Pen Pals

We have been communicating with another 1st grade class for half of the year.  They are from Mrs. Maxwell's class (a former Loretto teacher) at Abess Park Elementary.  The children have been anxious to continue correspondence with their pal so I'm putting out an offer to parents to keep up the writing between friends.  It would be an ideal way to keep your child writing this summer in a way that will not be like pulling teeth!  They have really enjoyed writing to their friends.  I told Mrs. Maxwell that I would poll my parents to see what information you might be willing to offer up to the other student.  In an e-mail or on a paper in your child's folder please send me any of the information you would be willing to provide your child's pen pal.

Address

Phone number

e-mail address

or none of the above

I would really like a response either way.  Thanks!

Homework week of 5-26

You got a note about a book report that will be due on Monday, June 1st.  Please make sure your child is doing a little bit at a time so that this project will turn out as excellent as possible.  If you have any questions, e-mail me or write a note in your child's folder.

In addition to working on the book report this week, please have your child complete at least 4 of the bookworm activities.  This sheet is stapled in the packet that was sent home today.  I thought this would be a fun way to keep your child reading as we wind up our school year.

Because of Winn-Dixie permission forms should be sent in by the end of the week.

Math Olympics

Be sure to mark your response if you haven't already done so!

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=IHWMQYDUDMFYUBKIMWVW

I'll be handing out some awards after the olympics are finished.

Homework week of 5-18

This will be the last week of spelling homework.  I've decided to go out on a limb and and give all the children the same spelling and math homework for the final week.  We discussed the /ir/ sound last week.  The pattern require plenty of memorization so working with the spelling words nightly will be crucial for your child in helping learn the pattern.  There will also be some homework that goes along with the measurement unit we are working on in math.

Scholastic Books

The final order of the year has arrived!  I will do my best to sort through orders on Monday and send the books home with your child if you placed an order.  Be on the look out!

Better late than never

Progress Reports went home with your child Friday.  Next thing you know report cards will be going home!  Please be sure to sign and return them as soon as possible.

Special Days

The last week of school, each day will have a special theme to it.  I am in need of volunteers and some donated items, so please let me know what you might be willing to do.  

The special days are as follows:

Monday (6/1)- "Book Report Day"

- You will get lots more info. on this, but to tell you a few details your child will be responsible to fill out a book report form for a selected favorite book.  They will receive all information on this May 26th.  They will have to bring items to go along with their book and even dress up as the main character.  They will be presenting their book to the rest of the class.

Tuesday (6/2)- "Pajama Day"

- We have been reading the book "Because of Winn-Dixie" in class throughout the month of May.  We will culminate our reading by watching the movie in class.  Students are encouraged to dress in pajamas with school approved shoes.  They can bring something else (i.e.: stuffed animal, small pillow, etc...) as long as it fits in their back pack.  There will be a permission slip coming home in the next few weeks.

Wednesday (6/3)- "Math Olympics"

- We have been studying measurement.  We will be doing all kinds of measurement "competitions" throughout the morning.  I will need lots of volunteers for this.  Please let me know if you're interested.

Thursday (6/4)- "Game Day"

- Children will be allowed to bring non-electronic games to class.  We will share and play throughout the day.  Kids should also bring yearbooks and anything else they would like signed by their classmates.  We will make time for signing.

Friday (6/5)- Early Dismissal

- Children will be dismissed at 12 noon.  I thought it would be fun to get some breakfast items and enjoy our last day together.  The kids will be helping get the classroom ready for summer.  If you would like to donate a breakfast treat or paper product, please let me know!

Thank You!

       

I received not just one vase-ful of flowers, but three vases full of beautiful flowers from all of the kids today.  I loved how diverse they were and so colorful!  I'm amazed how many vases they filled out.  Thank you Rhonda Hull for the cute dragonfly vases!  It really made my week and I look forward to enjoying the flowers at least through the week, but hopefully into next week as well.  Thank you!

Scholastic book orders

Book order forms went home on Friday.  You can order from all five of them an pay with just one check.  You can also place orders online and make a secure credit card transaction.  All orders must be placed by this Friday, May 8.  All purchases earn points so that I can buy needed classroom materials and books.  This is a great opportunity to buy books for summer reading.

www.scholastic.com/parentordering 

Class username: msdowningsclass

Password: firstgrade

STAR Student

Jacob was our STAR last week.  In addition to his mom and dad at home, Jacob has a younger brother who will be going to Loretto next year.  He has a few dogs and their family likes to take in dogs when they can.  Jacob loves to play soccer and baseball.  He is very unique in that he has a Nana that teaches third grade at his school.  He has a passion for Star Wars related things and loves to read Star Wars books.  Jacob's week wouldn't have been complete without bringing in some bakagons (sp?).