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!