Jauary 31 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

January 31, 2014

Review of our week:

         We did a lot of fun activities for the 100^th day of school.  I will try and put them on the blog.  I feel like we are playing catch up from when I was gone.  We are finishing up our nest chapter in math and will have a test on Monday.  I am sending home a few pages for homework.  It would be a good review for your child to do them this weekend.  In writing we are finishing up our snowman stories.

Homework:

         After your child reads their take home book to you, have them retell you the story and ask them some questions.  Today we cut out some comprehension cards.  I would like your child to keep them in their take home bag and use them after they have read a story. This will really help with their comprehension.  I can’t stress enough to you, how important it is that your child is reading every night. It’s just like anything else, you have to practice to get better. I am very happy with the progress we have been making this year in reading. Thank you for taking the time to read with your child. 

I have attached a couple of math homework sheets and a comprehension sheet.  I really need you to sit down and do this with your child.

Book Orders:

         I am sending out the February book orders, so if you want books for Valentines they will be back. If you would like to order books they are due back by Tuesday, February 4th.  I will be doing it that morning.  If you have any questions just let me know.  If still have the other coupon from last month, you can go ahead and use the other one this month.

Lions Kite Flight for Reading & Sight:

         The Lion’s Club sponsors this reading program every year.  All your child has to do is their reading homework and keep track of the minutes.  For First grade they need to read 60 minutes a week, which is less than what their homework requires.  They need to keep track of their minutes on the sheet I am sending home and then on April 26 go to Cedar Middle School and turn their reading record in.  Your child will receive a kit and a chance to win some other cool prizes.  The Lion’s Club actually donates money to our school for every child who participates.  This is a really easy fundraiser for our school.  I really encourage you to help your child do this.   

Valentine’s Day:

         We will be exchanging Valentines in our class.  If your child would like to bring Valentine cards please make sure there is enough for each child in the class.  I have attached a list of all the students in our class to the email.  If you would like to send your child’s Valentines early I will just keep them in my office.  If you have any questions please let me know.

Fluency Passages:

         I finally got this put together.  I have included a fluency passage for your child to read each night for 1 minute.  The record sheet will be due back by Friday, with the other homework.  I have included instructions on the record sheet.  I had some that did not meet the Dibels benchmark go for reading nonsense words.  If your child didn’t meet that goal I am sending home a nonsense word page as well.  Thanks for all of your support.  Learning to read fluently is really an important skill. 

FYI’s:

* Keep saving your Box Tops.       

* Thanks for everything you do. I really want to thank all of you who come in and read in the mornings and those of you who do things at home. Thanks again for everything. 

* If your child is interested in doing the Spelling Bee, they need to be practicing.  I sent home the list of words in the fall.  You can also download them from the PTA website.  I will be giving the test during the week of February 10-13.

* If you would like to do a Family Fun Day, please look at the dates that are available and let me know which one you would like. 

Upcoming Events:

·      Friday, February 7 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, February 7 – Celebrate Josh’s Birthday

·      Friday, February 14 – Valentine’s Party (1:00)

·      Friday, February 14 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, February 17 – No School (President’s Day)

·      Friday, February 21 – Family Fun Day (Thorley Family)

·      Friday, February 28 – Spelling Bee 2:00

·      March 3-7 – SEP Week (School gets out at 2:30.)

·      Monday March 3 – Celebrate Addy’s Birthday

·      Friday, March 7 – Celebrate Denym’s Birthday

·      Monday, March 10 – Spring Pictures

·      Friday, March 14 – Celebrate William’s Birthday

·      Friday, March 14 – Family Fun Day

·      Friday, March 14 – End of 3^rd Quarter

·      Monday, March 17 – Art’s Night @ 6:30

·      Wednesday, March 19 – Celebrate Izi’s Birthday

·      Friday, March 21 – Family Fun Day

·      Wednesday, March 26 – Celebrate Ashlyn’s Birthday

·      Friday, March 28 – Family Fun Day

·      Wednesday, April 2 – Celebrate Matthew’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, April 2 – Kindergarten Registration

·      Friday, April 4 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, April 7 – Celebrate Shelby’s Birthday

·      Friday, April 11 – Family Fun Day

·      April 16-18 – No School (Easter Break)

·      Friday, April 25 – Family Fun Day