27 March-2 April 2010
IMPORTANT Dates:
Wednesday: 31 March Class Pictures 9:30 Bring your smiles!
Thursday: 1 April Spring Farm Study Trip Bring your healthy 'sack' lunch in all disposable packaging and a water bottle with your name on it. We'll picnic, observe the plants and animals on the farm in the spring and watch a demonstration on making tagliatelle with the chicken's eggs! If you're interested in purchasing a bag of the pasta, just write me @ elizabeth.petty@eu.dodea.edu. Don't be late, because the bus will depart @ 8:30 or shortly after. Backpacks are allowed, but know that the students will have to carry their own load. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing, please. Hope for a sunshiny day--
5 April: No School for Students: Teacher Inservice Day; Beginning Blends Project can be handed in during the dates of 5-20 April. I'm excited to see their completion.
9-18 April: Spring Recess
19 April: Return to school for 4th quarter
Some of you are probably wondering what homework to do when. There is definitely not a lack of activities to choose from. Among them: reading for our gold medal (15 minutes a day), recording our thoughts about a book in our Reader's Response Log (2-3 times/week), on-line activities (RAZ-kids reading, IXL Math, Sight Words with Samson, and Spelling City), or some of the work that needs to be completed from our daily schedule that didn't quite get finished. Most of you are doing a magnificent job with balance. We're working hard during the day at school, as I try to 'sew-up' much needed review/extra practice, and introduce new skills they're reading to tackle. The greatest need at this time of year is to do SOMETHING EVERYDAY. Reading is a must, but then just add one more item on your child's daily homework menu, and that will do. I am happy about students who recently read as I recorded their reading for the 3rd quarter. Most students are on track for finishing the year at or above level in reading. Thank you so much for all you do. Your child's success is vital to their transition to 2nd grade.
Many parents have contributed their time to the classroom as a volunteer this year. Even though I could be much more organized for their arrival, their time and patience has made a difference in what I've been able to accomplish. There's always work to do, so a big THANK YOU to those of you who've helped throughout the year.
Lastly, I am a really valuing great work habits and independence with appropriate work habits this last part of the year. My high expectations continue with the development of a good work ethic, choosing the right and encouraging students to always do their best. Lifelong learners' qualities include many things and I am aware that they take this skills with them throughout the remaining years of their education and days of future work endeavors. Thank you for all your support in encouraging the same standard at home.
Best wishes for a sunny week!
Mrs. Petty
Sunday, March 21, 2010
21-28 March 2010
NEWSFLASH: Wednesday, 31 March, Class Pictures at 9:15 a.m.-Come w/your smile!
Our upside-down week wasn't so bad! We were a supportive class to the 3rd-5th grade students who tested every morning from 8:20-11:00. We had our specials in the morning and did a great job working hard. I had to turn down the talking and get back on task with learning throughout all periods of the day. We are working continually on staying on task, utilizing our time wisely, and using supplies appropriately.
Continue to encourage the use of the Go for the Gold Reading Olympics Reading Logs. We've increased our abundance of Reading Counts quizzes/points, and we're continuing to count books read, minutes read, and reading counts points as a cumulative total. Thanks for signing the logs daily to keep our 'up to date' points total. Our goal is to earn a gold medal by having each student read a minimum of 75 minutes at home per week. That's 15 minutes a day, which is a reasonable demand for the 3 books that they bring home from our class library.
Many thanks to the parents who signed up to accompany us on our first Bus Study Trip to the Farm in Springtime. Can't wait to see how tagliatelle is made and finally enjoy a picnic together. Remember, we'll depart shortly after our arrival at school on Thursday, 1 April, and spend most of the day at the farm enjoying the spring weather and sights on the farm. Send in your Euro and Study Trip Permission slip as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this.
We're working on our end of 3rd quarter assessments in Reading, Writing & Math. The students are working independently on most assignments now and show continued improvement toward readiness for the expectations of 2nd graders. Keep up the on-line homework, the reader's response logs, and reading of books and/or on-line books so our minutes read can grow into Gold Medals.
Ask you student if they need any replacement supplies. We are especially low on sharpened pencils, glue sticks, and new kinds of fun things to use when completing coloring tasks at school. One family has furnished our class with an entire box of new glue sticks, and they have really come in handy. We're also going to be planting some flower boxes outside our room in the window sills. If you have any fresh planting soil, plastic window boxes, gravel and bedding plants, we'd be glad to take them off your hands to watch our 'garden' grow! We've had fun with sidewalk chalk and most of us made a self-portrait during our long-awaited, but hard earned extra 15-minute recess. Looking forward to the treasures you'll donate, perhaps?
Thank you so much for all the support this year. I will push them academically and behaviorally throughout the rest of the year and hope that the summer months shows the continuation of work with the on-line programs on this blog. A little too soon to talk about the summer, but learning will continue, if you encourage it in between swimming and family trips. What a great year we've had so far.
Remember that Spring Recess dates are: 9 April-18 April!!
Mrs. Petty
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NEWSFLASH: Wednesday, 31 March, Class Pictures at 9:15 a.m.-Come w/your smile!
Our upside-down week wasn't so bad! We were a supportive class to the 3rd-5th grade students who tested every morning from 8:20-11:00. We had our specials in the morning and did a great job working hard. I had to turn down the talking and get back on task with learning throughout all periods of the day. We are working continually on staying on task, utilizing our time wisely, and using supplies appropriately.
Continue to encourage the use of the Go for the Gold Reading Olympics Reading Logs. We've increased our abundance of Reading Counts quizzes/points, and we're continuing to count books read, minutes read, and reading counts points as a cumulative total. Thanks for signing the logs daily to keep our 'up to date' points total. Our goal is to earn a gold medal by having each student read a minimum of 75 minutes at home per week. That's 15 minutes a day, which is a reasonable demand for the 3 books that they bring home from our class library.
Many thanks to the parents who signed up to accompany us on our first Bus Study Trip to the Farm in Springtime. Can't wait to see how tagliatelle is made and finally enjoy a picnic together. Remember, we'll depart shortly after our arrival at school on Thursday, 1 April, and spend most of the day at the farm enjoying the spring weather and sights on the farm. Send in your Euro and Study Trip Permission slip as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this.
We're working on our end of 3rd quarter assessments in Reading, Writing & Math. The students are working independently on most assignments now and show continued improvement toward readiness for the expectations of 2nd graders. Keep up the on-line homework, the reader's response logs, and reading of books and/or on-line books so our minutes read can grow into Gold Medals.
Ask you student if they need any replacement supplies. We are especially low on sharpened pencils, glue sticks, and new kinds of fun things to use when completing coloring tasks at school. One family has furnished our class with an entire box of new glue sticks, and they have really come in handy. We're also going to be planting some flower boxes outside our room in the window sills. If you have any fresh planting soil, plastic window boxes, gravel and bedding plants, we'd be glad to take them off your hands to watch our 'garden' grow! We've had fun with sidewalk chalk and most of us made a self-portrait during our long-awaited, but hard earned extra 15-minute recess. Looking forward to the treasures you'll donate, perhaps?
Thank you so much for all the support this year. I will push them academically and behaviorally throughout the rest of the year and hope that the summer months shows the continuation of work with the on-line programs on this blog. A little too soon to talk about the summer, but learning will continue, if you encourage it in between swimming and family trips. What a great year we've had so far.
Remember that Spring Recess dates are: 9 April-18 April!!
Mrs. Petty
Sunday, March 14, 2010
14-20 March 2010
Important Events:
3rd Qtr. Home/Family Project Assignment: Beginning Blends Poster
Tues., 16 March: Study Trip to Aviano Market: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wed., 17 March: Wearin' of the Green-St. Patrick's Day
Sat., 20 March: First Day of Spring!
Sun., 28 March: European Daylight Savings: Spring Forward!
Thurs., 8 April: End of 3rd Qtr.
Spring Recess: 9-18 April
Our walking Study Trip will occur on Tuesday, 16th of March. If you're chaperoning (thank you so much!), please arrive NLT 10:00. We will depart the classroom shortly after that with our teams. This is a great opportunity to use our Italian and enjoy the open air market of Aviano. We'll also dine, once again, at Casa Bianca, for a pizza or pasta lunch and return to school @ 12:30. If there is inclement weather, including rain, we will cancel this time. Often times the market has limited kiosks, if the weather doesn't cooperate. If there is a question, please call the school office for updated information. Get those walking shoes on and we'll head out!
We enjoyed TWO, yes 2-popcorn parties on Friday. One for our class' efforts with Box Tops collections for last month (Thanks, PTA!), and another for earning enough class cooperation STARS in Art! Way to go, CLASS.
Continue signing the Go for the Gold Reading Logs. Our class goal is 15 minutes a day, every day of the week. You can count, the books in the reading bag, RAZ-kids reading on the computer, and/or reading TO your child. You can list the book titles, minutes read, and I'll fill in the reading counts equivalance points.
Please step up the IXL Math use. Our class is gaining recognition for mastery of 1st Grade skills, however, we're a bit off on overall percentage of mastery at only 25%. A few students have amazing results and the time spent only prepares them for expectations in 2nd grade.
Use the links on the right side of the post, and enjoy your start on the 3rd quarter Home/Family Beginning Blends Project.
Let's have a great week!
Mrs. Petty
Important Events:
3rd Qtr. Home/Family Project Assignment: Beginning Blends Poster
Tues., 16 March: Study Trip to Aviano Market: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wed., 17 March: Wearin' of the Green-St. Patrick's Day
Sat., 20 March: First Day of Spring!
Sun., 28 March: European Daylight Savings: Spring Forward!
Thurs., 8 April: End of 3rd Qtr.
Spring Recess: 9-18 April
Our walking Study Trip will occur on Tuesday, 16th of March. If you're chaperoning (thank you so much!), please arrive NLT 10:00. We will depart the classroom shortly after that with our teams. This is a great opportunity to use our Italian and enjoy the open air market of Aviano. We'll also dine, once again, at Casa Bianca, for a pizza or pasta lunch and return to school @ 12:30. If there is inclement weather, including rain, we will cancel this time. Often times the market has limited kiosks, if the weather doesn't cooperate. If there is a question, please call the school office for updated information. Get those walking shoes on and we'll head out!
We enjoyed TWO, yes 2-popcorn parties on Friday. One for our class' efforts with Box Tops collections for last month (Thanks, PTA!), and another for earning enough class cooperation STARS in Art! Way to go, CLASS.
Continue signing the Go for the Gold Reading Logs. Our class goal is 15 minutes a day, every day of the week. You can count, the books in the reading bag, RAZ-kids reading on the computer, and/or reading TO your child. You can list the book titles, minutes read, and I'll fill in the reading counts equivalance points.
Please step up the IXL Math use. Our class is gaining recognition for mastery of 1st Grade skills, however, we're a bit off on overall percentage of mastery at only 25%. A few students have amazing results and the time spent only prepares them for expectations in 2nd grade.
Use the links on the right side of the post, and enjoy your start on the 3rd quarter Home/Family Beginning Blends Project.
Let's have a great week!
Mrs. Petty
Saturday, March 06, 2010
7-13 March 2010
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Our class won the Grade Level Popcorn Party for February! We'll have fresh popcorn delivered to our class on Friday. Keep on savin' those BOX TOPS!! Thank you---
Blustery March has begun and we've had snow, rain, wind, and sun all in a matter of the first five school days. Keep sending in those jackets!
We've begun our "Go for the Gold" Reading Challenge. The new reading log was sent home in your child's Reading Bag yesterday. Please record reading activity daily, as we'll total the progress and compete for our gold medals throughout the next 5 weeks. Here is the benchmark information to meet your child's goal(s) for the week:
1st Grade Goals:
50 minutes/week, and/or 10 books/week, and/or 2 Reading Count points per week
You can choose any or all of these options when recording your child's work on the new reading log.
Of course, winning medals is fun, but this helps to solidify progress in reading and supports fluent, automatic reading of books with expression and phrasing. We're also working toward the end-of-year benchmark of Guided Reading Level I/Developmental Reading Assessment Level 18. This is the mark for which 1st graders are considered 'on grade level' at year's end. Many will exceed this mark. I'm so appreciative of the home reading program support you've offered to your child throughout this year. Between the books sent home, the on-line access to e-books, and the library books for read to purposes, they've progressed nicely up to this point. Keep the habit of reading alive in your home! Thank you so much--
I'm making one last call for all Study Trip Permission slips on Monday. I am required to submit all chaperone names and info for security reasons and look forward to having all students paid, slips submitted, and ready to go. We'll hope for sun, and then some more sun. We're headed for another lengthy walk, but it's good for us, right? :-)
The completion of the reader's response logs are also encouraged 2-3 times a week. I have adjusted my promise to respond to their logs to once a week. Between the writing process editing and final copy work, the time slips away. I have 5 students who are doing such a great job on this additional homework assignment. Please ask your student where their log is. It should be kept in their Reading Bag with their books.
Some students have received 100% on their recent High Frequency word test. This means that they are able to read the four rows of 25 words quickly, and without error. This makes such a difference in their comprehension of story and rate (fluency) of reading their leveled stories. Please keep reading those flashcards and if you're still waiting on making them, do it this week. We still have enough time to make a difference for the end of year progress measures.
We had a wonderful visit from our new assistant principal, Mrs. Murray, about safety concerns in and outside of the building. The students were very respectful and great listeners for her presentation. Now we're working on implementing her requests through our actions while at school. Places to be extra careful: playground, stairways,halls, and cafeteria. Ask your child about all the items she had to talk to us about.
Continue with the on-line links. The students are now quite amazing logging in with their many usernames and passwords to the RAZ-kids, IXL Math, Sight Words w/Samson, and Spelling City sites. The skills included on these sites offer a vast amount of extra practice in the many math, reading and spelling skills needed to become effective 2nd graders next year.
Once again, thank you for all you do. Have a wonderful week.
Mrs. Petty
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Our class won the Grade Level Popcorn Party for February! We'll have fresh popcorn delivered to our class on Friday. Keep on savin' those BOX TOPS!! Thank you---
Blustery March has begun and we've had snow, rain, wind, and sun all in a matter of the first five school days. Keep sending in those jackets!
We've begun our "Go for the Gold" Reading Challenge. The new reading log was sent home in your child's Reading Bag yesterday. Please record reading activity daily, as we'll total the progress and compete for our gold medals throughout the next 5 weeks. Here is the benchmark information to meet your child's goal(s) for the week:
1st Grade Goals:
50 minutes/week, and/or 10 books/week, and/or 2 Reading Count points per week
You can choose any or all of these options when recording your child's work on the new reading log.
Of course, winning medals is fun, but this helps to solidify progress in reading and supports fluent, automatic reading of books with expression and phrasing. We're also working toward the end-of-year benchmark of Guided Reading Level I/Developmental Reading Assessment Level 18. This is the mark for which 1st graders are considered 'on grade level' at year's end. Many will exceed this mark. I'm so appreciative of the home reading program support you've offered to your child throughout this year. Between the books sent home, the on-line access to e-books, and the library books for read to purposes, they've progressed nicely up to this point. Keep the habit of reading alive in your home! Thank you so much--
I'm making one last call for all Study Trip Permission slips on Monday. I am required to submit all chaperone names and info for security reasons and look forward to having all students paid, slips submitted, and ready to go. We'll hope for sun, and then some more sun. We're headed for another lengthy walk, but it's good for us, right? :-)
The completion of the reader's response logs are also encouraged 2-3 times a week. I have adjusted my promise to respond to their logs to once a week. Between the writing process editing and final copy work, the time slips away. I have 5 students who are doing such a great job on this additional homework assignment. Please ask your student where their log is. It should be kept in their Reading Bag with their books.
Some students have received 100% on their recent High Frequency word test. This means that they are able to read the four rows of 25 words quickly, and without error. This makes such a difference in their comprehension of story and rate (fluency) of reading their leveled stories. Please keep reading those flashcards and if you're still waiting on making them, do it this week. We still have enough time to make a difference for the end of year progress measures.
We had a wonderful visit from our new assistant principal, Mrs. Murray, about safety concerns in and outside of the building. The students were very respectful and great listeners for her presentation. Now we're working on implementing her requests through our actions while at school. Places to be extra careful: playground, stairways,halls, and cafeteria. Ask your child about all the items she had to talk to us about.
Continue with the on-line links. The students are now quite amazing logging in with their many usernames and passwords to the RAZ-kids, IXL Math, Sight Words w/Samson, and Spelling City sites. The skills included on these sites offer a vast amount of extra practice in the many math, reading and spelling skills needed to become effective 2nd graders next year.
Once again, thank you for all you do. Have a wonderful week.
Mrs. Petty
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