Happy Monday! The children in Room 24 have been quite busy making new friends, learning procedures and reviewing some first grade concepts. I’ve been busy benchmarking my students, which means reading with each student to check for fluency (how they sound) and comprehension(what they understand). All of the children have been assessed on spelling and spelling patterns so I know exactly what each child already knows and what they need to yet learn. It’s been fun for me to get to know your child personally!

This week is the beginning of MAP/NWEA Testing for all students. My students will be testing on Wednesday and Friday morning this week. This is a test to get a grasp of what your child already knows.

Tomorrow is PICTURE DAY! I made an appointment for my students to have all photos completed in the morning before they go outside to play.

FUNDRAISING ORDERS should be turned in tomorrow, if you haven’t done so already.

Finally, our big PILLOW PROJECT is coming up. Earlier I sent a note asking each child to bring in fabric and stuffing by this Friday. I do have a lot of extra fabric so if you are unable to purchase fabric, your child will still make a pillow. Please continue to send in pillow stuffing!

Volunteer Opportunity:  If you are able to cut some fabric squares from home, let me know. I’m fortunate to have someone donate extra material. 

HOMEWORK~ At this time, I will not be sending weekly homework. The children will have plenty of opportunities to practice concepts during the school day. I also provide a reading time for the students to work on reading. **I will notify you if your child must complete unfurnished work at home or if they need extra practice.

Welcome to another great week! I’m hoping, along with the children, that this week won’t be so hot! We made it last week, but it was rough in the heat! 

This week I hope to begin a lot of pre assessing the children in the areas of reading and language arts. The goal is to know exactly where each child is in his or her learning progression. With that information, I’ll be able to know the child’s strengths and weaknesses, building on the strengths and strengthening the weak areas.

It’s PILLOW TIME!

Making pillows is a 2nd grade tradition that started with Mrs. Meulenberg, a retired 2nd grade teacher. She continues to return each year to make the pillows with the students. Each child with need to have qt 4 pillow squares, 9 x 9 inches. We’re also going to need a lot of pillow stuffing! The pillow squares can be all the same. The children will trade squares with their friends, allowing them to get different patterns. The pillows will go home with your child at the end of the year or whenever their last day at Alpine Elementary would be.

I put some pictures on the Facebook page. Take a look!

FALL FUNDRAISER

Fundraising packets were sent home on Friday. All products are 15.00, with half of that money going to Alpine Elementary for field trips and other fun events. All orders, along with the money collected are due on September 19, with delivery on October 18.

HOMEWORK

I will send homework home as needed. If your child does not complete the work at school or if he or she needs additional practice, homework will be sent and you will be notified.

Reading is encouraged every night. To motivate students, my class will participate in Pizza Hut’s Book It Program. Look for the information to be sent home soon.