June 29 - And so it has come to the end of our grade 1 journey together. It is a bittersweet day as I am so sad to let this group go, yet so excited that they are growing up and moving into grade 2!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart....for all the support over this past year, for the very generous end of the year gifts, and mostly THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for trusting me with your very wonderful, beautiful children this year. It has truly been an honour and a blessing to have them in our class this year. I will miss this group tremendously!!!
I wish you and your family a happy, safe and adventurous summer and I look forward to seeing how much the children have grown when I see them in September!
Sincerely,
Lisa Grierson
I thank you from the bottom of my heart....for all the support over this past year, for the very generous end of the year gifts, and mostly THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for trusting me with your very wonderful, beautiful children this year. It has truly been an honour and a blessing to have them in our class this year. I will miss this group tremendously!!!
I wish you and your family a happy, safe and adventurous summer and I look forward to seeing how much the children have grown when I see them in September!
Sincerely,
Lisa Grierson
JUNE 23 - A very special thank you to all parents and grandparents who joined us for our field trip yesterday. It was wonderful to have all the extra help and support and the extra sets of eyes!!!!! We had a fabulous day!
Pictures are on the blog.
Home reading is now finished for the school year. Please hand in ALL home reading books by Monday.
Wednesday will be playday for the grades 1 - 3 students. Students will be outside for a large part of the day playing organized games and activities. Nutrition breaks will occur as usual. Please ensure your child is wearing light, comfortable clothing and running shoes to participate in all the events. They should also have sunscreen applied in the morning before school, bring LOTS of water and wear a hat if they have one.
Thursday will be the last day of school (I really can not believe this!!!!!) We will be having an assembly at 9:10 am to wish all staff who are leaving (including Mrs. Green-Duren) farewell. It will also be our CANADA DAY celebration. Students are encouraged to wear RED and WHITE in honour of Canada's 150th birthday!!!!
Pictures are on the blog.
Home reading is now finished for the school year. Please hand in ALL home reading books by Monday.
Wednesday will be playday for the grades 1 - 3 students. Students will be outside for a large part of the day playing organized games and activities. Nutrition breaks will occur as usual. Please ensure your child is wearing light, comfortable clothing and running shoes to participate in all the events. They should also have sunscreen applied in the morning before school, bring LOTS of water and wear a hat if they have one.
Thursday will be the last day of school (I really can not believe this!!!!!) We will be having an assembly at 9:10 am to wish all staff who are leaving (including Mrs. Green-Duren) farewell. It will also be our CANADA DAY celebration. Students are encouraged to wear RED and WHITE in honour of Canada's 150th birthday!!!!
FIELD TRIP ON THURSDAY....
Please have your child bring their backpack with....
-a packed lunch and snacks (please put a cooler pack inside)
-a full waterbottle (or two)...preferably with some ice inside it
-a bathing suit (or they may wear it under their clothes)
- a towel
-a plastic bag to pack wet things
-a hat
Please apply sunscreen to your child in the morning before school...it would be great to apply waterproof sunscreen. If your child knows how to apply sunscreen and you want to send a bottle in the backpack with his/her name on it, you may do so. Teachers can not apply sunscreen to your child's body (but we can squeeze a little onto their hand).
If parents will be there at lunch time, please bring a lunch or snacks for yourself as well. If you wish to order frozen yogurt, you may pay for it at that time.
We hope to have a wonderful day!
Please have your child bring their backpack with....
-a packed lunch and snacks (please put a cooler pack inside)
-a full waterbottle (or two)...preferably with some ice inside it
-a bathing suit (or they may wear it under their clothes)
- a towel
-a plastic bag to pack wet things
-a hat
Please apply sunscreen to your child in the morning before school...it would be great to apply waterproof sunscreen. If your child knows how to apply sunscreen and you want to send a bottle in the backpack with his/her name on it, you may do so. Teachers can not apply sunscreen to your child's body (but we can squeeze a little onto their hand).
If parents will be there at lunch time, please bring a lunch or snacks for yourself as well. If you wish to order frozen yogurt, you may pay for it at that time.
We hope to have a wonderful day!
June 16 - My apologies for being so behind on this blog....we have been going through some major construction at home and my time has been limited. I have posted some pictures on the blog of our learning over the past few weeks.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day.....especially our amazing fathers!!! Thank you for all you do each day to help mould and shape your children. Your daily actions and words strongly impact the adults they will grow to be... and the kind of citizens that will care and contribute to our society (and in the long run....take care of us!!!! )
A reminder that our field trip to Fort Malden and Toddy Jones park is this Thursday....let's think positive thoughts for good weather. If you are meeting us at Fort Malden....please be there by 9:20. If you are meeting us at Toddy Jones Park, we will be going over there for our picnic lunch at 11:30 and departing by 1:45 pm.
On Tuesday, the grade 1 classes will be leading the whole school in a lip synch dub to present at our final assembly.
A big thank you this week to Mrs. Storino for helping make the Father's Day gifts and bringing us ice cream sandwiches to start the week.
Another big thank you to Mrs. Cliff for making homemade ice cream with the students and having an ice cream party.
Such lucky children!!!!!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day.....especially our amazing fathers!!! Thank you for all you do each day to help mould and shape your children. Your daily actions and words strongly impact the adults they will grow to be... and the kind of citizens that will care and contribute to our society (and in the long run....take care of us!!!! )
A reminder that our field trip to Fort Malden and Toddy Jones park is this Thursday....let's think positive thoughts for good weather. If you are meeting us at Fort Malden....please be there by 9:20. If you are meeting us at Toddy Jones Park, we will be going over there for our picnic lunch at 11:30 and departing by 1:45 pm.
On Tuesday, the grade 1 classes will be leading the whole school in a lip synch dub to present at our final assembly.
A big thank you this week to Mrs. Storino for helping make the Father's Day gifts and bringing us ice cream sandwiches to start the week.
Another big thank you to Mrs. Cliff for making homemade ice cream with the students and having an ice cream party.
Such lucky children!!!!!
Please plant me in my new home as soon as you can! I am ready for some more space. You can put the cardboard pot right into the soil because it is biodegradable!!! Put me in a sunny spot and have my owner who planted me, care for me by watering me every few days. I might need a little support like a little stick and a string for some balance. Your child will feel proud of themself for being able to grow their own plant.
May 19 - What a wonderful week we enjoyed together! Presentations, painting, taking care of plants, symmetry work, a fantastic field trip to see Pigmania and of course, our wonderful healthy food party on Friday!
Thank you to everyone who sent in food for our food party....we REALLY enjoyed celebrating healthy food and many of the children tried new things. See our blog for some pics of the happy students on Friday!
We also had to say good bye to our student teacher, Miss Lamos, who added joy to our room over the past 3 weeks. Thank you, Miss Lamos, for everything you have taught us and for sharing your beautiful energy with the class. Good luck on your career path as a teacher. May you be blessed with many classes like ours!!!!!!
Thank you to everyone who sent in food for our food party....we REALLY enjoyed celebrating healthy food and many of the children tried new things. See our blog for some pics of the happy students on Friday!
We also had to say good bye to our student teacher, Miss Lamos, who added joy to our room over the past 3 weeks. Thank you, Miss Lamos, for everything you have taught us and for sharing your beautiful energy with the class. Good luck on your career path as a teacher. May you be blessed with many classes like ours!!!!!!
May 12 - Thank you to everyone who returned field trip forms and healthy food party forms for next week!
A reminder that the field trip is Thursday from 9 - 11:30. We only had 2 parent volunteer spots and 10 people signed up for it! I know it is a little disappointing, however we will be having an end of the year trip where parents will all be welcome.
Our healthy eating party will be held on Friday. I thank everyone in advance for sending in food to help with this celebration. If you are sending in a fruit or vegetable, I kindly ask that you have it cut and prepped in a labelled container that will be returned to you at the end of the day. We are excited about this party! This will also be Miss Lamos' last day with us.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all our wonderful moms!!!!
A reminder that the field trip is Thursday from 9 - 11:30. We only had 2 parent volunteer spots and 10 people signed up for it! I know it is a little disappointing, however we will be having an end of the year trip where parents will all be welcome.
Our healthy eating party will be held on Friday. I thank everyone in advance for sending in food to help with this celebration. If you are sending in a fruit or vegetable, I kindly ask that you have it cut and prepped in a labelled container that will be returned to you at the end of the day. We are excited about this party! This will also be Miss Lamos' last day with us.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all our wonderful moms!!!!
May 5 - The rain made this a very tiring week for us. All of your little ones should be sleepy tonight!
April 28 - We had a very pleasant time watching the Track events today and eating our snacks. It is so nice for the students to be able to hang out together and cheer on the older students of Anderdon....great feeling of school spirit!
We will be having a student teacher for the next 3 weeks ( May 1 - May 19). Her name is Nicole Lamos and she is from the University of Windsor Faculty of Education. I am excited to have her join our wonderful class for the next few weeks!
On Monday, forms will be coming home for a field trip to see the play PigMania. Please look for these forms in the front pouch of the agendas.
We will be having a student teacher for the next 3 weeks ( May 1 - May 19). Her name is Nicole Lamos and she is from the University of Windsor Faculty of Education. I am excited to have her join our wonderful class for the next few weeks!
On Monday, forms will be coming home for a field trip to see the play PigMania. Please look for these forms in the front pouch of the agendas.
April 25 - We have won 2nd place for most items brought in for the Ronald McDonald drive!!!! Yahoo!
As a reward, I am going to take our class out to watch the older students participating in some of the Track and Field events on Friday. There will be treats for sale, if the students are interested in purchasing something. There will be:
BBQ hotdogs - $2.00
frozen yogurt - $3.00
chips/ pretzels - $1.00
Freezies - LARGE $1.00 OR SMALL $0.50
Bottled water - $1.00
I am asking that the students bring exact change for what they are buying so that they do not have to carry money around outside. This is very much appreciated!!!
Thank you to everyone who sent in items for the Ronald McDonald Drive.
As a reward, I am going to take our class out to watch the older students participating in some of the Track and Field events on Friday. There will be treats for sale, if the students are interested in purchasing something. There will be:
BBQ hotdogs - $2.00
frozen yogurt - $3.00
chips/ pretzels - $1.00
Freezies - LARGE $1.00 OR SMALL $0.50
Bottled water - $1.00
I am asking that the students bring exact change for what they are buying so that they do not have to carry money around outside. This is very much appreciated!!!
Thank you to everyone who sent in items for the Ronald McDonald Drive.
Attention Parents: We have started our new science unit on Characteristics and Needs of Living Things. This unit compares the differences between living things and nonliving things. We will discuss what living things need and how they move, grow and change. I will be combining some of the health curriculum with this unit (growing and changing, body parts, senses and healthy eating). As part of the health curriculum, students are expected to know the names of sense organs and body parts (including proper names for genitalia). I wanted you to be aware that I will be addressing this on Friday, April 21 during science. We will be discussing body parts and their functions in a respectful manner, using correct terminology.
April 12 - Tomorrow is the last day for Ronald McDonald House Donations. We have 148 items! Thank you to everyone who donated items to the drive. :0)
Tomorrow is also CHARACTER DAY.....dress as a character from a book, tv show or movie (no villians please). Have fun being creative! I ask that your child does not wear a mask though (face paint, hats, glasses, costumes are all good).
I look forward to having many interesting characters in my class tomorrow!!!!
Tomorrow is also CHARACTER DAY.....dress as a character from a book, tv show or movie (no villians please). Have fun being creative! I ask that your child does not wear a mask though (face paint, hats, glasses, costumes are all good).
I look forward to having many interesting characters in my class tomorrow!!!!
April 5 - Thank you for helping your child with their energy projects.....WOW ! They were fantastic!
Take a look at the blog for some great pictures of the projects..
Ronald McDonald House hygiene drive is on! Donations of hygiene items are being accepted until next Friday.
Thank you for those of you who have already sent in items! Our class is recording and keeping count of the incoming items. It's really amazing to see them doing this as a team!
Take a look at the blog for some great pictures of the projects..
Ronald McDonald House hygiene drive is on! Donations of hygiene items are being accepted until next Friday.
Thank you for those of you who have already sent in items! Our class is recording and keeping count of the incoming items. It's really amazing to see them doing this as a team!
March 24 - On Tuesday, March 28 the grade 1's will be performing in the monthly assembly. We will be singing a short song and doing a group poem for Mrs. Gibel who will be retiring on March 31st. The assembly begins at 9:15 am and I believe we will be presenting near the beginning.
Thank you for your support this week of Rock Your Socks and the new Boomerang Lunch Program. The woman from the Essex Waste Authority presented to us on Wednesday and talked to us about the amount of waste we produce each day and she showed us shocking photos of our landfill. By participating in Boomerang Lunch, less food is wasted and we are made more aware of the amount of garbage we contribute to the landfill in a single lunch. The hope is that it helps us think about our choices such as buying in bulk and using containers rather than individually wrapped products that can not be recycled. This is something we can all do to help our planet!
Thank you for your support this week of Rock Your Socks and the new Boomerang Lunch Program. The woman from the Essex Waste Authority presented to us on Wednesday and talked to us about the amount of waste we produce each day and she showed us shocking photos of our landfill. By participating in Boomerang Lunch, less food is wasted and we are made more aware of the amount of garbage we contribute to the landfill in a single lunch. The hope is that it helps us think about our choices such as buying in bulk and using containers rather than individually wrapped products that can not be recycled. This is something we can all do to help our planet!
March 20 - Welcome back and happy Spring!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is spring picture day and Rock Your Socks in support of Down Syndrome Day. Come sporting your funkiest socks and show them off! A $2.00 donation is appreciated for this fundraiser.
Also, we would like to welcome a new little brother for one of our students!!!! Congratulations to the family and I wish you a few good sleeps over the next few months!!!!! Best wishes. :0)
Just a reminder that tomorrow is spring picture day and Rock Your Socks in support of Down Syndrome Day. Come sporting your funkiest socks and show them off! A $2.00 donation is appreciated for this fundraiser.
Also, we would like to welcome a new little brother for one of our students!!!! Congratulations to the family and I wish you a few good sleeps over the next few months!!!!! Best wishes. :0)
March 10 - I wish you and your family a happy and safe spring break. Enjoy your family time!
I have collected Home Reading pouches and told the students to "take a break."
A reminder that Spring Pictures are Tuesday, March 21 and Rock your Socks day is that day as well (to support Autism Awareness).
Mar. 4 - This week we started a new "card system" for behaviour. I have explained to the students that each day they walk in "in the green". They are given a yellow card if they make inappropriate choices at school. Yellow cards are a warning to stop and think about your behaviour and make the choice to change it. Red cards mean you have had warning, but you have continued to make inappropriate choices. Right now, the students are given 2 warnings before being given a red card. After each nutrition break, they hand in their cards and start fresh. Some of the behaviours they might get a yellow card for are talking out during lessons, interrupting others while they are talking, being disrespectful to teachers or other students, inappropriate social problem solving (unkind words or hands on), purposely not following directions.
At the beginning of April, I will change it to ONE warning card before it goes to red. Our goal is to walk out in the green most days, feeling good about our choices.
Please talk with your child about this and have them explain to you how the system works. It is good for them to have the opportunity to explain it which will reinforce it for them and it also gives you the opportunity to review good choices with them. Thank you for your support in this.
Thank you everyone for sending in donations for Paige and her family this week!!! Your generosity helps others in need and teaches your child empathy (in my opinion...it is the most important lesson a child can learn).
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
At the beginning of April, I will change it to ONE warning card before it goes to red. Our goal is to walk out in the green most days, feeling good about our choices.
Please talk with your child about this and have them explain to you how the system works. It is good for them to have the opportunity to explain it which will reinforce it for them and it also gives you the opportunity to review good choices with them. Thank you for your support in this.
Thank you everyone for sending in donations for Paige and her family this week!!! Your generosity helps others in need and teaches your child empathy (in my opinion...it is the most important lesson a child can learn).
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Feb. 24- For such a short week, we were very busy...studying long a words, wrapping up our addition and subtraction unit, learning about different sources and different forms of energy, seeing the Ned show and Yo yo-ing, and finally participating in the Anderdon Carnaval! What a great day it was today! I have included some pictures on the blog from Carnaval.
For Pink Shirt Day on Tuesday, Feb 28th, Anderdon will be using the anti-bullying theme to “Heal The World”. This year, we are supporting a very special person, Paige Grossutti, in her fight against cancer. Paige is in Grade 9 at General Amherst High school, and was a student here at Anderdon for all of her elementary years. Paige always lent a helping hand wherever it was needed so we would like to now help her and her family. Her brother, Riley, is in Grade 4 at Anderdon and will be handing out pink bracelets for each student and staff member to wear on Pink Shirt Day. In return, we are asking for a donation from everyone for these bracelets to help support Powerful Paige and her family as they fight their battle against cancer. You can also show your support by wearing as much pink as possible on Tuesday, February 28th. Thanks for your support.
This is something I find truly amazing about Anderdon families - they do so much to support their own community and also other communities in need.
For Pink Shirt Day on Tuesday, Feb 28th, Anderdon will be using the anti-bullying theme to “Heal The World”. This year, we are supporting a very special person, Paige Grossutti, in her fight against cancer. Paige is in Grade 9 at General Amherst High school, and was a student here at Anderdon for all of her elementary years. Paige always lent a helping hand wherever it was needed so we would like to now help her and her family. Her brother, Riley, is in Grade 4 at Anderdon and will be handing out pink bracelets for each student and staff member to wear on Pink Shirt Day. In return, we are asking for a donation from everyone for these bracelets to help support Powerful Paige and her family as they fight their battle against cancer. You can also show your support by wearing as much pink as possible on Tuesday, February 28th. Thanks for your support.
This is something I find truly amazing about Anderdon families - they do so much to support their own community and also other communities in need.
Feb. 21 - Our class is looking healthy again!!!!
Please see School Happenings for events this week.
Please see School Happenings for events this week.
Feb. 15 - A reminder that tomorrow, Feb. 16th is Parent/Teacher interviews. If you would like to discuss your child's report card with me, please call the office to book an appointment time.
Also, Friday is a PA day so hotdogs will be sold on Thursday.
Monday is Family Day....I hope everyone gets to engage in something they love to do with their family!
Also, Friday is a PA day so hotdogs will be sold on Thursday.
Monday is Family Day....I hope everyone gets to engage in something they love to do with their family!
Feb. 7 - And now....the results of our book drive collection with our class total of donations....
The drum roll please.......
The drum roll please.......
375 books!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!
The boys are showing their excitement!!!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who donated books....your children are learning generousity, empathy and the good feeling you get when you contribute to a worthwhile cause!
Thank you so much to everyone who donated books....your children are learning generousity, empathy and the good feeling you get when you contribute to a worthwhile cause!
LAST DAY FOR BOOK DONATIONS IS TOMORROW (FEB. 3)!
February 1 - Happy February! Please see the Newsletter for what we expect to cover this month.
January 27 - Thank you Mrs. Cliff for such wonderful veggie soup!!!! The students loved it and many had seconds!
An update on the Book Drive...we have 234 books! YAHOO! We are rocking this! We have one more week to bring in books as the book drive ends on Friday.
Just a reminder to keep working on Home Reading with your child, either through the books they bring home and/or with Raz Kids. I know it is a routine that goes all year and it's easy to let it fall to the wayside. However, it is very important to your child's reading development. You and your child will be very thankful in the long run for those 10 minutes a night spent reading!
An update on the Book Drive...we have 234 books! YAHOO! We are rocking this! We have one more week to bring in books as the book drive ends on Friday.
Just a reminder to keep working on Home Reading with your child, either through the books they bring home and/or with Raz Kids. I know it is a routine that goes all year and it's easy to let it fall to the wayside. However, it is very important to your child's reading development. You and your child will be very thankful in the long run for those 10 minutes a night spent reading!
January 26 - As stated in the letter sent home in the student agendas tonight, one of our parent volunteers is going to make us vegetable alphabet soup made from the leftover veggies in the snack program this week. The children are asked to bring a plastic bowl and spoon for tomorrow, and they will be served warm veggie soup and bread with butter at first nutrition break. What a treat!!!!
January 21 - Thank you for all the books being sent in for the fundraiser! The response is outstanding!
On another note, I want to reiterate something I mentioned at the beginning of the year in regards to cash being sent in for a variety of fundraisers/food days etc. It is very important, that the EXACT amount be sent in, in it's own baggie with your child's name clearly labeled. In the mornings, when the children come in, we are dealing with outdoor clothing and boots being removed and organized, agendas being completed and checked, exchange of home reading books, attendance, snack tray, collection of materials and calendar. When hotdog days/subdays/fundraiser collections etc. are thrown into the mix, this adds MORE time. When there is not exact change, $ is mixed in with other things such as frozen yogurt, there is not a baggie or the child's name is not attached, it creates a lot work and takes away from more time before we begin our lesson in the morning. I will return the baggie into the pouch of your child's agenda after I remove the money so that it can be reused. Attention to this routine is REALLY appreciated as it helps save time and energy with 20 active children in the morning. Thank you for your understanding and support!
On another note, I want to reiterate something I mentioned at the beginning of the year in regards to cash being sent in for a variety of fundraisers/food days etc. It is very important, that the EXACT amount be sent in, in it's own baggie with your child's name clearly labeled. In the mornings, when the children come in, we are dealing with outdoor clothing and boots being removed and organized, agendas being completed and checked, exchange of home reading books, attendance, snack tray, collection of materials and calendar. When hotdog days/subdays/fundraiser collections etc. are thrown into the mix, this adds MORE time. When there is not exact change, $ is mixed in with other things such as frozen yogurt, there is not a baggie or the child's name is not attached, it creates a lot work and takes away from more time before we begin our lesson in the morning. I will return the baggie into the pouch of your child's agenda after I remove the money so that it can be reused. Attention to this routine is REALLY appreciated as it helps save time and energy with 20 active children in the morning. Thank you for your understanding and support!
January 17 - Book Drive for students in Zambia, Africa.
Our school is participating in a book drive to support a school in Zambia with nearly 500 students, mostly orphans. They are in need of English books - from Kindergarten to Grade 8 (beginning books/ chapter books and non fiction books) to help aid in their education. If you have any gently used books that you are no longer in need of or want to purchase a few new books, we will gladly collect them and add them to our class count. Once again, it is a competition between classes, however, I am trying to emphasize the GIVING and CARING nature of this endeavour rather than the prize in the end.
The drive begins today and ends on February 3. Thank you for your support!
Our school is participating in a book drive to support a school in Zambia with nearly 500 students, mostly orphans. They are in need of English books - from Kindergarten to Grade 8 (beginning books/ chapter books and non fiction books) to help aid in their education. If you have any gently used books that you are no longer in need of or want to purchase a few new books, we will gladly collect them and add them to our class count. Once again, it is a competition between classes, however, I am trying to emphasize the GIVING and CARING nature of this endeavour rather than the prize in the end.
The drive begins today and ends on February 3. Thank you for your support!
January 13 - Happy New Year! Wishing you great joy in 2017!
It was a tiring week back -we were all feeling a little sluggish after the holiday rest. We did many hands on activities to keep engaged this week. I have assigned the students a reading passage on Raz Kids as homework (to record and send to me). If they do not have access to Raz Kids at home, they will tell me on Monday and they will then do the assignment at school. I would like to have as many done at home as possible. Please have them do the work on their own - but feel free to help them with navigational skills of recording and sending.
We have just begun Leader Day READ TO THE CLASS. Your child should have brought home a note stating their leader day and that they may read a book that they have practised at home to the class. Please practise a book of their choosing (at an appropriate level for them) in preparation for this.
I have spoken to the class about not bringing Pokemon cards to school due to the amount of problems they are creating (trading/lost cards/giving and wanting back and the big crowd that is forming around the coat room to "peek" at the cards during class). After several warnings, both grade 1 classes are asked NOT TO BRING THEM TO SCHOOL or they will be taken away. We thank you in advance for supporting us with this choice.
It was a tiring week back -we were all feeling a little sluggish after the holiday rest. We did many hands on activities to keep engaged this week. I have assigned the students a reading passage on Raz Kids as homework (to record and send to me). If they do not have access to Raz Kids at home, they will tell me on Monday and they will then do the assignment at school. I would like to have as many done at home as possible. Please have them do the work on their own - but feel free to help them with navigational skills of recording and sending.
We have just begun Leader Day READ TO THE CLASS. Your child should have brought home a note stating their leader day and that they may read a book that they have practised at home to the class. Please practise a book of their choosing (at an appropriate level for them) in preparation for this.
I have spoken to the class about not bringing Pokemon cards to school due to the amount of problems they are creating (trading/lost cards/giving and wanting back and the big crowd that is forming around the coat room to "peek" at the cards during class). After several warnings, both grade 1 classes are asked NOT TO BRING THEM TO SCHOOL or they will be taken away. We thank you in advance for supporting us with this choice.
Dec. 23 - Thank you to everyone for all the beautiful gifts and for all your support over these past busy weeks. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and wonderful holidays with your family.
Happy New Year too!
Happy New Year too!
Dec. 21 - Happy first day of winter! Thank you to the parents who helped out today for our Holiday Activity Centres. We couldn't do these types of activities without parent volunteers. I'm sure the students are very tired tonight! Tomorrow is movie day, so we can recover from today!
See the blog for a load of pictures of today's festivities with Mrs. Brush's class.
See the blog for a load of pictures of today's festivities with Mrs. Brush's class.
FYI - Hotdog day is on Thursday, Dec. 22 instead of Friday
No home reading program from now until the new year
No new words of the week this week
No home reading program from now until the new year
No new words of the week this week
Dec. 20 - Can drive update...
WOW!!!! We broke our 2nd goal of 152 food items! Congratulations grade 1! I explained to the students that even if we do not win the school prize, we should be proud of ourselves for filling so many hungry bellies. We have given many families a wonderful Christmas gift by sharing food with them. Thank you for all your support in the Can Drive!
Thank you also for sending in $5.00 in support of the Christmas gift and the activities we will do this week.
Here is our week at a glance:
Tuesday Dec. 20 - talent show (we will watch it in the gym)
Wednesday Dec. 21 - Christmas centres with Mrs. Brush's grade 1 class (crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, games, making snow dough, books, colouring)
Thursday Dec. 22 - School assembly, Movie (Santa Buddies)
Friday Dec. 23 - Pajama day (school wide) and board games - our class may bring a stuffy and/or a simple board game if they wish. We will have games here as well.
I have some photos of the children making your gifts....however - as one student pointed out - you shouldn't see the photos before you open the gift!!! I will post them over the holidays, after Christmas!!!
WOW!!!! We broke our 2nd goal of 152 food items! Congratulations grade 1! I explained to the students that even if we do not win the school prize, we should be proud of ourselves for filling so many hungry bellies. We have given many families a wonderful Christmas gift by sharing food with them. Thank you for all your support in the Can Drive!
Thank you also for sending in $5.00 in support of the Christmas gift and the activities we will do this week.
Here is our week at a glance:
Tuesday Dec. 20 - talent show (we will watch it in the gym)
Wednesday Dec. 21 - Christmas centres with Mrs. Brush's grade 1 class (crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, games, making snow dough, books, colouring)
Thursday Dec. 22 - School assembly, Movie (Santa Buddies)
Friday Dec. 23 - Pajama day (school wide) and board games - our class may bring a stuffy and/or a simple board game if they wish. We will have games here as well.
I have some photos of the children making your gifts....however - as one student pointed out - you shouldn't see the photos before you open the gift!!! I will post them over the holidays, after Christmas!!!
Dec. 11 - We have reached our goal of 100 food items! The students are so excited and have set a new goal of 150! The food drive ends on Friday, Dec. 16. Can we reach our second goal? Go Grade 1!
As a reminder, we will be making parent gifts this week and participating in holiday centres next week. If you have not sent in $5.00 toward these activities, I kindly request that you send it in this week, to help cover the cost of the materials.
Thank you also, for marking your child's winter clothing with their name - this has already helped us in the past few days of winter wear!
As a reminder, we will be making parent gifts this week and participating in holiday centres next week. If you have not sent in $5.00 toward these activities, I kindly request that you send it in this week, to help cover the cost of the materials.
Thank you also, for marking your child's winter clothing with their name - this has already helped us in the past few days of winter wear!
UPDATE ON CAN DRIVE IN OUR CLASS!!!!! We are almost at our goal of 100 food items!
As of today, we have 98 food items!!!! Go 1G!!!!!!
As of today, we have 98 food items!!!! Go 1G!!!!!!
The most exciting thing is watching the students rush over to put their donations in the bin and then rush over to mark it on the chart....before they even take their coats off! They are enjoying sorting and discussing the food items. What a wonderful school project. Thank you for your generousity and for teaching your child how to care and show empathy for the less fortunate in their community!
Dec 3 - Our Can Drive has begun! We have 20 food items so far! Thank you to everyone who has already sent in food. The children have set a goal for 100 food items. Help us reach our goal!!!
Dec. 1- Happy December!!!
This month is always active, busy and festive. There are a few activities and events that I would like to mention at this time:
Our annual Can Drive begins tomorrow and runs until December 16th. Last year, we broke a record for the amount of cans and non-perishable food items and we were Amhertburg's top donating organization! All food items go to support families in the Amherstburg area. If you have a little extra to spare this holiday season, please consider sending cans and non perishable food items in with your child. I take my children shopping and let them choose what they want to donate. This gives them a sense of pride and ownership. Some suggestions include: can goods, dry pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, crackers etc. Help fill hungry bellies this season!
We will be making a holiday gift for our parents in class. I am asking that each child bring in $5.00 to cover some of the cost of this gift. If you could send the money by next Friday, Dec. 9th, this will give me time to purchase the supplies. I thank you in advance.
Tuesday, December 20 - We will attend the school talent show in the gym.
Wednesday, December 21 - We will enjoy holiday centres with Mrs. Brush's grade 1's (including holiday stories, crafts, games, decorating cookies and enjoying hot chocolate.) We will need a few parent volunteers from each class for these centres which will most likely be from 9 am - 1 pm. If you are interested in helping out on this day, please WRITE A NOTE IN YOUR CHILD'S AGENDA or CALL ME to let me know you are interested. I will let you know if I will need you to help, depending on how many parents are interested.
Thursday, Dec. 22 - Pajama day with a holiday movie. Your child can bring a special stuffy for the movie if they would like.
Friday, Dec. 23 - Last day before the holidays!
Let's hope for some snow this month!!!!
This month is always active, busy and festive. There are a few activities and events that I would like to mention at this time:
Our annual Can Drive begins tomorrow and runs until December 16th. Last year, we broke a record for the amount of cans and non-perishable food items and we were Amhertburg's top donating organization! All food items go to support families in the Amherstburg area. If you have a little extra to spare this holiday season, please consider sending cans and non perishable food items in with your child. I take my children shopping and let them choose what they want to donate. This gives them a sense of pride and ownership. Some suggestions include: can goods, dry pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, crackers etc. Help fill hungry bellies this season!
We will be making a holiday gift for our parents in class. I am asking that each child bring in $5.00 to cover some of the cost of this gift. If you could send the money by next Friday, Dec. 9th, this will give me time to purchase the supplies. I thank you in advance.
Tuesday, December 20 - We will attend the school talent show in the gym.
Wednesday, December 21 - We will enjoy holiday centres with Mrs. Brush's grade 1's (including holiday stories, crafts, games, decorating cookies and enjoying hot chocolate.) We will need a few parent volunteers from each class for these centres which will most likely be from 9 am - 1 pm. If you are interested in helping out on this day, please WRITE A NOTE IN YOUR CHILD'S AGENDA or CALL ME to let me know you are interested. I will let you know if I will need you to help, depending on how many parents are interested.
Thursday, Dec. 22 - Pajama day with a holiday movie. Your child can bring a special stuffy for the movie if they would like.
Friday, Dec. 23 - Last day before the holidays!
Let's hope for some snow this month!!!!
Nov. 25 - It was great to see everyone dressed in warm winter wear this week. Thank you for labeling articles of winter clothes for easy identification. We often have misplaced articles.
Today, we missed the Spirit Day (wearing our school colours - black, red and yellow). I told the students that we can do ours on Monday and the Spirit Committee will come back to take a class photo of us.
SO......Monday will be red, black and yellow day for our class.
FYI: Many students are wanting to bring items in for show and tell. I have told them that they can bring something in on their leader day, if they wish. They closely follow our leader order on the board each day. It is each child's responsibility to remember when it is their leader day and bring something in if they wish.
Today, we missed the Spirit Day (wearing our school colours - black, red and yellow). I told the students that we can do ours on Monday and the Spirit Committee will come back to take a class photo of us.
SO......Monday will be red, black and yellow day for our class.
FYI: Many students are wanting to bring items in for show and tell. I have told them that they can bring something in on their leader day, if they wish. They closely follow our leader order on the board each day. It is each child's responsibility to remember when it is their leader day and bring something in if they wish.
Nov. 23 - A reminder that tomorrow is Sub Day for those that have ordered.
Book orders were sent home the other day. You may have noticed that there were MANY different book clubs this time. I sent home a variety as I know many people like to order for Christmas and you might have younger and older children at home to order for as well.
The library has reopened after book fair. Your child will be bringing a new library book home this week if they have returned their last book.
Book orders were sent home the other day. You may have noticed that there were MANY different book clubs this time. I sent home a variety as I know many people like to order for Christmas and you might have younger and older children at home to order for as well.
The library has reopened after book fair. Your child will be bringing a new library book home this week if they have returned their last book.
Nov. 18 - Thank you to everyone who came to Parent/Teacher interviews on Thursday. It was wonderful to have the chance to discuss your child's progress (even though the appointments are so quick!)
It was a very calm week, with few interruptions. This gave the children a chance to recharge after the "busyness" of the past few weeks. I am really impressed with how they are handling rules and routines of the classroom lately. I have witnessed incredible maturation over the past 2 months! WOW!
Next week, we will be wrapping up our Science unit on Daily and Seasonal cycles and begin delving further into our health unit on ways to take care of ourselves (physically, mentally, emotionally - self-concept) and ways to care for others. We will also be focusing on safe and positive social interactions.
It was a very calm week, with few interruptions. This gave the children a chance to recharge after the "busyness" of the past few weeks. I am really impressed with how they are handling rules and routines of the classroom lately. I have witnessed incredible maturation over the past 2 months! WOW!
Next week, we will be wrapping up our Science unit on Daily and Seasonal cycles and begin delving further into our health unit on ways to take care of ourselves (physically, mentally, emotionally - self-concept) and ways to care for others. We will also be focusing on safe and positive social interactions.
Nov. 11 - This week, we discussed kindness and caring behaviours. This is a presently a class goal for us. We read How full is your bucket? written by Carol McCloud. As a project, we are filling a "class bucket" with paper slips. On the paper slips, we are writing kind acts we are witnessing in the classroom. See the blog for some of the student's ideas for kind acts they can do for others.
We had an opportunity to visit the bookfair on Friday. Your child might have brought home a list of items they are interested in purchasing. If you wish to send money, please send it in a ziplock back with the name of the item(s) enclosed and your child's name. It is easier for us to keep track of the money this way. The book fair will be open until Thursday and during Parent/Teacher interviews on Thursday night. If you wish to send money on any day, I will ensure your child gets down to the bookfair to make his/her purchase.
Progress Reports will come home on Monday. This is an indication of how your child is adjusting to Grade 1 (which is a big leap from Kindergarten). If you wish to discuss your child's report, please call the school on Tuesday or Wednesday to make an appointment for Thursday night (4:30-7:30 pm).
We had an opportunity to visit the bookfair on Friday. Your child might have brought home a list of items they are interested in purchasing. If you wish to send money, please send it in a ziplock back with the name of the item(s) enclosed and your child's name. It is easier for us to keep track of the money this way. The book fair will be open until Thursday and during Parent/Teacher interviews on Thursday night. If you wish to send money on any day, I will ensure your child gets down to the bookfair to make his/her purchase.
Progress Reports will come home on Monday. This is an indication of how your child is adjusting to Grade 1 (which is a big leap from Kindergarten). If you wish to discuss your child's report, please call the school on Tuesday or Wednesday to make an appointment for Thursday night (4:30-7:30 pm).
Nov. 4 - Happy November! Hope everyone is enjoying this unseasonably warm weather.
Thank you for helping your child with all their math corrections this week. This gives you an idea of how they are doing in their written math work. We will conclude our number unit next week and I will be giving the students a short oral quiz (ie. counting, more/less, comparing numbers to 5 or 10, printing numerals, and estimation). After this, we will be focusing on sequencing activities, time passage, using the calendar and time to the hour and half hour.
We are hoping for a quiet week next week, with few interruptions and very little excitement.
Thank you for helping your child with all their math corrections this week. This gives you an idea of how they are doing in their written math work. We will conclude our number unit next week and I will be giving the students a short oral quiz (ie. counting, more/less, comparing numbers to 5 or 10, printing numerals, and estimation). After this, we will be focusing on sequencing activities, time passage, using the calendar and time to the hour and half hour.
We are hoping for a quiet week next week, with few interruptions and very little excitement.
Oct. 29 - Thank you to everyone for supporting the Home Reading program. The students are off to a wonderful start. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. One common misunderstanding about early reading instruction is that children are just looking at the pictures to read and many parents ask about covering up the pictures. This is an excellent question. In early levels (A - F), the pictures are large and details and they match the text. That is because using PICTURE CLUES is actually one of the first strategies we teach children to use. Our goal is to help students gain confidence in themselves as readers and to gain independence. By looking at the picture and following predictable patterns, the student is able to decode the text and feels more confidence and proud. When students tell me "I can't read" I tell them, "You are learning to read....look at how you just figured this out on your own." As I explain to my students, your brain believes what you tell it over and over again.
When we learned to read, it was mostly about sounding out the letters in the words. This strategy is one of many that the children will learn. I will post the strategies as I introduce them to the students.
So far, we have learned: taking a picture walk through the book to understand what is happening, using picture clues to read, finding sight words we recognize, stretching sounds out in short words.
This week, we read a book where the Granny made pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie. The students thought that pumpkin bread sounded strange. I baked them some so they could taste how delicious it really was. It was such a hit (only had 2 students who wouldn't try it). Most loved it! They begged for the recipe - which means that they might be begging you to make it!!!! It is very healthy and my kids love it when it appears in their lunch box! I have decided to attach a RECIPE tab to this site, and include everything our class bakes together and anything I bring in. I have included the apple recipes from last week as well. Enjoy!
When we learned to read, it was mostly about sounding out the letters in the words. This strategy is one of many that the children will learn. I will post the strategies as I introduce them to the students.
So far, we have learned: taking a picture walk through the book to understand what is happening, using picture clues to read, finding sight words we recognize, stretching sounds out in short words.
This week, we read a book where the Granny made pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie. The students thought that pumpkin bread sounded strange. I baked them some so they could taste how delicious it really was. It was such a hit (only had 2 students who wouldn't try it). Most loved it! They begged for the recipe - which means that they might be begging you to make it!!!! It is very healthy and my kids love it when it appears in their lunch box! I have decided to attach a RECIPE tab to this site, and include everything our class bakes together and anything I bring in. I have included the apple recipes from last week as well. Enjoy!
Oct. 27 - The students looked so WONDERFUL for pictures today!!!!
In regards to Halloween on Monday.....
It is a black and orange day (please NO COSTUMES).
We will be participating in Zumbathon (please return fundraiser pledge forms on that day).
If your child wishes to hand out treats, they MUST be wrapped. We have 20 students in the class.
We will hand treats out to go home. We will not be eating any of the candy at school.
But we will be having PUMPKIN PIE on that day as a special Halloween treat!!!!!
In regards to Halloween on Monday.....
It is a black and orange day (please NO COSTUMES).
We will be participating in Zumbathon (please return fundraiser pledge forms on that day).
If your child wishes to hand out treats, they MUST be wrapped. We have 20 students in the class.
We will hand treats out to go home. We will not be eating any of the candy at school.
But we will be having PUMPKIN PIE on that day as a special Halloween treat!!!!!
Oct. 21 - Thank you to all parents who signed up to help with Apple Fest. We had a wonderful time. I could not run these special events without your help. Throughout the year, we will have a variety of these special days where I will ask parents to sign up to help. Usually, I will need a few parents each time. I appreciate your time and your help.
We were trained this week on Daily 5 Centres for Language, so next week we will begin to practise them.
We will also begin our Home Reading Program. Your child is welcome to read from these books, or on Raz Kids.
Reading practise = Better Skills = Stronger Reader. :0)
Whatever your child chooses to read at night just needs to be recorded in the Reading Log. Although it would be ideal for every student to read every night, I am fully aware of the how busy families are, as I have a family myself. If your child aims for 4 times a week (including weekends), this would be a great goal. If they do more.....that is fantastic too! Remember that time spent reading is a very good investment in your child's education. Amount of time spent reading in the primary grades is said to be one of the strongest indicators of academic success.
We were trained this week on Daily 5 Centres for Language, so next week we will begin to practise them.
We will also begin our Home Reading Program. Your child is welcome to read from these books, or on Raz Kids.
Reading practise = Better Skills = Stronger Reader. :0)
Whatever your child chooses to read at night just needs to be recorded in the Reading Log. Although it would be ideal for every student to read every night, I am fully aware of the how busy families are, as I have a family myself. If your child aims for 4 times a week (including weekends), this would be a great goal. If they do more.....that is fantastic too! Remember that time spent reading is a very good investment in your child's education. Amount of time spent reading in the primary grades is said to be one of the strongest indicators of academic success.
Oct. 18 - Bring leaves for Art tomorrow....
Raz Kids reading program was introduced today. Students will be reading on this program a few times a week during our literacy block. Each child has their own reading assignment which pertains to their reading level. The students are asked to: listen to the book, read the book, take the quiz (in that order for each book).
A sheet was sent home in your child's agenda today with the login and password.
Your child may read on Raz Kids at home anytime he/she would like. More practise = Stronger reading skills.
Remember - Apple Fest and Subway day is on Thursday!
Raz Kids reading program was introduced today. Students will be reading on this program a few times a week during our literacy block. Each child has their own reading assignment which pertains to their reading level. The students are asked to: listen to the book, read the book, take the quiz (in that order for each book).
A sheet was sent home in your child's agenda today with the login and password.
Your child may read on Raz Kids at home anytime he/she would like. More practise = Stronger reading skills.
Remember - Apple Fest and Subway day is on Thursday!
Oct. 14 - Thank you for keeping up with all the papers sent home in your child's agenda, initialing it each night and jotting down important information in it as well (ie. leaving early, appointments, latchkey/pickup information, concerns).
I have asked the children to go for an Autumn walk to collect leaves and interesting fall things in nature. We will be doing art with these items next week (Tuesday) and I would like the children to be able to use the materials they have collected themselves.
Next week, we will begin our first WORD LIST. Please see the tab WORD LISTS for more info.
We will learn how to do our DAILY 5 ROTATIONAL CENTRES for literacy as well.
We will also have our APPLE FEST on Thurs. Oct. 20. I have had a few parents let me know they will send apple juice. If you want to send something else from the list, instead of $2.00, please send me a note in your child`s agenda.
I have now decided to postpone home reading until Oct. 24, due to the number of new activities being introduced next week.
I have asked the children to go for an Autumn walk to collect leaves and interesting fall things in nature. We will be doing art with these items next week (Tuesday) and I would like the children to be able to use the materials they have collected themselves.
Next week, we will begin our first WORD LIST. Please see the tab WORD LISTS for more info.
We will learn how to do our DAILY 5 ROTATIONAL CENTRES for literacy as well.
We will also have our APPLE FEST on Thurs. Oct. 20. I have had a few parents let me know they will send apple juice. If you want to send something else from the list, instead of $2.00, please send me a note in your child`s agenda.
I have now decided to postpone home reading until Oct. 24, due to the number of new activities being introduced next week.
Oct. 12 - Social Studies homework (responsibilities chart) is due on Friday, Oct. 14
Oct. 7 - Your child is starting to learn about responsibility in Social Studies. Thank you for helping your child learn responsibility by: practising and returning their shared reading poems each week, making sure they return their library book each week (Day 5 is now on Wed. due to Thanksgiving), helping them pack their agendas and lunch bag in their back pack each day). It is instilling a sense of responsibility and independence, when you teach them how to pack the things they need into their back pack each day.
Over the next few weeks, we will have a few special events and begin a few new programs.
We will visit the Fire Station next door to the school on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 1:55 - 3:15 pm to learn about Fire Safety.
We will have a celebration of apples which I have named APPLE FEST and have engaged my classes in for the past 17 years (it is always a treat!) I will need volunteers who would be comfortable baking with groups of children. If you are able to help on the morning of Thursday, October 20 from 9am - 12 pm, please jot me a note in your child's agenda. I will also ask that each child bring 2 apples and $2.00 on that day (to put toward the purchase of ingredients). A note will be sent home next week with more information.
We will begin our Word Work and Literacy Rotational cycles over the next few weeks.
We will begin our HOME READING PROGRAM the week of October 17th.
More information to follow on these programs.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! See you on Tuesday!
Over the next few weeks, we will have a few special events and begin a few new programs.
We will visit the Fire Station next door to the school on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 1:55 - 3:15 pm to learn about Fire Safety.
We will have a celebration of apples which I have named APPLE FEST and have engaged my classes in for the past 17 years (it is always a treat!) I will need volunteers who would be comfortable baking with groups of children. If you are able to help on the morning of Thursday, October 20 from 9am - 12 pm, please jot me a note in your child's agenda. I will also ask that each child bring 2 apples and $2.00 on that day (to put toward the purchase of ingredients). A note will be sent home next week with more information.
We will begin our Word Work and Literacy Rotational cycles over the next few weeks.
We will begin our HOME READING PROGRAM the week of October 17th.
More information to follow on these programs.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! See you on Tuesday!
It was very nice to meet so many families at the Meet the Staff Ice Cream Social. For those of you that were not able to make it, I look forward to meeting with you in the near future!
Something the children are learning about in Social Studies/Health right now are the Zones of Emotional Regulations (We just call them "Zones"). They might mention to you that they are in a particular zone
(ie. red or blue). Here is a description of the colour zones for your reference. It would be helpful to refer to these zones at home depending on the emotions people are experiencing.
The Four Zones: Our Feelings & States Determine Our ZoneThe Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behavior, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions; however, one has some control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings, such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.
Many of the teachers in the Primary department are noticing that using Zones vocabulary enables children to better identify and find strategies to help them.
The children have identified some of their triggers for putting them in the red zone (ie. people not listening to them, change of plans, being yelled at, getting interrupted, siblings fighting with them).
They have also determined some strategies when they get into the yellow or red zone such as: taking deep breaths, stopping to think, removing themselves from the situation, asking for help, taking a time out or rest, eating something healthy if they haven't eaten in a while, spending time with someone who calms you and exercise.
This program is guiding children to develop emotional literacy which helps them be mindful and reflective of themselves and to interact with peers and adults more effectively. We hope you will be able to integrate some of this vocabulary at home and that it will be a springboard for discussion with your child.
Something the children are learning about in Social Studies/Health right now are the Zones of Emotional Regulations (We just call them "Zones"). They might mention to you that they are in a particular zone
(ie. red or blue). Here is a description of the colour zones for your reference. It would be helpful to refer to these zones at home depending on the emotions people are experiencing.
The Four Zones: Our Feelings & States Determine Our ZoneThe Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behavior, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions; however, one has some control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings, such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.
Many of the teachers in the Primary department are noticing that using Zones vocabulary enables children to better identify and find strategies to help them.
The children have identified some of their triggers for putting them in the red zone (ie. people not listening to them, change of plans, being yelled at, getting interrupted, siblings fighting with them).
They have also determined some strategies when they get into the yellow or red zone such as: taking deep breaths, stopping to think, removing themselves from the situation, asking for help, taking a time out or rest, eating something healthy if they haven't eaten in a while, spending time with someone who calms you and exercise.
This program is guiding children to develop emotional literacy which helps them be mindful and reflective of themselves and to interact with peers and adults more effectively. We hope you will be able to integrate some of this vocabulary at home and that it will be a springboard for discussion with your child.
Friday, Sept. 23 - The children are beginning to adjust to the grade one routines and expectations. September is a demanding and often tiring month, so they may need a little extra sleep and TLC.
Looking toward next week, here are a few things you might want to know:
Meet the Staff night is Tuesday (see School Happenings section on this website).
Book orders are due Tuesday.
Library is Day 5, which is on Tuesday (until after Thanksgiving).
Gym is on Day 1 and 3 which is Wednesday and Friday (until after Thanksgiving).
Shared Reading folders are due Wednesday.
Terry Fox Walk - There will be a special presentation in the gym and a walk around the school yard on Thursday.
We will also be collecting "Toonies for Terry" to support cancer research.
Motivational speaker on Growth Mindset in the gym - Friday, Sept. 30.
It will be a very busy week!
Looking toward next week, here are a few things you might want to know:
Meet the Staff night is Tuesday (see School Happenings section on this website).
Book orders are due Tuesday.
Library is Day 5, which is on Tuesday (until after Thanksgiving).
Gym is on Day 1 and 3 which is Wednesday and Friday (until after Thanksgiving).
Shared Reading folders are due Wednesday.
Terry Fox Walk - There will be a special presentation in the gym and a walk around the school yard on Thursday.
We will also be collecting "Toonies for Terry" to support cancer research.
Motivational speaker on Growth Mindset in the gym - Friday, Sept. 30.
It will be a very busy week!
Tuesday, Sept. 20 - Just a reminder that the red Shared Reading folders are due back tomorrow (Wed.). They go home every Friday (Thursday this week, due to PA day on Friday) and must be returned on Wednesday.
Due to the PA day on Friday, Hot Dog day will be on Thursday this week.
Due to the PA day on Friday, Hot Dog day will be on Thursday this week.
Sept. 19 - Today, your child went to the school library and was able to sign out a book. Our library day, as of now, is Day 5. This means that your child's book is due by the next Day 5. If they return their book on time, they will be able to sign out a new book. If they want to bring it back before Day 5, there will be a bin in the classroom that is available to "hold" all materials until Library Day. We hope you enjoy the books with your children at home. Happy reading!!!
We had a great week together, and are getting to know one another. The students are working on rules and routines and adjusting to grade 1 very well. You will probably find them to be tired this month. This is very normal as it is a different type of structure in grade 1 and it will take some time and energy to adapt. Today, a school wide letter was sent home in your child's agenda that discussed re-organization. The administration was able to secure straight classes without any combined grades in the whole school. This means that some children were moved into other classrooms. Beginning on Monday, we will have 3 more students in our classroom, bringing us to 20 students. We look forward to them joining our class and becoming part of our group!
Our schedule will be posted next week, once gym, library and music classes are all finalized.
Take a look at our blog to see some photos of the children learning and interacting this week!
Our schedule will be posted next week, once gym, library and music classes are all finalized.
Take a look at our blog to see some photos of the children learning and interacting this week!
Welcome back to the 2016-2017 school year! I am eager to get to know your child this year and to help them grow and develop in grade 1.
I hope that many of your questions were answered in the Welcome to School newsletter sent home on the first day.
Our class lists and schedules will be finalized on September 19th. I will post the schedule on this date.
I will update this website regularly, informing you of classroom events and activities, school events and happenings, word lists of the week, pictures of the children engaged in learning and a monthly newsletter of what we will be studying. Use the tabs at the top of this page to navigate through the site.
Thank you for sending back all initial forms this week including the questionnaire about your child. I really enjoyed reading these and appreciate the time and effort put into them. Thank you also, for sending money for the planners. I am happy to hear that the children are learning to use them and that parents are initialling them at night. I will always use these planners to send home messages and notices. Please use them as well, as a method of communication with me for appointments, early dismissal, vacation dates or concerns. Also, feel free to call me at the school if you have questions or concerns.
I look forward to a wonderful school year with your child!
I hope that many of your questions were answered in the Welcome to School newsletter sent home on the first day.
Our class lists and schedules will be finalized on September 19th. I will post the schedule on this date.
I will update this website regularly, informing you of classroom events and activities, school events and happenings, word lists of the week, pictures of the children engaged in learning and a monthly newsletter of what we will be studying. Use the tabs at the top of this page to navigate through the site.
Thank you for sending back all initial forms this week including the questionnaire about your child. I really enjoyed reading these and appreciate the time and effort put into them. Thank you also, for sending money for the planners. I am happy to hear that the children are learning to use them and that parents are initialling them at night. I will always use these planners to send home messages and notices. Please use them as well, as a method of communication with me for appointments, early dismissal, vacation dates or concerns. Also, feel free to call me at the school if you have questions or concerns.
I look forward to a wonderful school year with your child!