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're picking up on classroom routines and procedures.  Staying focused during the afternoon has been a bit difficult, but I am hopeful that as the kids build stamina for a full school day, they will have an easier time staying on task.  

We will have our Patriot Day ceremony at the flag pole on Tuesday morning. We will honor those who lost their lives on September 11th, along with 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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Online Learning Resources:
In yesterday's Thursday folder, I sent home your child's log-in information for 3 of our most popular online learning resources...Dreambox Math, Reflex Math, and RAZ-Kids.  These programs allow your child to practice literacy and math skills from any computer, and most tablets.  I also placed the log-in information in the inside pocket of the front cover of the kids' agendas.  This information is also listed in the "online resources" section of this blog.

Scholastic News and Science Spin Subscription Money:
If you have not done so, please send in your child's Scholastic News and Science Spin subscription monies as soon as possible.  This is a one-time fee of $7.50 cash or check (made payable to Pinebrook).  Thank you!

Homework Update:
Homework will begin on September 17th.  Next week, the kids will practice their homework routine by completing their homework in class each day with me. To promote consistency, our weekly homework routine will be as follows:

• Monday:  Read 15-20 minutes.  Read your Words of the Week 3 times to an adult.  (Words of the Week will be written in your child's agenda and posted on my blog.)
• Tuesday:  Read 15-20 minutes.  Complete the assigned page in your Homework Journal using your Words of the Week.  (The assigned page will have that day's date written at the top.)
• Wednesday:  Read 15-20 minutes.  Complete the assigned page in your Homework Journal using your Words of the Week.  (The assigned page will have that day's date written at the top.)
• Thursday:   Read 15-20 minutes.  Complete the assigned page in your Homework Journal using your Words of the Week.  (The assigned page will have that day's date written at the top.)
• Friday:  Be ready to take a spelling quiz on your Words of the Week.  You must be able to spell each word correctly.  

Please note: I will tape an information sheet to the inside cover of your child's homework journal, which outlines this routine in detail.  I will collect and check Homework Journals on Fridays.  Your child will receive a completion grade for homework.  You may always email me with questions! :) 

Thursday Folders:
Please empty your child's Thursday folder each Thursday and return it to school on Fridays. I do reuse these folders each week.

Box Tops for Education:
Box Tops for Education are due Friday, September 14th.  I will send out a Remind on Thursday.  There are various incentives for collecting Box Tops, from popsicle parties to ice cream parties.  Please help our class earn some of these fun incentives by collecting and sending in Box Tops.

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will begin Book Shopping, which is the process of choosing just right books for our book boxes.
• Writing:  We will practice Handwriting, emphasizing proper letter formation, and starting our letters at the top.
• Math:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Math Workshop as we focus on number sense, counting, ordering numbers, and comparing numbers.
• Science / Social Studies:  We will talk about the meaning of Patriot Day.  We will define and discuss the 5 senses.  We will learn about the 4 seasons.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Savey is enjoying his last weekend of freedom before he begins working at the Cox Farms Fall Festival.  Jonah's birthday is next week, so we are starting to prepare for our celebration.  My mother's birthday is Monday.  We will remember her this weekend on what would have been her 73rd birthday. 💜