December 23

Dear Families,
What a great way to end the 2016 year! Our party was a great success! 
Thanks to our room moms, Theresa Broome and Dina Stonberg for all your help in coordinating our party! Also thanks to Mr. Kollar and Mrs. Santore for volunteering to help!
It has been such a great "start" to first grade and I'm excited to see all the ways our kids will continue to grow in 2017!  This class is truly special. 
Thank you also for all the gifts and cards you have given me over the last few days. Your generosity is so appreciated.
I hope you and your families have a happy and safe holiday break! 
Happy Holidays!

FYI:
On Tuesday 1/3 when we return, I will send home a field trip permission slip to attend MLK activities at Strath Haven Middle School. It will need to be returned 1/4. No chaperones will be needed.

December 22

Dear Families,
We got to go to 2 other first grade classes to make winter crafts. (Dallin)
We made the first letter of our name out of tens and ones in math. (Griffin)
We went to Music. (Alyssa)
We got to go out for extra recess! (Nick)
Tomorrow is our winter party! (Miriam)
Remember it is pajama day and early dismissal!
Since our collections were brought to school, I'm starting to see "toys" at school. They are starting to "show up" at the carpet during instruction. Our class has had talks about not bringing these to school. Thank you for your help reminding our kids to leave toys at home.
Have a great afternoon!

December 21

Dear Families,
We read the story The Biggest Snowball Fight and talked about winter!
We are working on publishing our first finished opinion story.
We took our math test. (Justin)
We went to PE. (Isabel)
We went to an assembly this afternoon! (Magda)
Have a great afternoon!

Note:
I'm starting to assess reading levels again. I hope to finish the week we return from winter break. If you see your child coming home with a new level this is why!

December 20

Dear Families,
Today we read a story called Zoomer's Summer Snowstorm! We talked about the characters and setting! 
We made a hot chocolate mug and decorated it with pretend "marshmallows"!
Then we wrote if we liked hot chocolate or not. It was a fun way to practice opinion writing!
We reviewed for our math test tomorrow!
We went to Mrs. Gerahty's class and made winter mittens!
It was a good day!

December 19

Dear Families,
We went to an assembly this morning about weather by the Franklin Institute. 
In writing workshop we worked on being more convincing when giving others our opinions!
We practiced comparing numbers in math.
This afternoon we talked about Germany and Chriskindmarkt!

Reminders:
Please go to the December's Weekly Newsletters tab above to read about this week!
The other first grade classes are making Friday a pajama day so we are too! Wear pajamas Friday!

December 16

Dear Families,
This morning we went to the Tech Lab! (Jasmin)
We used our collections in writing workshop. (Chance)
We worked on ordering numbers by making number patterns in math. (Journi)
We had a visit from author Timothy Young! (Addie)
It was neat to hear about his writing!
We did not go to Music or Hootenanny due to the assembly.
Have a great weekend!

December 15

Dear Families,
We practiced how we can disagree and agree appropriately to others opinions in writing workshop. (Timmy)
In math we worked on comparing numbers. (Dallin)
We went to PE. (Griffin)
We talked about China and Chinese New Year. (Robby)
Have a great evening!

December 14

Dear Families,
We used the story "The Big Circle" to do a story sort. 
In writing workshop we got a checklist to help us see how we are writing our opinions. (Jasmin)
We went to recess. (Justin)
We went to Art. (Addie)
We talked about Italy and La Befana! (Magda)

December 13

Dear Families,
We talked about contractions today! We practiced breaking a contraction into its 2 words!
We read the story The Big Circle about a community of dinosaurs that protected their babies. (Isabel)
We wrote more about our favorite item in our collection! (Jack)
We went to Library. (Nick)
We finished talking about Mexico and Los Posadas! (Shubham)
It was a good day!

December 12

Dear Families,
Right before dismissal we got to shop at the holiday shop. It took a lot longer than expected! For this reason, our afternoon was extremely hectic. We ran out of time and did not get to eat our snack or write our email together!
It did give me another opportunity to talk with the class on how we have to be flexible! 
*Please click on the December's Weekly Newsletters tab above for homework/reminders!
*We used our collections today in writing workshop. Half of our kids did not have a collection. Feel free to send a 5-6 collection in a bag if you have not done so already.

December 9

Dear Families,
We looked at a map of a neighborhood and talked about important features on maps.
We debated whether we felt a dog or cat was the best pet and shared our reasons for our opinion before writing in writing workshop! (Journi)
We played a tens and one game in math! (Travis)
We went to PE. (Malcom)
We went to Hootenanny! (Chance)

Notes:
*Our winter party will be from 10:30-11:30 on the 23rd! Please go to this link for more information! 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0948a4ae2aa31-mrs1
*Please send collections of 5-6 items in a small bag with your child's name on it by Monday. 
*Our day to shop at the Holiday Gift Shop is Monday. 
*Traveling Teddy is an ongoing project! I hope you are having fun with your Teddy!

December 8

Dear Families,
We did a story sort on the story Who Works Here?
We got to write more about our opinions in writing workshop! (Elvis)
We started talking about tens and ones in math! (Alyssa)
We went to Art. (Timmy)
We talked about Israel and Hanukkah! (Matilda)

Notes:
*Winter Party CORRECTION: The party will be from 10:30-11:30! More information is coming tomorrow!
*Please send collections of 5-6 items in a small bag with your child's name on it by Monday. Please think of things your child collects naturally (rocks, leaves, stickers, bracelets, cards, superhero figures, Legos, cars, dinosaurs, dolls, etc.We will keep the collection in the classroom for a couple of weeks so please send only items that your child can part with for that period of time!
*Check folders for information on the Holiday Gift Shop. Our day to shop will be Monday. 
*Traveling Teddy is an ongoing project! We will do this for the rest of the school year! I hope you are having fun with your Teddy!

December 7

Dear Families,
We read the story Who Works Here?. (Journi)
It was about people that work in a community!
We got to go outside for recess today! (Jack)
We had our math test on ordinal and position words. (Julien)
We got to go to the book fair at library today. (Addie)
We talked about Africa and the holiday Kwanzaa. (Chance)

Note:
*I showed our kids their math homework for tonight because it looks different than the work they normally do. Please be on the lookout for a page that says Positional Words on the top right.

December 6

Dear Families,
We did Code of Honor at the Tech Lab! (Travis)
We studied for our math test tomorrow over position and ordinal words! (Miriam)
We went to Music. (Justin)
We talked about India and Diwali! (Dallin) 
Our kids were so excited to talk about India and get their first passport stamp! We were lucky that Shubham could share other Indian customs and facts with our class!

Reminders:
*Check backpacks/folders for your child's ID from the picture company!
*Send money tomorrow if you want your child to buy books at the book fair during Library!
*2nd grade healthy snack sale is Thursday! Snacks cost $1!

December 5

Dear Families,
This week our new spelling words have a long i sound. (Alyssa)
We wrote our first opinion story today! (Shubham)
We practiced position words in math.
We went to PE. (Matilda)
We made a suitcase that we will use to help us learn about Holidays Around the World! (Elvis)

Notes:
*Click on the December's Weekly Newsletter tab above to see this weeks newsletter!
*We are starting our new writing unit on Opinions this week! To help us start this unit, please have your child bring to school one small collection of related items that can be stored in a small paper bag. Please think of things children collect naturally (rocks, leaves, stickers, bracelets, cards, superhero figures, Legos, cars, dinosaurs, dolls, etc. Please limit the collection to 5-6 items. We will keep the collection in the classroom for a couple of weeks so please send only items that your child can part with for that period of time!
*Wednesday, during our library time, students will have the opportunity to visit the book fair. If you would like your child to purchase books, please send money by Wednesday!

December 2

Dear Families,
We read a story called Helping Hands at 4-H. (Magda) 
It was about a group of kids working together to take care of farm animals.
We wrote about something we want in writing workshop!
We went to recess. (Isabel)
We went to Art. (Timmy)
We had Hootenanny this afternoon. (Nick)

*Reminder: Book Fair starts next Monday! 

December 1

Dear Families,
We read a story called Iris and Walter. It was about two friends that are going to be in a school play!
We wrote about something we need to survive in writing workshop. (Jasmin)
We talked more about position words in math. (Malcolm)
We went to Library. (Elvis)
We did a needs and wants sort. (Griffin)

November 30

Dear Families,
Today we went to the Tech Lab. (Matilda)
We wrote a new narrative story in writing workshop!
We talked about position words in math. (Dallin)
We went to Music. (Shubham)
We reviewed needs and wants and identified examples of both! (Miriam)
It was a good day!

November 29

Dear Families,
Today we reviewed the hard c and hard g sound in words.
We read the story Farmer in the Hat about a group of kids in a class play. (Isabel)
We worked on ordinal numbers in math. (Robby)
We found PA and DE on our maps to show where Traveling Teddy has been already! (Malcolm)
We went to PE. (Alyssa)
Mrs. DeSanctis came to our class to talk about ways they can handle angry feelings appropriately.

Notes:
School pictures are going home today in folders! Please check folders/backpacks!
We cleaned out our writing workshop folders today so you will see a lot of your child's narrative stories in their folders. You can keep these :)

November 28

Dear Families,
This week our spelling words have long a sounds. (Chance)
In math we are talking about number order! (Travis)
We went to Art. (Jack)
We are talking about wants and needs! (Nick)
It was a great day back!

*Please see this week's newsletter by clicking on November's Weekly Newsletter tab above!

November 21

Dear Families,
Thank you for your help in making our Fall Gathering a success! We had fun singing and spending some time with you this morning!
I will see some of you tomorrow at our conference! Please look over our conference schedule for your time!
Have a great holiday with your family!

Reminders:
Remember no school until Monday, Nov. 28!
Book orders due Monday, Nov. 28th if you are ordering.

November 18

Dear Families,
Today was a busy day so I am writing our email!
We went to the Tech Lab this morning.
We took our Spelling and Math tests today!
We practiced counting syllables in words!
We practiced our Fall Gathering songs today at Hootenanny!

Reminders:
*I sent a conference schedule in folders to families I am seeing on Tuesday!
*Our Fall Gathering is Monday! Thank you for your help with snacks! Please wear aqua NPE shirts or a blue shirt!

November 17

Dear Families,
Today we reviewed th, sh, and all words.
Our writing partners helped us revise our favorite story. (Julien)
We reviewed shapes and patterns!
We went to PE. (Griffin)
We earned our 5th star today and voted on having pajama day tomorrow! (Jasmin)
Please check the weather to make sure your child will be comfortable in their pajamas!

Reminders:
*I will see some of you today at our conference! I will send a schedule tomorrow to families I will see next Tuesday 11/22 as a reminder.
*Thank you for all the can foods you are sending for our NPE food drive! We appreciate your generosity! Tomorrow is the last day to donate can foods!
*Thank you for sending in Fall Gathering snacks! We are looking forward to seeing you on Monday as we celebrate. Wear blue or NPE shirts!

November 16

Dear Families,
Today we did a story sort on the story A Big Fish for Max. (Addie)
In writing workshop, we used our checklists to help us revise our stories. (Timmy)
We practiced making patterns using solid shapes. (Journi)
We went to art! (Magda)

Reminders/Notes:
*Parent conferences officially start tomorrow! I sent families a paper copy of our schedule as a reminder if I am seeing you tomorrow! I will see the rest of you next Tuesday! (I will give you Traveling Teddy, a fun education project, at our conference! Our kids are super excited about their Traveling Teddy!)
*I am sending a new letter home about RAZ kids, our online reading program, from Mr. Heinle. I know a lot of you have already been using it but I still thought this information could be helpful! If you have not used RAZ kids yet, I hope you will. It is an amazing program that the kids are enjoying in class. 
*If you bought a NPE shirt, please have your child wear it to our Fall Gathering on Monday, 11/21. If you did not, please have your child wear a blue shirt.

November 15

Dear Families,
Today we read the non-fiction story Walk Around a City and discussed how to use the table of contents. 
We are starting to revise our stories in writing workshop. (Justin)
In math we talked about making patterns! (Julien)
We went to library. (Robby)
We talked about what we are thankful for and made a place-mat for our Fall Gathering! (Miriam)

Reminder:
Parent conferences are this Thursday (11/17) and next Tuesday (11/22)! 

November 14

Dear Families,
This week, we will read stories, sing songs, and discuss what families do together.
Our new spelling words are sh and th words. (Travis)
We read the story No Turkey for Thanksgiving to see how the author wrote her story to make it special. We are seeing that authors do a lot of special things (craft moves) that we can do in the stories we write! 
In Math, we talked about shapes we see around us. (Justin)
We went to music. (Isabel)
We talked about the first Thanksgiving. (Magda)

Reminders:
Please read this weeks newsletter. It is under the October's Weekly Newsletters tab above.
Please return slips about our Fall Gathering if you still have it.

November 11

Dear Families,
Today we read some poems about animals and talked about some common features of poems. (Addie)
We worked more on our narrative stories in writing workshop!
We used solid shapes in math. (Dallin)
We went to PE! (Alyssa)
We practiced singing some of our fall songs during  Hootenanny! (Timmy)

Reminders:
*Please send your Fall Gathering slips at your earliest convenience so I can see if you will be able to send in the snack highlighted on your form.
*Check folders for a neat art project (SilverGraphics) you can do at home with your child. If you are interested in this project instructions are provided.
*Book orders are going home today. If you are interested in ordering books, orders are due 11/28!
*We had a lot of conversations about school expectations regarding behavior this week. I really appreciate extra conversations at home about the importance of making good choices and how our choices can impact our learning.

November 10

Dear Families,
Today we read a story called Animal Park. It was about wild animals that live in Africa. (Journi)
We reviewed rhyming words and words that have final blends.
We are working on making our stories special like authors in writing workshop! (Chance)
We got to make a picture with different shapes in math. (Nick)
We talked about some important US symbols that make our country a great place to live! (Matilda)

Reminder:

• Please return your Fall Gathering slip is you still have it :)
• Conferences are coming up! Please save the date!

November 9

Dear Families,
This morning we went to the Tech Lab. (Malcolm)
We talked about final blends in words.
Today in math we used shapes to make other shapes and pictures. (Elvis)
We went to library. (Jasmin)
We talked about veterans today! (Jack)
Have a great evening!

Reminder:
Please return slips about our Fall Gathering!

November 7

Dear Families,
Our new spelling words have the short u sound! (Magda)
We will talk about exclamatory sentences (!) this week! (Timmy)
We edited our sentences in our stories to make sure they had capitals at the beginning and ending marks.
We talked more about 3D shapes. (Isabel)
We talked about the election process. (Griffin)
We were excited to learn that grown ups get to vote every 4 years! (We did not discuss what candidate our families are voting for tomorrow. We discussed how it was private among our families and how we should be respectful regardless of the outcome.)

Notes/Reminders:

• No school tomorrow! Please check our newsletter to see what homework is still assigned on Tuesday.
• Please look for information about our first grade Fall Gathering in folders today. Please return slips so plans can be made accordingly.
• I updated book levels on RAZ kids. (WEB books should also reflect your child's new just right level.) Thank you for all the reading you do with your child at home to help them be successful readers!

November 4

Dear Families,
We took our spelling test this morning!
We read the story Bat Loves The Night. 
We labeled the parts of a bat and compared its body to our body! (Jasmin)
In writing workshop, we reviewed how to use familiar words to spell new words that sound similar.
We practiced writing the numbers 9 and 10 correctly! (Nick)
We talked about solid shapes (3D) in math! (Dallin)
We had PE with another class. (Elvis)
We sang at Hootenanny this afternoon! (Griffin)

Reminders:
*Please double check that there are no conflicts with our scheduled conference time. If there is an issue, please contact me so we can figure something out.
*No school on Tuesday, Nov. 8th,

November 3

Dear Families,
Today we read "Maisie Caught A Toad" and talked about a toads habitat.
We reviewed what a interrogative sentence (?) is and identified interrogative sentences written correctly. (Justin)
We acted out our stories today in writing workshop with our partners!
We went to art. (Malcolm)
We folded paper to make different shapes! 
We even made a paper bat by folding paper in half! (Journi)
We sorted nocturnal and diurnal animals. (Alyssa)

Reminder:
November 8: No School (Teacher In-service Day)

November 2

Dear Families,
Today we reviewed rhyming and building words with beginning consonant blends (cl, sl, sn, sk)!
We read the story Get the Egg and put the story events in the right order. (Chance)
We reviewed how to write the number 8 correctly. (Addie)
In writing workshop, we talked about adding emotion to our stories. (Matilda)
We compared shapes. (Jack)
We went on a nocturnal hunt in the class and talked about their senses! (Julien) Ask your child about this activity. 

Note:
I am starting reading assessments this week. If you see your child's reading level change (WEB books) or hear your child talking about this at home this is why! I will go over all assessment results at our upcoming conference! *I will continue assessing next week too.

November 1

Dear Families,
This morning we went to the Tech Lab. (Robby)
We are starting to log on a lot faster now!
We are talking about different ways we can bring our stories to life in writing workshop.
We talked about flat 2-D shapes in math! (Travis)
We went to music! (Miriam)
We found out some animals are nocturnal (come out at night) and some animals are diurnal (come out in the day). (Shubham)

Note:
*In folders you will find a letter and 3 stars for Veteran's Day. Please return stars when they are "completed". We will talk about Veteran's Day as a class next week!

October 31

Dear Families,
We had a Halloween Parade this morning! (Dallin)
We had a fun party in our class after the parade! (Miriam)
Thank you to Dina, Theresa, Richard & Colleen for your help at the party! 
We practiced writing the numbers 5 and 6. (Travis)
We went to PE. (Magda)
We found out all of our spelling words have a short e sound in them! (Journi)
We did Monday's spelling homework in class and there is no homework! 
Enjoy your night!

October 28

Dear Families,
We read the story Otter Loves Halloween. (Timmy)
We finished our daily fix it for the week this morning. (Justin)
We talked about shapes in math and practiced counting!
We went to Art. (Elvis)
We had Hootenanny today. (Griffin)

Reminders:
*Please look over our new newsletter for next week to see what is due on Monday! We have some fun Halloween activities planned!
*Also conferences are coming soon! Please see our scheduled time.

October 27

Dear Families,
We read the fable The Fox and the Grapes. The lessons we learned from the fox was not to give up when something is difficult and when we do give up it is easy to find dislike for it.
We had recess in the morning. (Robby)
We practiced writing the numbers 3 and 4. (Jasmin)
We went to library and got to play different games after we got new books. (Chance)
We made a pledge to be healthy as a class! (Isabel)

Reminders:
Wear red and a headband or a bandana tomorrow!
Monday is the last day for our October Pumpkin Patch Reading Log.

October 26

Dear Families,
This morning we went to the Tech lab. (Julien)
We shared some of our finished stories in writing workshop! (Alyssa)
We discovered we can read our stories just like we read published books!
We practiced writing subtraction and addition number sentences. (Shubham)
We talked about ways we can make healthy choices!

Reminder/Notes:
*Wear sweats and/or orange tomorrow!
*If you ordered a directory, they are going home today!
*We are still collecting $3.85 for Scholastic Readers--thanks to those who already sent in their $.

October 25

Dear Families,
Today we read the story Jungle Drum. (Jack)
It was about sounds you can hear in the jungle.
We worked with our new writing partners in writing workshop. (Matilda)
We worked on fact families in math. (Nick)
Mrs. DeSanctis talked to us about our feelings this afternoon for our guidance lesson.

Reminders:
Wear yellow tomorrow! 

October 24

Dear Families,
I told our kids I would write this since we were doing a science experiment with Dr. Guron this afternoon!
We will explore this week in our stories and songs how wild animals take care of their babies.
We talked about zooming in on our big (watermelon) topics in writing and trying to turn them into tiny (seed) stories.
We practiced fact families today in math. Once our kids understand that the big number goes at the end of addition sentences but at the beginning of subtraction sentences, it becomes a fun skill to use!

Reminders:
*Please look at our new newsletter for homework and information about this week. It is under the October's Weekly Newsletter tab above.
*Wear blue tomorrow!

October 21

Dear Families,
We took our spelling test this morning.
We read the story There Was An Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves! and finished our seasons booklet! They are hanging in our class!
In writing workshop, we talked about different strategies we could use to spell words that are giving us trouble. 
We practiced writing subtraction number sentences in math. (Addie)
We went to library. (Elvis)
We read Miriam's book called Grace for President! (Shubham) The kids enjoyed talking about the election process!
We sang at Hootenanny! (Malcolm)
Have a great weekend!

Notes/Reminders:
*Please wear purple on Monday to kick off Red Ribbon Week!
*Book character projects are due Monday!
*Monday is also the last day to order Scholastic Books this month!

October 20

Dear Families,
We went to the Tech Lab this morning. (Isabel) 
Some of our kiddos had a hard time logging on (typing & using the mouse). If you have a computer at home, extra practice would be helpful.
We reviewed the letter y and its sound. (Jasmin)
We talked about ways we can make our stories better in writing workshop. (Nick)
We went to music. (Miriam)
We went to an assembly about bullying. (Griffin)

Notes/Reminders:
*Today I'm sending information on how to log on to RAZ kids at home. It is an amazing reading website. Please pay close attention to the teacher's username. Some of our kids use my username, but some use Mrs. Martorelli's username. For your child's password, just enter "rabbit"!
*Yesterday I sent a note home about the Scholastic News/Weekly Reader. Please send $3.85 in cash or check by Friday Oct. 28th. Thanks again for your support!
*Please send in character projects by Monday!
*Scholastic orders are due on Monday if you are ordering this month!

October 19

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter z and its sound. (Travis)
We talked about sketching our pictures when we plan our stories! (Dallin)
Our sketches help us remember what we will write!
We worked on subtraction. (Magda)
We went to PE. (Timmy)
We went to recess. (Julien)
We talked about winter!
Have a great evening!

Note:
Today I'm sending a note home about the Scholastic News/Weekly Reader. Please send $3.85 in cash or check by Friday Oct. 28th. Thanks for your support!

October 18

Dear Families,
We read the story the Big Blue Ox. (Jack)
It is an animal fantasy.
Today we reviewed the letter l and its sound. (Alyssa)
We started writing narratives today in writing workshop!
These are true stories from our lives. (Journi)
We worked on subtraction. (Robby)
We talked about weather in fall and how we dress!

Reminders:
*Please go to this link to see how you can help our Halloween Party!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0948a4ae2aa31-mrs
*Tomorrow is Unity Day! Wear orange!

October 17

Dear Families,
This week we will explore how animals help us. (Matilda)
Today we reviewed the letter w and its sound. (Addie)
We cleaned out our writing workshop folders today! (Malcolm)
Today in folders you will see the stories your child started/finished in writing workshop. You can keep these at home! 
We used number bonds to subtract in math! (Justin)
We talked about weather in summer and how we dress!

October 14

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter j and its sound. (Jasmin)
We celebrated our "published" stories in writing workshop today by reading our stories to the class!
We are continuing to learn strategies to help us subtract!
We talked about fire safety and read Stop, Drop, and Roll. (Addie)
We went to music. (Miriam)
We sang at Hootenanny this afternoon!
Have a great weekend!

October 13

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter h and its sound. (Matilda)
We finished editing our stories in writing workshop! (Malcolm)
We took our pictures! (Elvis)
We went to PE. (Justin)
We talked about ways we can be safe in our houses. (Magda)

Reminders:
Please send in t-shirt money if you are interested in purchasing a shirt for upcoming fieldtrips!
Return slips for homeroom moms.

October 11

Dear Families,
Today we reviewed the letter v and its sound. (Julien)
We went to the computer lab and got to practice using computers. (Griffin)
If you have a computer, it would be helpful for your child to practice using a mouse.
We read the story Pig in a Wig!
Our writing partners helped us revise our sentences in writing workshop.
We got more practice subtracting. (Dallin)
We talked about ways we can stay safe in our communities! (Robby)

Reminders:
*No school tomorrow!
*Do only page 47 (one side) for math homework tonight. We will do page 48 (the other side) for math homework on Thursday.
*Picture day is Thursday. If you are ordering pictures, please don't forget your order forms and money.
*Please send in the slip from our room mom's letter so they can have your contact information!

October 10

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter r and its sound. (Isabel)
This week we will read, sing, and talk about people that help animals.
We had a fire drill this morning. (Jack)
We used our writing partners in writing shop to help us begin editing our stories. (Chance)
We went to lunch. (Journi)
We started a new math unit on subtraction today.
We talked about ways we can stay safe at school.

Reminders:
Please clean out folders! There is a lot going home today!

October 7

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter d and its sound. (Alyssa)
We went outside. (Timmy)
We went to music. (Travis)
We did Hootenanny this afternoon. (Shubham)
We got popsicles from Mrs. Pandov! (Nick)
It was a good day!

*Our room parents would like to get all of your emails to help communicate with you information about parties and special class events. Please email Theresa and/or Dina at the following addresses please :)
Theresa Broome ‎
Theresa.Broome@cffde.org

Dina Stonberg
 dinamph@gmail.com

October 6

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter x and its sound. (Elvis)
In math we solved story number problems by adding and using number bonds. (Chance)
We went to PE! (Griffin)
Tomorrow Mrs. Pandov is bringing us Popsicles! (Julien) 
You do not need to bring a snack tomorrow unless you don't want a Popsicle.
We ended the day describing the inside and outside of a pumpkin. Then we talked about voting and got to vote on how we should turn it into a jack o' lantern. The kids LOVED this activity! Tomorrow I will share with them their voting results!

October 5

Dear Families,
We talked about the letter q. (Travis)
We went to the Fire house! (Alyssa)
We got a few things on our trip so check folders :)
We went to Art! (Magda)
We went outside! (Isabel)
We talked about how pumpkins grow and put pictures of pumpkins growing in order! (Robby)
Have a great night!

October 4

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter k and its sound. (Nick)
In writing workshop, we found out we could write stories about people that are important to us.
We used number bonds to help us add in math! (Malcolm)
We had library! (Jack)
We went outside. (Jasmin)
We ended the day talking about pumpkin patches and making our own pumpkin patch pictures!

Reminders:
*Folders are full today! Please empty them out :)
*Spelling booklets are in folders! We did Monday's spelling homework today in class. Please do Tuesday's spelling homework tonight and return tomorrow!
*Our October "Grow a Pumpkin" reading project went home today also. Please record books on its reading log!

September 30

Dear Families,
Today we earned our first class "celebration"! 
We voted for Mrs. Pandov to bring us Popsicles next Friday for our celebration!
It was a great day!

Reminders:
*Please remember we have no school on Monday. 
*Click on the October's Weekly Newsletters tab above to see next week's newsletter! I normally send our newsletters on Monday but I thought since Monday is a holiday it may be helpful to see it before Tuesday. 

September 29

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter i and its sound. (Miriam)
We practiced adding in math. (Timmy)
We went to PE. (Justin)
We tasted different apples today!(Dallin)
More of us picked the green as our favorite!
Have a great night!

September 28

Dear Families,
We talked about a new amazing word (puddle) this morning! (Shubham)
We reviewed the letter g and its sound. (Matilda)
We used counters to add! (Journi)
We went to art. (Addison)
We read a story called A Little Apple and learned how an apple grows on a tree.
We labeled the parts of an apple on a diagram.

Notes/Reminders:
In take home folders you will find a Math in Focus School to Home Connections page for Chapter 2 & 3! I forgot to send these earlier when starting these math chapters! Sorry they are just going home!

September 27

Dear Families,
In reading we are focusing on the plot in our stories! Plot is what happens at the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
We reviewed the letter b and its sound! (Matilda)
We went to library! (Robert)
We went to the playground! (Isabel)
We put pictures of Johnny Appleseed in order showing how he grew apple trees. (Magda)

Reminder:
Please return permission slips!
Please send ear buds if you have not done so already :)

September 26

Dear Families,
Due to our 2 hour delay, our day was busy and full! For this reason, I let our kids know I would write to you today!
We will begin exploring different ways to add to 10 in math!
We will read and sing about things we see outside in reading this week!
We reviewed the letter f and its sound.
We talked about Johnny Appleseed!

Reminders:
*Field trip permission slips went home today! Please return ASAP :)
*Web Folders/Word Rings went home today for the first time! Please return daily!
*Click on the September's Weekly Newsletter tab above to see this week's newsletter.

September 23

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter o and its sound. (Malcolm)
We found out an adjective is a describing word!
We took our number bond test in math. (Griffin)
We went to PE. (Jasmin)
We went to sing our songs with the other first grade classes! (Nick)
Have a great weekend!

Reminders:
Don't forget Monday is a 2 hour late start day!

September 22

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter e and its sound! (Chance)
We worked on number bonds for practice in math! (Miriam)
We went to art! (Travis)
We went outside! (Timmy)
We read the story Rainbow Fish and discussed how he was a bucket dipper at the beginning of the story. We were relieved to see him turn into a bucket filler at the end of the story!

Reminders:
Please return your white cardstock with photos/drawings tomorrow if you haven't done so!
If you want to buy pretzels you still have time to order! If interested return order form and money.

September 21

Dear Families,
We talked about the letter n! (Alyssa)
In math we practiced number bonds using cubes and number bond boards! (Julien)
We went to library and got a library book! (Justin) 
Please keep these books safe!
We had extra recess this afternoon. (Dallin)

It was so great to see so many of you last night! I am excited about this year with you and your children!

A couple of things about last night:

• If you would like to help out in NPE's library this year please let me know! I forgot to mention this last night! I will put a handout in your child's folder if you are interested!
• I also forgot to mention EAR BUDS! I checked and a lot of our kids do not have ear buds. Please send in ear buds at your earliest convenience in a baggie with your child's name. We will need these in the coming weeks. 
• About snacks: I talked to Mrs. Pike our nurse about our nut/egg snack question. Please no nuts in our snacks but it is okay for lunch. Our student can be around things with egg in it like muffins or cupcakes but he can not eat it. The only thing of major concern from the family is if someone has a hard boiled egg and touches him. For this reason please no hard boiled eggs. 
• Information about the pretzel fundraiser is going home today! The kids were excited to see they could order pretzels for snack!
• Please take a look at our conference schedule and get back to me if there is a problem! 

September 20

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter p! (Elvis)
In writing workshop we learned when we are done with a story we can begin another one! (Journi)
We went to music! (Jack)
We talked more about number bonds in math. (Addison)
Mrs. DeSanctis came to our class for our first guidance lesson!

Reminders:
I hope to see you tonight at Back to School at 6:30!

September 19

Dear Families,
This week we will read stories and sing songs about our families!
We reviewed that nouns can be places.
We got an ABC chart in our writing workshop folders to help us when we stretch out words to write. (Shubham)
We reviewed the letter c.
We went out for recess this morning. (Timmy)
We learned about number bonds in math. (Robert)
Number bonds show 2 numbers (the parts) that make a number (the whole) when put together.
We went to PE. (Journi)
We ended the day talking about being bucket fillers!

Reminders:

• Read this weeks newsletter to stay informed about homework, events, and other things you need to know for this week! Click on the September's Weekly Newsletters tab above to find it on our website!
• I hope to see you tomorrow at Back to School Night at 6:30!

September 16

Dear Families,
We did our daily fix it this morning. (Nick)
We went to lunch. (Matilda)
We went to art. (Dallin)
We read the book My Teacher is a Monster! (Chance)
We got new folders for our stories in writing workshop today! (Magda)
A piece of white cardstock went home today for you to decorate with photos and/or drawings of your favorite things! Please return by next Tuesday!

Have a great weekend!

September 15

Dear Families,
We learned about the letter a. We call it a vowel. (Julien)
We practiced going to our new Daily 5 called Work on Writing. (Shubham)
We reviewed how to compare numbers in math. (Isabel)
We went to library. (Elvis)
We reviewed what good choices and poor choices look like at the playground.
We ended the day talking about germs and making our last germ puppet!

September 14

Dear Families,
We reviewed the letter t and its sound! (Jasmin)
We went outside. (Malcolm)
We looked to see if a number was more or less in math. (Miriam)
We sorted pictures of good choices and poor choices. (Justin)
Please talk about this at home often.
We went to music. (Addison)

Reminders:
*In folders you will find a "Heart to Heart" page Mrs. DeSanctis sent home today! Please complete and return in folders.
*Some folders are getting really full. Please make sure to clean them out daily!

September 13

Dear Families,
We practiced writing the letter s and finding words that start with s! (Alyssa)
We compared more numbers to each other in math. (Jack)
We talked about reasons authors write stories before we started writing workshop. (Griffin)
We went to PE! (Isabel)
We had extra recess! (Travis)
We read the story No David! and discussed the difference between good and poor choices. 
Thank you for reinforcing appropriate school behaviors at home! It is appreciated!

September 12

Dear Families,
We learned a new song about our homes. (Griffin)
We reviewed the letter m! (Justin) See if your child knows the sound m makes and can write it!
We went to Art! (Magda)
We went to recess! (Julien)
We discussed how germs make us sick!

Reminders:
New math homework today! (2 pages)
There are a lot of things going home today in folders please check them!

September 9

Dear Families,
We heard the story Chrysanthemum. (Robert)
We talked about how special our names are and wrote our names for our word wall!
We put our names in ABC order. (Jasmin)
We practiced Reading to Self. (Travis) 
We are trying to build our reading stamina!
We ended the day at a school assembly. (Nick)
It was a great week!

Reminders:
*We are celebrating PATRIOT DAY on Monday the 12th! Don't forget to wear red, white, and blue to school!
*In folders, you will find a slip asking for Terrific Tickets Reward Suggestions! Please help your child fill this out and return on Monday! (If your child has an older sibling, you may not get one! Feel free to write your suggestion on a blank page!)

September 8

Dear Families,
We read the story There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books. 
We started writing a new story in Writing Workshop!
We went to recess. (Timmy)
We counted more things in math! (Alyssa)
We went to music! (Journi)
We had a practice fire drill. (Dallin)
We went on a Friend Hunt to get to know our friends better! The kids loved this!

Reminders/Notes:
*New math homework tonight in folders! Please complete and return tomorrow!
*We are celebrating PATRIOT DAY on Monday, September 12th! Please wear RED, WHITE, and BLUE to school on Monday!

September 7

Dear Families,

This morning we wrote our class rules! (Addison) 

In Writers workshop we worked on our stories! (Robert)

We went to PE. (Jack)

We started our math today! It was exciting to see how much our kids love math already!

We counted to 100! (Chance)

It was a good day!

Reminders:

*Your child has math homework today! Please complete and  return it tomorrow in folders!

*Please return slips indicating how you prefer to receive newsletters if you have not done so already!

*I kept your child's transportation tags! Thanks for returning them! If you put the tag on your child's backpack that is fine! I may take it off when I see it :)

September 6

Dear Families,
It was a great first day!
We made a graph to show how we go home everyday! (Miriam) Most of our friends are bus riders!
We toured our school so everybody knows our school better. (Shibham)
We went to Art today! (Matilda)
We read the story First Day Jitters and discovered there are 3 ways to read a book! (Elvis)
We can read the pictures, We can read the words, We can retell the story. 
Reminders:*Please remember to check take home folders! There are things that need your attention!
*Also don't forget nut free snacks. Since we eat our snacks in our room this is very important. Please ensure that your child can open their snacks without assistance.

See you soon!

Our first day of school will be September 6th! 
Please click on the tabs above to familiarize yourself with our class website and to learn a little about me! It will be updated regularly!

*Please add my email kpandov@wssd.org and bookmark our class website so you can read our daily blog once school starts!