Bi-Weekly Newsletter- Volume 16
January 18, 2011
Reading- Since track in, we have really been focusing on non-fiction text, specifically animals. We have been working on completing KWL charts with the information we already know (K), what we want to find out (W), and then finally what we learned (L) after we were done reading. Since we have been talking a lot about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we have also completed a KWL chart with information about his very important life.
Writing- This week we made an “I have a Dream” quilt. We studied Martin Luther King Jr. this week and last and discussed how inspirational he was. So the student each made a dream and discussed how they were going to achieve that dream. Our banner will be in the hallway for everyone to see.
Peanut Butter Bird Feeders- The day we tracked in we read the book, “The After Christmas Tree.” With this story, we were able to do an interactive writing for a “How to make a peanut butter bird feeder”. Last week, we followed our very specific steps and each made a bird feeder. We found that we are pretty good at giving directions on how to make this unique bird feeder. I hope everyone’s feeder made it through the ice and is still standing strong!
Math- Last week we worked on addition and subtraction equations and worked on the “Make a Ten” strategy to find the answer. For example, if we have the equation 8+__=13, we could say 8+2 gives us 10, and then we add the remaining 3 (from the 13). So 2+3, gives us 5. We finished up Unit 5 and the kids did a great job on their assessment. This test will be coming home on Friday. See what objectives your child has not mastered and continue working on those.
Science- Since Track in, we have started our Balance and Motion Kit. We have been discussing and observing how objects can balance having a counterweight and how the arch and triangle can balance using the counterweights which have to be below the balance point. See the science letter that is attached to this for more information about this unit.
Team Time- In our first grade PLT (which takes place every Wednesday before school) we work hard to develop interventions for our kids who need more support and are not meeting grade level bench marks as well as meeting the needs of our kids who are working above grade level. Afternoons at 3:10, we divide the students up into several groups based on your child’s understanding of retelling, phonic skills, word families, and rhyming words, etc. Each teacher will teach a different lesson and challenge the group of students based on their level of understanding. We hope that this added time for differentiated instruction will allow all students to be challenged in reading and help with retelling and other areas your child could use extra assistance in. If you have any further questions about our PLT interventions please let me know!
Important Information:
- Thank you to all of the parents who donated items for our Peanut butter bird seed feeders. They turned out great and I hope the birds and squirrels enjoyed their winter snack!
- Accidents Happen! They happen all the time, in many different places throughout the day. Please make sure your child has an extra change of clothes in their book bag. Make sure these clothes are appropriate for the winter weather and not the same ones from the beginning of the year in the summer time. Thanks for helping out!
- 100th day of school is this Thursday! Make sure to bring in your 100 objects so we can practice grouping and counting by 10’s, 5’s, and 2’s. BE CREATIVE with your 100 objects!
- Book Fair- Banks will be having a book fair in the library. It starts on February 7th and ends on the 18th. We will be having a Book Fair Family Night and families are welcome to attend on February 17th from 6:00-8:00. If you are not able to make book fair night at Banks, your child will have to opportunity to buy books during the school day.
- Jump Rope for Heart- Information for this year’s Jump Rope for Heart is coming home this Friday. Last year Banks Road was awarded a certificate of raising the most money for a school in its first year! Way to go! This year Mrs. Williford is asking for y'all to do another fabulous job and to raise even more money. All money will need to be turned in by Friday, February 25th and cash is not allowed. If you have any questions, I can direct those to Mrs. Williford.
Important dates for your calendar:
- Wednesday, January 19th- January Scholastic due
- Thursday, January 20th- 100th day of school (Track 1)
- Friday, January 21st- Early Release- School is dismissed at 1:15
- Monday, January 31st- Abbey’s Birthday
- Monday, January 31st- January Book-It! due
- Wednesday, February 2nd- Groundhog’s Day
- Monday, February 14th- Valentine’s Day
- Thursday, February 17th- Book Fair Family Night from 6 to 8 pm
- Friday, February 25th- Field Trip to Poe Health Center
- Monday, February 28th- Jump Rope for Heart (Tracks 1 and 3)
Wish List
- Lysol Spray
- Clorox Wipes
- Items for the Treasure Chest
- Glue Sticks
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