Thanks to all of you for your prayers and patience while I was out of school. The leg is on the mend but I'm not out of the woods just yet. I plan to be here all week.
It has been great to be with the children today---you have wonderful children! They were so concerned about me. I took off the brace so they could touch it and see what it is all about. I hope that helped them deal with some of their questions and feelings---I think it did.
MANY thanks to Mrs. Calabrese for organizing the Halloween festivies. I'm so glad that we had met to plan the whole thing WEEKS ago!!!!!
Thanks also for your donations for the party. I hope the students enjoyed themselves---it sounds like they did.
i'm off to catch up on other things . . . .
i just want to let you know that
i'm back! Can't figure out what's going on with that
i . . . .)
Thanks again! Kathleen
Thanks!Friday October 17, 2008
Here's the weekly Room 9 update:
Religion:
Be sure to discuss and sign the 2 quizzes that come home this weekend.
We continue to review the Joyful Mysteries as we say a decade of the rosary daily. After 3 weeks, your child should be able to name the Joyful Mysteries or at least be able to tell you something about each.
The Act of Faith, Hope and Love is copied in their copybook. Please practice that until it is memorized.
We say it daily in school.
Be have started reading about saints. This is to help prepare students for their upcoming saint report. The information will be sent home on Oct. 20 for presentations Nov. 12-14.
Thank you for your support of the Student Council's collection for the hurricane victims. Grade one's box is OVERFLOWING!
Math:
Continue to drill the +1, +2 +3s and 4s nightly. Nightly practice for accuracy and speed show in the classroom.
PLEASE SEND A PUMPKIN TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR STUDENT ON MONDAY.
Reading:
Read nightly. Fill in the Pizza Hut Book-It calendar as you read. It can be turned in on Nov. 3.
The word attack skills are coming along!!!! Decoding BIG words is fun (and easier) now that we have practiced the short and long vowels and blends.
Science:
The science experiments were great. You would be VERY proud of your student's confidence in front of their peers.
It hope that you heard about the DELICIOUS applesauce that we made yesterday! Two students that didn't want to try any changed their mind after hearing their friend's comments! I was VERY proud of them for trying!
Thanks to the Dufranes for the fun ghost Superstar activity last week.
IN HOPES THAT ALL STUDENT'S will have a reading pillow, the deadline is being extended AGAIN! PLEASE SEND IN YOUR CHILD'S T SHIRT BY THURSDAY, OCT. 213! THIS IS THE last EXTENSION!
There is no school for students on Friday.
Have an enjoyable & safe weekend.
God bless you!
KSM
MONDAY11 HOMEWORK info!
The family activity sheet that went home with the students today isn't due UNTIL FRIDAY!!! I meant to have them write that on the paper but we ran out ouf time.
Please try the sentence activity that is on the paper as well as nightly review of the words. (Encourage another person for the subject instead of "I") They CAN BE very creative if we encourage them to NOT use "I" all the time! Thanks!
As with all papers, please sign and return it---but not til Friday.
I hope I caught everyone in time.
We are beginning the +3 as you can see from the fact family examples in the copybook.
KSM
FRIDAY update
A work pack and progress report are coming home today for you to review. You have seen most of these papers already. You might see "FIX", "FINISH", or "DO" on them. Please do as instructed.
The papers were done DWC (Done WITH Class) so the directions were read AND explained!
Hopefully, you reviewed the prgress in the yellow Practice book last weekend.
Please return the entire pack on Monday after reviewing it with your student.
Keep reading and practicing the words and math faacts!
K. Morrison
WOOPS!!! I just realized that Firday ia an 11:30 dismissal, so it's NOT a full week. KSM
Happy Thursday!!!
PLEASE send in your child's t-shirt for the reading pillow TOMORROW! Mrs. Katsapis has agreed to stitch them this weekend. I only have 5!
The Pizza Hut Book It calendars for 15 min of nightly reading were sent home today. Please enter the info daily and return it on MONDAY, NOV. 3. The best method of reading improvement is TO READ nightly!
Also we are moving on to the +3s next week. Be sure to work with your student on the +1, +2 and now +3 facts nightly. Initially encourage accuracy and then build speed.
Continue insisting on NEATNESS.
MANY thanks for signing EVERYTHING that they read to or show you. That way, I know you have seen them.
Religion---please send in a rosary with your child. We will pray a decade together daily. Also practice the Act of Faith, Hope and Love that is in the copybook.
I hope that you have started looking for science experiments. They are shelved in the 507-8 area of libraries.
Spanish homework is due tomorrow.
P.E. uniforms on Monday.
Please be sure your child has a St. James sweater with their name in it! The weather changes almost hourly some days so they need them.
ALSO---the noses have started running with the temperature variation. Please be sure that your child is getting enough rest at night and comes to school healthy. We do our best to keep the germs under control in the classroom too.
Many thanks to Mrs. Caldarone and Mrs. Chavez for the fun, seasonal crafts that they provided for their child's Superstar week. Thanks in advance to Mrs. Calabrese for beginning (and organizing) the Great Books program. Tomorrow is the first session. Her book choices are fabulous!
Next week is a full week but the following is Columbus Day---no school on Monday. P.E. or Art do not get made up.
Thanks for all you do to help your student succeed!
God bless,
Kathleen Morrison
Greetings on a dreay Friday afternoon!!!!
Here's the weekly update from Room 9.
Thanks Valinote family for the birthday treats! They were enjoyed by all!!!!
This Monday the Science experiment report information will be sent home. I will be talking about the project a great deal on Monday, so your child should be able to give you some details that we covered in class. Libraries are a great source to locate really easy experiments that your child can demonstrate. The students love this project!
The Book-It reading calendar for Oct is also coming home on Monday. Please have your child read nightly for at least 15 minutes and log the info each day. Please return it to me at the end of Oct.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review the word sorts, vocab from our stories, the Dolch Sight words and the +1 and +2 facts with your child daily. Stress accuracy at first and then encourage speed. We want these to become automatic!
Encourage neatness in ALL things. Proper letter formation is a HUGE first grade skill. We are reviewing that constantly in first grade! Insist on it at home as well.
Remember---PE on Monday, Library books BY Thursday and Spanish HW BY Friday.
Please send in your child's t shirt for their class pillow BY next Friday. Mrs. Katsapis has volunteered to stitch them for us. Many thanks!
Please reply to Mrs. Calabrese regarding class activies. She will be your Point of Contact. Thank you in advance for all that everyone is doing!
ALSO---PLEASE sign the little books that are coming home to be read to you by your child. I would encourage you to keep them together when they are returned home for reviewing. Also, the stamp with the dog says "Sign and Return" on his tummy. You will see him A LOT this year. It helps me to know who is seeing what from school. As a safe bet---when unsure--just sign it!! :) :) :)
Be sure tht your child's NAME is on every article of clothing when it comes to school.. Playing the "Whose sweater is it game" is challenging when they are all about the same size!! :) :) :)
Mrs. Calerone, I will call you next week.
On a personal note . . . your children will meet some of my children this year. My daughter, Kari, is the goalie on the lacrosse team at VT. Just for fun, if you want to, go on the Hokie web site and then to the athletic page---Kari is the Hightlighted Pic of the Week this week. What fun! She brings her gear to class when she is home and the kids love it. She and I usually divide the class and have a spirited game of kickball against each other with them---all in the name of fun! Like I said, the students love it and her. (They make her feel like a celebrity!)
It's a good weekend for LOTS of reading! Enjoy!
God bless!
Kathleen Morrison
IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MONDAY IS PICTURE DAY!!!! MONDAY IS ALSO P.E. day!!!!! HERE'S THE PLAN . . . HAVE YOUR CHILD COME TO SCHOOL IN THE PROPER UNIFORM WITH THE P.E.UNIFORM IN THE BACKPACK. I WILL ALLOW THEM TO CHANGE AFTER PICTURES!
Please be sure that your child is doing the WORD SORT homework nightly. The directions are on the inside cover of the H copybook. ALso be sure to get in 15 minutes of reading with your child nightly. Please practice the words from BOTH lists in the Back to School night packette for accuracy and then SPEED! These are mostly SIGHT words that just need to be memorized! Those with WORD SORTS have a spelling test tomorrow.
Ethan's mom his our class Point of Contact. She and I met this week and have lots of good things planned. We are certainly open to ideas and feedback. She requests that everyone send her their email so she can start contacting you. She is ready to get started!!!! Her email is cmorrissey123@aol.com. Many thanks for contacting her!
Have a good weekend! I hope to see you at the NUN FUN RUN on Saturday and then Mass and the picnic on Sunday!
God bless,
Kathleen
HAPPY MONDAY!
Welcome back to Juliana! We're glad you are feeling better!
Just a few things for the beginning of the week:
I will be taking the Chic-Fil-A orders tomorrow. THEY WILL BE SERVED ON THURSDAY,SEPT. 18 and cost 2 punches. Please be sure your child knows what to tell me in the morning. The choices are nothing, a grilled filet on a wheat bun, or Salad--a tossed salad with grilled chickken strips.
Tonight several School-Home Connection papers will be coming home. Please make flash cards out of these vocabulary words and practice them nightly with your student. Short, frequent practices are more effective than long drawn out sessions! From now on, there will be only one per week. There are some good ideas on these pages---try some!
Tomorrow night a Religion page will be coming home. Please have your child complete and return it on Wednesday.
Library books are due by Thursday.
Spanish homework is coming home tonight and due BY FRIDAY. This is the procedure for the year. It is due by Thursday if there is an early dismissal or no school on a Friday.
Math---we will be practicing the +1s and +2s this week and the fact families that show them. Please practice for accuracy and then build speed.
A new word sort is going home today. Please follow the directions each night that is in the inside of your 'H 'copybook.
Please insist on NEAT handwriting, cutting and coloring ion all papers.
I think that's it for now. Have a great week!
KSM
FRIDAY AFTERNOON---Sept. 12
Our first full week! We have been busy! What a WONDERFULL group of children!!!!
I have been keeping a running list since Tuesday AM of all the things I didn't mention on Monday night. Here are a few additions:
HUGS---Ask your child about Hugs. He is our class bear and visits different homes each weekend! I always ask the students if it's NOT a "good" weekend for Hugs to visit b/c they have something going on over the weekend. I reassure them that there are MANY opportunities for Hugs to go home with EVERYONE and we will ALL have a turn. Hugs is very well behaved. He participates with the family activities. You and your child will keep a Hugs journal about the visit. (The instructions are inside the cover of the journal.) It's meant to be a FUN activity!
PLEASE READ AT LEAST 15 MINUTES NIGHTLY WITH YOUR CHILD!!!!! Practice with MATH FACTS IS COMING!!!!!
There are 2 websites that I would like to suggest: www.familyfun.com and www.starfall.com Let me know what you think.
Two yellow Practice Books are coming home today. (They were just delivered from the company!) Please cover them with CLEAR CONTACT paper and return them to school on Monday.
Please send in a child's med/lg t-shirt for the reading pillow by the end of Sept.
Please be sure that your child has the NAVY BLUE ST. JAMES sweater WITH THEIR NAME IN IT!!!! The temp in our classrroom is hard to regulate, so some students need the sweater before others.
DWC is our "code" for DONE WITH CLASS. It tells you that we did it together and it SHOULD all be correct! They LOVE having the code.
If you haven't sent in picture money and are interested, please do so.
PE ON MONDAY!!!! Please send in library books BY Thursday AM!
Thanks for all you do to support your student!
Have a relaxing weekend! Stay dry!
Kathleen Morrison
GOOD MORNING!!!! SEPT. 9
Let's see how this is working this year . . . . I know it's earlier than I said it would be, but this is just a trial . . .
Thank you all so much for attending Back to School Night. I hope that it was helpful. I know there is a LOT of material to go through! It will all be routine in no time at all,I promise. Please contact me with ANY questions.
Thanks to all who volunteered for jobs last night. Colleen Calabrese will be the Point of Contact for our class. Caroline Murn volunteered to do our folders and Buck for Books. Karen Harvey will assist in the library. Many thanks! We still need a rep for the auction and the bazaar.
If you need to change the week you child is Superstar, please trade among yourselves and just let me know. I don't need to be involved in a switch.
I will eventually think of other things to explain in further detail . . .
If anyone is in a grocery store and finds CHOCOLATE wafers PLEASE donate them to our class if you can. (Yes--I mean chocolate vanilla wafers but that sounds funny.) I need 50 wafers for a fun thing for the Teddy Bear Picnin when it finally happens. The students don't know anything about it yet---it's a surprise! We are waiting for Sr. Sarah to return so she can "play".
It's going to be a wonderful year. Thanks in advance for all that you do to help your child have a GREAT FIRST GRADE!!!!
God bless you all!
Kathleen MorrisonMonday morning---June 9
What a great two events we have just had!! The picnic on Friday was SO much fun as was the 'going away party' yesterday at the Stahlmans! Many thanks to all those who helped make BOTH events such a success!
The workbooks will be coming home this week---a few a day because they can be heavy when carried at once! Please use the pages that are not done this summer as practice for your child. While there are pages that are not done, please know that the curriculum objectives HAVE BEEM MET!
I will be sending home a letter tomorrow with summer reading and math suggestions. PLEASE do math and reading DAILY so that current progress doesn't get lost and PROGRESS can continue. I cannot stress daily practice enough!!!!! If it is made part of the summer routine from the beginning it is easy to continue and doesn't become a negative thing when started in August!We want the next year to start off in a positive manner!!!!!
And while summer is a vacation from SCHOOL---remember---it's NOT a vacation from God. Please remember weekly Mass with your child!
Thank you all very much for the generous end of the year gift. I appreciate it and ALL that you have done in support of Room 9 this year. Your children are wonderful and have many gifts and talents! I look forward to seeing them grow into beautiful young people! It has been a good and successful year of growth. Please keep in touch through the summer.
Have a safe and happy summer! I'll see you in August!
May God bless each of you and your families!
Kathleen Morrison
LUNCH! LUNCH! LUNCH!
Don't forget your lunch tomorrow!!!!
It's been checked and the park is open with PLENTY of playing FIELDS . . . the play EQUIPMENT is off limits due to downed trees from last night's storm. But we'll have fun in the fields and pavillion.
Don't forget gym uniform, sunscreen, a hat and your LUNCH! Since it is predicted to be hot AND humid, please pack a water bottle.
Get a good night sleep!!! KM
Tuesday afternoon
I'm writing to touch base regarding Friday's field trip. Many thanks to Mrs. Carr for coordinating the parents and donations. I am very grateful!
Your child will need to wear the P.E. uniform on Friday. Please apply sunscreen before coming to school. If your child needs a hat because of the sun, feel free to send one!
Mrs. Falcon and Mrs. Magness have volunteered to chaperone. Mrs. Wolf and Mrs. Carr will meet us at the park. Thanks to all four of you! If anyone else would like to join us, just let me know! You are very welcome!
Now we pray for nice weather!
Also, here's a reminder about the book donation. I sent a letter home about this last week. But remember, it's a secret.
We are VERY busy as we wrap up the school year! While we have learned a lot, there's still more work to do. Thanks for making sure that your child comes to school rested and prepared!
God bless! KM
May 27, 2008
HAPPY ZOO EVE!!!!!
Everyone is SO excited about tomorrow's trip! How ever will we be able to SLEEP tonight?!?!?!?!?
We have MANY chaperones for tomorrow--thank you! Please know that if you need to cancel or haven't yet finalized with me it's ok---we are MORE than covered!! Just let me know your changed status.
Parents of students with the following numbers have confirmed that they will ride the bus: 1, 17, 4, 6, 2, 19, 10 and 24. Just ask your child who the numbers stand for--they know!!!! Parents meeting AT the Elephant House belong to # 21, 18, 23 and the other parent of 10. As you can see, most groups will only have 2 in them.
The meeting time at the Elephant House is dodgy b/c traffic is so unpredictable. We will leave here at 9, so guage that on what the traffic report looks like in the morning.
PLEASE remember to put sunscreen on your child and/or send rain gear if necessary. It looks like we'll have a nice weather day though! But do apply sunscreen---WE AREN'T ALLOWED TO!!!!! We'll be in the sun for many hours and our skin isn't used to it this year! Remember disposable lunches and drink and NO $$$$ for the gift shop. If we all follow that, then there are no problems/hurt feelings/tears . . . . .
Remind your student to bring their MANNERS. One, b/c it's the right thing to do and two, b/c they will be representing SJS I know they will be WELL BEHAVED!
The PE uniform is to be worn tomorrow for comfort.
I will give chaperones their instructions in the morning. Please check in in the office and we'll meet everyone outside in A Lot.
If the folded pages still aren't done (or there are more from each day . . . ) please complete them. I will collect the books again on Friday. I will need them over the weekend, so they MUST be caught up by then.
Two papers are coming home today regarding plans for SMA>
I hope this updates everyone. I'll check this before I leave school today and first thing in the morning---around 7 AM! KM
May 15
Greetings on this October-like May Thursday!
Here is the much awaited update on field day, the zoo trip and other bits:
Field day is tomorrow---just in case you might not have been told by your first grader once or twice :) :)
The students are divided into colors by their squads---Squad 1-Blue, Squad 2-Yellow, Squad 3-Black, Squad 4-Green, Squad 5-Red. Please have your child wear the appropriate colored shirt. NO HAIR DYE OR FACE PAINT!!!!!!
They do NOT need water bottles as there will be water stations.
Hot dogs are provided FREE for lunch!
Don't forget the 1:00 dismissal!
The zoo trip: It turns out parents CAN ride the bus IF they aren't bringing siblings! Parents who need to meet us at the zoo can meet us by the Elephant House (there are bathrooms in that area!) We can meet there and assign our groups. Please send your child with a DISPOSABLE lunch and drink. PLEASE NO MONEY for gift shops--it just creates unwanted problems. Besides, we're there to see the animals, not shop!
Please wear GYM UNIFORMS!
Here is my cell phone number for that day---703-389-2878. This way we can contact each other if necessary. Please let me know me know what your plans are by Tuesday afternoon. If you are joining us for any part of the day, please include YOUR cell number. We need to be able to conatct each chaperone and it's a BIG place!
The Spanish folders are going home today. Because of Field Day, there will be NO SPANISH CLASS tomorrow, so you have plenty of time to get the homework done!
We have just finished reading My Father's Dragon. The students LOVED it! There are 2 more boos that follow the journey. I will read the second one next week. The author is Gannett is you want to start the summer reading with the third one.
Please chat with your student about self control and talking if they are coming home without stickers! Wel done to those students with a calendar FULL of stickers!
Workbooks will be coming home to complete "folded pages." The students know that this is on ongoing thing and that if they don't complete their morning work, they fold the page and complete it ON THEIR OWN! Many have let them add up . . . . They are reminded MANY times a week!!!!!! Once complete, please sign the page and fold it back. (Makes it easier for me to locate!)
Keep reading and working on time, money and math facts.
Have a great weekend! Be safe!
God bless each of you! KM
May 15
Just a reminder about the permission slips and payment that are due tomorrow. There are 7 students that need to turn in their slips and one that still needs to pay.
Also, fix and finish pages will be coming home tomorrow. It's a busy time in first grade!
Included in this pack of papers will be some of the reading tests that have been taken. As you can see, comprehension is a really important skill in the reading process! The last page of the tests are suposed to be answered in coplete sentences. Don't have your student change the reading tests. They are just for your information. BE SURE TO WORK ON COMPREHENSION this summer as you and your child read---ONLY on days that you eat!!!! :) :) :)
Be sure to see the invitation in today's folder for the party at the Stahlman's house. Thank you VERY much for hosting this Mary Ellen and Dave.
The animal projects are wonderful! If you are in school---stop by and have a look!
Have a nice weekend! KM
May 14
It really IS a zoo in room 9 this week. The dioramas are wonderful!!!! We have started preseting the reports. The students LOVE talking in front of the group. I wish you could see them!
We are going on a "field trip" this afternoon---all the way down to the 2nd floor to see the other first grade dioramas. They are looking forward to that!
Just a quick note regarding the zoo trip. I will be in touch next week about chaperones. Due to room on the bus, only a few parents will be able to ride the bus. HOWEVER, ALL parents are welcome to MEET us AT the zoo. Let me know if you are interested in this and we will establish a meeting place and time. Hopefully, we'll have a day as beautiful as today!
Take care, KM
MAY 2, 2008
Happy sunny Friday!
Will spring finally stay?????? There's nothing like sunshine to pick up everyone's spirits!
A few reminders:
PLEASE remember that SJS library books are due by Thursdays. Also, be sure to return the book that your child borrowed from the Falls Church library when we went on our field trip.
I am hearing that there are a lot of wild animal things going in the homes of room 9 students!!!!! Please be reading with your student as s/he gathers information for the project . They must read AT LEAST 2 BOOKS about their animal---not just sections from books about lots of animals. The libraries have a great deal of books on the easier reading levels. The reading needs to be concluding as it's time to BBEGINE the project! It's due ONE WEEK from Monday! Help your student organize the work so that things aren't left to the last minute----THAT'S NO FUN FOR ANYONE and it usually shows in the finished product! Insist on your child writing a rough draft first and making all changes there. THEN write the information on the REAL paper. There are 2 full weekends AND the school day on Wed to work on this---set up a schedule that works for you.
I am so proud of most of the printing progress! Keep up the effort---it's working!!!!
Time and money have also improved. All + and - facts have been practiced---keep drilling facts for spped and accuracy at home. We will begin PLACE VALUE and more difficult computing in these last few weeks of school.
There's still a lot to do! We'll be busy until the very end!!!!!!
God bless, KM
April 25, 2008
Many thanks for your support for our "Rock Opera" yesterday. It was quite overwhelming to see the room so full of guests and CAMERAS!!! I'm sure that each child felt special and like a movie star. The costumes were GREAT!!!! We had a good time preparing for the show and hope that you enjoyed it.
If you get any good pictures, please send them to me---I'ld love to see them! (Also---the pictures from the Christmas gathering----any good ones out there? I never received any and would appreciate some! Thanks!)
Now on to the animal project. Please be sure that your student has read about several different animals before deciding which one they will write about. We have read many different ones at school so they could broaden their knowledge and see the variety of books that are available.
It is fine if your child changes his/her mind about the chosen animal this weekend. They can tell me the change on Monday. As you supervise the preperation of this report, PLEASE encourage your studnet to write a rough draft on a different sheet of paper and make all changes necessary on the rough draft. When they write their report on the paper provided, they should be concentrating on neatness and accuracy. We have also talked about this in class.
They seem excited about this project! We will be going to the zoo towards the end of school and hopefully SEE the animals we have learned about!
Have fun! PLEASE pace yourselves with this project and NOT WAIT until the last minute. NO ONE enjoys working under that type of stress and we want this to be an enjoyable experience for all!!!!
As always, READ! READ! READ! and practice counting coins, telling time and math facts daily. Small, frequent one on one practice sessions are MOST effective!!!!!
Enjoy the weekend!
God bless, KM
Greetings on this beautiful Friday!!!
Another busy week in first grade is behind us. We had a great trip to the local library today! We also had lots of activities regarding the Pope's visit, Stone Soup practice AND the regular reading, language arts, math, spelling and specials!
Please review the pack of papers that were sent home. Praise your child for work that was done well. Supervise as they fix & finish sections. If you notice that there are many pages that need attention, please encourage speed &/or accuracy improvement. I cannot stress enough the need for individual practice with telling time (with a nondigital clock), counting coins, AND knowing the math facts in a speedy manner. Five minutes with each skill EVERY night makes a HUGE difference!
Please sign and return the pack of work and the report card on Monday.
I am very pleased with the effort that has been made in the area of handwriting. The Printing Princess now has 15 stars!!! Keep up the great effort!
Today I talked with the students about the upcoming report. The information will be sent home on Monday. WE HAVE GONE OVER THE ENTIRE PROJECT IN CLASS! For this report, they are to read AT LEAST TWO books on ONE wild animal---NO PETS OR FARM ANIMALS. I told them that they shouldn't decide what animal they want to report on UNTIL they have first read books on SEVERAL animals----they might discover an animal they find more interesting as they continue to read! I have MANY animal books in the classroom (from my neighborhood library)for them to explore in class. I told them that they could tell me their animal on THURSDAY. Try to have them read books on different animals at home this weekend and through next week.
There are MANY great anaimal series available on animals for children! Life Cycles, A New True Book, An I Can Read Book, A True Book and Nature's Children are just a few of the many series available in the public libraries. Different series have different reading levels. There are pleanty of choices!!!!! Have fun exploring the animal world through books this weekend.
You should have also received your flyer for Stone Soup today. Please bring cameras, videos, grandparents and friends. The students are doing a great job! IThe show promises to be an enjoyable 25 minutes! Please encourage your student to review their reading if they are a reader. EVERYONE needs to practice the words of the songs. (They papers are susposed to be in the Bring Back side of the HOME folder.)
Remember the important meeting on Monday night and that there is no school/day care for students on Friday.
The school year is QUICKLY coming to a close BUT there are many teachable hours left. PLEASE----let's all put in an extra effort these next few weeks so that we all leave first grade with improved skills and increased confidence!
God bless all that you do to support your student!
KM
AlsoTuesday---April 8, 2008
ALERT!!!! ALERT!!! ALERT!!!!!
We just recently received word that at 10:00 on April 17 the whole school will be watching the Papal mass. Therefore, Stone Soup will be the FOLLOWING Thursday---April 24, still at 10. I wanted to give you notice right away. Invitations will be sent home at the end of the week----as soon as I get the date changed on the one I did yesterday! :) :) :)
A few costumes have arrived already---many thanks. Please send your child's poor peasant costume in by FRIDAY, April 18. Refer to the previous School Note for suggestions.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE continue working on telling time (with a clock with hands---not digital!) and counting coins nightly. Five minutes each night makes a WORLD of improvement!!!!! We will be completing the subtraction facts in a few weeks and then practicing them for speed, so be sure to practice through the -6s so far.
I am so pleased with the effort and improvement in the handwriting deptartment! The "Prinitng Princess" visits several times a week and she sure is proud of most of the first grade handwriting!
Have you heard all about the great science show we saw last week? The students were so well behaved---especially on the bus!!! Best bus behavior I have EVER seen!!!!!! They wrote some wonderful thank you letters also. Have you heard about calling out the cops? See if your child can tell you!!!!!
Remember that tomorrow is dismissal at 11:30.
Continue to send in a coat with your child---this weather is everchanging and (knock on wood!) we seem to have gotten rid of the Room 9 "bug"!
Well done to all the first graders who participated in today's mass! Everyone is growing up so fast!!!!!
Keep reading!!!! God bless! KM
Wednesday---March 19----
Just a few items (hopefully!) before we depart for Easter vacation. PLEASE read, practice math facts, time and money DAILY over the break. Many need a great deal of practice and I don't want anyone to get "rusty"!
The FIRST ST. JAMES production of STONE SOUP---A ROCK OPERA will be presented on Thursday April 17 probably at 10:00. Proper invitations will follow---just trying to provide a general calendar "heads up". Parts were assigned today. If your child has a reading part, PLEASE practice over the break. ALL have singing parts to practice---they should have the papers for everything WITH them (on the "bring back" side)
Costumes----the 3 soldiers just wear their uniforms. I will take care of the rest. If anyone has any 3 corned style hats that we could borrow that would be great.
Peasants---(everyone else Tthese folks are poor French villagers in a farmming community---PLEASE use what you have around or borrow---no FANCY clothes PLEASE!!!! Peasants will be barefoot---that's how poor "we" are!
GIRLS---long skirts, aprons, scarves/shawls, bonnets, a basket
BOYS----blousy white shirts (many borrow get borrowed from Mom!) scarves for the neck, rolled off or cut off pants (at the calf) farmers style hats, vests
These are just suggestions. Parents have outdone themselves in previous years WITHOUT any or significant expense. Raid Good Will, closets, neighbor's---there are lots of free/cheap resources!
If the costumes could be brought to school BY Friday, April 4 that will be great!
I promise that more info will follow after the break. I just wanted everyone to know what's ahead and to practice the somgs and readings. Please share this info if there's anyone you know who is NOT using School Notes. Many thanks!
Have a wonderful Easter celebration! Safe journeys to those who are traveling! God bless you all!
Kathleen Morrison
Thursday afternoon----
Progress reports, work packets and the "Yello book" went home today--please review/fix/finish/do---whatever is needed. Please sign the report and return the WHOLE packet. Serveral skills that need extra practice have been indicated where necessary. Many thanks for your support with homework and practice!
Continue reading every night. Well done to those students who earned their Pizza Hut free pizza for reading nightly and completing the reading log. The March logs went home at the beginning of the week.
Math facts, counting coins and time need practice nightly!
The Printing Princess has certainly seen inprovement in most of the handwriting! Letter shape and size as well as spacing need work. Please insist on neatness in all things! If preparing a rough draft would be helpful, please employ this step.
Have a nice (but academically productive :) :) :) ) weekend. Hopefully this beautiful spring like weather will STAY!!!!!!
God bless, KM
Wed afternoon----
The Fruit Loop request has been answered -- many thanks!!!!
Remember---no school on Friday (but the TEACHERS do!). Senorita graciously volunteered to do a make up Spanish class due to so many Friday conflicts. Consequently, the Spanish homework is due by TOMORRW. The students have been reminded DAILY but just want you to know too! Looks like most of it is in.
God bless, KM
Wednesday---3-5-08
This note is a request . . . Can anyone please donate Fruit Loops by Friday, March 14. The request is for them to be premeasured, in individual Zip Lock bags---1 cup in each bag. This is for a fun St. Patrick's day math activity.
Many thanks in advance!
If oyu haven't gotten your field trip permission form and money in, please do so.
KM
Friday---LEAP DAY!
Who can believe that March is knocking on the door?
My computer has been acting independent lately so consequently there has been the gap in communication. Plus I, too, have been under the weather . . . .
This is just a quick reminder that TOMORROW, March 1 at 1:00, Kari will be at George Mason with VA TECH, playing lacrosse. If you would like to join me, please do. I understand that there is a LOT going on at GMU tomorrow, so parking might get interesting. I just wanted you to know if that interests you and your child.
Hopefully, you know that the "printing princess" has appeared in room 9 and that we now "call out the C.O.P.S " after we have wriiten sentences. What that means is that the expectations for handwriting AND proofreading one's work has been raised. The students know that they need to make an increased effort now that they are getting older!
Thank you for sending in the field trip forms and money as well as the paper for ordering supplies.
Progress reports will be sent home on Tuesday. Please sign and return.
We have started subtraction as well as adding 3 and 4 numbers. PLEASE CONTINUE PRACTING FACTS NIGHTLY!!!!!!
Also, be sure to READ every night with your student. If you have been keeping your reading log for Pizza Hut, send them in on Tuesday.
Germs are still active in Room 9! Donations of hand sanitizer is always appreciated. We have been VERY religious about using it several times a day.
I know I will think of more later, but I just wanted to touch base with you.
Stay warm! KM
Tuesday night-------
OH MY!!!! Just had to share with you all . . . it took me over FOUR hours to get home tonight!!!!! What a commute!!! Let's get back that spring like weather!!!!!
I am writing to tell you that the MISSION CARNIVAL is on Valentine's Day. Admission is $1. We will attend in the morning and it will be wonderful. The students understand that the $1 will help the missions but what they will find out tomorrw is that there will be games for them to enjoy for 30-45 minutes----something for everyone! We sure appreciate all the work that Sister Mary Anne and the Student Council have done to support the missions with this fun activity.
Going to get some rest!!!! God bless! KM
February 10
Good morning!
The past 2 weeks have been extremely busy and we've had lots of fun! CSW (ending with a spirit filled day), report cards, throat blessings in honor of St. Blaze, Ash Wednesday, our 100th day celebration, singing an original song about helping the poor over the loud speaker during morning prayers, AND the biography reports----all that while reading, spelling and math continued! We have been BUSY!!!!!
The 100 Mystery bags with the adjective clues was a fun project! The students LOVE speaking in front of their peers and the "audience" enjoy trying to guess the contents. There are just a few 100 day activities remaining . . . their 100 day book will go home next week. I hope they enjoy telling you about each activity. The activity with the names and alphabet can be expanded at home with other family members. You'll see!
The biography reports were wonderful!!!! The posters, costumes and presentations manifested lots of planning and practice. Thank you for all that you did to make your student successful with this project. Sister Mary Anne appeared at our door during the presentations. What a surprise that was to me! Guess how she knew about the presentations-----the CHILDREN invited her to come and watch! Don't you LOVE it!!!!!! She could only stay for one but saw them in costume and addressed each child, guessing who they were. What a compliment to Sister that her students feel so comfortable and cared for by her. She is a exceptional person and leader!!!!!
Reading biographies continues daily during our DEAR time. During February we will be concentrating on Washington and Lincoln in Social Studies in honor of President's Day.
I hope that you were able to realize the NUMBERS of biographies that are available at your child's reading level and that you will continue to encourage your child to read different ones. Biographies can be the spring board to many other topics---history, geography, math, time lines . . . . .
Also---I took pictures of each child doing this as well as their science and saint projects. If there's a parent that has an idea or resource to make these available (or harder yet--to teach ME) to the parents, I would be happy for you to see these pictures. Also if you have any pics from the Christmas party, I would love to see them!
Now to upcoming adventures:
Valentines Day----please send in a shoe box with a small rectangle cut out of the top BY TUESDAY. Your child wrote you a letter requesting this donation for last week. Many boxes are in but many students still need to bring one. Please send one if you haven't already.
The Valentine cards----we have 24 students. If you are sending cards in, please be certain there is a card for each student. Have your child sign the card but don't worry about putting names on the envelopes. They will pass them out on Thursday at our party.
Thanks for all the donations for the party. We're sure to have a HEALTHY, fun celebration!
We will be starting The Body unite in science this week. It's all on the first grade level, so there's no sensitive material AT ALL!!! I promise! It's the brain, bones, blood, lungs, muscles---just the basics. They will be preparing a book to bring home at the end of the unit. This leads very well in March---Dental Health month! Again, the public library is a great source of books on the primary level on both topics.
Please continue nightly with spelling, reading (monthly reading log!) and the math facts. Around the World is getting very fast with those who have been practicing their facts nightly. The time tests really show who has developed their speed! I know that life is busy and it can be challenging to make the time for homework but it is SO important to lay a structured, consistent routine for study---please be sure to make the time to begin nightly study habits with your student!
Last but BUT least----the sore throat and upset tummy season is upon us in room 9. We are washing hands, sanitizing hands and desks but the bug is in the room/school/families. It seems that most families have had at least one member down recently. We are doing all we can to stay healthy and I know you are too. I just wanted you to know that we have had several little folks absent or needing to go home through the day recently. Tis the season! Now as the temps drop again, be sure that your child comes dressed warmly with a hat and mittens. Many thanks!
Sorry this was so long---but there's a lot going on!
Until next time, God bless all that you do! KM
Jan. 31
How can Feb be on our doorstep already?!?!?!?!
Just a few quick notes:
Jan. Reading Logs are due tomorrow. Only turn them in if they are completed and qualify for the pizza certificate.
The 100 item "secret" collection is due on Monday. SHHHH!!! Don't tell anybody!!
The biography reports need to be pushed back a day b/c of another activity that needs to occur on Wednesday. Student's with last names A-L will give their biography report on Thursday and M-Z will present on Friday.
The spelling test is tomorrow. Three sentences are to be done tonight in their copybook. Remember the new rule---only ONE sentence can begin with "I". Give a practice test and really focus on those words that remain a challenge.
The handwriting is really coming along! Please continue on those math facts for SPEED!!!!!
Red is our color for tomorrow--wear a red shirt and jeans are ok.
Until next time, God blees all you do! KM
Friday morning---STOP THE "PRESSES"!!!!
I have just received a note from a parent who is very generously offering to donate the Fruit Loops, M & Ms and the RITZ and graham crackers! Many thanks! There's plenty left on the list, so let me know ! Thanks in advance! KM
Thursday January 24, 2008
Just a few notes on upcoming activities:
1. LAST CALL for t-shirts for t-shirt pillows. If you haven't sent one in, please do so by MONDAY, Jan. 28. That will be the last day as we want to wrap up this project! Refer to previous Schoolnotes for the details.
2. Catholic Schools Week begins on Sunday. The first celebration is on Sunday at the 9:00 Mass.
3. Spirit Day is on Friday for the students. Our class color is RED. Please plan to wear a RED SHIRT next Friday (Feb.1) so that room 9 can cheer for the red team. We need to make a red & white (cloth) class spirit banner to hang. Any creative folks out there have time and ideas for this project? Let me know!
3. The 100th day of school will be sometime during the first week in February. It's too early to know which day b/c of potential snow days. I LOVE this day as we have lots of fun while building first grade skills.
The students will be bringing home a brown lunch bag with instructions. At home, they are to make a collection of 100 items AND NOT TELL OTHER STUDENTS what they are collecting! Also at home, they will write 3-5 adjectives on an index card, describing the items in the bag. Close the bag and bring it to school on Monday, Feb. 5. They will get to give their 3-5 adjectives as hints so their classmates can guess what the collection is. They LOVE this project. The 100 items MUST fit in the bag.
To help with some of the 100 day special projects,I need to ask for volunteers to donate some items. We need 3 boxes of Fruit Loops, one box of graham crackers, one box of RITZ crackers and 3 cans of canned spread cheese (the kind you can "write" with, like icing). We also need one large bag of M & Ms (plain, not peanut, and mini ones are great!), one large bag of mini marshmellows (colored ones are best)and some popped popcorn. Please let me know what you will donate. Plan to send it in by Monday, Feb.5.
4. The biography reports will be given on Wed and Thurs.--Feb 6 & 7. Remember, they are to read at least those 2 biographies and pick the person they would like to report on. The project includes a costume and a neatly prepared poster that includes at least 4 facts about their person. (Have them prepare their info on another sheet of paper first so they are organized when they do the poster.) Thank you for sending the books to school so that I could supervise the reading level. Of course, they will need your help, but they LOVE speaking in front of the peers.
5. The Valentine's Day celebration will be after lunch on Feb. 14. Mary Ellen Stahlman and I have met and she will be writing to you regarding these plans. In first grade, names on the envelopes are not necessary but PLEASE, make certain that your student has a card for each classmate---we never want hurt feelings!!!!! We have 24 students.
6. Lent begins on Wed. Feb. 6. We will be talking about sacrifice as well as putting a LOT of emphasis on doing EXTRA acts of kindness to show God's love. We will participate in the Staions of the Cross during Lent.
7. PRACTICE those math facts!!!! We will be beginning subtraction soon, so the students need to be really QUICK on their + facts!!!!! Math is a sequential skill subject and must be practiced nightly!
8. A new direction has been added to the spelling sentences. When writing senteces only ONE sentence each night can begin with "I". This is to encourage sentence variety and challenge their skills. They are ready!!!
February is a short but BUSY month in room 9. Thanks for all that you do to help your student be organized and understand the importance of neatness in their work and uniform appearance. God bless you and your efforts!
KM
Tuesday January 15, 2008
Many thanks to those who have brought in their 2 biographies. I need to check the reading level for each student. A few have been too difficult and a few have been too easy. I know that they will require some help with the reading, but we want to achieve some challenge without too much frustration. Please send the biographies as soon as possible so your student can begin reading. (They should be biographies that they have not yet read please.)
I have learned about 2 additional series--Famous People in American History and then a series published by Holiday House, Inc. So, my list is growing too!!!!
Please refer to the details and due dates for the project outlined in the previous Schoolnotes.
Note that b/c there is no school on Friday, Spanish homework is due on THURSDAY.
I am very pleased to observe the effort and improvemnet in handwriting! Also, class participation has increased! I think they like editting, nouns and adjectives! Continue the encouragement from home!!!!
Stay warm! KM
Happy Thursday!!!!
Just a reminder since it's our first Thursday back in school---tomorrow is the spelling test. Tonight's HW includes composing 3 sentences using the test words. Give your child a practice test and practice those words that are still challenging.
In addition, please complete both sides of the math paper AND the library rules ditto. All should be in their folder. (Continue practicing the +9s as well as the other + facts. Students who are practicing are getting REALLY fast at Around the World---they are enjoying the challenge!)
Here's the information for the biography report. Your child should select the biographies of TWO (different) famous people. Try to get 2 very different kinds of people to encourage variety. They will read at least these 2 and pick ONE for their presentation. The presentation will include a neatly done poster that includes 4 facts about that person. Your child will use the poster as their "notes" while they present the info to the class. Be sure to practice at home! (They did SUCH a good job on the other 2 presentations!!! I know that these will be GREAT!)
OF COURSE, they need to dress up as their famous person!
I went to several famous bookstores last weekend to see what's available. There are MANY available. The easiest series is A Picture Book of __________________ by David Adler. Random House publishes biographies (as well as other genres)in a series called STEP. STEP books have different reading levels--they have the word STEP in the upper right hand corner of the cover. Scholastic Inc has MANY---one series is call Scholastic First Biographies. They have another series that is also leveled by reading ability. A series specific to the presidents is Getting to Know the US Presdients by Children's Press, an imprint of Scholastic.
The libraries have many aw well.
Please obtain TWO biographies. (You certainly may read MORE!) Have your student bring TWO to school next Monday or Tuesday so that I can approve the reading level for them. I will record the choices, so I don't forget what was approved.
Students with A-L last names will present on Wed, Feb 6. Last names starting M-Z will present on Thursday, Feb. 7.
So . . . in a nutshell:
2 biographies (2 different people)
Brought to school on Mon or Tues for my approval
Poster, oral presentation and costume
A-L present Wed--2-6-08 M-Z present Thurs--2-7-08
I will check the email tomorrow to answer any questions that I have overlooked or not been clear on. I hope that I was complete and clear though!!! I tried anticipate any and all concerns!
Many thanks to those who donated the hand sanitizer. We are making a HUGE effort to keep ahead of those cold and flu germs!!!!
T shirt reminder! No larger that an adult small and colorful is better!
HAVE FUN! Stay warm! KM
Happy New Year! Good morning!
Thank you all very much for the generous monetary gift at Christmas. My fmaily and I appreciate your kindess! It was VERY thoughtful of you!
Just a few things as we get started:
There will be NO spelling or vocab words THIS week. Be sure to look for them starting Monday!
Continue reading and practicing previous words and math facts nightly!
The Pizza Hut reading logs can be submitted if the daily goals were met and the form is complete.
I will be in touch regarding the biography assignment.
In the next 2 weeks, please send the t-shirt in so that we can begin using them as reading pillows. Please pick either a child's medium or large or an adult small--no larger please. A colorful shirt makes a more attractive pillow. If those of you who have sent one in want to change, that's fine.
Will be in touch again soon. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and is ready to get back to work!
KM
Sunday morning--December 9, 2007
I am thinking that there may be some confusion about what to wear to school tomorrow. Yes--Father did award a dress UP day for the students for tomorrow HOWEVER, we have p.e. on Monday. P.E. trumps a dress up day, so please send your student to school in their winter p.e. uniform. Be sure that all articles are lableled with their WHOLE NAME.
Speaking of uniforms . . please remember that a belt and a St. James sweater are part of the uniform code. Please make sure that your student meets the dress code.
The homework for spelling will continue the same routine for the next 2 weeks. The words will be long i and then long o.
If your child did NOT bring home their copybook it is because I have some of them. Friday was so busy that I was not able to correct all of them. They WILL be going home on Monday!
Please continue to practice the math facts through the +7s. We will be introducing the +8s later in the week or next week, so please add them in your practicing over the holiday. Practicing time and money is always beneficial!
There will be no new vocab words coming home until the new year. PLEASE continue to drill the words that are already home and READ, READ, READ nightly!
The handwriting is really improving in room 9! Please encourage your child to hold their pencil correctly--"long fingers and the eraser pointing over the shoulder" is a phrase they will recognize. Another one is "Think BEFORE you write the next letter/word". Slanting the paper has also been encouraged.
To continue making improvement, may I suggest that you have your child keep a holiday journal/book over the break? In a special notebook, have your child write an entry each day about what they did or something that is on their mind. This can be a very positive project and will take on their own personality as they incorporate their own ideas. I will be happy to read each one and will verbally praise their work and effort. I won't say anything about this so you can sell it as a "surprise" for Mrs. Morrison. (I just read one that one of my children wrote in 1993! What a treasure!!! He's now married and in the USAF!)
The pageant is going to be beautiful! I understand that the children dress in the "Sunday Best" for this. Please send your child to school dressed up on Friday.
Because they will be dressed up, the plan is to have a more "grown up" type of "reception" (party) in the classroom following the pageant. Many thanks for the replies to Mary Ellen regarding the donations. As it will be lunchtime, finger sandwiches and a bit heartier menu is needed. I know it will be wonderful! (Keep in mind the nut allergy in our class!)
I understand that the children are able to leave with you after the "reception". If your child will be staying, of course they will be well cared for with learning and fun activities.
Progress reports will be going home with each child on Monday. This is just a mid quarter comment about how things are going. Please sign and return it on Wednesday. Ask them about their supplies---rulers are breaking , scissors have gone missing . . . .
I think this just about covers things . . . . Thank you for all you do to help your student be organized and ready for learning!
KM
Monday---Happy December!
To prevent further complications---expect to see the copybook home EVERY night. That way you can review any work in there AND have them complete anything they didn't finish that day.
Also coming home tonight:
1. The long e spelling words for the week. Have them write them NEATLY 2 more times in the copybook. Please sign the spelling tests EVERY Friday. The spelling homework will be on the ditto tomorrow and Wednesday night. Please follow the directions on which side to do on which night.
2. An Advent Tree for them to fill in daily as they prepare for Jesus' birth.
3. The Best Pet. Please sign this after your child has read it to you and send it in tomorrow. It will be returned to you. Please keep these books handy as they are good little sources for quick reading AND. in time. the students can see their progress as they become better readers.
4. The vocabulary words for this week's story. Please make flash cards with them and practice these words. Also review the previous words to build speed and confidence.
5. Math---the +7. Make flash cards with these facts and PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! Review the others as well.
Tomorrow is CRAZY TIE AND SOCK DAY for $1 donation to the missions. It should be fun!
There are a LOT of fun Advent activities that I have planned for the class but WORK must come FIRST. Please encourage your child to come to school READY TO LISTEN and FOLLOW DIRECTIONS so we can get the required work done and enjoy the fun stuff!!!!!
Be sure that your child has enough warm clothes for any temperature changes throughout the day. Temps can drop quickly around here as you know! It's always easier to remove layers than to be miserable from being cold!
It's a busy time of year BUT keeping to a regular homework ROUTINE helps students be more successful. Thanks for all your effort!
KM
Friday---November 30---
THANK YOU all so very much for your generous donations of BOOKS!!!! We have enjoyed reading the ones that we have received! It has been like Christmas in Room 9!!! Many, many thanks!
Speaking of books---we will begin working on biographies. We will read some in class before Christmas. In January, they will bring in a biography for me to approve and they will read it for a project. There are plenty to choose from at their reading level. At the end of January/early February, they will dress up like their person and give a short report about their person's life. They did such a great job on their saint reports that I can't wait to see the biographies!!! I hope that giving you a "heads up" on this might give you some ideas for vacation reading . . . . . just get them interested in biographies---the one for me has to be read in January.
I just learned this week that all the Spanish assignments are also on line!!! If you have a questions, it's more efficient for you to deal directly with that teacher. I hope this helps!
Dec 4 is crazy tie and socks day with a $1 donation for Christ House.
Mrs. Stahlman will be contacting you regarding the December activities.
The Nov. reading logs are now due. The December ones went home today.
Many thanks for all that you do for this classroom. You are very generous parents!
Have a nice weekend! Stay warm!!!!
KM
Tuesday---Nov. 27
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Room 9's busy schedule resumed nicely yesterday--everyone worked very hard!
I hope that you enjoyed the gumdrop turkeys! Many thanks to Mrs. Kreeb and Mrs. Falcon and Julian Vazquez's granmother for helping with this project!
I have a special request for a job that can be done at home HOWEVER it needs to be for someone with a sewing maching. It is just a matter of sewing straight seams so it is not difficult. Please let me know if this is a project that you might be able to do. We won't need this done til January---so there's plenty of time!!!
For all families, please look for a t shirt that is special for your child that perhaps they or another family member are outgrowing for this project. The t shirt will become a reading pillow for the classroom for special reading sessions---especially for those days when we cannot go outside due to the weather. This reading pillow will become a memory of first grade as it will go home with them for future reading. My daughter, Kari, still has hers--and USES it!!!! She's a jr in college now!
Please send in the shirt sometime in December. Please send in shirts no larger than adult size small. We have the stuffing due to a gemerous donation from the Carr family.
I hope to see you all at the PTO meeting tomorrow night. Don't forget to support the OWNDERFUL Book Fair
Thanks for all you do to help your student be organized!
KM
Monday---Nov. 19, 2007
Three quick items:
1. We had a GREAT assembly this morning from the Maryland Science Center! Thank you PTO!
2. Our class SHOPPING day for the Book Fair is Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 10-10:30. You may send $$$$ in with your student in a LABLED ENVELOPE on Tuesday AM. I will stay with them to help with their purchases and there will also be volunteers assisting.
3. Remember your $1 for the mission donation to enable your student to dress down tomorrow.
Many thanks!
Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!
KM
Friday greetings to all!
Thank you so much for attending the conferences yesterday and today. It was wonderful to chat with you!
Just a few notes for next week . . . (which will FLY BY!) On Monday we have a 10:00 science assembly from the Maryland Science Center. It's called Brain Benders and they always put on a great and educational show! We also have art and p.e. (Make sure their NAME is on each item please!) PLEASE SEND IN A LARGE RED APPLE with your student on Monday for a special project.
Tuesday is a Dress Down Day if you bring in $1 to donate to the missions.
Wednesday is an 11:30 dismissal. We will have a prayer service in the church at 9:30.
Please ask your student if they need new crayons or a ruler. Colored pencils ar enow allowed but not required.
There will NOT be a spelling list to study next week. There also will NOT be a list of words to make flashcards with. (One more thing to be THANKFUL for during this busy time!)
We WILL however be practicing the +6s as well as the others. But PLEASE continue to do math facts, telling time and counting money DAILY. Word problems that you make up OR come from a workbook are also beneficial!
ALSO, practice the vocabulary flashcards thsat you already have. AND READ! READ! READ!!!!! Fill out the monthly reading log if they are reading. It gets turned in on Friday, Nov. 30.
Remember---it's a holiDAY not a holiWEEK!!!!!
Thanks for your continued efforts at home!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
KM
Happy Monday afternoon---11-12-07 . . . who can believe that it's almost Thanksgiving?!?!?!?!?!
Just a few notes . . . READ at least 15 min every night! Drill the flash card words nightly. Work towards accuracy and speed! This week's flashcard words should be in the home folder tonight--'home, do, their' are just a few on the list. . .just so you can be sure you have the correct list.
The spelling words are the short u words. They are in the copybook and should be written NEATLY two more times tonight. Tomorrow night the ditto will come home for more practice. Even though it's a short week, there will be a spelling quiz on Wednesday.
Tonight, please have your student finish making the appropriate sets for the remaining +6 facts that should be in their copybook. Begin practicing the +6 facts as well as reviewing the +2s, +3s, +4s, and +5s. Accuracy and then speed are important.
Please be sure that your child's FIRST AND LAST NAME are on their gym clothes and sweaters! Initials are not enough. For example--we have two with the same initials just in this room!
NEXT Monday . . . please send in one large RED apple with your child for a project.
I'm looking forward to meeting with each of your this week. It will be good to be able to chat about the progress in first grade!
See you then!
KM
Happy Friday afternoon!
We had a great week in Room 9---even with the excitment of Halloween! Here are just a few items . . . .
The rubric for the saint report should be in the Leave Home side of the HOME folder. Have fun with this project--the children seem pleased with this project. They are GREAT speakers --shown with their science experiments!! Sister Mary Anne hopes to join us for some of them!!!!
Speaking of the experiments---they were all wonderful! EVERYONE did well!!! Thanks for all that you did to help your student prepare!
Please ask your students about their supplies, as some need to be repleaced. Some students need new crayons or a new ruler. IF your child would like to have colored pencils, that's fine with me! I LOVE colored pencils as the wax dye doesn't "bleed" with time. This purchase is optional since it wasn't on the grade supply list. I just want you to know that colored pencils are fine to have in class!
The spelling homework will follow the same routine. The SPELLING words will all have the short o sound.
The vocabulary words (white paper) that come home on Monday are to be put with the others and practiced nightly.
We have started the +5s. Please begin drilling those facts as well as practicing the +2s, +3s and +4s.
Wed is an 11:30 dismissal. Thurs is picture make ups. If you have any questions about the make ups, please call the office.
Enjoy the beautiful weekend. I am looking forward to another busy week, full of learning!
God bless,
KM
I was just kindly informed that the rubric wasn't on the saint report information. I had run copies once with it ON it. I edited the note and FORGOT to put it on the second version. I am sorry! It will come home this afternoon.
More later--it's time for school!
KM
Monday afternoon greetings!
Today has been one of the best days yet! Let's hope we continue to build on all of this great listening and cooperation!
The science experiments have been wonderful! We certainly have a class FULL of public speakers! It is very apparent that they have practiced at home---many thanks for all the time you spent assisting! Your practice has paid off!!!! We have several more this week. I'm sure they will continue to be excellent!
The spelling list this week concentrates on short i words. Please locate these words in the copybook
Monday--Write the words 2 more times as set up in the book.
Tuesday--the BACK of the ditto---all 3 areas!
Wednesday--the FRONT of the ditto. Each word gets NEATLY written 3 times--use every line!
Thursday--Write 3 sentences with one spelling word in each sentence. Have them written NEATLY in the copybook. Take a practice test on another sheet of paper. Practice those words that are still toubling.
Friday--The test will be in class. Sign the test Friday night.
This will continue to be the spelling homework for the next 6 weeks, using different vowels sounds.
Religion--It is the goal of St. James to have every child enrolled in the Holy Childhood Association. Please send in $1.25 with your student sometime this week. We are hoping that you will encourage them to do something at home EXTRA to help EARN that fee as an offering for the poor child that their donation will help. Of course, those who wish to earn more are encouraged to be generous and donate more to help the needy children. We will also be talking about this in class later this week.
Also in Religion . . . we will also be starting a saint study. Because Thursday is All Saints Day, we will be concentrating on saints for the next few religion classes. By the end of this week, instructions for a saint report will be sent home You and your child will pick a saint to read about. Your child will prepare a small poster listing 3 facts learned about your saint AS WELL AS what your child will do to act like that saint. Of course, dressing up like your saint is part of the report! So, please be thinking of a saint that you and your child can researsh in a few days. Reports won't be due til the end of next week.
Math--PLEASE BE DRILLING THE FACTS NIGHTLY!!!!! We need to be working more quickly in class!
READING should be done mightly. The reading logs that are submitted and show the minimum of 15 min of daily reading will be rewarded with the Pizza Hut Book It free pizza award on Thursday.
Thanks to all who have volunteered to help for the Halloween celebration. It will be low key but fun! If you weren't asked to help this time. there will be other opportunities! Only a few parents are needed at a time! You may send in your donations tomorrow.
Remember on WEDNESDAY----COME IN COSTUME with your all parts of your uniform in a labeled bag. We will change after the festivities and get down to the business of first grade!
Please remember jackets and whatever else is necessary for this changing weather! We want tostay healthy!
Have a fun, safe night trick or treating on Wed!
God bless,
K. Morrison
OOPS!!! One more thing! Please send a small pumpkin to school with your student on TUESDAY!!! Well need it for math and science! KM
Greetings on Friday, October 19!
This note will take the place of the normal MONDAAY note as I won't be in school on Monday. I have a medical appt. Mrs. Malakoti will be the teacher, so all will be normal! I told the children this afternoon and they know I will see them on Tuesday!
HALLOWEEN! Just to give you a head's up, the first grade COMES TO SCHOOL IN THEIR COSTUMES and parades around the school. Please SEND your child's complete uniform in a bag (labeld with their name) on Halloween. After prayers, we parade, have a light snack/celebration and change into our proper uniforms. The rest of the day will continue as normal. Another note will be coming next week.
The science experiments begin on Tuesday. Be sure that your student has practiced the experiment and verbalize what is happening. Encourage appropriate volume please! People often get quiet when nervous!
It should be a fun experience.
The students do not have school next Friday. Because of that, the spelling test will be on Thursday AND the SPANISH HOMEWORK is also due on Thursday!
The spelling homework will be a list of 10 short e words. The words will be given to them on Monday. The homework on Monday will be to NEATLY write each word 3 times IN THEIR COPYBOOK. It is a good practice for the "homewrok helper" to sign all work when ompleted.
The spelling ditto will come home on Tuesday. We will complete the ABC order together in class as a word review. ON THE BACK, the students will write Tuesday at the top of the paper. THAT SIDE is to be completed for homework on Tuesday---the word boxes, fill in the blank sentences AND the BONUS of composing 2 sentences, each with a spelling word in it. Return it to school on Wed.
Wednesday night's homework is to complete the front side of the ditto and to take a practice test with you. Review those words that are still troubling. The copybook will come home on Thursday so you can see the test and sign the book.
Math--Contiue drilling the 1s, 2s, and 3s up to adding 10 to each. We will begin the 4s on Monday. Counting change and telling time are always good practice. Practice odd and even #s and counting by 2s, 5s and 10. Finding #s before, after and between is also easy to practice! They love that!
As always---READ--READ--READ.
Please keep our one classmate and his family in your prayers. We're hoping for a speedy recovery!
And congrats to the family that just welcomed a new one!
God bless all of our wonderful families!
Have a good weekend!
KM
Greetings on Thursday---Oct. 11, 2007
Just a few reminders:
I hope that the weekly letter got to your hands on Tuesday. Please keep it handy for reference.
The Spelling test is tomorrow on the words they have been practicing this week. (Those OTHER words from the confusing homework are LONG GONE!) Next week's words will come home Monday's letter. Please sign the test tomorrow and return it. (Signing all nightly homework though is really helpful!)
Speaking of homework . . . it is very important to be drilling the flash cards for reading and math!!!! The more practice, the faster the recognition. This is so important as a beginning step in reading. I cannot stress this enough. PLEASE, PLEASE be doing it every night!
The Book-It Reading Program from Pizza Hut information arrived this week. We'll use the current reading logs to track the minutes read per month. Be sure to read at LEAST 15 minutes daily and log the time and book read. That will earn a FREE personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut at the end of the month. A completed and accurate log is required to earn the pizza.
I did a general reminder a few weeks ago about uniforms. However there are still many without belts. Please refer to the handbook and provide your student with the proper essentials.
Please be sure that your student starts bringing a SJS approved sweater to school. We were not able to play after church today because many would have been too cold.
Don't get too scared if you walk by the BATS in the hall outside of our room! Many thanks to the 4 moms that made this project possible.
Also, thanks for replying so generously with your time on the Point of Contact letter. Mrs. Stahlman has them and will be in contact with you as needed.
Have a good weekend and be on the lookout for Monday's letter and new words!
God bless you and your family,
K. Morrison
Happy Columbus Day (on Monday!)
Just a quick note to let you know the following:
Papers to be signed are in the home folder. Please sign and return on Tuesday. If there are things to fix, finish or do on those pages, please supervise your child as s/he completes or fixes the work.
Be sure to read and drill the words and math facts DAILY. Accuracy and speed are the goals! Short, frequent practices are the most beneficial!
The Monday letter of instruction will come home on Tuesday. Be sure to keep those letters handy so you can refer to things that need to be done. The letters will be attached to Schoolnotes as soon as I can learn how to make that happen!!!
Next week is Fire Safety!
Have a safe, relaxing 3 day weekend!
KM
HAPPY FRIDAY!
I hope that you are enjoying the pomander that your child made and that wherever you put it smells great. They had fun making them! Thanks to Sarah Young's mom for ALL those cloves!
I'm told by the class that the applesauce was DELICIOUS! If you want to make it at home with your child, it's just chopped apples, honey, cinnamon and just a BIT of water. Simmer until you reach your desired consistancy. To add to the nutrition, I leave the peel on.
Reminders:
There is no school or day care on Wed. Teachers have a training day.
Many students need to have lunch tickets purchased if you want to continue buying pizza.
Check to make sure that your child's uniform is according to the handbook instruction. I've noticed that many need belts.
Have a wonderful weekend--enjoy this beautiful season.
READ, READ, READ!!!!
God bless, KM
Tuesday update . . . . .
I hope that yesterday's letter from me found its way into your hands!!!!!!
Many thanks to those who signed the Religion pages and the math pack. Both should have been returned to school. Please sign by the dog stamp. Papers like that will come home occasionally.
Tonight,in addition to flash cards and regular nightly reading, "Tim Has A Hat" will be in your child's folder. This short story is to be read, emphasizing the SOUNDS at the beginning, middle and end of the words. Developing these word attack skills on the easy words will assist in later years when the words are really big!!!!! Provide frequent opportunities for your student to practice these little books often to continue reinforcing the SOUNDS!!!!! Practice breeds success!!!!!
Many thanks to the Stahlman family for setting up an acquariium in our classroom and to all of our parents who have been SO GENEROUS. Together we all build on success!!!!
Have a good evening!
> Thursday---after school . . . . here's a list of the students who have given me their picture order envelopes:
Julian Vazquez
Sarah Young
Julian Cruz
Stefano Falcon
Alexander White
Wes Carr
Carter White
Annemarie Wolf
Nariella Fernandez
Eleanor Kreeb
Omar Zamora
Victoria Jones
Remember pictures will be taken on Monday, Sept. 24. Have your student wear the REGULAR uniform AND tennis shoes. That way we can do the photograph AND play in the gym for P. E.
We have practiced the WORD SORTS again and they know that the homework is to find other wrds in print that have the same middle SOUND as their words. Write them in the copybook. Really, this will get better as they become more familiar with the program!!!!!
Thursday AM----To answer another 2 questions---the words sorts are NOT the same for each student. The sort is based on reading level. The spelling tests will be based on the words from the WORD SORTS and will be given on Fridays. Based on the confusion this week, we will just continue PRACTICING with the words this week and just take a PRACTICE test this FRIDAY. IT WILL NOT GO IN THE GRADE BOOK!!!!
I will also send home another copy of the words that have been sent home that are to be flashcards from the reading book on Monday.
I will have a homework letter for the week starting next week that will hopefully resolve more questions.
Wednesday morning-----Here's some help for those doing sorts with matching words and pictures. Yesterday in class we practiced what to do since there weren't any real categories just yet. All students left class after having done it with a partner and seemed to be able to explain their homework task.
Working in pairs, one student lays down the picture cards. Another student READS the word and the first student finds the picture and then sees the word and lays it down by the picture. When all are matched, they lay down the word cards and the student who was the reader gives the other student a picture card one at a time to match to the word.
When that is complete, they switch jobs. The words were to then be written into the copybook.
The homwwork tonight for all is the WORD HUNT---finding words in printed material that have the same pattern (skill) as your WORD SORT. Write these words in your copybook.
I hope this helps. I know it has been confusing because it is the first time we are doing this. After a few weeks and lots of practice, it will become second nature.
Please note that the word list that came home containg the words "good", "read" "of" etc. are the words that you need to make flash cards with for practice at home. They go with our reading book. Two other lists have come home in the weeks before. So, yes--there are TWO activities with different words.
I tried to reply to those that had sent individual emails, but the reply is in cyberspace somewhere. This method of communication seems to be working, so we'll use this until I can resolve the other "challenge".
Have a good day!
KM
Tuesday--------PICTURE INFORMATION
Because Monday, Oct 24 is picture day AND P.E. for Room 9, please wear your REGULAR St. James uniform (NOT the P. E. uniforrm) WITH your tennis shoes. By doing this we can have our pictures taken AND go to the gym for P. E.
Thank you,
KM
Monday greetings to all!
This is to let you know that the WORD SORT SPELLING HOMEWORK BEGINS TODAY!!!!
Your student will be bringing home words to sort and practice in a zip locked bag this afternoon. There is also an instruction sheet in their HOME FOLDER, explaining what they are to do with you. I hope that it explains things well enough. We did do sorting in class today, so hopefully, your child remembers and can show you!
Please also continue with the flash cards from the word lists from the past 2 weeks as well as with the word list that is also coming home today.
The Spanish folder is also coming home today and is not due back until Friday when we have Spanish. It may come back to school earlier if you are finished with the work.
As alsway, READ, READ, READ and practice that mental math with your child!
Thanks for all you do to make them successful!
K. Morrison
Happy Thursday!!!!!
I just want to let you know that today was THE BEST DAY YET in Room 9!!!!!! Please ask your child about the wonderful picture that they drew for Tomi De Paola for his birthday. They are amazing!
In looking over the list of volunteers from the other night, I realize that several positions are still "available". Room 9 needs a Point of Contact person for both the classroom AND the auction (I think one person could do both?) and a person for Bucks for Books. There is a parent meeting on Monday night, so it would be beneficial to all if those vacancies were filled. Please let me know if you might be able to fill any of these roles. I appreciate your generous help.
The book orders from the other night are starting to be returned. Let's agree that Friday, Sept. 21 will be the last day to send in an order. Please make checks out to Scholastic Book Clubs. I will submit the order next weekend.
Please return that (completed) big white sheet of paper for the Writer's Workshop and the accompanying pictures on Monday. We will begin Writer's Workshop very soon after that! The paper will be used as a personal spelling guide for words that your child might want to use in their writing. (Example: Uncle Gregory, Hershey Park, Trooper, the dog . . . . )
The Word Sorting homework begins on Monday. WE WILL DO IT IN SCHOOL BEFORE IT COMES HOME, so they will have an idea of what they are to do!
Until then please READ, READ, READ nightly with your child, review their flash cards and do easy mental math problems! Short, frequent practice sessions are always more pleasant and successful!
As always, thank you for all that you do to help your student be a successful, happy member of 1-9!
God bless you,
K. Morrison
Happy Thursday to all!
Thank you for attending Back to School night. It was wonderful to meet so many involved parents. There was a lot of material to cover! I know that I had to talk fast but I hope that you found the evening informative.
Please know that I am here for you and will answer any questions necessary! I will make every effort to keep you updated.
When homework officially starts, it will also be posted here for the week. Until then . . . READ, READ, READ!!!!! Remember, Jim Trelease says (and all educators that I know happen to agree . . . ) that "reading aloud is the single most important factor in reading success." So be sure that you don't miss this opportunity with your child!!!!!
Thanks again for all that you do to support your child's success in first grade!
God bless you and your family,
Kathleen Morrison
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