February 14 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

February 14, 2013

Review of our week:

         The weeks just seem to go faster and faster.  We had a very good week. In math we have been working on fact families, time, probability and story problems.  We have also been doing a really fun plant unit.  In writing we are still working on sentence structure.  We wrote about “What a Friend is…”.  When your child is writing at home, please watch and make sure they are making the letters the correct way.  Most of the time, they are just not taking their time to make it look nice.

        

Homework:

         I know there are less days in the month of February, please make sure your child is reading everyday.  Reading records are due back every Friday.  Even if your child has not filled in every heart, please have them turn it in.  I would really like to see how much each child is reading at home.  I have several students who have not turned in some or any of their homework I have been sending home.  I also have many students who are not bringing their Take Home Book back.  The Take Home Library is a great resource, please take advantage of it. 

         I just wanted to remind you, that your child needs to be instructional on level J to be on grade level for the end of the year.  To be on track for that your child needs to be an instructional level G going onto H right now.

         We will not have new spelling words next week, because it is a short week.  We will use next week to review the words on our word wall. 

FYI’s:

* Keep saving those Box Tops

* Let me know if you are interested in doing a Family Fun Day.

        

Upcoming Events:

·      Monday, February 18 – No School (President’s Day)

·      Friday, February 22 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, February 25 – Spelling Bee 2:00

·      Friday, March 1 – Celebrate Amanda’s Birthday

·      March 4-8 – SEP Week (School gets out at 2:30)

·      Friday, March 8 – Celebrate Tyler’s Birthday

·      Monday, March 11 – Spring Pictures

·      Friday, March 15 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, March 15 – End of 3^rd Quarter

·      Monday, March 18 – Celebrate Rachel’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, March 20 – Kindergarten Registration

·      Friday, March 22 – Science Fair

·      Friday, March 22 – Family Fun Day

·      March 27-29 – No School (Spring Break)

·      Thursday, April 4 – Celebrate Dontay’s Birthday

·      Friday, April 5 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, April 12 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, April 19 – Celebrate Alex’s Birthday

·      Friday, April 19 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, April 22 – Celebrate Jonas’ Birthday

·      Friday, April 26 – Family Fun Day

February 8 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

February 9, 2013

Review of our week:

         In math we have been working on turn around facts, 1 more/1 less and time to the half hour.  In writing we have been working on nouns, verbs and adjectives.  February is dental health month, so our school nurse put together a program for us about keeping our teeth healthy.  The wonderful PTA bought toothbrushes and toothpaste for all of the kids.   

Homework:

         This is a short month, so you need to make sure your child is doing their reading every night.  I have also sent home some other homework and I have not received it back from everybody.  Please check your child’s folder and go over the papers your child is bringing home.

         I am very happy with the progress the students in my class are making in reading.  I can tell that most of them have been reading on a regular basis.  I would really like you to have your child retell the story to you when they are finished reading their book.  This will really help with their comprehension.  Try to ask them some questions to further their understanding.  I have many students who are reading really well, but are having a hard time remembering the story. I have a few students who are only bringing back their take home book a couple of times a week.  They really need to do this everyday. 

        

Reading Levels:

         I just wanted to give you some information about reading levels.  If your child is reading on a higher level like (I) or higher, they won’t be moving through the levels as fast.  Once they get to these levels I want them working more on comprehension and fluency. If your child’s take home book is a level (J) or higher I will usually have them finish the level before moving them on the next level.  There are a lot of really good books on these levels for them to read.  If you would like to get your child other books from the library to read that would be great as well.  If you have any questions please let me know.

         Mrs. Jackson, who changes the books, is going to be out of town for a while.  I have asked a few parents to help with switching the books while she is gone, so your child will still get a new book.  I have been doing some benchmarking and I have several who are ready to move.  I won’t move them until Mrs. Jackson comes back.

Valentine’s Day:

         If your child has their valentines ready before Thursday, you can go ahead and send them.  I just wanted to let all of you know Tristan is coming back to our class.  So, will you please add him to your list for Valentines.  Mrs. Stratton and Mrs. Thomson will also be back in our class.  You can also add them to your list if you would like.

Family Fun Days:

         If you would like to do a Family Fun Day, I have put all the dates on the here through the end of April. If there is a date you would like, please let me know.

Science Fair:

         I am sending home the Science Fair Registration paper.  They are due back by Friday, February 15.  NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

FYI’s:

* SUU is doing their canned food drive again this year.  I forwarded you an email this morning about it.  They are collecting canned food and shoes.

* There were come police officers who, came to our Lockdown drill.  They really stressed to Mr. Oldroyd how important it is that you check in at the office and get your pass to wear.  Please make sure you do this.  I am supposed to send you back to the office if you don’t have one.    

* Thank you so much for all of the help and support you give.  It may not seem like a lot to you, but it really means a lot to me.  It makes my job easier and it makes it so I can spend more time with my family.

Upcoming Events:

·      Thursday, February 14 – Valentine’s Party 1:30

·      Friday, February 15 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, February 18 – No School (President’s Day)

·      Friday, February 22 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, February 25 – Spelling Bee 2:00

·      Friday, March 1 – Celebrate Amanda’s Birthday

·      March 4-8 – SEP Week (School gets out at 2:30)

·      Friday, March 8 – Celebrate Tyler’s Birthday

·      Monday, March 11 – Spring Pictures

·      Friday, March 15 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, March 15 – End of 3^rd Quarter

·      Monday, March 18 – Celebrate Rachel’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, March 20 – Kindergarten Registration

·      Friday, March 22 – Science Fair

·      Friday, March 22 – Family Fun Day

·      March 27-29 – No School (Spring Break)

·      Thursday, April 4 – Celebrate Dontay’s Birthday

·      Friday, April 5 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, April 12 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, April 19 – Celebrate Alex’s Birthday

·      Friday, April 19 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, April 22 – Celebrate Jonas’ Birthday

·      Friday, April 26 – Family Fun Day