Mrs. Osburn's Class Newsletter

May 8, 2008

Hi,

I hope you had a great week.  Today is the last day for communication folders.  Things are a little crazy this time of year.  I don't want to end on a negative note!  :)

On Monday, I will be in the media center all day performing for a "Reader's Theater" performance.  This is a storytelling day sponsored by the PTA. 

                                                  Mrs. Osburn's Class Plays! 

Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 you are invited to our class plays!  The children will be performing three plays for your enjoyment.  I am so pleased with our progress.  The children are learning their lines and we are getting ready to "block" our plays soon! 

Younger siblings are welcome.  I just ask that you sit in a position where you can quickly take a child who is talking or crying out of the room for a moment.  The actors are not good at ignoring distractions!  Thank you. 

Each child will be responsible for a simple costume to wear during the plays.  These are due on Friday. May 16.  Please do not send them early.  We don't have storage for them.  Please do not send them late.  We'll take cast photos on Friday!

Think simple!  Papa Bear could wear brown clothes and ears attached to a visor.  The pigs can wear pink or beige with a headband or visor with ears.  The birds can wear a solid color and use cardboard wings and a beak on top of a visor!  Please do NOT use masks of any type.  The children can't be heard during the plays and we can't see their precious expressions!  We also won't have time to do face paints.  Thanks!

After the plays, we'll have an old-fashioned family picnic outside.  Each family should bring a lunch and drinks for their own family.  You can also purchase a lunch in the school lunchroom if you'd like.  I started a family picnic the very first year I taught, and I have had one every year since.  It is a fun way to end the year!  We will finish by around 11:45. 

We are working on a very special project in class.  This will be both a Mother's Day and Father's Day gift.  These will be given out on the day of the plays.  Sorry, Moms!  I know this is a little bit late.  However, it will be worth the wait!

                                                          FIELD DAY!

Field Day is on Tuesday, May 22.  Our room reps will be setting up volunteers.

   

OPTIONAL REPORT - "How to Survive First Grade" book!  See details on last week's post! 

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 you are invited to our class plays!  The children will be performing three plays for your enjoyment.  I am so pleased with our progress.  The children are learning their lines and we are getting ready to "block" our plays soon! 

Younger siblings are welcome.  I just ask that you sit in a position where you can quickly take a child who is talking or crying out of the room for a moment.  The actors are not good at ignoring distractions!  Thank you. 

Each child will be responsible for a simple costume to wear during the plays.  These are due on Friday. May 16.  Please do not send them early.  We don't have storage for them.  Please do not send them late.  We'll take cast photos on Friday!

Think simple!  Papa Bear could wear brown clothes and ears attached to a visor.  The pigs can wear pink or beige with a headband or visor with ears.  The birds can wear a solid color and use cardboard wings and a beak on top of a visor!  Please do NOT use masks of any type.  The children can't be heard during the plays and we can't see their precious expressions!  We also won't have time to do face paints.  Thanks!

After the plays, we'll have an old-fashioned family picnic outside.  Each family should bring a lunch and drinks for their own family.  You can also purchase a lunch in the school lunchroom if you'd like.  I started a family picnic the very first year I taught, and I have had one every year since.  It is a fun way to end the year!  We will finish by around 11:45. 

We are working on a very special project in class.  This will be both a Mother's Day and Father's Day gift.  These will be given out on the day of the plays.  Sorry, Moms!  I know this is a little bit late.  However, it will be worth the wait!

                                                          FIELD DAY!

Field Day is on Tuesday, May 22.  Our room reps will be setting up volunteers.

   

OPTIONAL REPORT - "How to Survive First Grade" book!  See details on last week's post! 

Have a great weekend!

May 1, 2008

                                                                            THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for all of the kind words this week.  It has been such a special week for me.  It means so much to be voted Teacher of the Year in such an amazing school.  The children made the week very special!!! 

                                                 PARENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED!

We have added a first grade meeting on Tuesday, May 6.  I need just one volunteer to assist Mrs. Lindsay during the regular time.  This is from 10:50 - 12:20.   If you are trained and would like to help, please send me an e-mail.  THANKS!

                                                         TOMORROW - Fun Mexico Rotation

Tomorrow we will rotate with other first grade teachers.  We are learning about Mexico.  We are going to enjoy a variety of fun activities with other first grade teachers!

                   Mrs. Osburn's Class Plays are Coming! 

  Put it on your calendar!  Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 you are invited to our class plays!  The children will be performing three plays for your enjoyment.  The scripts were sent home earlier in the week.  Please assist your child with learning his/her lines.  They should be memorized by Monday, May 12.  We'll practice in class, too!

Each child will be responsible for a simple costume to wear during the plays.  Think simple!  Papa Bear could wear brown clothes and ears attached to a visor.  The pigs can wear pink or beige with a headband or visor with ears.  The birds can wear a solid color and use cardboard wings and a beak on top of a visor!  Please do NOT use masks of any type.  The children can't be heard during the plays and we can't see their precious expressions!

The costumes are due on Friday, May 16.  Please do NOT send them early.  We don't have a place to keep them!

After the plays, we'll have an old-fashioned family picnic outside.  I started a family picnic the very first year I taught, and I have had one every year since.  It is a fun way to end the year!  We will finish by around 11:30. 

OPTIONAL REPORT - Can you believe it is the last one?  The children may write a book or create a poster.  It can have any of the titles below!

How To Survive Mrs. Osburn's First Grade Class

How to Survive First Grade

How to be Successful in First Grade

I told them that this could be funny or serious! 

The children are beginning to work on a special surprise!  You will receive a Mother's Day/Father's Day present at the class picnic!  This will be for both.  It will be worth the wait. 

Have a great weekend!

April 17, 2008

                                                              CRCT Time is Here!

As you know, the CRCT test is next week!  I will be happy when it is over and the children will, too!  It has been a week filled with boring reviews!  However, I am extremely pleased with how the children are doing on the practice tests.  They are working hard and they are well prepared.  The children always thank me when we take the real test.  They know that it is much less stressful because they are used to doing the type of questions they'll see on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday!  A great deal of our review has been on the Senteo on SmartBoard.  A few pages have come home.  I go over each practice test with the children.  If you have a chance, you can again review the questions your child might have missed.  Thanks so much!

I have plenty of volunteers to send in special snacks.  Thanks so much to all who offered to help.  Mrs. Mills sent the schedule to those who are on the schedule.  Thank you!!

OPTIONAL REPORT - This month's OPTIONAL report is about ANYTHING AT ALL!   I like to give the children a chance to learn about whatever might interest them.  I have somehting special for May, so this is the month for free choice writing.  As always, the report can be in the form of a poster, book, report, etc.  These are due on April 30.                                                                      

                               CLASS PLAYS AND PICNIC - SAVE THE DATE!!!

We have a very exciting day coming up in May!  On Wednesday, May 21 we will present our class plays and follow this with a class family picnic!  We'll plan to begin at 10:00 and we'll finish before noon.  All parents are invited.  It is a very special day.  Details to follow!

Have a great weekend.  Please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and has a good breakfast next week.  The testing is very tiring.  Your children will be wiped out each evening!  Thanks.

March 27, 2008

                           8 Days until Spring Break!

Today I sent home class pictures, Art Show samples, Bugles, etc.  Look carefully in your child's bag tonight.

    "Spring is Here" Centers!

On Wednesday, April 2 we'll have our spring centers.  This is much simpler than our other center days.  We'll have jump ropes, hoola hoops, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hopscotch, etc.  It will just be a fun time to enjoy the children outside.  These will last from 10:15 - 10:45ish on Wednesday morning.  This is a later time than my earlier e-mail.  I decided that it is warmer at 10:15!  You are welcome to join us.

I will need some jump ropes and hoola hoops for the day.  Please e-mail me if you'd be willing to let us borrow some!  If anyone would be willing to donate 17 small bottles of bubbles, please let me know! 

                 March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I the just like for children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!  This is due on Monday, March 31

Enjoy the beautiful weather! 

                           8 Days until Spring Break!

Today I sent home class pictures, Art Show samples, Bugles, etc.  Look carefully in your child's bag tonight.

    "Spring is Here" Centers!

On Wednesday, April 2 we'll have our spring centers.  This is much simpler than our other center days.  We'll have jump ropes, hoola hoops, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hopscotch, etc.  It will just be a fun time to enjoy the children outside.  These will last from 10:15 - 10:45ish on Wednesday morning.  This is a later time than my earlier e-mail.  I decided that it is warmer at 10:15!  You are welcome to join us.

I will need some jump ropes and hoola hoops for the day.  Please e-mail me if you'd be willing to let us borrow some!  If anyone would be willing to donate 17 small bottles of bubbles, please let me know! 

                 March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I the just like for children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!  This is due on Monday, March 31

Enjoy the beautiful weather! 

                           8 Days until Spring Break!

Today I sent home class pictures, Art Show samples, Bugles, etc.  Look carefully in your child's bag tonight.

    "Spring is Here" Centers!

On Wednesday, April 2 we'll have our spring centers.  This is much simpler than our other center days.  We'll have jump ropes, hoola hoops, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hopscotch, etc.  It will just be a fun time to enjoy the children outside.  These will last from 10:15 - 10:45ish on Wednesday morning.  This is a later time than my earlier e-mail.  I decided that it is warmer at 10:15!  You are welcome to join us.

I will need some jump ropes and hoola hoops for the day.  Please e-mail me if you'd be willing to let us borrow some!  If anyone would be willing to donate 17 small bottles of bubbles, please let me know! 

                 March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I the just like for children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!  This is due on Monday, March 31

Enjoy the beautiful weather! 

                           8 Days until Spring Break!

Today I sent home class pictures, Art Show samples, Bugles, etc.  Look carefully in your child's bag tonight.

    "Spring is Here" Centers!

On Wednesday, April 2 we'll have our spring centers.  This is much simpler than our other center days.  We'll have jump ropes, hoola hoops, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hopscotch, etc.  It will just be a fun time to enjoy the children outside.  These will last from 10:15 - 10:45ish on Wednesday morning.  This is a later time than my earlier e-mail.  I decided that it is warmer at 10:15!  You are welcome to join us.

I will need some jump ropes and hoola hoops for the day.  Please e-mail me if you'd be willing to let us borrow some!  If anyone would be willing to donate 17 small bottles of bubbles, please let me know! 

                 March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I the just like for children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!  This is due on Monday, March 31

Enjoy the beautiful weather! 

March 13, 2008

Monday is the GREEN FEAST!  Please send in a green snack with about 8 small individual servings.  You can send anything green.  In the past, I've seen green jello in tiny paper cups, pickles, grapes, green rice crispy treats, olives, mini bagels with green cream cheese, green cookies, etc.  Be creative!  We'll enjoy a special feast.

Math Blaster came home today.  I'm sorry they are late.  They were delivered when I was out and I didn't know it.  I apologize.  Please feel free to keep them until the Friday before spring break! 

March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction book or a poem about spring, etc.  Really, they can do any type of project as long as it relates to this time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I just like for the children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!

Report cards will come home next week.  I can't believe 3/4 of the year is over.  It is going so fast.  We are beginning to review skills for the CRCT.  We have pretty much covered everything that will be on the test by now.  However, we have learned so much that it is difficult for the children to remember it all!  Each day, we'll have a mini lesson on a different skill.  These are examples of things that we will review:

*nouns     *verbs     *adjectives    

*naming/telling parts of sentences

*capital letters in names, holidays, days of the week, months of the year, proper nouns

*combining short sentences to make a more complete sentence

*abc order

*contractions

*compound words

*syllables

*plural and singular

*letter writing

*nonfiction

*fiction

*setting

*problem/solution

*cause/effect

*base/root words

*suffixes

*prefixes

*punctuation marks

*table of contents

*index

*glossary

*dictionary

*addition & subtraction - one digit, two digit, 3 addends

*problem solving

*money

*time

*fractions

*geometry

*fact families

*measurement - We're going to begin this next week.

As you can see, there is a huge amount of curriculum in just reading and language arts and math in first grade!  These are just the things I remember off the top of my head!  We'll be ready!  If you haven't already, please let your child work on this at home on the CRCT online page.  It is a great help! 

Have a great weekend! 

Monday is the GREEN FEAST!  Please send in a green snack with about 8 small individual servings.  You can send anything green.  In the past, I've seen green jello in tiny paper cups, pickles, grapes, green rice crispy treats, olives, mini bagels with green cream cheese, green cookies, etc.  Be creative!  We'll enjoy a special feast.

Math Blaster came home today.  I'm sorry they are late.  They were delivered when I was out and I didn't know it.  I apologize.  Please feel free to keep them until the Friday before spring break! 

March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction book or a poem about spring, etc.  Really, they can do any type of project as long as it relates to this time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I just like for the children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!

Report cards will come home next week.  I can't believe 3/4 of the year is over.  It is going so fast.  We are beginning to review skills for the CRCT.  We have pretty much covered everything that will be on the test by now.  However, we have learned so much that it is difficult for the children to remember it all!  Each day, we'll have a mini lesson on a different skill.  These are examples of things that we will review:

*nouns     *verbs     *adjectives    

*naming/telling parts of sentences

*capital letters in names, holidays, days of the week, months of the year, proper nouns

*combining short sentences to make a more complete sentence

*abc order

*contractions

*compound words

*syllables

*plural and singular

*letter writing

*nonfiction

*fiction

*setting

*problem/solution

*cause/effect

*base/root words

*suffixes

*prefixes

*punctuation marks

*table of contents

*index

*glossary

*dictionary

*addition & subtraction - one digit, two digit, 3 addends

*problem solving

*money

*time

*fractions

*geometry

*fact families

*measurement - We're going to begin this next week.

As you can see, there is a huge amount of curriculum in just reading and language arts and math in first grade!  These are just the things I remember off the top of my head!  We'll be ready!  If you haven't already, please let your child work on this at home on the CRCT online page.  It is a great help! 

Have a great weekend! 

Monday is the GREEN FEAST!  Please send in a green snack with about 8 small individual servings.  You can send anything green.  In the past, I've seen green jello in tiny paper cups, pickles, grapes, green rice crispy treats, olives, mini bagels with green cream cheese, green cookies, etc.  Be creative!  We'll enjoy a special feast.

Math Blaster came home today.  I'm sorry they are late.  They were delivered when I was out and I didn't know it.  I apologize.  Please feel free to keep them until the Friday before spring break! 

March Optional Report:  This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project. Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction book or a poem about spring, etc.  Really, they can do any type of project as long as it relates to this time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I just like for the children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!

Report cards will come home next week.  I can't believe 3/4 of the year is over.  It is going so fast.  We are beginning to review skills for the CRCT.  We have pretty much covered everything that will be on the test by now.  However, we have learned so much that it is difficult for the children to remember it all!  Each day, we'll have a mini lesson on a different skill.  These are examples of things that we will review:

*nouns     *verbs     *adjectives    

*naming/telling parts of sentences

*capital letters in names, holidays, days of the week, months of the year, proper nouns

*combining short sentences to make a more complete sentence

*abc order

*contractions

*compound words

*syllables

*plural and singular

*letter writing

*nonfiction

*fiction

*setting

*problem/solution

*cause/effect

*base/root words

*suffixes

*prefixes

*punctuation marks

*table of contents

*index

*glossary

*dictionary

*addition & subtraction - one digit, two digit, 3 addends

*problem solving

*money

*time

*fractions

*geometry

*fact families

*measurement - We're going to begin this next week.

As you can see, there is a huge amount of curriculum in just reading and language arts and math in first grade!  These are just the things I remember off the top of my head!  We'll be ready!  If you haven't already, please let your child work on this at home on the CRCT online page.  It is a great help! 

Have a great weekend! 

March 6, 2008

                         Happy March!

On Monday, March 17 we'll enjoy a GREEN FEAST!  Please send in a green snack with about 8 - 10 small individual servings.  You can send anything green.  In the past, I've seen green jello in tiny paper cups, pickles, grapes, green rice crispy treats, olives, mini bagels with green cream cheese, green cookies, etc.  Be creative!  We'll enjoy a special feast.

March Optional Report:  Once again, I was so happy to see so many children who enjoyed the monthly reports!  The children are so proud.

This month, I'm going to give the children a choice of a fiction or a nonfiction project.  Spring is a fun time of year.  The reports this month can be anything related to spring.  The children can write about baby animals born in spring, a book or poster about what happens to plants and trees in the spring, a fiction book or a poem about spring, etc.  Really, they can do any type of project as long as it relates to this time of year.  As you know, I am flexible!  I just like for the children to enjoy a challenge and to create something that they will enjoy.  Books, posters and reports are all fine.  Allow your child to be creative!  Surprise me!

Don't forget that we are going to the Aquarium on Monday!  We can't wait.  Please remind your child to be on his/her best behavior on our trip.  We'll discuss this in class.  There will be five adults on the trip. 

Thanks again for all of your kind words and support for the last week.  Thanks to Mrs. Lindsay and Mrs. Farley for making it such a great week.  It is so great to be back.  Have a great weekend.

February 15, 2008

Hello!

What a crazy week!  I'm so sorry that this blog is a day late.  Valentine's Day was so busy that I didn't get to the folders (they came home today) or the blog!  I apologize. 

Mrs. Lindsay is going to a special training all next week.  She doesn't even get Monday off!  Mrs. Farley, who has been in our room many times this year, will be here all three school days.  Mrs. Lindsay is getting special training in reading.  We will miss her!

President's Day is on Monday.  There is a teacher workday on Tuesday!  We are learning a little bit about George Washington and Abe Lincoln in class.  Our optional reports will be about any other president!  The children can again share any type of report or book with the class.  Any type of report is fine.  The reports are due on Wednesday, February 28.  I can't wait to see them.

WISH LIST - We are in need of prizes for the treasure box, 75 watt light bulbs and quart and gallon sized baggies.  If you'd like to donate any of these to the class, please send them with your child.  THANK YOU!

Counting money is going well!  Soon, we will begin telling time.  We will focus on the hour, the half hour, and the quarter hour.  However, we will learn how to count by 5's to count minutes.

Have a nice long weekend!

February 7, 2008

Hello,

What can I say?  I can't believe what a wonderful week this has been.  I can't thank you enough for the lovely fruit basket, the beautiful flowers, and today's fabulous spa basket!  The cards from the children are priceless!  What a treat!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate your generosity.  I look forward to the PTA luncheon tomorrow.  Thanks for EVERYTHING!!!

We'll begin our money chapter next week!  I feel like the kids are ready!   The "Money Man" has really helped!  We are finished with fractions and the children did a great job on the chapter.

Your child brought home a math book last week.  Please don't forget that he/she has several weeks to complete Chapter 16! 

Don't forget about Raz-Kids!  I've heard great feedback from some of the kids.  I hope they are enjoying it.  The kids who have tried are very excited!  The link is on the blog.

IMPORTANT!  I sent home a REVISED specials calendar today.  They added the Early Release Day and this changed the schedule!

I also finally sent the February reading calendar.  I'm sorry this was so late!  Please remember that this month is still for the Six Flags ticket.  If you didn't send the January calendar last week, please send it tomorrow.  I am still missing several!

Please send in a decorated shoebox on Wednesday, Feb. 13.  Please don't send these early.  We don't have space for them!  The children can bring their Valentine cards in the boxes.  It will be fun!

  President's Day is on Feb. 18.  We'll learn about George Washington and Abe Lincoln in class.  Our optional reports will be about any other president!  The children can again share any type of report or book with the class.  Any type of report is fine.  The reports are due on February 28.  I can't wait to see them! 

Have a great weekend. 

January 25, 2008

Hello,

I hope you enjoyed seeing your child's progress this week.  It is really exciting to put everything together to see the growth.  Teaching first grade students is very rewarding.  The tremendous growth at this age is so exciting!  Thank you so much for your kind words and support this week. 

Please don't forget that the children will still be dismissed one hour early on Monday!  One more day!

Valentine's Day!

I sent the class list today.  Please make sure your child either sends cards for each child or none at all.  We don't want hurt feelings.  THANKS!

Please send in a decorated shoebox on Feb. 13. 

Please don't send these early.  We don't have space for them!  The children can bring their cards in the boxes.

I don't have too much to say this week.  I think I told you everything important at the conference!  Have a nice weekend.

January 17, 2008

Hello!

I hope you enjoyed the beautiful snow!  What a treat!

I have some very important classroom news.  As all of you know, Mrs. Flood lost her husband in September.  She has decided that it would be best for her four children if she worked half days. 

This required some changes in the special education schedule.  Mrs. Flood will now be working with other students at Mt. Bethel.  This has also changed Mrs. Griffith's schedule.  We will miss both of these great teachers!  They have both promised to stop by to visit us often. 

On a happy note, we welcome Mrs. Gail Lindsay to our classroom.  She will be with us from 7:15 - lunch and then again after specials and for the end of the day.  She is very excited to work with our classroom and we had a great first day today!  Mrs. Cindy Nichols will continue to join our class for lunch, writing workshop, and specials. 

Math facts - Many of the children need to practice basic math facts.  We practice at school.  However, we have a great deal of other math to cover.  It is impossible for us to spend as much time reviewing the facts as the students need.  Please use the web sites on this blog, flash cards, "Math Blaster" games, etc. in order to review the facts with your child on a regular basis.  I can't tell you how much this will make math easier for your child in the next couple of years.  The children will add several digits in second grade and work on multiplication facts in third grade.  This is the year to master those addition and subtraction facts.  Please make sure your child completes the timed tests and word problems in the Math Blaster folder.  They are due at the end of January.  Please do these every few days.  Some of the children complete them all in one night!  This doesn't work!  They should practice on a regular basis.  THANKS!

MONEY TIME!  We're beginning to study about money.  We are learning to count change.  Your child will bring home a "Money Man" sheet each day.  These will become more difficult as the year goes on. 

The optional reports have been fabulous!  The children are learning from one another and I am thrilled with the creative reports, books, posters, etc.  The next report should be about ANY animal.  This can again be a poster, a book, a typed report, etc.  ENJOY!  These are due on Friday, February 1.

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it.  We do not have big centers on this day.  I've found that the children just enjoy being together and opening their cute cards.  Please send cards for either all of the class or none at all!  We don't want any hurt feelings.  I will send home a list.

Your child should decorate a shoebox at home.  Please make a large opening on top and keep the lid wrapped separately so that the box can be opened!  Thanks.  This is due on February 13.  Please don't send these in early.  I don't have space for them.  Thanks!

Six Flags has a great program to encourage children to read.  If your child reads for six hours, he or she will be able to earn a ticket to Six Flags.  Just keep track on your reading calendar.  The children easily complete six hours in the several weeks included in the program.  I will use the calendars to keep track of the reading for January and February.

Have a great weekend!