The Weber Weekly

           

Wow!  Wow!  WOW!!  I am so happy to have such wonderful, caring students in my class this year.  They are truly a great bunch!  Thursday we had our first fire drill and the kiddos amazed me with their behavior.  We prepared for the drill by reading aloud two different books, Stop Drop, and Roll! and Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill.  We discussed the purpose and importance of fire drills and we even practiced lining up and walking with fast feet.  I couldn't believe when the entire school was outside how PERFECT my class was.  They were models of excellent behavior and I was so proud of all of them!!  :)

 

We celebrated 9/11 this week by reading a heart-warming book, September 12th: The Day We Knew Everything Would be Alright.  This book focuses on all the positives of our country and it's written from the perspective of first graders.  After reading, the children created posters about the herores of 9/11 and the symbols that represent America.  The kiddos were then challenged to go home and ask parents and family members to share their own personal experiences from 9/11. 


 

The kiddos have been working hard on building their stamina in Daily Five.  We've created bar graphs for each of the components of Daily 5 so that we can monitor our growth.  I am really proud of the progress the class has been making. 

Yesterday we began the Second Step program with our school social worker, Mrs. Dassinger.  Every A Day, the children will learn new social and academic skills that will encourage success at Grand Prairie as well as outside the school. 

Miss Tsevas has started taking over a few subjects.  She has been working hard on teaching the kids addition and subtraction tricks in math, cinquain poems in writing, and she started Charlotte's Web for read aloud.  Each week, Miss Tsevas will increase her teaching time while I'll observe her.  She will have complete take-over of all subjects and tasks for three weeks.  Of course, I will still be here supporting her and answering any questions you may have.  If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact me.

It was great seeing so many of you at the Ice Cream Social last Friday.  I always have such a fun time seeing the kids outside of the classroom.  Thanks to everyone who came out to support our school.  We have another opportunity to get together this weekend at the Plainfield River Days.  This exciting event is happening both Saturday and Sunday in downtown Plainfield.  Mr. Weber and I will be taking Keaton on Sunday after his afternoon nap.  I hope to see many of you there!

Keaton is already preparing for the Duck Race!!  :) :)

This week the kiddos also got to take a trip to the library to check out new books.  Each week your child will have an opportunity to check out two books, one "just-right" and one other book of their choice.  After check-out, Mrs. Starkman read aloud a fun book titled We're Going On A Book Hunt.  We will visit the library and check out new books every C Day.
 

Thanks to all of you that donated food for our Creekside Cares Food Drive.  We collected thousands of boxes and cans of food that will feed local families.  Your generosity means so much!

We celebrated many birthdays this week!  Happy Birthday to Ethan C., Ben, and Dylan!!  When your child has a birthday, we celebrate him/her with a song and birthday treat (Pixie Stix balloon).  Your child is also allowed to bring a non-edible birthday treat.  Some families choose to send goody bags filled with little toys while other families choose to send a classroom gift in honor of the birthday.  The birthday gift is usually a book or an indoor recess game, but it should be a surprise to your child.  Your child will unwrap the present in front of our class after we sing happy birthday.  The surprise gift is usually the class favorite!  :)


Calling all dads, grandpas, stepdads, uncles, and any other adult male father figures....we are holding our 2nd Annual Watch DOGS Kick Off on September 26th at 6:00 PM.  Miss Eskridge and Mrs. P will be presenting information about the program and we will have free hot dogs, chips, and drinks.  

On Monday we will be starting our Book Buddies Program!  Every child will receive a canvas tote filled with 10 books to read for the week.  These books range in reading levels and interests.  Some of the books your child will be successful reading independently and others will need to be read to your child.  Don't forget that all of these books can be read and recorded as part of the monthly reading log.  All Book Buddies will be due back to school on Thursday.  Have fun reading!!

Please take note of the following:

• Scholastic Book Orders and due on Thursday.  
• Parent University RSVP forms are also due on Thursday.  
• School Picture Day is October 3rd.  
• If you have not yet signed up for text message reminders, I highly recommend it.  Joining is easy; simply text the message @weber02 to the number (814) 201-5236.
• Your child will need an art shirt this year.  This is simply an old t-shirt that can be worn over regular clothes during art class.  The shirt can be left in your child's cubby for the year.
• We have PE on D and E Days.  Your child must have gym shoes in order to participate.  Again, the gym shoes can be left in your child's cubby if you so choose.   
• If you signed up to be a classroom volunteer, we will be needing your help soon.  At the start of each month, I will send home a volunteer calendar indicating the dates and times I would need you to come in.  Be on the lookout for the first calendar in the next couple of weeks.  
• As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your child and I will do the same.  I know it's going to be a GREAT school year!!  :) :)

Happy Weekend!