Last week in October 2014

********THERE WILL NOT BE CENTERS THIS WEEK******** we have many activities this week.  Next week we will have centers. We will be making thanksgiving dinner table decorations and I'll need parent help on that day :)

This week is RED RIBBON WEEK!!  

Things to know for the week:

Tuesday - Red and White Free dress

Friday - Halloween!! Students can wear their costumes- there will be a costume parade in the morning.

We will have our Halloween party at 1:15. Please contact room parents if you want to bring in something, come to help with the party etc. please contact them to sign up so you can help!

Other important info:

Wednesday is our September/October birthday party- I have posted a sign up for parents of birthday students. We will start at 12:45. We have an all- school dance party at 1:45 - Red Ribbon Week -activity. 

Vocab this week: words are getting more difficult. Please practice each day!

any

animals

trouble

kind

gave

there

thing

nice

thought

answered

belongs

asked

Spelling this week: long o sound-

not

pot

hot

cot

dot

on

box

pop

top

stop

I enjoyed meeting with each of you last week at our conference!  Please remember that we are a team, and I that I am here to help you in the education of your child :) !!!

October 20th- Conference week & Book Fair!

Happy Sunday!!!

Upcoming events to look forward to :)

- We are performing in the Annual Thanksgiving Program on Thursday, November 13, 2014 @ 6:30 PM.  We will be performing the all too famous "Spoons"( a Mrs. Mill's favorite :)) and a Native American rhythm dance. We will be making shirts for the Indian Dance. I'll be asking you to send the shirt in soon. I will need parent helpers on the day we do this activity ( making the shirts) at school. I'll post the date and time on my blog :). I'll ask Janie to post it on the class Facebook page as well--- it's a fun way to earn hours!!!

- At the end of this month- Wednesday, October, 29 @ 1:30 we will be celebrating our September and October birthdays!  If your child had a birthday during this time, please sign up to bring something. Remember you don't have to just bring in food items. You may bring in a pencil, eraser, bubbles etc.  please don't feel obligated to bring something expensive or an entire goodie bag. It's just so your child may hand out something to their classmates at their birthday party. :). Our last celebration was a blast- we had treats and played games at the end of the day- like a real birthday party :). They loved it !  It made our birthday students feel so special :). I will post a sign up sheet this week!

Because this week is conference week, we will be having 12:30 dismissal all week. Please make sure you know your time so that you'll be here. Our conferences are only 15 min. So you'll want to have your full 15 min.  If you're the first conference, we start at 1:15 PM. I can't wait to see each of you!!!

Packets weren't sent home last week, because that will give us an example of your child's daily work.  

********PLEASE, it is very important that you return your child's signed report card with your child MONDAY AM. This is an important part for your conference, thank you for supporting this request:) 

Vocab this week:

knows

warm

goes

brothers

sister

about

together 

ears

eyes

body

legs

nose

Spelling this week:

big

and

map

did

the

fin

ran

jig

had

it

We have just begun to discuss Native Americans in Social Studies.  If you have items, resources, or are a Native American, please let me know. It's wonderful when parents can come in to speak to the class.  

If you would like to come in to share or have resources that you can discuss with the class, please come in--- this is another great way to earn hours !!!!  Thanks :)

******Just as a resource, here are a few ways you can work with your child at home:

Read to your child-- ask them questions about the story 

Contraction words

Compound words

Short vowels words

Rhyming words

Practice handwriting

Basic Math facts/ addition

Using the internet:

Talk to them about various saints you might know

Native Americans - plains Indians 

Like I've said on many occasions, we are partners in the education of your child.  I appreciate the fact that many of you have come to talk to me.  I have loved all the positive feedback that I've received.  I also appreciate when parents have come to me when there are questions or concerns, instead of other parents first.  When parents don't come in to see me, but discuss the situation with others, it's very counter productive. So remember,  my door is always open :). We're in this together!

******* Morning drop off. Please do not come to the classroom with your child if the bell hasn't rung, even if the bell is about to ring.  You must go to the auditorium with your child.  We have had an increasing amount of children wandering around before school instead of going to the auditorium where they will be safely supervised. This rule is about safety. The office staff has asked teachers to remind parents of this rule.  Thank you for your support in this matter! 

10/6 to 10/9: short week---- Friday10/10 OFF!

Important information for this week: 

* Due to the short week, we will not :

1. No new spelling words

2. No centers on Wednesday 10/8- sorry for the inconvenience. 

Other:

* the end of the first quarter is this Thursday, October 9th.  If you child has been absent, you need to make sure all work is picked up and completed by this Thursday...... There are no exceptions.  Any missing work will be zeros.  REPORT CARDS WILL GO HOME NEXT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17th. Remember they must be signed and returned the following Monday, October 20th.  If it isn't signed and /or returned on that day, your child will have to sit out 5 min- with an additional 5 for each day after that.  We need these report cards for that week of conferences. Thank you fir your understanding and support in this matter :)

** A permission slip will go home this Tuesday for our exciting field trip to Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch next Wednesday, October 15th.  Please mark your calendars. If you can drive( have fingerprints, safe environment training completed, and this year's car registration/ insurance info turned into Carnation ) please let me know!! We will be leaving OLM by 8:30 and will be returning by lunch that day. ***** remember no siblings are allowed to attend the trip with us. It is an insurance liability.  

*** If you are a room mom, or assistant, we will need to plan a snack and a drink to have there during a break. It's a long morning to not have something to eat or drink.  They have promised a wonderful and exciting trip for our class. Each child will also be able to choose a pumpkin to take home :). FUN, FUN, FUN day!!!!!

DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR CHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT that morning!! If they do not bring one, they will not be able to attend the trip with us. 

**** please watch for the permission slip to come home on Tuesday. It will need to be SIGNED AND RETURNED THE FOLLOWING DAY!! 

********* I thank all the parents in advance for helping in some way to make this trip one to remember!!!!*********

Other dates/events to add to your calendar : 

1. Class mass with 8th grade -Thursday, October 17th at 8:15 in our school's Chapel.  Some students will be reading petitions.  If your child is reading a petition, I will staple reading into their planner for them to practice at home.  Please, join us if you'd like :)

2. We are performing in this year's fall Thanksgiving program.  The program will be November 13th.  More info to follow :)

VOCABULARY THIS WEEK :

some

may

more

mother

tell

when

again

long

he

she

surprise

was

grow

NO SPELLING WORDS THIS WEEK :) Three-day weekend coming up! :)

If you haven't already, buy Octoberfest tickets!!! It is such a fun night!!! This is our technology fundraiser.  I hope everyone is planning to attend:)

Is your child a MATH MASTER??? We are up to our 4th level of addition tests!! Some students are math masters in all 3 levels so far........ I can tell most have been working on the facts at home.  Remember we are working on memorizing the facts, so that students aren't relying on manipulatives ( fingers , beads etc)....... This is a school-wide goal!! However,  I still have a couple who haven't passed the first test :(. I have a chart in the classroom, please come to see how well your child is doing..... I want for every one of my students to be masters!!! This will take practice at home :). Please, help your child be successful :) I want all my students to master the addition facts by December!  I will plan a special treat along with scheduling a "Fun Friday" for the same afternoon :).  LET' GO FIRST GRADERS---- YOU CAN DO THIS :)!!!!!!!

ARE YOU A FIRST GRADE MATH MASTER ???????

I am trying something new to help students to control their talking/ no talking in the classroom. Please ask them after school about their "Quiet Buddy". Their reward for keeping their quiet buddy 4 out if the 5 days in a week- will allow a sock monkey to go home in Fridays :). 

Soon to be October :) 9/29 to 10/3

This week's spelling words :)

Short vowel i sound:  id "chunk"

win

hid

kid

did

is

slid

rid

lid

with

fin

I apologize for the mix up with the spelling words last week :/. I was out sick and my substitute (mrs. costa- also my mom) collected the list after the activity they did with list.  I was SO impressed how connected the parents are that they got the words and got them sent out to almost everyone - I love that there's a Facebook page that got them listed for parents!! AWESOME JOB PARENTS!!!! 

Vocabulary words this week:

your

where

make

fly

needs

be

tail

work

kite

day

by

that

down

*** I will begin vocabulary assessments. This assessment will include the first 6 weeks of vocabulary. As I suggested, if you kept reviewing all words along with the new ones each week- your child will do well.  If you haven't please review them.  If it looks like your child will need more review, I will write a note in their planner.  Thank you. 

MATH MASTERS!!!! 

I'm sure your child has mentioned that we are doing a math facts challenge in the classroom.  I have a chart, and when they pass each of the different levels of addition tests, they get a sticker on the chart. In order to move on, they must pass each level.  When we get through with the addition levels, and your child has passed each level, they will get a treat to be announced at a later date.  If your child is struggling, please work with them at home :). Flash cards are the best way to learn the facts. I really want each child to pass the challenge!  It may take extra work from you at home to help them learn them!! Remember we want your child to learn/ memorize the facts. With practice, this is possible.  You can have them start with the 1's then move to the 2's and so on.  Have them write the facts out 1+1=2 and so on.  All these strategies are very helpful in teaching them "how"to memorize- a skill they will need in subsequent grades to study for tests.  It's never too early to start learning this skill.  So far most of my students are doing very well!!!! Go first graders!!!!!

Here is a revised list for centers:

1st and 3rd Wednesdays:

Tina Roberts

Lori Gallo

Melissa Pareira

Mrs. Weber- Emma's grandma

Mrs. Buendia

2nd and 4th Wednesdays:

Lori Gallo

Tina Roberts

Janie Schuesler

Mrs. Buendia 

****** I am in need of another volunteer for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.  If you would like to volunteer in the classroom and earn hours, please, please let me know :). If you can't do both, and would like one of the days, please let me know!! Thank you so much !! Your support is always appreciated!! ******

A word about illnesses ....... Please, if you know your child is sick( coughing 

a lot, fever , etc) please keep them home. Children this age catch EVERYTHING, so if you can, please keep them home.  When you send them, and tell them " if you don't feel well, have the school call home" , it is all they think about.  They are very distracted and don't get their work done.  It's a lose/ lose situation.  We all need to be responsible in keeping all students well.  Thank you for being supportive. 

I was so proud to see so many of my students at 9:00 Mass on Sunday!! Go Lancers :)

Don't forget, this Friday is the BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Mass.  Mass begins at 11:00 on the front lawn in front of preschool. If you are bringing a pet, you will keep the pet with you during the mass.  Your child will go to you after the mass, for the blessing.  Please remember to walk your child back TO THE CLASSROOM after the mass.  I will have already taken the rest of the class back.  We will need to account for everyone before I can dismiss the class.  Also, it is a 12:30 dismissal day.  Please be there at that time to pick up your child.  Thank you :). If you can, please let me know before Friday,  if you will be bringing your pet.  This helps with organizing them after mass. It's good to know who will be staying with a parent for the blessing, and who will be walking back with me.  Thank you again. 

September 22-September 26

Upcoming dates to remember:

This Friday 9-26 is spirit free dress- students need to be in navy blue and white- or OLM t-shirt that can be purchased in the office. 

Sunday, September 28 at 9 am- OLM School Mass at St. Patrick's Church.  Please join us for mass as a school family, students should wear their OLM School uniform- Let's show our parish that we are proud of our school :)!!!

October 3rd-  is our Blessing of the Animals Mass.  Mass begins at 11:00 AM on the lawn in front of preschool. If you bring your pet, there will be a section for parents and their pets.  Students will sit with the class, and then when it's time for the animals to get blessed, they can join you and their pet.  School will dismiss at 12:30 for minimum day.  Students must come back to the classroom after their pet is blessed to get their backpack and be dismissed for the day.  This way all students are accounted for.  It can be a little stressful because the students who don't have pets walk back to the classroom with me after mass, and your child is with you and their pet.  Please bring your child back to the classroom when you are done.  THANK YOU for your understanding in this matter!

CENTERS

We will begin centers this week. Thank you to these parent who have volunteered to help in the classroom on Wednesdays from 8:45 to 10:00 AM. During this time, students rotate through various language arts enrichment activities.  Here is the volunteer list:

1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month:
Mrs. Weber ( Emma's Grandma )

Lori Gallo

Amy Bunce

Melissa Pareira

2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month:

Janie Schuesler

Lori Gallo

Amy Bunce

Melissa Pariera 

*** all volunteers have been fingerprinted and have taken safe environment training***

Thank you so much for volunteering to help!!!

I SO APPRECIATED ALL THE HELP WITH SNACKS DURING TESTING WEEK!! My students and I ate well!!!!

Week of September 15th

It's ITBS testing week!!  
Please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats a healthy breakfast this week.
Please do not schedule appointments until after lunch this week.
Please encourage you child to do their very BEST :)

Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to bring in a healthy snack each day this week.  We want to make sure they get a snack that will keep their bodies fueled up during the tests!

******** PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND RETURN YOUR CHILD'S PROGRESS REPORT TOMORROW- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH---- THANK YOU!!*********      


The only thing they will have to do as homework is practice their vocabulary, and new spelling words.  I want them to relax at home.  They need a break because testing can sometimes be stressful for some :)

Vocab this week:

clean
all
of'why
up
would
this
but
take
because
find
circle
animal
turtle

Spelling list this week:

nap
tap
lap
map
cap
has
and
had

Let's have a GREAT WEEK!!!
GOD BLESS :)
 

HAPPY SEPTEMBER!!

We have a busy, full week! 

We will start addition timed tests and spelling tests!  Usually the math facts timed tests are given 3 to 4 times a week at the beginning of the math period.  They are 25 problems, and I begin by giving them 5 min. to finish.  If they don't finish, it's ok....... I would rather see them complete some of the problems accurately then complete the test with many errors.  It is a work in progress, with practice at home and at school, their scores will improve.  This is a school-wide goal.  Learning these basic facts will help with their overall math success!

Spelling tests begin this week.  The words are given out on Tuesdays( but if you check the blog, you'll have the words Sunday nights :) ) Hint, Hint...... Check the Blog every week.  The list contains 8-10 words to learn.  I also give 2 challenge words on each test.  They will follow a concept that we have practiced in class.  For example, this weeks words are short vowel "a" words.  So challenge words may follow that. We have also been going over "th" and "ch" words, and they may be words with those patterns.  Just remember that practicing each night with your child is very helpful!

PARENT HELPERS NEEDED!!!!!!!!!  
******Remember you must have fingerprints completed and have attended safe environment training to work with the students!!!!!

Next week I would like to start centers.  Centers with go from 8:45 to 10:00 every Wednesday.  If you can help please let me know as soon as you can, so I can set up a schedule.  If you can help every week, or only on particular dates,  let me know that too.  This way I can give everyone a chance to come in.  Remember, this is a fun way to earn those parent hours, and it is a great way to see what we are learning in first grade.  Write me a note or send me an email as soon as you can, thanks in advance, for your support :)

PROGRESS REPORTS GO HOME THIS FRIDAY!    
They will go home on Friday, and MUST come back signed on the following Monday! 

Just a note:
They are a PROGRESS report.  They are grades that show progress thus far.  They can be improved for the report card.  If you have questions or concerns, please come talk to me.  My students are doing well so far this year!  I am very proud of the efforts so far !! :)


Heads UP!

We will very taking a trip to the Hunter's Pumpkin patch October 15th.  If you want to help drive and chaperone- you must have fingerprints done, and have completed the safe environment training here at school in order to attend and help us with the trip.  ALSO, IN ORDER TO DRIVE, YOU MUST HAVE ALL REQUIRED INSURANCE INFORMATION TURNED INTO THE OFFICE.  Please talk to Carnation to get the paperwork you with need to fill out and what you'll need to turn in to the office.  Thanks 

******Next safe environment training will be THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 IN THE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM AT 6:00 P.M.!!!  I'm not sure there will be another one before this trip, so if you haven't attended you need to attend !!! 

This week's vocabulary: Please continue to review past words as well as the new words!

is
my
from
run
jump
walk
think
fun
play
home
friend
like

This week's spelling words: Practice test Thursdays- Final test Friday

at
cat
sat
mat
hat
rat
man
can



I want to thank all the wonderful parents who continue to be a great support to me and to the students in my class.  It's this partnership that will make this year a true success!!!!!!  God Bless You!!!!