March 25 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

March 15, 2013

Review of our week:

         Thanks for coming to SEP’s last week.  In math we have been working on place value and.  I have also been doing some assessing.  We have been doing some fun writing pieces for St. Patrick’s Day.  We watched the school play yesterday.  They did a great job.

Homework:

         When your child is doing their reading homework they need to have somebody listen to them.  After they have read the story have them retell the story to you and use the cards.  The take home books are on your child’s independent level.  They should be pretty easy for them.  At this point I want them to really work on their comprehension and fluency.  If you would like to take your child to the city library and get them other books to read as well as the one they are reading from the take home library that would be great. 

         The comprehension homework I have been sending home really needs to be done with a parent.   I would really like you to help your child with this.   I would also like you to look over their math homework I am getting a lot of papers with the wrong answers on them.

Reading Celebration:

         Every year the PTA does a reading celebration and to be able to go to the celebration your child has had to earn their ticket there with reading records.  This year they decided that the school is going to earn it together.  As a school we have to read 1 Million minutes to earn the celebration.  If they do that and then read an extra 500,000 minutes, Mr. Oldroyd will kiss a pig.  They kids are pretty excited about it.  I really need you to make sure your child is reading and TURNING IN THEIR READING RECORDS.  If they read more than the 20 minutes to color in the shamrock, just make a note underneath the shamrock of how many extra minutes they read.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

        

Teacher Requests:

         Starting in April there will be a form on the school web site.  You will need to print this form, fill it out and bring it in to the office.  They will be excepting them for first 2 weeks in April.  Mr. Oldroyd will not accept them after this.

         We will start putting class lists together.  If you know your child is not going to be at our school next year please let me know and I will let the office know.  Thanks

FYI’s:

* We have library on Tuesday, please send your child’s library books.

* We are going on a Field Trip on Tuesday, March 26.  We will be walking over the C-A-L Ranch to learn about animal characteristics and habitats.  I am sending a permission slip, please sign and return it by March 21.

        

* Keep saving those Box Tops.     

* I just wanted to thank those moms who have been coming into read.  I know this time of year gets crazy.  I really do appreciate the time you take to come in and read. I also wanted to thank those who help with things at home, it make a big difference. THANKS!!!

Upcoming Events:

·      Monday, March 18 – Celebrate Rachel’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, March 20 – Kindergarten Registration

·      Friday, March 22 – Science Fair

·      Friday, March 22 – Family Fun Day (Price Family)

·      Monday, March 25 – Easter Party

·      Tuesday, March 26 – Field Trip to CAL Ranch

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

·      Thursday, April 4 – Celebrate Dontay’s Birthday

·      Friday, April 5 – Family Fun Day (Taylor Family 10:30)

·      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 (Bryan Family)

·      Wednesday, May 1 – Celebrate Brooklyn’s Birthday

·      Friday, May 3 – Family Fun Day

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

          

        

          

February 1 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

February 1, 2013

Review of our week:

         In math this week we have been working on adding 3 numbers and graphing.  We did a lot of fun activities for the 100^th day of school.  In writing we have really been working on sentence structure. We have done some really fun writing activities.

Homework:

         After your child reads their take home book to you, have them retell you the story and ask them some questions.  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 another math homework sheet and a comprehension sheet.  I really need you to sit down and do this with your child.  As I checked the Sam story this week for comprehension I only had 3 students get the punctuation marks all correct.  I really need you to be helping your child with this.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

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 5th.  I will be doing it that morning.  If you have any questions just let me know.  If you would like to order online the code is L9GWX.  I just wanted to remind you, if you order online, you receive a $5 coupon to use on your next book order.

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 27 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.

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. 

* Please let me know if your child would like to participate in the Spelling Bee.

* 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 8 – Family Fun Day

·      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