This week has been our Trimester Review in both Reading and Math. We’re starting a new module in math, and I sent home a letter explaining what standards we will be hitting in this module. We reviewed the Th blend in phonics, and I introduced the sh blend as well. In all subject areas, we have been doing some fun Thanksgiving themed activities to go with our curriculum. Students really enjoyed doing Turkey Math stations yesterday, and especially enjoyed the challenge of shopping for Thanksgiving dinner! They were given $25 and could only purchase 6 items. It was fun to watch them problem solve! They also really enjoyed a literacy activity I did with them where they cut out the letters in the word Thanksgiving and tried to make as many new words out of it as they could. We also made centerpieces for our family tables, where family members can go around and write what they are grateful for.
Remember there is no school all of next week. I hope you all enjoy a restful break with your child. Have a lovely time with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am so thankful to have such a wonderful group of smart, kind, and fun learners this year as well as a caring, considerate parents!
Reminders
REPORT CARDS: Report Cards went home yesterday. Standards are ranked 1-4, with a 1 indicating well below grade level expectations, 2 indicating working towards grade level expectations but not yet there, 3 indicating at grade level expectations and a 4 indicating above grade level expectations. I typically wait to give any 4’s out until students show a year’s worth of growth above grade level. If your child received 3’s, in a standards-based report card system, that means they have shown me they have mastered the first-grade skill that accompanies the standard. First grade benchmarks for reading, writing and math can be found here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I want to ensure we are meeting your child’s needs, and I am happy to clarify and address any concerns.
LIBRARY: Yikes! I know the library situation has been a bit confusing over the past few weeks. We are back to library being on Tuesdays. For a couple of weeks Mrs. Philips was doing some STEM lessons with the kids, but we’re going to hold off on those, and/or do them in the classroom in the months to come. So, library from here on out is back to being on Tuesday.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDER: I am doing a scholastic book order so I can get some books for my classroom. If you’re interested in ordering books yourself, please go to this link and click on the red square. This will take you to scholastic online where you can order: Book Order The books you order will be included in my order and will get delivered to the school. I will distribute the books when they arrive. The deadline to order any books is November 30. I am going to be putting my order in on December 1. Any books you order, gives me points to purchase more books for my classroom. Pretty much all of the books I have in my classroom, I’ve been able to purchase using points! Hooray!
READING OVER THE BREAK: Next week is a great time to read to and with your child and log those books into your child’s reading log. First grade is typically the time when a child internalizes whether or not they are a “good reader.” My goal is to continue instilling a growth mindset into their learning, in that it’s ok to make mistakes and we don’t have to do it perfectly. That being said, reading 20-30 minutes in the evening outside of school, will really help your child’s reading confidence grow.
COLD WEATHER: Colder weather is on its way! Please write your child’s name inside of their winter coats and instruct them to store their hats and gloves inside their coat pockets for safe-keeping. It is your child’s responsibility to keep track of their coats, boots, hats, and gloves this winter (I will do my very best to help out as well).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 11/16 No School; Professional Development Day
11/19 - 11/23 No School; Fall Break
Wednesday, 12/5 @ 4:00 PM Collaborative School Committee (CSC) Meeting
Thursday, 12/6 @ 8:00 AM Social Emotional Learning Parent Networking Coffee
Thursday, 12/13 @ 5:00 PM School Tour
Thursday, 12/13 @ 6:00 PM PTO Meeting
Friday, 12/14 @ 8:00 AM Inspiring Students Celebration
Thursday, 12/20 Spirit Day; Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
Thursday, 12/20 @ 2:00 PM Winter Wonderland Party in classrooms
Friday, 12/21 No School; Professional Development Day
12/22 - 1/6 No School
Thanks for sharing your child with me!
Warmly,
Mrs. Cranfill
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