May 2 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

May 2, 2014

Review of our week:

         We finished our chapter on time and measurement.  I was really happy with how everybody did on the test.  We are almost finished with adding and subtracting double digits.  We will start on graphing and shapes next week.  We are starting to do some really fun writings for the end of the year.  If you haven’t helped your child with their autobiography paper, please do so. 

         We had so much fun on our field trip.  If any of you are going to be buying flowers, Ladybug nursery is a great place to go.  They were really nice and let all of the first graders plant a flower to bring home.  They also gave each class a package of ladybugs.  It would be nice if we could support them.

        

Animal Reports:

         I have assigned each student an animal to do an oral report on.  I have included all of the information. I would like you to help your child write it a report form and not just answer the questions.  Please check the paper in your child’s backpack, so you will know when your child is scheduled to do their report.  If you have any questions please let me know.  You are welcome to come and watch. 

Reading Parents:

         I really wanted to thank all of you who have taken the time to come in and read this year.  I know it takes a lot of time, but it really has made a big difference with helping our class learn how to read this year.  Next week will be the last week to come in and read.  Thanks again for everything you have done this year. 

Field Day:

         I still need 1 more parent to do half a day on Field Day. 1 in the morning or 1 in the afternoon to help on Field Day if anybody is interested.

End Of Year Party:

         I had emailed everybody asking about an End of the Year Party.  I have truly loved this class and do not want to see it end.  From the response I received, most everybody said they would want to do a party at the park.  This is what I was thinking.  I think the easiest thing to do would be pizza.  We could have each family donate $5-$10 to pay for pizza and then sign up drinks, chips, salads and desserts.  I was thinking we could do it Monday, May 19^th at 6:00 at the park on main street by the library.  If anybody has any suggestions, please let me know.  I will send out a paper next week with all of the information on it and get a count for how many people will be coming.

Upcoming Events:

·      Monday, May 5 – Reading Celebration

·      Friday, May 9 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 12 – All Take Home Library Books Due

·      Thursday, May 15 – First Grade Program 2:00

·      Friday, May 16 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 19 – Celebrate Livi’s Birthday

·      Monday, May 19 – Family Fun Day (Carter Family)

·      Monday, May 19 – End of Year Party

·      Thursday, May 22 – Celebrate Shaylee’s Birthday

·      Thursday, May 22 – Field Day

·      Friday, May 23 – Last day of School

     

April 25 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

April 25, 2014

Review of our week:

         I can’t believe how fast this year has gone.  I really don’t want to see this year come to an end.  I love this class so much.      We are working really hard on our math.  We are working on adding & and subtracting double-digit numbers, measuring with non-standard units and telling time to the hour and half hour.  We had a great time at Bard’s Birthday Bash and with the Webster’s Family Fun Day.  We have had 1 of our Flat Stanley’s return.  He had a great time.

Kite Festival:

         The Kite Festival is on Saturday.  We sent home a paper for you to keep track of your child’s minutes on.  The PTA also asked us to keep track of them at school.  I have gone through and written down the reading records your child has turned in.  The days your child read might be off a little, but the amount of days is what they had on their reading record.  I also didn’t put the extra minutes your child read.  You are more than welcome to fix them if you would like to.  I have a lot of students who are not turning their reading records in every week.  I would really like you to look at how much reading your child has done the last couple of months.  If your child turns this in, they will receive a kite and the school earns money.

        

Homework:

         I am still sending home a few things for homework.  We are going to work on an Autobiography.  I hope it will work out. I would really like you to help your child fill this paper out.

Volunteers Needed:

         I know there is a lot going on in the next month or so, but we have some fun things going and we really need some parents to come and help.   

I need 1-2 parents to come and go on the field trip with us.  It will be on Friday, May 2. We are going to the library, Ladybug Nursery and Discovery Park. I also need either 1 parent all day for field day or 1 parent in the morning and 1 in the afternoon to take our class around.  Field Day is on Thursday, May 22.

On the field trip your child will need to each school lunch.  If your child usually eats home lunch, you need to pay the office for their lunch for this day. I have included the permission slip.

****** On both of these days, please make sure your child has sunscreen on.  Thanks

Animal Reports:

         I will be assigning each student an animal to do an oral report on.  All of the information will be coming home next week.  Please check the paper in your child’s backpack, so you will know when your child is scheduled to do their report and what animal.  If you have any questions please let me know.  You are welcome to come and watch.

Family Fun Days:

         If you would still like to do a Family Fun Day and have not signed up please let me know.  We only have 4 weeks of school left.  If there are several people who would like to do one, we will have to do some on a different day of the week.

Thanks:

         I just wanted to tell all of you thanks for everything you have done this year.  I appreciate all of your help and support.  It makes my job so much easier with your help.  I also appreciate you making sure your child is doing their reading and their homework.  It is wonderful to see how much progress we have made this year.   

Take Home Books:

         I have at about 7-10 students everyday not bring their take home books back or not read them.  I know some are reading other books, but I would really like them to read their take home book as well.  I give the students money everyday they have read their take home book and brought it back.  They also get money for bringing their homework back.  We only have 2 more weeks of the Take Home Books, please help your child to read their take home book.  The last day for the books will be on 10, so they will all be due on Monday, May 12.  If your child has lost their book, you will need to send $5 to pay for it.

First Grade Music Program:

         Mrs. Leavitt and Mrs. Leavitt the music teachers have helped the First Graders learn a lot of new songs this year.  They are going to perform them in the gym on Thursday, May 15 at 2:00.  We would love to see all of you there.  Please have your child wear their nice school clothes.

Book Order:

         I am sending home 1 more book order.  There are some really fun books in the orders.  This is a great way to get some books for your child to read over the summer.  A lot of them have the Guided Reading level listed on there.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  They will be due by Friday, May 2.

Upcoming Events:

·      Thursday, May 1 – All Library Books Due

·      Friday, May 2 – Family Fun Day (A Webster Family)

·      Friday, May 2 – First Grade Field Trip

·      Monday, May 5 – Reading Celebration

·      Friday, May 9 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 12 – All Take Home Library Books Due

·      Thursday, May 15 – First Grade Program 2:00

·      Friday, May 16 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 19 – Celebrate Livi’s Birthday

·      Monday, May 19 – Family Fun Day (Carter Family)

·      Thursday, May 22 – Celebrate Shaylee’s Birthday

·      Thursday, May 22 – Field Day

·      Friday, May 23 – Last day of School

April 11 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

April 11, 2014

Review of our week:

         In math we finished our chapter on Comparing Numbers.  We will start Adding and Subtracting Double Digit Numbers next week.  In guided reading we have really been working on comprehension.  I am so happy with the progress that we are making in reading.   We have done some really fun writings.  We have also been working on adding ing to the end of words.  We had a great time at the play.

         I won’t be sending home a newsletter next week.  I will send reading records for the next 2 weeks.  The spelling words will be for the following week and the homework won’t be due back until after Easter.

Volunteers Needed:

I would like a couple of parents to come with us to SUU’s Bard’s Birthday Bash.  It is on Friday, April 25.  We will leave about 12:15-12:20 and walk over to SUU.  We will be back by 3:00 for the Webster’s Family Fun Day.

 I need 1-2 parent to come and go on the field trip with us.  It will be on Friday, May 2. We are going to the library, Ladybug Nursery and Discovery Park.

I also need either 1 parent all day for field day or 1 parent in the morning and 1 in the afternoon to take our class around.  Field Day is on Thursday, May 22. 

On the field trip your child will need to each school lunch.  If your child usually eats home lunch, you need to pay the office for their lunch for this day.

****** On both of these days, please make sure your child has sunscreen on.  Thanks

Family Fun Days:

         If you would still like to do a Family Fun Day and have not signed up please let me know. 

Reading Helpers:

         I really wanted to thank all of you who have taken the time to come in and read this year.  I know it takes a lot of time, but it really has made a big difference with helping our class learn how to read this year.  The week of May 5-9 will be the last week to come in and read.  Thanks again for everything you have done this year. 

         I also wanted to thank those you who have been doing stuff at home for me.  We have been able to do a lot of really fun things because of you.  It has helped me out a lot.  Thanks

Library Books:

          The Thursday after Easter will be the last time we check out books from the Library.  When we go to Library the next week (May 1), we need to have all of our books back on that day.  Please make sure your child returns their Library books by the 1st.

Take Home Library Books:

         We will only have these for the next couple of weeks, please take advantage of it.  The last day for the books will be on 9, so they will all be due on Monday, May 12.  If your child has lost their book, you will need to send $5 to pay for it.

First Grade Music Program:

         Mrs. Leavitt and Mrs. Leavitt the music teachers have helped the first graders learn a lot of new songs this year.  They are going to perform them in the gym on Thursday, May 15 at 2:00.  We could like all of you to come and watch.  Please have your child wear their nice school clothes.

End Of Year Party:

         I sent an email yesterday about having an End of the Year Party.  I have such a good class and family support this year.  I thought it would be really fun to have a party.  I thought it would be fun to go to one of the parks and have a Pot Luck dinner or have a party here at school during the day.  I have had several parents say they would be interested in doing a dinner at the park.  I was thinking we could either BBQ hotdogs and do pot luck for salads, drinks, desserts and things.  I was also thinking we could have everybody donate $5-$10 and do pizza and then have some drinks and desserts.  If you please let me know what you think about this, I would really appreciate it?  I was also wondering if there was anybody who would be willing to help coordinate it?

Let’s Get Moving:

         I am sending home some papers from the PTA.  They are doing a fundraiser to get more Chrome Books.  There is all of the information in the letter.

Upcoming Events:

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

·      Tuesday, April 15 – Easter Party @2:00

·      Friday, April 25 – Family Fun Day (M Webster Family)

·      Friday, April 25 – Bard’s Birthday Bash 12:30-2:30

·      Thursday, May 1 – All Library Books Due

·      Friday, May 2 – Family Fun Day (A Webster Family)

·      Friday, May 2 – First Grade Field Trip

·      Monday, May 5 – Reading Celebration

·      Friday, May 9 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 12 – All Take Home Library Books Due

·      Thursday, May 15 – First Grade Program 2:00

·      Friday, May 16 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 19 – Celebrate Livi’s Birthday

·      Monday, May 19 – Family Fun Day (Carter Family)

·      Thursday, May 22 – Celebrate Shaylee’s Birthday

·      Thursday, May 22 – Field Day

·      Friday, May 23 – Last day of School

April 4 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

April 4, 2014

Review of our week:

         In math we started on the next chapter.  We are comparing numbers with the greater than and less than signs.  We wrote a paper about Spring. Thanks for sending some stuffed animals.  They class has loved reading to them.  We have been sharing stories from writing.  I am so impressed with the writing abilities of this class.  Thank you to those of you who sent treats for our party.  We have already had 3 days with 100% attendance.  We still have enough days before school gets out to earn another party with everyone keeps coming. 

  

Homework:

         The PTA is doing a contest for the Reading Celebration at the end of the year.  Our class is competing against the other First Grade class to see who reads the most minutes.  I need every child to make sure they are reading and turning in their reading records.  If your child reads more than the 20 minutes, you can make a note to me on their reading record. 

         I am sorry I forgot to send home the timed reading passage and I sent home the same comprehension paper as the week before.

FYI’s:

* Keep saving those Box Tops.

* If you are planning on moving and will not be in our school next year, will you please let me know?  They would like to know, before making class lists for next year.

* Teacher Requests for next year are due into the office by April 11.  There is a form you can download on the school web page.

* I have put most everything on the upcoming events, until the end of the year.  I will explain later what some of them are.  I just want you to be aware of some of the things we will be doing.  The last couple of months, things get pretty crazy.

Upcoming Events:

·      Monday, April 7 – Celebrate Shelby’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, April 9 – Field Trip (Play)

·      Friday, April 11 – Family Fun Day (Bohn Family)

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

·      Tuesday, April 15 – Easter Party

·      Friday, April 25 – Family Fun Day (M Webster Family)

·      Friday, April 25 – Bard’s Birthday Bash

·      Friday, May 2 – Family Fun Day (A Webster Family)

·      Friday, May 2 – First Grade Field Trip

·      Monday, May 5 – Reading Celebration

·      Friday, May 9 – Family Fun Day

·      Thursday, May 15 – First Grade Program 2:00

·      Friday, May 16 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 19 – Celebrate Livi’s Birthday

·      Monday, May 19 – Family Fun Day (Carter Family)

·      Thursday, May 22 – Celebrate Shaylee’s Birthday

·      Thursday, May 22 – Field Day

·      Friday, May 23 – Last day of School

March 28 Newsletter

Mrs. Bali’s First Grade News

March 28, 2014

Review of our week:

         Congratulations to those who participated in the Science Fair. There were some really neat experiments. In math we are finishing up place value.  We are doing a lot more with math.  The first of the year we were moving slower, trying to get used to this new program.  Now we need to do more lessons, so we can get all of the concepts covered.

Homework:

         I had several students who did not have very much money to spend at our store, because they have not been doing their homework or reading their take home book.  I really need you to keep working with your child.

Book Order:

I will be sending home 2 more book orders.  This would be a great way to get your child some books to read over the summer.  I will be sending one home today.  If you would like to order books they are due back on Thursday.  You can also order online.  If you have any questions about the books or would like some suggestions, just let me know.

Flat Stanley:

         I have attached a letter explaining what we are doing with Flat Stanley, please make sure you read it and get me your address as soon as possible. Please pick somebody who will take him and do some fun things with him.  I thought it would be fun to send him before Easter.  This is one of the most fun activities we do. We will be making Flat Stanley in Art on Wednesday, so I will need the address by then.  You can even email the address.

Portfolios:

         I would have started getting the portfolios put together.  If you have not already sent your child’s binder and sheet protectors, please do so as soon as possible.  I have taken pictures throughout the year.  If you would like me to print them and put them in their portfolio, please send a $5 Walmart gift card.  If you would just like a CD with the pictures on it you can send $3.

Field Trips:

         We are going on a couple of Field Trips in the next couple of weeks.  We are going to see the play Pirates of Penzance on Wednesday, April 9^th.  We are also going to SUU’s Bard’s Birthday Bash on Friday, April 25.  I am sending home a permission/notification slip.  I need you to sign it and send it back by Friday.  We are also asking for a $1 donation to pay for the tickets.  You can just send it with the permission slip.

Party:

         We have had another 25 days of 100% attendance.  The class voted and decided they wanted to have a pajama, treat and movie party.  We will be having it on Thursday.  Your child can wear their pajamas and bring a treat to share with the class if they would like to.

Thanks:

         I just wanted to tell all of you thanks for everything you have done this year.  I appreciate all of your help and support.  It makes my job so much easier with your help.

     

FYI’s:

* If you are planning on moving and will not be in our school next year, will you please let me know?  They would like to know, before making class lists for next year.

* There are several new things on the calendar.  I will let you know more about them as they get closer.

Upcoming Events:

·      Wednesday, April 2 – Celebrate Matthew’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, April 2 – Kindergarten Registration

·      Friday, April 4 – Family Fun Day (Newbold Family)

·      Monday, April 7 – Celebrate Shelby’s Birthday

·      Wednesday, April 9 – Field Trip (Play)

·      Friday, April 11 – Family Fun Day (Bohn Family)

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

·      Tuesday, April 15 – Easter Party

·      Friday, April 25 – Family Fun Day (M Webster Family)

·      Friday, April 25 – Bard’s Birthday Bash

·      Friday, May 2 – Family Fun Day (A Webster Family)

·      Friday, May 2 – First Grade Field Trip

·      Friday, May 9 – Family Fun Day

·      Thursday, May 15 – First Grade Program 2:00

·      Friday, May 16 – Family Fun Day

·      Monday, May 19 – Celebrate Livi’s Birthday

·      Monday, May 19 – Family Fun Day (Carter Family)

·      Thursday, May 22 – Celebrate Shaylee’s Birthday

·      Friday, May 23 – Last day of School