Hello!

Hello everyone!  It's been awhile, I know!  Sorry about that.  I have a lot to share with you today.  First of all, thank you so much for the plants and "lilies" I received at the Valentine's party.  I've gotten lots of comments on them.  A big thank you also goes out to all those responsible for the fun-filled party.  Everyone had a great time!  Sadly, that was the last party of the year . . . or was it?  ;)


I hope you enjoyed the student-led conferences.  The students were so excited to share their accomplishments with you.  If you haven't already done so, please make sure you fill out the survey from Ms. Daye-Williams.  It will help us to make changes to the format if needed. 


Our principal was generous enough to buy Raz-Kids for the lower elementary.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with this computer program, let me give you a little information about it.  Raz-Kids is a reading program that lets kids work independently on their reading skills.  The students listen to a story, read it through again on their own, and then answer comprehension questions.  As soon as the student passes the comprehension quiz with a certain percentage, the program allows the student to move to the next book.  You can access this program from the Jackson website if you would like to work on this at home.  Feel free to email me with any questions.


We finished our unit on continents and are working on map skills now.  Your child should have brought home a Flat Stanley project to help us with our map skills.  Please send it back to school as soon as you can.  Our plan is to put up a large map in the hallway and have the kids pin up their Flat Stanley to show were he went on his trip with your family or friends.  If you haven't seen Flat Stanley come home, let me know and I will send another one. 


Our classroom garden is looking good.  We planted lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cilantro, parsley, chives, and oregano.  This spring the plants will be transplanted in the Jackson garden.  The kids are really excited to watch the plants grow. 


First grade has started a "learning block" from 9:10-9:30 every morning.  We have grouped the first graders based on skills they need to work on in reading and math and will be providing activities to either extend or reteach those skills. Second grade is just around the corner and we want to make sure your child is well prepared.  Let me know if you have any questions about learning block and I will be happy to explain in more detail. 


Friday is Spring Picture Day.  You do not need to send any money and you will not be getting an order form.  All students will get their picture taken and a packet will be sent home later.  You can keep any or all the pictures in the packet and just pay for the ones you want.  If you do not wish to purchase any, simply send the entire packet back to school. 


Here are some dates to remember:


Sat., March 14 - PTA Family Fun Event - Roller skating
Tues., March 17 - K-1 Music program
Tues., March 17 - Star Lab @ 10:30
Wed., March 18 - Early Dismissal
Fri., March 20 - Becky Smith will be teaching first graders about computer coding


I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy this great weather.


Sincerely,


Mrs. Russell