Weekly News
Week of: October 3, 2016
This Week’s News
Hi Families,
We’re entering the sixth week of the school year, a stretch of time that’s so important there’s an entire book written just about it, entitled (of course)The First Six Weeks of School! As I reflect on how far we’ve come (and how far we still need to go), I decided to review and share the goals we’ve been focused on:
*creating a classroom climate of warmth, inclusion, and safety
*teaching routines and behavior expectations
*helping students get to know and care for our classroom and school environment
*establishing expectations for our academic work
The second graders have stepped up in every way to welcome and bring the first graders into our community. What an exciting transition it’s been! I predict that we’re going to have a GREAT year together!
Room 108 had a lot of “firsts” this week.
On Tuesday, we welcomed, Saytun, a new educational assistant. She’ll be available to help students each morning with their math problems. Also this week, we determined (democratically) that the name of our hamster will be “Flash!” Very fitting! We hope we’ll never be called upon to catch him on the run! In addition, we launched our morning book bag exchanges. We learned how choosing the right book is a little bit like choosing the right footwear. We need to consider our purpose, interest, and fit. On Wednesday, we practiced a new greeting called “Just Like Me.” Each student introduced him/herself and finished the statement “I like to ____.” Classmates showed their agreement by standing and saying “Just Like Me.” There were lots of ups and downs AND lots of learning about our common interests! We also learned two new math games: 1 or 2 Plus Bingo and Shut the Box. Ask your child to explain how each game is played! On Friday, we took a nature walk with our Big Buddies, visited the Media Center to check out books, started working on an art project, and read our 2nd “Treasure Book,” Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. I’m hoping you had an opportunity to read the letter that came home last week with your child’s treasure chest. Each Friday, your child will bring home a short list of questions for you to use to talk with him/her about the treasure book.
Finally, Room 108 will be taking our first off campus field trip on Thursday to the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. I’ve had 6 parents indicate interest in joining us. Because we have limited bus space, I’ll invite the kids to help me choose 3 names from a hat on Monday. Thank you so much for your interest and support!
Have a great week,
Linda Wilterdink ()
First and Second Grade/Barton Open Elementary
Notes and Reminders
· Conference season is upon us. I’ve attached a copy of my current schedule.
· For families conferencing this coming week, please look for a planning sheet to come home on Monday.
· All students will bring home math packet homework on Monday.
· Please review Barton Playground Rules with your child (find them listed below).
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Upcoming Events
*Mon., Oct. 3 - Community Education Classes begin
*Tues., Oct. 4 - students will attend “Tales Along the Minnesota Trail” in Barton Commons.
*Thurs., Oct. 6 - Minnesota Center for Books Arts. Please return field trip slips Monday.
*Mon., Oct. 10 - PICTURE DAY (order packets coming home this week)
*Fri., Oct. 14 – POPCORN Friday
*Thurs., Oct. 27 – All school field trip to Ordway for “Step Afrika!” (field trip slips coming home this week)
Room 108 Goal Setting Conference Schedule Fall 2016
Thursday, October 6 – ELL conference evening
Student Parent Telephone
2:45-3:15 Shamso
Tuesday, October 18
Student Parent Telephone
3:00-3:30 Andre
3:30-4:00 Cole
4:00-4:30 Leo
4:30-5:00 Lucy
5:00-5:30 Jordyn
5:30-6:00 Bruno
Barton Playground Rules
1. Follow directions
2. Dress appropriately
3. Walk quietly and calmly in and out of building
4. Monitor speech (i.e. loudness, put downs, language, name calling, teasing, answering back)
5. Play safely (no play fighting, pushing, or shoving)
6. Do not re-enter building without permission
7. No going into street or on roof - ask adult for assistance
8. No eating or drinking
9. Bikes, roller skates, and skateboards may not be used on playground
10.Throwing snowballs is not allowed