Learning Buddies

Dear Families,
We met with our Learning Buddies earlier this week.  In the month of December, the two classrooms worked on a Jan Brett author study together.  We read many of her books together and did different learning activities together.  This week, we shared our own paper mittens, based upon Jan Brett's book "The Mitten".     The students shared their projects and practiced re-telling the story in sequence with their learning buddies.  Please visit our classroom to see these beautiful mittens and animals!

Happy holidays

Dear families,
Happy holidays! Thank you for so generously contributing to our annual holiday party.  We had so many goodies to enjoy. We also greatly appreciate that you took the time to come and join us.  You are the best!
Here are some pictures from the party and our class entering the "train" the Polar Express.

Weekly update

Dear families,
This week, the students started partner reading together.  We have a special partner reading library in the classrooms from which the kids sign out books together.  They had so much fun, reading books together as learning friends. 
We also hosted our very special Meet and Greet with Ms. Herbert this week.  Thank you all for coming in and so generously donating treats for this breakfast gathering. We understand that it is tricky for you to change your schedules, so if you did not get a chance to meet with Ms. Herbert, and you would like to, please do not hesitate to let me know and I will find another time for you.  Thank you.
This week, Julia's mom joined our class for a special celebration of Hanukkah.  We read a book together, played dreidel and tasted delicious latkes.  Thank you.
Next week, we have some special holiday celebrations planned for our students on Harmony.  On Friday, our last day of school before our holiday vacation, we will have a Pajama Day.  Students can come to school in their PJs for our traditional Polar Express holiday celebration.  We will watch the movie, Polar Express, together on the team.  Please make sure your child does not bring in any stuffed animals or wear slippers, however.  We would also like to invite you all to our traditional Holiday Party in our classroom, starting around 1:45 when the kids return from recess.  If you would like to donate treats, such as cookies, juice and other holiday sweets and treats, please let me know.  I know we have already asked for so many treats from all of you.  We appreciate your generosity and hope you understand.  Thank you.
Hope to see you next Friday.
Maria

Weekly Update

Dear Families,
What a busy week we had!

We had 4 Winds on Wednesday.  Once again, thank you parent volunteers for making these terrific scientific explorations possible.  On Wednesday, we learned about bird migration.  We learned about where birds fly in the winter and why.  The students also had the opportunity to use maps and measure how far some birds fly in the winter.  It was amazing to learn that some birds fly over 3000 miles in order to get to warmer climates.

We also visited WCS for the annual Book Fair.  The students had an opportunity to buy books, browse the store and even write "Wish Lists" for future purchases.  Thank you parents for helping out.

My long-term sub, Katie Herbert, also joined us this week.  She spent Thursday with the students and we had a great day together.  I hope you all read her letter to you.  It is posted below.  Katie will return to our classroom on Tuesday, December 11th.  As indicated earlier, we are hosting a "Meet & Greet", between 7:45-8:30am on Tuesday.  Please come by and chat with Katie and enjoy some delicious breakfast foods.  If possible, we would like parents to bring in some bagels, muffins, cream cheese, orange juice and fruit to share.  Please let me know if this is possible for you and your family.  We really appreciate your generosity and look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.  Thank you!

Regards,
Maria

Introducing my long-term sub

Dear Families,
It is with great pleasure that I am posting a letter from Katie Herbert, my new long-term sub.  Katie will take over the class for the 12 weeks when I go on maternity leave.  My due date is not until January 17th, and my last day in the classroom is planned for the Friday prior, January 11th.

Katie will join us all day tomorrow in our class and get to know the students.  She will return again next week, when we plan to host a "Meet & Greet" breakfast between 7:45am-8:30am on Tuesday, December 11th.  Please bring a small breakfast treat (muffins, bagels, juice or fruit) to share with the class. Come in and chat with us! We look forward to seeing you all.

Here is the letter from Katie:

Dear First and Second Graders and their Families,

It is with great excitement that I introduce myself to you. My name is Katie Herbert. I am Maria’s long-term substitute during her maternity leave. I graduated from Saint Michael’s College with my master’s degree in education. I am originally from Rutland, Vermont, but my family lives in upstate New York now, near beautiful Lake George.  I always wanted to return to Vermont since my family left, so I returned for college and haven’t left since 2004.

In my free time, I love to cook, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and spend time with friends and family. I love to travel and learn more about the world we live in. I spent a month in India working the poorest of the poor in Mother Teresa’s homes and taught English to children. I have a passion for service-learning and providing influential authentic learning experiences for your children. I am extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity to teach your children.  Maria and I are working very closely to ensure a smooth transition for your young learners.

It would be a pleasure to meet you! Maria and I are hosting a Meet and Greet Breakfast on Tuesday, December 11th 7:45am and 8:30am.  Please, be in touch with any questions.  I look forward to meeting you.

All my best,

Katie

Katie Herbert

1st/2nd grade long-term sub

Allen Brook School

kherbert@cssu.org

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