Monday, April 28, 2014

Dolphin Digest--April 28,2014

     Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed the "spring break". Well, it is hard to believe, but there are only 7 1/2 weeks of school left! Needless to say,there are still many fun things left to learn about.
      In  phonics, we will continue to practice r-controlled vowels specifically the "or" spelling pattern. We continue to focus on adding and subtracting two digit numbers, fractions, and measurement in math. Our science themes will be the life cycle of plants and researching dinosaurs.
     Our major focus for this week and next will be practicing our musical, "Anansi". We will be performing for you on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30PM on the SMS stage. We are asking everyone to dress his/her child in a light t-shirt and black pants. We have colored t-shirts for each character to wear, as well as a special hat. We can't wait!
     My thanks to all our April volunteers and to all for taking the time to conference with me about your child. We have limited volunteer times for next month due to our performance schedule and assessments that need to be completed by the end of May. Our sincere thanks for your help this year! Please remember to send back your report card envelopes, signed...ASAP.
     Thank you and see you on the 7th!
     Deb


Monday, April 14, 2014

Save the Date

     As we cruise into the week before vacation, we want you to be aware of a few happenings that will be taking place. First of all, we are excited to begin practicing our musical, Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock. Please be sure to save the date, Wednesday, May 7. We will be performing on the SMS stage at 6:30 PM. Speaking of dates, this Wednesday, April 16 is another Early Release/Conference Day and the children will be dismissed at 12:50PM. My thanks to you who have already met with me, and I look forward to meeting with everyone else by the end of the week. Report cards will come your way on Friday, April 18. Please keep the report and sign the envelope and return it to me after vacation.
     Ms. Winglass has done a great job for these two weeks with the children, and I will take over the reins after vacation as we begin our final quarter of First Grade!
     Have a wonderful, relaxing vacation!
     Deb

Monday, April 7, 2014

Here’s What’s Happening in April!

For the next two weeks I will be completing my solo weeks, which are part of my assignments in completing my degree this spring!  I am very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to experiencing what it feels like to be a teacher in a first grade classroom!  Mrs. Fennessy and I have worked together to plan the curriculum for the two weeks and she will be in the classroom to help support your children and my needs.  That being said, I wanted to send out a quick note to all of you describing some of the exciting topics we will be learning about this upcoming week!

 
In science we will be embarking on a weather investigation which will incorporate us tracking the weather during the week and using our observations to write about the weather we are experiencing in Stratham.  Please take some time to talk with your children about the weather at your house and how it is different at night and in the morning.  You may be surprised with some of the ideas they have!

 
In math we will be learning about geometry!  We will start by exploring shapes with our attribute blocks and then begin talking about 3D shapes!

 
In reading and writing we will be learning about informational texts.  We will compare and contrast nonfiction and fiction books around the same topic.  We will also begin writing an instructional book about a topic of your child’s choice!

 
Also, a quick reminder that this Wednesday April 9th and next Wednesday April 16th are early release days due to parent teacher conferences.  I am looking forward to seeing you in the school for conferences and also to volunteer in the classroom!  I hope you all have a great week and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask!

 
Thanks!
Ms. Winglass