Weekly Update

Dear Families and Students,

I am so proud of this group of kids!  We had another fantastic week together.  They work so well together-it's like they have been together for many, many years.  They are also quickly getting used to our new routine together.  They are kind, respectful listeners and friends.  We are slowly building a new community of learners together and through guided discovery, the children learn more and more about our classroom, our routines and procedures.  I hope you are all checking out our daily blog posts!  It's like twitter on the blog...., so much fun to share pictures.  Many children tell me they check the blog at home.  Thank you for supporting our digital learning and providing opportunities for me to link the classroom with your home.

Reminders:
We are going to Shelburne Farms on Wednesday, September 9th.  This is a whole day trip.  The bus will leave ABS at 8:30am and return around 2pm, in time for regular dismissal.  If you are joining us, please note that our bus is close to full capacity.  We are asking parents to drive there, rather than riding the bus with us.  If you are able to drive, but already indicated you would like to ride along with us, please let me know if you are willing and able to switch.  We want to make sure we can fit all the children on the bus.
We will do many learning activities outside at Shelburne Farms, so please check the weather and dress accordingly.  Right now, it looks as if next week will be hot and sunny as well, so please bring extra water.  All children need to wear sneakers as we will be outside.  The children also need to bring a nut-free snack as well as a packed nut-free lunch.  If your child would like a bagged lunch from school (the equivalent to a regular hot lunch at ABS), your child can choose between a ham or a turkey sandwich.  Please email me with your preference.  Thank you!

Library books are due on Mondays!  I hope your child enjoyed his/her choices this week.  We will bring home two new books next week.

This week's Friday Folder contained information about art smocks and the upcoming ABS Picture Day among other things.  Please return your choice of pictures as soon as possible.  Thank you!

Our learning this week:
We started math class this week on Harmony.  If you scroll down on this blog, you will learn more about first grade math learning and activities this week.  All second graders have math with Ms. Crowley and all first graders in my class stay with me for math.  Mrs. Benoit also keeps her first graders for math, which means that Ms. Crowley's first graders are divided between the two latter classrooms. Math homework will not come home next week for first grade.

We started partner reading this week as well.  Please scroll down for information and pictures on partner reading.

Have a great long holiday weekend.  Remember, no school on Monday as it is Labor Day.  See you all on Tuesday!

Maria