Family Newsletter

Dear Families,
The kids are so happy to be back at school again.  It was a strange week for me as I was out for a couple of days with pneumonia, but I hope I turned a corner.  The sun certainly helps!  Warmer weather would be nice too-I think we can all agree!

Our Learning:
Reading:  We will continue to perfect various reading strategies in our guided reading groups for the next few weeks.  It is important that your child continues to read at home very night.  Thank you all for supporting the new rainforest reading log that we have used for the last few weeks.  Next week is the last week we're using it.  The writing is overall great!  I am so pleased with the connections the children are making to the books they are reading at home.  They are truly developing into thoughtful and insightful readers.  Thanks for your support!

Writing:  We slowly started our new writing unit this week.  This time, the students will learn to write opinion pieces.  They will learn how to make convincing arguments in an organized way.  We started our unit by looking at "old" writing samples from years past.  The students worked in partnerships and gathered information about the various features of such writing.  Stay tuned for more information.

Math: First grade mathematicians are currently learning about fractions.  We are exploring halves, quarters and thirds, representing our understanding in both number writing as well as drawings and paper folding.  Please look for the beautiful "Fraction Booklets" the students took home today.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

•   Reading Restaurant is scheduled for may 19th.  There will be two seatings.  Your child will "work" in our restaurant during your assigned time slot. The first one in at 6pm, the other at 6:50.  I will send information home next week.  I will also send home your assigned time.  If this time does not work for you and your family, please let me know.
• We will attend the play "The Emeror's New Clothes" next Thursday at WCS.  This is a morning production and this will not interfere with our dismissal routine at all.
• Team Harmony will see the show "Celestial Beings" at the Flynn Theater on May 16th.  This is also a morning show.  Please fill our the permission slip, which was sent home last week.  If you need another copy, please let me know.  Thank you!