19-25 April 2010
Welcome Back from Spring Break!
Most of us were able to return safely without delays, but we're still waiting on the Chavez family to arrive! I apologize about this delayed posting. First of all, I will not be holding any conferences on Friday, as I will not be in school that day. Report cards will be sent home on Thursday and the class and individual results were outstanding. I am also enclosing a note concerning assessment results. I have already held a few telephone conferences. If anyone would like to meet after Tuesday, 4 May, please indicate on the note enclosed in the report card envelope when you return it with your signature. Wish me luck to attend my son's wedding in the U.S. during the 28 April-4 May!
DODDS schools recently adopted a new reading program, and we're 'trying it out' during this last quarter. It is rich in comprehension, phonics, and vocabulary development. All the students began using some of the components on Monday and we're reading our way through the last Unit of the 1st grade series. This will be fully implemented next year, so if your child is returning to AES, you'll hear more about the READING STREET program. Our spelling has changed and the new word list was sent home in their reading bag on Monday/Tuesday. We already took a pre-test and we have 4 students exempt from taking the test on Thursday! The use of spelling city, is no longer required because of this change.
Continue using the reading bag for assisting your child in scoring a bank of points on quizzes (10 multiple choice questions), where they have to get a minimum of 7/10 to earn a point for each book. We have introduced chapter books into our reading as well. I've encouraged the students to 'get back' on the computer with RAZ-kids and IXL Math, as well. Let's give this last push through to the end of the year on June 17th. You will have access to the web-sites over the summer, as well. Even if you're PCS-ing, your student will be able to avoid summer reading and math loss to help them retain what they've accomplished in 1st grade, therefore, arriving in their 2nd grade class on grade level and ready to learn.
Thank you so much, for all your help and concern throughout the year. We're collecting sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and great work and attitudes through the end of the year. Please remember to sign and return the enclosed papers in your report card envelope and return NLT Tuesday morning, 27th April.
Our question of the day each morning is: What can your child do ON THEIR OWN now that it's the last quarter. This is the true test as to what they'll take with them. We are working on being problem solvers, instead of problem-makers, also. We're still on the learning curve, so keep on working on homework, reading books, writing in the journal 2-3 times a week, and visiting the web-sites as often as possible.
Mrs. Petty
