An Elf Has Arrived

Oh my gosh! We truly have a magical class! An elf showed up in our room today. Boy were we shocked and thrilled!!! This afternoon we are going to vote on a proper name for our little elf. Let's hope he is not too naughty!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Good Morning!

Although this time of year brings about a lot of busy, busy, busy, it also brings cheer and excitement and a wonder that you can't get any other time. Here at school we are starting off the week with some narrative writing, adding and subtracting with word problems, and discovering how maps work.  During writing, we are learning how to use details to add a beginning that begs to be read. Along with that, the students are really focused on correctly applying the capitalization and punctuation. 

Around the room there are sprinkles of Christmas cheer. As the weeks progress, more and more will be added. An elf may visit us as well...

NOTE: There is NO math homework this week. We are focusing on reading and getting back into our routine.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, November 30: Library

Wednesday, December 7: Holiday Shop at 10:00 a.m. 

Friday, December 9: PBIS Assembly

Monday, December 12 - Friday, December 23: 10 Days of Festivities for the First Grade - Look for a calendar of events in your child's folder.

Planning ahead: Instead of exchanging gifts, each students is asked to bring in a small stocking stuffer for everyone in class. The gift can be small candy, erasers, bouncy balls, markers, little cars, miniature play - doe, candy canes, etc. This should not be expensive. We make stockings in school, and a little elf fills them the night of the 22nd: ). If you are able to participate, please send in your gift by Monday, December 19th.  Thank you so much!

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

Yesterday, I was in Macy's waiting in line for early Christmas shopping. You can imagine, it took some time for me to get up to the register. Once there, my order took a bit of time as well.  The ladies that were helping me were patient and so apologetic for the long wait. My sentiment to them was that it's that time of year. We all have to wait, we all have to be ready to be help one another during this season. As you are out and about this time of year, try to role model for our kids, for our society, how patience is so important. We all run late, we all have places to be, we all have things to do... Let's be ready to share cheer and leave people happier than when they were before they talked with us.

This week is a regular week before all the hustle and bustle.

Next week:
Monday, November 21: Regular School Day
Tuesday, November 22: Half Day for Kids, Parent Teacher Conferences in the evening.
Wednesday, November 23: No School for Kids, Parent Teacher Conferences in the morning.
Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25: Thanksgiving Recess

I will be sending out email reminders to those parents who have conferences and times for the conferences.

Have a great week!

Another Short Week

Good Evening! As you know, Friday we have the day off to celebrate Veterans Day.  If you know someone who is a veteran or are one yourself, thank you for your sacrifice for being without your loved ones. Not only is having veterans a source of pride in our family, but we also know hardships due to the duties they have. Happy Veterans Day to all of those that help guarantee our freedoms. 

Today we had library. If your child didn´t bring his/her book today, please have him/her bring it tomorrow to return. Thank you.

We are at the end of our math unit for geometry. The assessment is Monday, and we will then begin Unit 3. This encompasses more adding and subtracting strategies and word problems. 

This week the children were introduced to nonfiction writing. They are learning to be the teacher in their books and provide a lot of information on topics they know quite a bit about. Ask your child what his/her book is about. They have a lot of great information to share.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, November 22 - Half Day of School and Evening Conferences

Wednesday, November 23 - No School for Students and Morning Conferences

Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25 - Thanksgiving Recess

Afternoon Update

Hi Families!

It seems that the homework was not accurately placed in the mailboxes last night. As employer, I take full responsibility for the confusion. Tonight the homework is coming home for anyone who did not receive it yet. Please have your child complete one page per night to keep on track. I am working to remedy this confusion.

Just a reminder, check our school's website as well as this blog for days off, half days, party announcements, etc. And if you haven't yet, please sign up for Remind 101 (see a few posts back). You can receive announcements through text or email. Thank you!

The Magic Pumpkin

The magic pumpkin grew some adorable little pumpkins for us last night! Oh my goodness, we were so excited to see so many little pumpkins outside our window this morning! There are enough for us to share with our reading buddies this afternoon. The kids are going to get to paint their magic little pumpkins and bring them home on Monday. It was such an exciting morning!

Hello Families,

How is everyone? I am so sorry to have neglected my blog last week! Let's catch up.
This week has been Red Ribbon Week to reinforce staying away from drugs or harmful substances for our bodies. All the super hero costumes and shirts were adorable to see.

Today, we had our assembly to kick off One School, One Book. For those of you who are new to our building, each year our committee chooses a story that can be suited the best to our whole population. Each family in our school gets a book and as a community we read the book.

This year our book is... Sorry I cannot tell you! To get the book, we are inviting everyone to Night at the Village tonight from 6:00 to 7:30. There are all types of activities set up. Your child has a yellow dot to bring because there are two teams, and we are hoping that all of us on the YELLOW team (Team Schaffelberger) will show up tonight to get their book. This event is an amazing way to bring everyone together in doing one thing as a whole school (previous fliers have gone home). I hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 31st:
1.Halloween Party - Thank you to those families that have signed up to help out or to send in supplies! Your child can wear their costumes in. We ask that there are no weapons brought to school. Thank you.
2. Monday is also a half day. Dismissal is at 11:10.

Wednesday, November 9th: Library

Friday, November 11th: No School in Observance of Veteran's Day

Tuesday/Wednesday, November 22/23rd: Parent Teacher Conferences

Your kids are just amazing, and I cannot believe how much they have grown both academically and maturity wise already! Just love them!

Jenn

Week of October 10th

Good Morning!

Our Week Ahead:
Wednesday, October 12 - Library
Reminder: Library is every two weeks.
Thursday, October 13 - Picture Day
Reminder: The form came home last week with the date highlighted.

Conferences: If you have not signed up for a conference yet, or if we are playing phone tag, my number is 455-9609. Let's connect so we can sit down and talk about your little one.

Homework: By now many of you are in the flow of our weekly homework. This enables the children to use math skills and strategies that we are practicing in class. If there is something I can help with please don't hesitate to call or email. Homework shouldn't be a confusing part to your already busy evenings. So please, let me help.

Book Pouches: As you know, the book pouches are now on their way to your homes every evening. The book(s) that are inside are typically ones your child has read at school, and one that they can read independently. The ones used for strategies or instruction or those that are at what we call the instructional level are reserved for groups at school. Your child may need to practice a strategy on a couple words in the books sent home, but they should be reading them smoothly and independently. Again, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Math: We will be wrapping up our current unit on Number Sense this week. This unit allows the kids the start practicing adding and thinking how and what ways they use to add. Additionally, we discuss how word families work.

Have a great week!

October Events

On the:

7th - Superintendent's Day - No School

10th - Columbus Day - No School

27th - PBIS Assembly & Night at the Village at 6 pm

31st - Half Day Students & Class Party

September is over!

Can you believe it? September is coming to an end, and we are starting October?

After checking the blog this morning, the book fair was listed in the upcoming events in the first blog in September. I'm sorry some of you missed it. Remember to sign up for my remind 101 text as well. Enter number 81010 and text @p221. This will sign you up to receive reminders.

This week we are wrapping up our Super Citizen unit in Social Studies. We had many conversations and acted out different ways to be good citizens. We also have talked about being citizens of our school, community and country.

In writing, we started zooming in on small moments and sequencing stories. Next week the lessons will focus on adding details and using pictures to enhance our stories.

Guided reading groups officially start Monday. The students have done so well learning how to transition and use their time effectively for independent learning. In groups they will be listening to stories, practicing writing sight words, responding to literature and independently reading. 

This has been such a great week! I was able to meet so many of you and have lots of good laughs with the kids!

I am hoping to make it to the Apple Fest and get the grocery shopping done. Have a restful weekend!
Jenn

Kevin Henkes

Our current author study and whose books are used for reading and writing lessons is Kevin Henkes. He has written Chrysanthemum, Owen, Sheila Rae, the Brave, Waiting, among many many more! Tomorrow we will be reading Lilly's Big Day. If you are at the library, your child may like to take some of his books home to peruse.

Welcome to 2016 - 2017 School Year

As I was looking back at last year's posts, the one thing that stuck out was that the last post said there were only 9 days left. Now we are already 6 days in!! Time is too precious!

Speaking of precious, your kiddos are great!!! They have adapted so well to new routines, new friends, new teachers, new everything... I am blown away by the work they are doing and how much effort they put into things. This year will be awesome!

A few reminders and announcements:

Today: Library - We won't have library again until the 28th, so they can keep the books that are taken out until that day.

Friday: Wear red and black - Hilton colors- We have our first PBIS assembly.

Wednesday, Sept. 28: Half Day for Students

Thursday, Sept. 29: Book Fair at 9:45 am AND Open House.

I'm off to make some copies and organize assessment binders. Enjoy your afternoon!

Jenn

Friday, June 10 : (

What? OWnly 9 days left??? Below are reminders for the week to come. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!

Monday: Mini Meet Day! Please wear your GREY D'Ambrosio's Draft Pick shirts. One is still here behind my desk.... We eat lunch as normal this day. 

Tuesday: Flag Day! Please wear our flag colors: ).

Wednesday: Book Swap 

Friday: Spirit Day! This is a wonderful finale for us to share the end of the year together as a class. Please wear either the GREY shirt from Monday or a black shirt.  Thank you to those who have coordinated and signed up to volunteer as stations.

Remember on Spirit Day, we are eating back lunches that you have either chosen to send with your child or purchased from the school.  

Enjoy this beautiful weather!

June Special Events Calendar

On it's way home to you on Wednesday.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Hello All!!! Boy do we have a busy few weeks coming up! I hope I can get it all in. 

June 1st - 8th: VEPTO contest for Box Tops!

June 6th - Last LIBRARY time

June 6th - See calendar coming home about fun activities each day!

June - August: Log in your reading minutes on Scholastic

June 13th - At 1:15 - First grade Mini Meet - Mrs. Bellanca has donated tshirts to the whole class!! They are coming home tomorrow! Thank you Katie!!!

June 17th - Spirit Day! Get the order forms in about whether or not your child is ordering a school bagged lunch that day: ). To sign up and volunteer, please click: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054daaa622aaf94-spirit

June 23rd - Last Day - Half Day!

Stay posted for more information or changes!

We Earned a Party

Hi Families,

Your kiddos have done it again! They have earned a compliment party: ). We will have our party Tuesday with board games or electronics. There are a couple kids who want to bring in toys instead. Everyone has the understanding that we share or let people see what we brought, but it is our toy/game/electronic to use or be responsible for.  They have also requested pajamas this day. We discussed appropriate dress and that it will be hot.  They do NOT have to dress in pj's! This is choice only.

Your kiddos were so polite on the field trip! I could take them anywhere.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered to chaperone.  Thank you very much to Mrs. Stark and Mrs. Sloan for coming along on the bus!

Have a great long weekend!

Some quick news to share:

Thursday, May 19 - School Wide Walk - We are just walking around the building and our home fields. Please have sneakers for this and dressed for the weather. 

Friday, May 20 - PBIS assembly - Wear Yellow

Wednesday, May 25 - Field Trip to Planetarium - No need to pack lunch. And, if you haven't yet, please send in the $5. Thank you!

Friday, May 27 - Half Day

Please try to have your child here on time for school. Although it doesn't seem to be a big deal, we establish our routine, order lunch, prepare for our day, do our morning work, some have breakfast, share important events, and begin reading by 9:00. Thank you!

Summer Birthdays

I can't believe we are already talking about this! If your child has a summer birthday, we would like to celebrate their day. There are five kiddos that we need to schedule birthdays for. Please plan a day with me soon. The Fridays in June are booking fast. We may need to look at an earlier day in one  of the weeks.

Happy Spring!!

Although the weather isn't always cooperative, there was a new smell this morning! Fresh, clean and full of spring promises. I cannot tell you how much I love your kids! They make each day amazing and wow! are they smart! Yesterday in math, they were full of amazing ideas on how to figure out patterns and what color would land on what number later on. Great thinking!

In regards to the math homework this month: We took some time off. Between activities, reading being done (or not done) at night, working hard in class and life in general, we took a break. Did your child continue to learn math and grow mathematically? Yes! We took our unit 7 assessment, we did learned and strategized every day how to solve problems. We practiced math facts. Look for the month of May math work on Monday: ).  

We have some activities coming up the remaining weeks! 

Friday, 5/6 - Fire Safety Trailer

Monday, 5/16 - BOGO Book Fair at 9:15

Wednesday, 5/25 - Field Trip (paper is coming home Monday!)

Friday, 5/27 - Half Day for Students

Monday, 5/30 - Memorial Day

For you future planners...

Monday, 6/13 - First Grade Mini Meet (field day) at 1:15

Friday, 6/17 - Spirit Day

Have a fantastic weekend!

And it's Friday!

Hello Families! I hope you all are doing well. Last week I used the paper form to catch up with everyone. Now, I finally have time to get back to the blog. Blogging is something still foreign to me, but I'm doing my best to get comfortable with it.

Some upcoming dates to know: 

4/18 - Superintendent's Day - No School Students

4/20 - LIBRARY -  This is moved because of no school Monday.

4/22 - Wear Yellow - The assembly was moved to the 22nd due to testing.

5/6 - Fire Safety Trailer - We will walk over to the fire house to learn about fire safety in our homes.

5/25  - Field Trip to the Planetarium - More information to come.

5/27 - Half Day - Consultation Day

5/30 - Memorial Day - No School

Business:

Snack - Thank you for checking on the snacks! The kids are all filling their bellies: ).

Report Cards - There are still a couple report card envelopes out there - I won't name names...

Homework - Look for math packets starting Tuesday. They will look a bit different to focus on the word problems and strategies used in class.

Thank you - You are an amazing group of parents! Thank you for all you do!

Have a great weekend!!!

Leprechaun Trap

It's that time of year again... The leprechauns are on the loose and ready to be caught. A flyer will be coming home Wednesday about the trap and all the need to know directions. Be on the look out...

Week of February 29

Happy Leap Day!! I have to admit, the science nerd part of me loves to try and explain, and understand, this day. The whole idea that throughout 4 years, we accumulate another day?? What? Crazy! 

The kids are bringing home a fun book to read about Leap Day today for their nightly reading. Tomorrow we will be back on track with our March homework packet. Thank you for your patience while we waited out February.

Each month a fitness calendar is issued for us to use to promote movement and healthy living. I am incorporating that today so that you can see it and use it as you wish. 

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
		1 20 Crab kicks 20 Mountain Climbers Repeat 3x	2 2 Push-ups 10 Sit-ups Repeat for 5 minutes	3 Sit and reach Stretch for 20 sec. Cobra pose 20 sec. Repeat 5x	4 7 Minute Work-Out www.7-min.com	5 How long can you keep a balloon in the air? Practice volleying with a family member
6 Play a tag game	7 YOGA! Choose a link above.	8 Bicycles for 1 minute Plank for 30 seconds Repeat 3x	9 Wall Push-ups 30 seconds Wall sit 30 seconds Repeat 3x	10 Inchworms for 1 minute Stretch for 1 minute Repeat 3x	11 7 Minute Work-Out www.7-min.com	12 Jump Rope!!  Get your heart rate up!
13 How many times can you jog around your house without stopping?	14 YOGA! Choose a link above.	15 Lunges 30 seconds Cross knee Lifts 30 seconds Repeat 5x	16 Line Jumps *30 criss cross *30 forward/backward *30 side to side Repeat 5x	17 Side Plank on both sides for as long as you can 25 Jumping jacks Repeat 3x	18 7 Minute Work-Out www.7-min.com	19 Play Hide and Seek with family/friends
20 Go for a family walk!	21 YOGA! Choose a link above.	22 Jog in place 30 seconds High knees 30 seconds Butt kicks 30 seconds Repeat 5x	23 Walking Wednesday! Go for a power walk with your class.  Get that heart rate up!	24 5 Burpees Toe Touch stretch 20 seconds Repeat 5x	25 With your family: 7 Minute Work-Out www.7-min.com	26 Go for a bike ride over Spring Break!
27 Go to a playground and PLAY!!	28 YOGA at home!  Check out a link above and do it with your family.	29 Try a new exercise or game with your family.	30 Try a new healthy recipe with your family.	31 Teach your family an exercise or game you play in PE class.	April 1 Play a Kickball Game	April 2 Go Bowling!

Upcoming Events:

Friday, March 4 - HCSTA Scholarship Night - come out to see Village kids play basketball against kids from Northwood and Quest to raise money for our scholarship.

Friday, March 11 - PBIS assembly - Wear YELLOW

Wednesday, March 16 - Leprechaun Traps are due!

Thursday, March 17th - A Wee St. Patrick's Day Party at 1:45

Thursday, March 24th - Last Day before spring break

Friday, March 25th - Sunday, April 3rd - Spring Break

Week of February 8th

Hi Families!

The kids are doing great today! Last week was a little unusual for us. Lots of chatter and wiggles. Today, we seem to be much more like ourselves. phew!!! 

A list of student names was mailed out to you today. If you don't receive it, please let me know.  The copier is not cooperating so I will send out a hard copy as soon as it's back to normal.  If you are able to, please have the valentines to school by the 11th. That way no one worries about forgetting their valentines Friday morning. Valentines are not required, only if you want to send them in. 

Our party is Friday morning at 9:30. It's going to be low key and short. We'll save our bigger celebrations for later in the year. 

As we leave Unit 4 in math, ask your child what types of surveys we took. And, ask what are ways one can keep track of their data. Unit 5 is all about length and measurement. The students will be using varying units of measure to find the length of a variety of objects. It's a fun and interactive way to learn how to measure length. 

We are back into full swing in reading groups. You should be seeing new books every day or two in your child's pouch. As you have time, read some with your child. I know all too well that it's hard in the evening to always carve out that time. Please try to do so as we are moving into the next levels, and practice helps them to hold onto what is learned in group. Your kids amaze me every day with what they can do!

Have an amazing week! 

Three Upcoming Events!

1. Thursday is a half day. Dismissal is at 11:10.

2. Friday is an assembly day. Please wear yellow.

3. Monday is Library. Please send in your books.

Let the Count Down Begin...

There are only 10 school days left until our 100th day celebration! Barring any snow days, we are planning to celebrate 100 days of school on Monday, February 22nd.  We will be doing projects and having events for this occasion in school.  

Our Valentine's Day party will be Friday, February 12th at 9:30. For those people who signed up to send something in or run an activity, I will be contacting you this week. If you are sending in Valentines for the class, please be sure there is one for each student.  Look for a list of names this week with each child's first name on it. We will be making our bags here to put them in. 

Just a reminder, this Thursday, the 4th is a half day.

Have a great week!

Wintry Week

Greetings from our wintry place: ). Personally, this time of year can be so discombobulating.  We're all running around with obligations, there is so much to teach and cover in the room, kids are antsy because they aren't as active... The list goes on and on. In the same breath however, it's refreshing. We do get to focus on time with one another, we do get to warm up with hot cocoa, we do get to enjoy the sparkle of fresh fallen snow... Pros and cons. 

This week we have been well underway with our reading assessments. That is also why you are seeing less change in the book pouches. The assessments take longer, kids get to keep books that we haven't read yet, and new books aren't read each day.  We will be back to our normal routine early next week. 

During math and science, we are studying properties and breaking objects into different groups according to their properties. Color, shape and size are the first ones taught, but then we looked at floating vs. not floating. It's a great combination of the subjects and a lot of hands on exploration.  

Monday is LIBRARY. Please send books in Monday. 

Have a super weekend!! We plan on watching some good movies, a little grocery shopping (well a lot of groceries!) and projects.

Today

Well, I can't say we were completely technology free. However, the kiddos did get a chance to play games together. It is warms my teacher heart to see them communicating and working together.  I would've let them play a little longer if we didn't have library.

Speaking of library, as first graders they now get to take out 2 books! Yea!!! We will have library again in two weeks. So our next library time is Monday, the 25th.

Compliments Party

We are only TWO compliments away from one hundred compliments! The kids will be coming home with some news about what are party is and when it is to happen. Stay tuned...

Two New Events

Greetings! Two events have arisen this week. The first is a PBIS assembly this Friday, which means wearing yellow. If your child has a yellow shirt, please have him or her wear it this Friday. 

The second is on Monday, the 11th, we are unplugging from technology. As a school, we are unplugging from our email, smartboards, laptops, iPads, etc. 

In our class, we will have our usual schedule with some twists. We will use board games during recess, have a read-a-thon during our morning work, and use more pen/paper usage during math.  If your child would like, please have them bring in a card or board game for recess on Monday.

Reminder: Library this Monday

This coming Monday is our library day. Your child will have a chance to return their book they have had since break for another one.