarah placed 3rd!
posted from Bloggeroid
May 22, 2013
Just Read, Families!
Just Read, Families! is a summer reading program which provides parents with information about actively reading with their children during the summer months. Former Governor Bush first proclaimed May 2003 as Just Read, Families! month.
Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By encouraging their children to read, parents are playing a critical role in achieving our goal of having every child reading at or above grade level by 2012. Now is the time to take advantage of the many activities and resources available on this website. Keep your children engaged in reading!
Children are a precious gift, and the opportunity to inspire a love of reading is both a great honor and an extraordinary responsibility. With your help, we can make Florida's reading goals a reality.
http://www.justreadfamilies.org/
May 21, 2013
Last week festivities
Monday- Book Report Character Day and Book Swap
-Bring in book report, dress up as main character, and bring in three-four items that go along with the book to use as props. We will also have a book swap. Bring in two gently used books to swap out for summer!
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.
*Bring a lunch from home or buy a bagged lunch in cafeteria
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.
*Bring an extra snack from home if you want.
-Bring in book report, dress up as main character, and bring in three-four items that go along with the book to use as props. We will also have a book swap. Bring in two gently used books to swap out for summer!
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.
*Bring a lunch from home or buy a bagged lunch in cafeteria
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.
*Bring an extra snack from home if you want.
May 16, 2013
May 13, 2013
May 2, 2013
Poetry
April was national poetry month. The kids learned to write all sorts if poems including acrostic, haiku, and diamante. They even had the chance to do a free verse or rhyming if they chose. Here is a picture from our poetry corner.
Ask your child which type is their favorite.
posted from Bloggeroid
April 27, 2013
Food Bank Collection
The Mandarin Food Bank has been helping families in the Mandarin area for 22 years, providing nutritious food to about 30 families each day. They focus on self-help, teaching their families how to do things for themselves in order to support themselves in due time. While you are out shopping for your family’s groceries this week, please look for these items to donate. We encourage every student to donate at least one item and hope that you will take this opportunity to teach your child about giving to those in need.
For more information please visit: www.foodfightjax.weebly.com
Spaghetti sauce (white or tomato)
Canned beans
*Pasta
Canned fruit
*Mac-n-cheese
Canned vegetables
*Canned tuna
*Canned soup
Canned salmon
*Crackers (Saltines, Ritz)
Canned chicken
Cookies
Canned crab
Jell-O
Canned chili
Pudding
*Ramen noodles
*Toilet paper
*Rice-A-Roni
Toothpaste
*Hamburger Helper
Toothbrushes
*Peanut butter
Hand soap
*Jelly
Shampoo/Conditioner
Cheerios cereal
Deodorant
Cornflakes cereal
Body wash
Chex cereal
Dish soap/detergent
Dried beans
Powdered laundry detergent
*Items which have been specially requested by the Food Bank
For more information please visit: www.foodfightjax.weebly.com
Spaghetti sauce (white or tomato)
Canned beans
*Pasta
Canned fruit
*Mac-n-cheese
Canned vegetables
*Canned tuna
*Canned soup
Canned salmon
*Crackers (Saltines, Ritz)
Canned chicken
Cookies
Canned crab
Jell-O
Canned chili
Pudding
*Ramen noodles
*Toilet paper
*Rice-A-Roni
Toothpaste
*Hamburger Helper
Toothbrushes
*Peanut butter
Hand soap
*Jelly
Shampoo/Conditioner
Cheerios cereal
Deodorant
Cornflakes cereal
Body wash
Chex cereal
Dish soap/detergent
Dried beans
Powdered laundry detergent
*Items which have been specially requested by the Food Bank
Play Day
1st grade play day will be on Monday, May 6. It will start at 10 am on the back field. All parents (and family members) are welcome! Please be sure to sign in at the office before joining us.
Students should remember to do the following:
1. Wear your class shirt
2. Wear tennis shoes
3. Bring your lunch from home. We will have a picnic afterward.
4. Wear appropriate protection from the sun (i.e.: sunscreen, hats, etc..)
We will have water donated, but feel free to bring extra. We will also have Popsicles afterward.
Students should remember to do the following:
1. Wear your class shirt
2. Wear tennis shoes
3. Bring your lunch from home. We will have a picnic afterward.
4. Wear appropriate protection from the sun (i.e.: sunscreen, hats, etc..)
We will have water donated, but feel free to bring extra. We will also have Popsicles afterward.
April 26, 2013
Reading is fun!
Who says you have to read in your house? Pierce found his way up into a tree to read a great book!
posted from Bloggeroid
April 12, 2013
Sunshine Math
First of all a HUGE thank you to our Sunshine Math parent volunteer, Debbie Atkins for being so dedicated to the program this year. She graded sheets, kept track of points and came in bi-weekly to go over problems on the sheets with the children.
Students who attained a pre-determined number of points were invited to a competition between other students on the grade level. After an initial tie, the winner was chosen. Congratulations to Alan from our class! He will go on to compete in a district level competition and be recognized at the May PTA meeting.
Students who have completed the majority of the papers will be invited to a party to reward them for their hard work. The date is TBD. It will be during school hours here at Loretto.
Next week will be the last week of Sunshine Math papers.
Students who attained a pre-determined number of points were invited to a competition between other students on the grade level. After an initial tie, the winner was chosen. Congratulations to Alan from our class! He will go on to compete in a district level competition and be recognized at the May PTA meeting.
Students who have completed the majority of the papers will be invited to a party to reward them for their hard work. The date is TBD. It will be during school hours here at Loretto.
Next week will be the last week of Sunshine Math papers.
April 8, 2013
Morning Procedures
In an effort to strengthen safety at Loretto, the administration has made changes to where students in portable classrooms should report in the morning. All portable students are to go to the PE map area before school starts as Monday, April 8. This was made with the intentions to increase supervision and decrease behavior issues.
MY students should report to the classroom as usual. I enjoy having them come in as they arrive at school. I mentioned before, I think this makes for a better transition in our morning routine. There will be an occasional time that I cannot let students in due to meetings or previously scheduled things. When the door is locked, students should report to the PE map area as mentioned above.
MY students should report to the classroom as usual. I enjoy having them come in as they arrive at school. I mentioned before, I think this makes for a better transition in our morning routine. There will be an occasional time that I cannot let students in due to meetings or previously scheduled things. When the door is locked, students should report to the PE map area as mentioned above.
April 5, 2013
4th Nine Weeks
Well, this is it! We're in the final stretch!!
There is a lot of things going on as we approach the end of the year. Check the right side of our class site for important upcoming dates as well as reading PTA newsletters that are forwarded to you.
Here's a brief overview of what we will be working on as we begin the new semester:
Reading
We will be working on reading skills: categorize and classify, main idea, and drawing conclusions.
We will also be working on suffixes -s, -ed, and -ing as well as vowel pairs ou, ow.
Writing
We are beginning a new genre: Response to Literature
Students will be writing about books! Topics to cover include retelling with appropriate transition words, identifying favorite parts, telling why or why you did not like a story, identifying a lesson to be learned.
It would be helpful to orally discuss these things with your child after reading a story together.
Math
We will begin double digit addition with the intentions to go on to double digit subtraction. Students need previous knowledge of facts to 18 as well as place value. All of these skills can be practiced on the website www.ixl.com. I highly encourage you to use www.reflexmath.com as well to help with fact fluency.
There is a lot of things going on as we approach the end of the year. Check the right side of our class site for important upcoming dates as well as reading PTA newsletters that are forwarded to you.
Here's a brief overview of what we will be working on as we begin the new semester:
Reading
We will be working on reading skills: categorize and classify, main idea, and drawing conclusions.
We will also be working on suffixes -s, -ed, and -ing as well as vowel pairs ou, ow.
Writing
We are beginning a new genre: Response to Literature
Students will be writing about books! Topics to cover include retelling with appropriate transition words, identifying favorite parts, telling why or why you did not like a story, identifying a lesson to be learned.
It would be helpful to orally discuss these things with your child after reading a story together.
Math
We will begin double digit addition with the intentions to go on to double digit subtraction. Students need previous knowledge of facts to 18 as well as place value. All of these skills can be practiced on the website www.ixl.com. I highly encourage you to use www.reflexmath.com as well to help with fact fluency.
April Book-it Goal
I would like to set one more goal for our Book-it reading program. This months goal is 25 books.
Students who have met all of their goals will be invited to a pizza party with me!
As we approach the end of the school year, it's easy to neglect reading in the evening. Please remember how important it is not only for the rest of the year, but throughout the summer as well!
Reading to your child is equally as important. It allows for the opportunity to discuss story elements, favorite parts, and new vocabulary among other things.
Students who have met all of their goals will be invited to a pizza party with me!
As we approach the end of the school year, it's easy to neglect reading in the evening. Please remember how important it is not only for the rest of the year, but throughout the summer as well!
Reading to your child is equally as important. It allows for the opportunity to discuss story elements, favorite parts, and new vocabulary among other things.
March 21, 2013
Spring Break
Spring Break learning packets offered by the county are now available on their website.
(Currently it's number one on the scrolling pictures on the homepage).
Don't forget to keep reading!!!
(Currently it's number one on the scrolling pictures on the homepage).
Don't forget to keep reading!!!
March 14, 2013
Library Check Out
Students will be able to check out books tomorrow, Friday, March 15. I would encourage you to have your child bring their book back by tomorrow morning because we will not be checking out books at all next week due to the library being short-handed. That will then lead to spring break, leaving your child without our school check-out for two plus weeks.
Bags of books will be changed out as usual on Wednesday next week, so be sure to have those in your child's folder so they don't get overlooked.
Additionally, a parent reminded me of a site I sent you earlier this year:
www.wegivebooks.org
You have access to plenty of titles that you and your child can read directly on the computer (or other device).
The public library is also another great option to use over spring break!
Please don't forget to have your child continue to read over the break. We don't want them to lose their momentum!!
Bags of books will be changed out as usual on Wednesday next week, so be sure to have those in your child's folder so they don't get overlooked.
Additionally, a parent reminded me of a site I sent you earlier this year:
www.wegivebooks.org
You have access to plenty of titles that you and your child can read directly on the computer (or other device).
The public library is also another great option to use over spring break!
Please don't forget to have your child continue to read over the break. We don't want them to lose their momentum!!
March 11, 2013
Scholastic Book Club
Order forms went home today for another Scholastic Book Club order. As a reminder, orders can be placed online or a check can be written and sent to class. All orders earn our class points, which in turn earn free books and other resources for our classroom.
You can order from more than the catalogs I sent home. For more advanced readers I recommend the Lucky catalog. Unfortunately, I didn't receive a paper copy of that catalog this time.
Orders are due next Friday, March 22. Thanks for your support!
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Activation Code: GVG88
You can order from more than the catalogs I sent home. For more advanced readers I recommend the Lucky catalog. Unfortunately, I didn't receive a paper copy of that catalog this time.
Orders are due next Friday, March 22. Thanks for your support!
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Activation Code: GVG88
March 6, 2013
Free Books!
This spring, We Give Books, LeapFrog, and readers across the United States are teaming up to read digital books and donate 150,000 printed LeapFrog books to public schools across the country.
Starting March 19, 2013 and continuing through April 5, when you read online at ReadForMySchool.org, you’ll have the chance send a new book directly to a school you choose – just by reading from our free online library.
Pre-register now through March 18 to receive a reminder email before the campaign launches by visiting the Read for My School program site!
Starting March 19, 2013 and continuing through April 5, when you read online at ReadForMySchool.org, you’ll have the chance send a new book directly to a school you choose – just by reading from our free online library.
Pre-register now through March 18 to receive a reminder email before the campaign launches by visiting the Read for My School program site!
Symphony Under the Stars
This year, Symphony under the Stars presents… Kids on Broadway!
We are looking for singers, dancers, and musicians. All kindergarteners through fifth graders are invited to participate. If you are interested in joining our wonderful cast, please contact Cheryl Freeman at freemanc1@duvalschools.org by Friday, March 22.
Students must be available for rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-4:00 P.M. Rehearsals will start on Thursday, April 4. Students may only sign up for one group, so that we can provide as many opportunities as possible. No experience is necessary for the singing or dancing groups. If you choose to play an instrument, you must provide your own instrument- other than a piano. We have a piano here for the students to use.
Symphony under the Stars will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. This is your child's time to shine!
We are looking for singers, dancers, and musicians. All kindergarteners through fifth graders are invited to participate. If you are interested in joining our wonderful cast, please contact Cheryl Freeman at freemanc1@duvalschools.org by Friday, March 22.
Students must be available for rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-4:00 P.M. Rehearsals will start on Thursday, April 4. Students may only sign up for one group, so that we can provide as many opportunities as possible. No experience is necessary for the singing or dancing groups. If you choose to play an instrument, you must provide your own instrument- other than a piano. We have a piano here for the students to use.
Symphony under the Stars will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. This is your child's time to shine!
March 1, 2013
Lunch
I've noticed many students buying additional treats during lunch time.
This is something I'm not able to monitor closely, as I don't eat with your children. Some of the kids are running out of money prematurely because of this.
Please discuss with your child as to when and how much they can spend if you are alright with this.
It was also brought to my attention by the cafeteria staff that you, as a parent, can go online to set spending limits for your child. You can let it be known they should only buy lunch or even as specific as if you want them to only buy treats on Fridays. Use the link for "My Lunch Money" under our links tab on this class site.
This is something I'm not able to monitor closely, as I don't eat with your children. Some of the kids are running out of money prematurely because of this.
Please discuss with your child as to when and how much they can spend if you are alright with this.
It was also brought to my attention by the cafeteria staff that you, as a parent, can go online to set spending limits for your child. You can let it be known they should only buy lunch or even as specific as if you want them to only buy treats on Fridays. Use the link for "My Lunch Money" under our links tab on this class site.
March Book-it goal
The March Book-It reading goal will be 20 books. In order to receive a pizza hut certificate and a sticker on our chart, your child must have 20 books recorded on their reading log in the month of March. As a reminder, these should be books they have read independently.
Don't forget to read over Spring Break!!
Don't forget to read over Spring Break!!
February 25, 2013
February Character Student
February's character trait was charity. This was a tough one for the kids to truly understand. They definitely get what it means to be kind and do nice things, but to be giving of your things or yourself without wanting anything in return is harder concept to grasp.
Charity is defined as generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless.
Our character student this month is Brooke. Brooke had some great points to add to our conversations on charity. She was even able to further show she understood the concept by sharing about a time she donated her hair to the organization Locks of Love.
Finally, Brooke is ALWAYS offering to lend a helping hand to her POOR teacher :)
Great job Brooke!
Next month's character trait is honesty.
Charity is defined as generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless.
Our character student this month is Brooke. Brooke had some great points to add to our conversations on charity. She was even able to further show she understood the concept by sharing about a time she donated her hair to the organization Locks of Love.
Finally, Brooke is ALWAYS offering to lend a helping hand to her POOR teacher :)
Great job Brooke!
Next month's character trait is honesty.
FCAT Writes
Due to the FCAT writing test that 4th graders will be taking on Tuesday, February 26, there will be no movement on campus until after 12. That applies to volunteers and visitors coming for lunch.
The same quiet time will be in effect during the FCAT test at the end of March.
The same quiet time will be in effect during the FCAT test at the end of March.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports for the 3rd nine weeks will be in your child's folder today. Please sign and return as soon as possible.
As always, if you have questions feel free to e-mail me or write me a note.
As always, if you have questions feel free to e-mail me or write me a note.
February 19, 2013
Reflex Math
Math homework this week includes logging into a new math program to help build fluency. Here's the site:
www.reflexmath.com
Click "Launch" in the upper right corner to get started. I've sent home unique username and passwords for each child to use to help with monitoring their progress. Here's a quick overview of what they should see and do once they log in.
1. Students will start by creating their own avatar.
2. Speed Cube Challenge
Every Reflex session begins with a short assessment called Speed Cube Challenge. It's
the job of Speed Cube Challenge to determine a student's level of fluency with facts and
families.
During a student’s first several sessions, Speed Cube Challenge will ask a wide range of
facts as it assesses the student’s pre-existing fluency. After this initial exploration, Speed
Cube Challenge will primarily assess how students are doing with facts that they have
recently been taught.
(You’ll notice that some of the items in the challenge only ask a student to type in a
given number. This is done so that Reflex can measure how fast a student types,
something it needs to take into account when measuring how quickly a student can
answer a given fact.)
3. Reflex Island
Students will have access to two games at first. Additional games are unlocked with continued play.
There are many other aspects to encourage students to do their best including earning tokens, watching their "progress tree" and getting the green light to light up after meeting their daily usage requirement.
Please let me know if you have questions about the program.
www.reflexmath.com
Click "Launch" in the upper right corner to get started. I've sent home unique username and passwords for each child to use to help with monitoring their progress. Here's a quick overview of what they should see and do once they log in.
1. Students will start by creating their own avatar.
2. Speed Cube Challenge
Every Reflex session begins with a short assessment called Speed Cube Challenge. It's
the job of Speed Cube Challenge to determine a student's level of fluency with facts and
families.
During a student’s first several sessions, Speed Cube Challenge will ask a wide range of
facts as it assesses the student’s pre-existing fluency. After this initial exploration, Speed
Cube Challenge will primarily assess how students are doing with facts that they have
recently been taught.
(You’ll notice that some of the items in the challenge only ask a student to type in a
given number. This is done so that Reflex can measure how fast a student types,
something it needs to take into account when measuring how quickly a student can
answer a given fact.)
3. Reflex Island
Students will have access to two games at first. Additional games are unlocked with continued play.
There are many other aspects to encourage students to do their best including earning tokens, watching their "progress tree" and getting the green light to light up after meeting their daily usage requirement.
Please let me know if you have questions about the program.
February 15, 2013
Valentines
Thank you for all of the LOVE! I loved all my Valentines. Thank you parents for including me in the exchange :)
February 7, 2013
Calendar Change
The week of Febuary 11 we will begin Theme 6, week 3 in our reading series. Please practice the coordinating sight words that were stapled in the back of your child's folder. Due to Valentines and President's Day, I will take the content for that week and stretch it over the following week.
The calendar shows that we will begin Theme 7 on February 19. Due to the change mentioned above, we will begin the theme on February 25.
The calendar shows that we will begin Theme 7 on February 19. Due to the change mentioned above, we will begin the theme on February 25.
Febuary Book-it Goal
This months goal will be lowered slightly due to the shortened month. I'm looking for each child to read 20 books to earn their pizza certificate. As a reminder, students who meet their goal every month through April get a pizza party with me at school.
January 30, 2013
Valentines
I will be sending a list home with all of the students in our class. If you plan on sending in valentines for our exchange, please make sure there is one valentine per student. We have a total of 20 students.
I'm also asking that you have your child write each child's name on the outside of their valentine for an ABC order activity we will be doing with them.
Our valentines will be distributed on Thursday, February 14. The children will collect their valentines in special mailboxes we will be making next week. In order for them to make their mailbox, I am asking that you send your child with a clean, dry gallon milk or water jug. Please send all jugs by Friday, February 8.
Please contact me with questions!
I'm also asking that you have your child write each child's name on the outside of their valentine for an ABC order activity we will be doing with them.
Our valentines will be distributed on Thursday, February 14. The children will collect their valentines in special mailboxes we will be making next week. In order for them to make their mailbox, I am asking that you send your child with a clean, dry gallon milk or water jug. Please send all jugs by Friday, February 8.
Please contact me with questions!
Character Student
The character trait for the month of January was tolerance. Our character student of the month is Arianna!
Arianna is open-minded when it comes to working with others. She never acts disappointed when assigned a partner to work with. She is understanding when working with small group and even tries to problem solve an issue arises. She definitely lives by the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated.
Great job Arianna!
Next months trait is charity.
Arianna is open-minded when it comes to working with others. She never acts disappointed when assigned a partner to work with. She is understanding when working with small group and even tries to problem solve an issue arises. She definitely lives by the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated.
Great job Arianna!
Next months trait is charity.
January 18, 2013
Fun Math Site
We have been dilligently working on using math strategies to add more accurately and more quickly.
One of our stragies is to make a ten. I found this fun site to practice totals of ten:
http://www.akidsmath.com/mathgames/addtoten.htm
The kids loved it when we played it on the Smart Board. I was surprised to see how many students needed a refresher on their totals of ten. Please have your child play it at least once at home and see how many levels they can complete.
One of our stragies is to make a ten. I found this fun site to practice totals of ten:
http://www.akidsmath.com/mathgames/addtoten.htm
The kids loved it when we played it on the Smart Board. I was surprised to see how many students needed a refresher on their totals of ten. Please have your child play it at least once at home and see how many levels they can complete.
January 9, 2013
AR Store
The AR store is a PTA sponsored activity. The store will be open at the end of January. During this time, student can "shop" with the points they've earned from taking AR tests in the classroom. Points are earned based on how well they comprehended the story. More points are awarded for more difficult books.
Our class will be attending the store on Tuesday, January 29 around 1:45. If you are interested in volunteering at the store, please use the link below:
VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/Tx4nSy
Our class will be attending the store on Tuesday, January 29 around 1:45. If you are interested in volunteering at the store, please use the link below:
VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/Tx4nSy
January 4, 2013
Book-it goal
The Book-it reading goal for December was 25 books. It will remain the same for January.
In addition to receiving a personal pan pizza certificate, students who met their December goal also got free tickets to the Jacksonville Giants basketball game.
In addition to receiving a personal pan pizza certificate, students who met their December goal also got free tickets to the Jacksonville Giants basketball game.
New Years Resolutions
Some of my favorites:
- ...when my mom asks me to play with my cat I will.
- I promise to play more sports.
- ...I will not chler (color) on my new bed.
posted from Bloggeroid
January 2, 2013
Week of January 2
Happy New Year! Welcome back! I hope everyone's holidays were extraordinary. I know I enjoyed R & R and time with family very much.
Due to the short week, there will be no assigned homework in your child's folder. I ask that you read with your child nightly this week. We will be back to our normal routines as of next week.
Due to the short week, there will be no assigned homework in your child's folder. I ask that you read with your child nightly this week. We will be back to our normal routines as of next week.
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