Spring Conference Week 3/24to 3/28

This is the beginning of the 4th quarter....... I can't even believe it!!! As a note I am transitioning from dependent to a more independent style.  Students are now being asked to read directions ( some) on their own and complete the assignment independently.  A few will struggling due to the fact that they are not strong on their reading or vocabulary foundation. Please practice vocabulary and reading each night or every other night to strengthen this foundation.  Also I have begun to move a little faster. Many students are doing well because they are listening to the teacher.  When a child needs to be redirected often, the rest if the class has to wait.  To truly be ready for 2nd grade they will need to be able to keep up and pay attention. To practice this skill at home, give your child multi-step directions to complete tasks.  With practice this will help them to listen completely to what is being said.  

Also it has come to my attention that parents clean out their child's backpacks and take out planners to sign them when the child is already in bed.  This will not help to build responsibility.  Please have your child bring you the planner to be signed.  Also you should really go through backpacks together.  Some items have gotten lost because" mom cleaned out my backpack".  Your child knows what they need to save to bring back to school.  This reinforces open communication with your child about what they are doing in school .  This is a very valuable time where your child can learn to be responsible for their learning.  Yes, this too takes time, but it is so worth it!! This helps to give them a sense that they are in charge of something.  This also builds confidence in being a successful learner !!  That us our ultimate goal , right ??? :)

This is spring conference week as well as the spring book fair. We have 12:30 dismissal all week.  As we begin the fourth quarter, I have seen so much growth. I look forward to seeing you at your child's conference.  This is a really exciting time of year because the students have come so far academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually!! Please be on time for your conference so we can spend the full time- 15 minutes.  Thank you.  

This Tuesday and next Tuesday the first grade is in charge of leading the morning Lenten reflection.

Coming up the first graders will be joining the 8th graders for a Stations of the Cross presentation.  Not only will we be presenting the live version of the Stations of the Cross, we will presenting them for several retirement homes.  This will take drivers :). The dates are April 9th and the 11th. Times aren't.  set yet, but I'm putting it out there for parents to plan to drive. A permission will be going out this week.  Please let me know if you will be able to drive as soon as you can!! Thanks :)

I have noticed that some students are struggling with reading vocabulary. Please be going over new and past vocabulary consistently. Much of what they do now in the 4th quarter they will read on their own. This will really be a challenge if they are not practicing the vocabulary.  This is in addition to nightly homework.  Yes , this takes more time out of your day, but isn't your child's academic success important??? Just a thought :)

In math we have begun clocks/ time. In first we work on the hour and half hour. Some students are struggling with the half hour.  A few are struggling on which hand is minute or hour. Please practice this at home .  

Vocabulary this week

envelope

writing

special

inviting

stamp

wish

should

caught

blew

peering

thought

Spelling this week- long "o"

rose

nose

rope

cone

note

hole

is

are

were 

was