December 15, 2017

Dear Families,

Thank you for bundling up your little people! We will go outside as long as the temperature is above 10 degrees including wind chill.

Books Read: Countdown To Christmas, Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear!, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, Arthur's Christmas

During writing time they are; using patterns like-"I like" and "I see" to make books to share with their friends. The pattern of language and staying on one topic while exploring this kind of writing are the key concepts.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Nellie Newt and Lou Lou Moose

In math we are working with teen numbers, formation of numbers, making pictures to match the number written, addition and subtraction practice and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events:

Friday December 22-We will be having some fun with the story, The Polar Express. The students are allowed to bring their pajamas to change into here at school. They also may bring a special stuffed animal as long as it can fit inside their backpack. Also a VERY low-key “Party”-NO GIFTS- We also will have some healthy snacks, so if you are interested in sending in a healthy snack or juice or cups or plates, let me know at ssample@rsu1.org

December 23-January 2- Vacation-Enjoy family and friends! (My middle son will be home from Germany to visit! I will also be able to spend time with my other children and my three grandchildren.)  Blessings all!

November 13, 2017

Dear Families,

Wow! I am struggling with getting back on track after all of these disruptions to school this month! I REALLY like structure and I need to get back to it as soon as possible! Today is my aunt's 105th birthday and she is still keeping herself and her life organized, so here is my feeble attempt!

PLEASE: Sign up for conferences if you have not yet. I want to see you all and share about your child's progress thus far in Kindergarten. 

PLEASE: Send in your turkey family project as soon as it is finished. Those that have arrived so far are spectacular!

The picture book tally sheet that is attached to this newsletter is for you to fill out at home for each picture book  you  read with your child in the month of November. Please go back in time if you would like and continue to the end of the month. Then send the forms back in so we can add to our classroom total and to our whole school total. It will be fun to see how many picture books we can read in November! 

A final reminder: as the weather is cooling down and the snow has arrived, remember we go outside on days above 10 degrees and as long as it isn't rain or ice. Fresh air is so important and I ask you to help me by sending your child with warm clothing and to make sure they have an extra set of clothing in case of emergency. 

Thank you! Sarah~

October 27, 2017

Dear Families,

Happy Friday! PLEASE no costumes to school on Tuesday! Thank you~

In science we are learning about the changes we see in fall and the life cycle of a pumpkin. We also are delving into bats and owls!

Books Read: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever, When The Leaf Blew In, Autumn's First Leaf, Pumpkin Patch Puppy, The Silly Scarecrow, Stellaluna

During writing time they are starting to; add details to enhance their illustrations, add words (letters) to their pictures, rehearse what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners and showing movement in their drawings for a fun effect. We talked a lot this week about being BRAVE writers and adding more and more letters to our words and words to our sentences.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters this week were Kimmy Kangaroo and Farley Fox.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-31, sorting, using math manipulatives, identifying shapes around us, sorting, describing, and comparing objects,  putting together is addition and taking apart is subtraction, 10 frame practice and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 
November 9- Professional Development- NO SCHOOL

November 10- No School Veteran's Day Observed

November 11-Veterans Day (Thank you for all who have served)
November 20&21 1/2 Days of school- Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 22-24- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break

October 13, 2017

Our firetruck snack! YUM!

Dear Families,

We have been learning about fire safety this week and we were joined by the Woolwich Fire Department on Tuesday as they shared their knowledge with us about safety. We learned about the fire truck and how to keep safe. Some students were unsure if their family has an outside meeting place if they have to evacuate their house. Do you have one? Have you practiced your escape route with your family? Have you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors lately? I care a lot about you all and want you to stay safe!!!

Books Read: Firehouse, Curious George at the Fire Station, Clifford the Firehouse Dog, My Fire Engine

During writing time they are starting to; visualize places and people to write about, add words (letters) to their pictures, rehearse what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners and show movement in their drawings for a fun effect. We talked a lot this week about being BRAVE writers and adding more and more letters to our words and words to our sentences.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were Rosie Raccoon and.Hippy Hippo.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-30, sorting, using math manipulatives, identifying and describing triangles, reviewing spatial vocabulary and concepts (top, below, between, next to, around, over, under, left, right), dot cards, five frames, addition is "putting together"and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

November 9- Professional Inservice- No School
November 10- No School-Veteran's Day Observed-Thank you to all families who have served our great country!

September 29, 2017

Dear Families,

A huge THANK YOU for those who traveled to Rocky Ridge Apple Orchard with us this week. We picked an apple to eat, went for a hay ride and chose a little pumpkin to get creative with next week, and we had a yummy donut and cool glass of apple juice. The weather was perfect and the children were awesome guests of the orchard! It was so much fun and I hope you heard all about it! 

We will make applesauce next week with the apples we bought at Rocky Ridge and they will bring home an apple core with the attached instructions for planting your own apple tree.Look for that next week.  

In science we are learning about the life cycle of the butterfly and have begun our apple unit. We currently have 4 caterpillars in chrysalis, 5 caterpillars still munching and we have let four butterfly start his journey to Mexico. We have learned so much about the caterpillar life cycle!

Books Read: Big, Red Apple, Johnny Appleseed, Mr. Brown's Magnificent Apple Tree

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were;  Actress Annie and Daisy Dragon.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-10, sorting, discussing a graph, using math manipulatives, five frames, shape patterns, describing 2-D shapes, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

October 6- NO SCHOOL- Teacher Inservice

October 9- NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day

September 22, 2017

Dear Families,

PLEASE be on the lookout for the field trip permission slips in your student's folder for our upcoming trip to Rocky Ridge Orchard. Remember to include the $5 and signed permission slip on Monday.  Thank you for those earbuds/headphones that came in this week. We will hopefully be starting next week with some guided technology practice. Also a huge shout out for all the classroom supplies that arrived! 

In science we continue to learn about the life cycle of the butterfly. We currently have 10 caterpillars still munching and we have let four butterflies start their journey to Mexico. The one on the bulletin board and the lost one (found on Curious George) were both perfectly fine when they made their grand entrance! We have learned so much about the caterpillar life cycle!

Books Read: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and many other Eric Carle favorites!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Mimi Mermaid and Max the Ox/ Felix Fox.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-10, sorting, discussing a graph, using math manipulatives, using 5 frames, practicing with quick looks at collections of dots, finger counting, working with shapes and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are still learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events:

September 29- Field trip Rocky Ridge- Please return $ and permission slip

October 6- NO SCHOOL- Teacher Inservice

October 9- NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day

September 15, 2017

Dear Families,

Books Read: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, A Caterpillar's Wish, Butterfly Suits, I'm a Caterpillar, Butterfly Life Cycle and a variety of Eric Carle books. We also acted out the Very Hungry Caterpillar story with props and ate a fruit salad that had all of the yummy fruit in it that the caterpillar ate through. 

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we have learned about so far are; Polly Panda, Uncle Upton, Ollie Ostrich.

In math we are getting to know numbers, introducing attributes and sorting, multisensory counting, patterns and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard).

ITEM NEEDED: Each student is being asked to provide either earphones or earbuds for use with or Chromebook time. I will place them  in an individual bag with your student's name on it. They will be kept at school for daily/bi-daily work. Thank you so much!

Other~ Some have asked about things they can donate to the classroom and the following are items we are in need of all year long; plastic spoons,  hand sanitizer, tissues, and extra snacks to keep on hand in case someone forgets theirs. Again, thank you!

Upcoming Events:

TBD- Rocky Ridge Field Trip 

October 6- NO SCHOOL- Teacher Inservice

October 9- NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day

September 8, 2017

Dear Families,

It has been a very busy week. We are continuing our procedures and community building. We have enjoyed going to the different specials classes and meeting many new faces and doing fun activities. Today we traveled to library and we were able to sign a book out to take home. Please make sure it comes back by next Friday (or before) and that when it is not being read there is a safe place to keep it. One other detail I forgot to mention in my opening letter is that folders come home on Fridays with student's work from the week, this newsletter and other pieces of information.

Books Read: The Little Engine That Could, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, I Like Myself, What Will I Be?

In math we are getting to know numbers, introducing attributes of shapes, sorting, graphing birthdays, and our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observation, tracking the number of days we have been in school and the days  of the week.

 Many reading and writing assessments have taken place these first few days of school. We will begin a more structured approach to reading and writing beginning next week. 

A huge THANK YOU to Sawyer and his mom for bringing in  monarch caterpillars to observe. I have been unable to find any in my faithful spots. We also ordered some monarch caterpillars in the mail and they should arrive any day now.

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events!

September 14~ Picture Day and Open House at 5:30
October 6- Professional Day-No School
October 9- Columbus Day- No School

August 31, 2017

Hello!

WOW! What a fantastic first two days of Kindergarten! I am so impressed by the way we are blending together as a community. We are learning our schedule, classroom expectations and how to be a good friend. Our word for this week has been-Respect.

All of the students will be assessed this week and next in the areas of reading and writing. These assessments are fun for them and act more as a game then stressful work. They will probably be tired and hot this afternoon when they come home, but know that they have spent 2 full days adjusting to a new schedule and a whole new life. Exciting!

You have noticed a flurry of paperwork coming home. Please take time to fill it all out and send it back to me. Having updated addresses, telephone numbers and other important information is the key to keeping your child as safe as I possibly can. Thank you!

The best way to get in touch with me is through email at ssample@rsu1.org. I check my email a few times a day and I will do my level best to get back to you as soon as I check it. I feel like too much information is better than too little.

Our specials are: Monday-Art

                           Tuesday- PE (if you haven't sent in sneakers to keep at school, please do)

                           Wednesday- Guidance

                           Thursday- Music

                           Friday-Library (Please help your child keep his/her library book in a safe place and enjoy spending time reading with them.) Books are due back the following Friday.

I will try to add to this blog each week as well as when there is any special event going on. When I receive your paperwork about publishing pictures, I will know who I can and cannot publish on this blog. Paper copies will come home as well.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Sarah~

June 9, 2017

Dear Families,
 It is that time and I am feeling sadness as another year comes to a close. It has been a remarkable year and I can't believe it is over. Many highs and lows came with 2016/2017. The worst is the injury I sustained in March and is not going to be healed anytime soon. The students have been incredibly helpful and loving during this time! Graduating from UNE with my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction was an absolute thrill for me. 

The last day of school for students is June 20th and it will be an 11:50 am dismissal. Lunch will be served.
Thank you all for such an amazing year and best of luck for a bright future and a happy summer!

June 2, 2017

Dear Families,

Pen Pals from Pittston School visited us today~ SO FUN! Our 8th grade book buddies also spent their last session with us as they get ready to head to Washington DC. Plus the lovely weather allowed us to spend a great deal of time outside! Along with summer weather comes summer/ beach/ coastal Maine studies.

Wow! I can't believe we are wrapping up our Kindergarten year together! Assessments are going to be key for the next weeks. 

As we experienced a "summer" day this past week, it reminded me to remind you about the importance of sunscreen. As our skin becomes re-introduced to the sun, we want to be sure we are safe! Please either slather sun block on your child before they come in to school or you could send in a tube (with their name clearly stated) and I am happy to apply it before they venture outside. The same with bug spray~

Books Read: One Morning in Maine, Rainbow Fish, Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale, Make Way for Ducklings and Fun Dog, Sun Dog, and Thunder Cake (I have included the recipe for thunder cake in their folders this week-yum!) 

During writing time they are; thinking of ways to write that will persuade people to do certain things, or not do certain things, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, taking turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, adding spaces between words and punctuation at the end of a sentence, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers. 

In math we are working with two digit numbers, formation of numbers, addition and subtraction practice, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

June 20- Last School Day at WCS 1/2 day~ Dismissal at 11:50

REMEMBER!!!!!

                                

                         PLEASE REMEMBER

There is NO SCHOOL for Kindergarten students on Wednesday and Thursday May 17 & 18 due to incoming kindergarten screening.

There is NO SCHOOL for ALL students on Friday May 19th due to a District-wide Professional Development day.

Enjoy your extra time and the upcoming beautiful weather!

May 5, 2017

Dear Families,

This week has been a mix of egg layers, farm life and plants. Always a busy time of year. So many hands-on experiences and excitement of 1st grade looms close!

May 17 & 18 NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY (KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ARE INVOLVED WITH KINDERGARTEN SCREENING)

Books Read:We have spent the week reading many, many versions of The Little Red Hen and comparing and contrasting each version.

During writing time they are; writing to Pittston pen pals, visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, taking turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, adding spaces between words and punctuation at the end of a sentence, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers.  

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. We have been writing words and sentences using our characters. 

In math we are getting familiar with our 1-110 number grid and playing fun “I Spy” games trying to find out the number, playing with standard and nonstandard measurement, working with two digit numbers, formation of numbers, addition and subtraction practice, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

May 17 & 18 NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY (KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ARE INVOLVED WITH KINDERGARTEN SCREENING)

May 19- Professional Development~ NO SCHOOL!

May 26- Field Trip to Morris Farm (more details to follow)

May 29- No School- Memorial Day

April 28, 2017

Dear Families,

We learned a BIG word this week! Oviparous. Animals that lay eggs and hatch from eggs.

Books Read: What Hatches From an Egg, Chickens aren't The Only Ones, First The Egg, Chick Life Cycle, Egg to Robin, Sea Turtles, Frog Life Cycles, One Tiny Turtle

During writing time they are; writing to Pittston pen pals, visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, taking turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, adding spaces between words and punctuation at the end of a sentence, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers.  

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. We have been writing words and sentences using our characters. 

In math we are using calculators, playing with standard and nonstandard measurement, working with two digit numbers, formation of numbers, addition and subtraction practice, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

May 17 & 18   NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY (KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ARE INVOLVED WITH KINDERGARTEN SCREENING)

May 26-  Field Trip to Morris Farm ~More details to come!

May 29- Memorial Day-No School

April 7, 2017

Dear Families,

Happy April! Looks like some sure signs of spring out there! Thank you to all who came to parent/ teacher conferences last week. It is so important to talk face to face every now and again. An update on me...I did miss the bottom step at school two weeks ago and am suffering from a severe sprained ankle/foot. The process will be a slow heal and I am trying to miss as little school time as I can. I am on crutches and have finally been able to be in an air cast. Thank you for all of your kind words of support during this difficult time. The learning will go on! 

Books Read: A wide variety of weather, spring and Easter books

During writing time they are; writing to Pittston pen pals, visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, taking turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, adding spaces between words and punctuation at the end of a sentence, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers.  

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. We have been writing words and sentences using our characters.

In math we are working with two digit numbers, measurement, addition and subtraction practice, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. Also assessment for report cards.

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

April 17-21 Vacation

May 17 & 18 NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY

May 19 Professional Development Day

May 29 Memorial Day- No School

March 10, 2017

Hello Families!

This week we have continued our weather observations at a deeper level and trying to decide if the weather outside is a lion or a lamb as the old saying goes. Some days have been both and that realization has led to many scientific conversations between the students. They are acute observers!

Reading/Writing: We have continued to enjoy more Dr. Seuss books this week as well as some stories related to weather. The difference between fiction and non-fiction has been discussed. We have also been working in our interactive writing block where each student helps in the writing and illustrating of a class book. We are all author and illustrators! We have now finished four books and they have been added to our classroom library for us all to enjoy. In writing we are also continuing the How-To unit where it is their responsibility to teach someone else how to do something step-by-step. Some of the books written have been quite humorous, especially when the students realize steps have been left out of the process! They are enjoying this unit very much.

Math: Combinations of 10, graphing data, identifying, comparing and creating various shapes, working with teen numbers, analyzing solutions to problems presented in word problems, and continuing our calendar routines. We are all surprised that today is the 111 day of school!

Assessment: Assessments in every area are being conducted at this point and students are working harder than ever in order to get them done. I dislike the amount of "testing" I need to do, but in the end it does show me (and you) the incredible growth in your children. I am so proud of them!

Upcoming Events:
March 17- 2nd trimester ends
March 24- Report cards home
March 30 & 31- Parent/ Teacher Conferences
April 17-21 April Vacation

March 3, 2017

Happy March!

We have had a very busy Dr. Seuss week here in Kindergarten! All the stripes and crazy socks makes celebrating Dr. Seuss that much more fun! Our 8th grade reading buddies came down and we spent time with a S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, math) activity where we tried to build structures using plastic cups and index cards. We recorded our findings and had so much fun!

In writing we have been working in a new unit of writing. We will be creating books that teach people how to do something (eg. How to Build a Snowman, How to Make a Sandwich, How to Brush My Teeth). It is harder than you think to organize the steps in doing something. We also have begun making a few class books to add to our library. Writing together is also a great way to learn reading and writing skills.

We wrote a personal thank you letter to our community reader and we also wrote letters to our pen pals in Pittston. We also visited the 6th grade and were treated to good food and books at their Dr. Seuss Cafe! 

In math we have been using dice to play a probability game, working with shapes, using teen numbers, finding combinations of 10 and continuing our calendar activities. 

It is a good time of the year for reminders about having an extra set of dry clothes for your child. They can leave them in their backpack or in their cubby. There is nothing worse than getting wet or muddy and sitting in them for the rest of the day. 

Upcoming Events:

March 17- 2nd Trimester Ends

March 24- Report Cards Home

March 30 & 31 Parent/Teacher Conferences

February 10, 2017

Hello All!

What an interesting weather week we have had! I hope you are all safe and sound after this last storm!

With our day off from school, 100's Day is now on February 14th along with Valentine's Day. It will be a fun-filled day for sure!

Reminders:

Please help your child create a 100th day collection: a collection (counted at home) that can be safely brought into school and presented in a show and share format. Past collections have included; stickers, pasta necklaces, 100 Pokemon cards, 100 rubber bands, a 100 piece puzzle, 100 buttons~ the sky is the limit!

I have sent home a list of all the student’s names if you choose to make Valentine’s cards for our celebration. If you would like to send in a special snack to be enjoyed by the children for that day, please email me and let me know! 

Upcoming Events:

February 20-24 February Vacation~Enjoy!

Thank you~Sarah

February 3, 2017

Happy February!

Dear Families,

BRAVO for the musical performance Tuesday night! They were magnificent!

So sorry the groundhog saw his shadow, but we really have been quite fortunate in the weather department so far! 

Books Read: Snow Friends, Warm in Winter, I'm A Little Snowman, The Snowy Day, The Snow Child, Snowballs

During writing time they are; visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers. 

Our pen pal letters from our Piston friends have started! We will be writing back and forth for the remainder of the year and then in June we will be meeting them in real life and having a fun visit!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters learned this week were; Yakety Yak and Vinnie Vulture.

In math we are working with two digit numbers, formation of numbers, addition and subtraction practice, describing patterns, measurement activities, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

February 13- 100 Day of School Celebration (if no more snow days occur)

February 14- Valentine's Day

February 20-24 February Break

January 20, 2017

We have finished an author study of Jan Brett and jumped into many different versions of The Gingerbread Man. I have sent home some “homework” that should be a lot of fun! I attached a note explaining what I would like you to do with your giant gingerbread person. The sky is the limit! Please send the finished Gingerbread Baby, Boy, Man, Woman, Girl in as soon as they are finished so we can enjoy them!

Books Read: The Gingerbread Baby, Gingerbread Friends,The Gingerbread Girl and many, many versions of the traditional Gingerbread Boy/Man.

During writing time they are; visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers. Our learning target is: "I can write my story so my partner can read it." We also wrote a personal letter to Jan Brett and we are excited to get a letter back from her soon!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Abe the Skating Hare and Sheriff Shad.

In math we are working with teen numbers, formation of numbers, building hexagons, calculator practice, addition and subtraction practice, describing patterns, counting and number recognition  and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

January 31- Kindergarten Concert 6:00 @ WCS

January 30- School wide pajama day
January 31- School wide Twin day
February 1- Wacky hair day
February 2- Dress as a celebrity
February 3- School colors day

January 6, 2017

Dear Families,

The happiest of New Years to you! It will be a wonderful year. 

We have started an author study of Jan Brett. Her stories and illustrations are perfect for this time of the year! 

Books Read: The Mitten, The Hat, Hedgie's Surprise and also another version of The Mitten which was written by AlvinTresselt. We spent time comparing and contrasting the two versions of the story as well as predicting, sequencing, and retelling the events. 

During writing time they are; visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, telling a story across pages, taking turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were;  Old Joe Crow and Leaping Eve.

In math we are working with teen numbers, formation of numbers, making pictures to match the number written, addition and subtraction practice, describing patterns, counting and number recognition through graphing , introduction to calculators and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

Monday January 16- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School

Tuesday January 31- Kindergarten concert- 6pm