Weekly Update

Hi Parents!

Sometimes short weeks feel like long weeks, but this one flew by.  I think the kids are settling into the year.  On the whole, I am quite pleased with how quickly they've picked up on classroom routines and procedures.  With those foundations in place, we are ready for a year of great learning!

Please ask your child about our Patriot Day ceremony at the flag pole this morning. We honored those who lost their lives on September 11th, and all service members and first responders who keep us safe.  It's never lost on me that for our kids, September 11th is part of history, but for those of us alive on that day...well, our hearts continue to weep at the memories.  Truly, we will never forget.

Here's your update for the week:

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Back to School Night:
Back to School Night will be Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 pm at school.  Please come to ask questions, and to learn important information about our school and classroom procedures.  

Believe Kids Fundraiser:
Our PTA has kicked off its biggest fundraiser of the year.  I sent home the Believe Kids fundraising packet in yesterday's Thursday folder.  Please kindly consider participating in this fundraiser to help our PTA reach its financial goals this school year.

Thursday Folders:
Please empty your child's Thursday folder each Thursday and return it to school on Fridays.

Breakfast:
Please be sure your child is eating breakfast each day.  Most of the kids start telling me they're hungry around 9 am, and our lunch isn't until 10:34.  Thank you! 

Class Directory:
I have prepared a class directory.  If you do NOT want your child's information (name, address, phone number, your name, and your email address) published in our class directory, please kindly send me an email today.  I will remove your child's information before I distribute the directory.

Specials Update:
Please remember to send your child with sneakers for P.E. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Library books are due back each Tuesday. 

Lunch:
Our lunch time is from 10:34 - 11:04.  You are welcome to eat lunch with your child any day, and you may bring your child lunch purchased from a restaurant (think places like Subway, Panera, or Chick-fil-A). If you'd like to eat lunch with your child, please sign in at the school office and meet us at the cafeteria at 10:34.  Please plan to say goodbye to your child in the cafeteria at the end of our lunch period as our instructional day resumes right after lunch.

Water Bottles:
First graders are a thirsty bunch.  Please feel free to send a water bottle to school with your child each day.  Please send a reusable bottle.  Please do NOT send water bottles with twist off tops for classroom use...the kids have a very difficult time getting the caps on straight and those bottles typically spill.

Volunteers needed!: 
I am in need of parent volunteers to help me stuff Thursday folders and prepare materials.  While our school does not have school-wide Thursday folders, I continue to use this communication tool.  It's super helpful to have a parent stuff the folders because I can't always get to it during the course of a Thursday.  I am also in need of parent volunteers to help me with copying and materials preparation.  If you can help stuff Thursday folders on Thursdays after 11:30, or if you can help with copying and materials preparation anytime during the week, please send me an email.  

Important Dates:
Please check the "Important Dates" section of this blog for upcoming events.  I will highlight some events in my weekly update, but you can find a complete list in the "Important Dates" section.

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will learn about the "5 Finger Rule" for choosing "just right" books.  We will begin Book Shopping, which is the process of choosing just right books for our Independent Reading Bags.
• Writing:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Writer's Workshop.
• Math:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Math Workshop.
• Social Studies:  We will talk about rules necessary to keep our classroom and school community happy, healthy, safe, and productive.

I welcome your feedback!  Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

I hope you have a relaxing weekend.  Soccer starts in our house!  I am looking forward to watching my older son play while soaking up the last days of summer.