A New Month.....

Hello 1C Families,

I am happy to announce that we are almost through the first full month of school! Your students have been working so hard and I am so proud of their accomplishments.

We have been hard at work in math, learning our addition facts and making number sentences. We have two spelling tests completed and I am very impressed that they have remembered so many of our important Spalding rules to help them spell. They have successfully memorized their first poem, The Caterpillar. We have been reading short stories from around the world showcasing Thumbelina and Tom Thumb and stories alike. We have also been learning different sayings such as "The Apple of my Eye" and "Hit the Nail on the Head." I hope you enjoyed seeing your students wearing their apple glasses! They had a wonderful time making them.

We continue to review basic concepts in math as well as conquer new material. We are adding to ten and reviewing number sense and following math directions. It is crucial for me to revisit some things to find out where the students might need some extra time or review. Since all math concepts build on one another is is vital that they know, and are comfortable with, the basics.

We are still learning about different Biomes in Science and we have started our unit on Mesopotamia, in History. We will continue to work on these within the next couple of weeks.

Our class participated in MAP testing last week, for math, and will complete the reading portion tomorrow (Wednesday). These computerized tests have replaced the Galileo assessments we've had in the past. The students haven enjoyed going to the "Prep Side" of the school and upstairs where the computer labs are located. I am almost finished with DIBELS testing and we will begin our leveled reading testing next week. My goal is to send home leveled readers and logs within the next two weeks.

A couple of housekeeping items: Please have children leave stuffed animals and toys at home. We realize that some of these items served as comfort for the children as they started the new school year. The students seem to have adjusted and the stuffed animals and toys can cause unneeded distractions. If some of your students have complained that it cold in our class, that is because it is. I keep the air turned down as far as it will go which is 72. With the weather still very warm outside and little circulation and lack of fresh air, I feel it necessary to keep the room cool. If the temperature is too cool for them (it is for me :) please send in an appropriate sweater to wear in the classroom. You can refer to the uniform guidelines within the family handbook for exact specifications.

Mrs. Bagby, our wonderful Kindergarten teacher, is offering Spalding tutoring to any of those that are interested or in need. She has opened up spots and you are able to secure a spot using Sign-Up Genius. I will include that link in this blog post below. If you feel that your student may need some extra attention in this area please feel free to contact me for advisement on their progress so far.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af28aafd0-spalding

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Wishing you and your families a very safe, enjoyable and restful three day weekend!

Important Upcoming Dates:
9/5-   Labor Day- NO SCHOOL
9/12- Spalding Information Night~ 6-7:30pm
9/22- Singapore Math Information Night~ 6-7:30pm
9/23- EARLY RELEASE