Mrs DelPercio's Kindergarten Home Page: 2012

Unity

Author Unknown

I dreamed I stood in a studio

and watched two sculptors there.

They clay they used was a young child's mind

and they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher - the tools she used

were books, music and art.

The other, a parent, worked with a guiding hand

and a gentle, loving heart.

Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch

that was deft and sure

while the parent labored by her side

and polished and smoothed it o'er.

When at last their task was done

they were proud of what they had wrought.

For the things they had molded into the child

could neither be sold nor bought.

Each agreed they would have failed

if each had worked alone.

For behind the teacher stood the school

and behind the parent, the home.

A heartfelt thank you for your support and cooperation this year. Have a wonderful, safe summer!

Good luck to my first graders to be!

Jesus made a promise.

A promise that is true.

He is with us always.

With me and with you.

We will wrap up our last full week of school by recalling some Bible stories and things that we learned about God this year. The children do know how important it is to go to Mass on Sunday. I hope you will take them to church during the summer months.

We collected 55 snacks for the local food pantry. Thank you!

We'll do a lot of writing in our journals this week including what we enjoyed about kindergarten and what we're looking forward to in first grade.

We'll work on our memory cubes and an ABC Chart.

I will be giving the Unit 5 Assessment.

We'll read books about dads and make a card for his special day.

I will be sending home a list of HF Words and Word Families, for summer review and practice.

We'll gather around the flag pole to salute the stars and stripes on Flag Day this week.

Homework: Please have your child make a card for his/her buddy. Due: Thursday

Reminders

Our "Celebration" will begin at 1:30 on Tuesday. Please be on time. Your child may come to school in "celebration attire". There will be light refreshments afterwards. Your child's All About Me poster will be hanging in the gym. Please take it home. You are welcome to take any pictures hanging on the three bulletin boards in the hall after the celebration.

Monday: Gym today, 6/11. No gym on Wednesday.

Wednesday: Free dress day - and it's free. We'll be doing some clean up in the room.

Thursday: Read Aloud Book Party. Your child should come dressed as a book character and be prepared to tell us the title of the book, something about the character, and show a prop. No uniform. Please send in the requested item.

Friday: 12:30 dismissal

Monday: June 18th is our last day. 12:30 dismissal. Report cards will be sent home.

Needed: a few more cube shaped tissue boxes

Please return any library/class books.

Have a great week. This is it!

"Jesus Is Our Source Of Joy"

John 5:1-8

The children will learn that God wants them to be joyful. They will recall how Jesus brought joy to people.

The Reading selection is This Is The Way We Go To School, fiction. Skill: drawing conclusions; Phonics: Yy /y/ and Qu /kw/; Grammar: verbs; HF Words: where, come.

We will graph the total number of books read for the May Read Aloud. I'd love 100% participation. There is info in your child's folder about our Read Aloud Book Party on Thursday, June 14th. Every child is expected to participate.

We'll work on subtraction and make up our own story problems.

It's been fun discussing dinosaurs and the theories as to why they became extinct. We'll go on an edible dino dig this week. I have a special activity planned for Thursday, around 1:00 and could use some extra help. You can join us at the band concert afterwards at 1:30 if you'd like.

We've collected 2 bags of pretzels and 2 bags of goldfish crackers which equals 4 snack items to date. The snacks will be given to the local food pantry for the children to enjoy while home for the summer.

Homework: The paper was sent home last Wednesday and is due Thursday. Two sentences and a picture about a book character.

Reminders

Your child is bringing home his/her lines for the Celebration. Please help him memorize them.

Please RSVP to the Celebration

Field Trip Tuesday - disposable lunch - Field Day tee - dress for the weather

Tag Day Thursday - $2.00 - sponsored by Kindergarten

Needed: cube shaped empty tissue boxes

Wanted: a few volunteers willing to wash some of the toys before summer vacation. All you need is hot, soapy water. I'd be most appreciative.

Have a good week!

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Love

We'll talk about ways to show love and become familiar with the Our Father.

We'll continue with the reading selection On The Move. HF Words: where, come. I will send home a complete list of the HF Words and Word Families next month for summer review and practice. I hope you're reading for our final Read Aloud. Please return the sheet by Friday.

We'll finish up addition and begin subtraction. There are many interactive lessons on the Smart Board which the children enjoy.

We use our handwriting books several times a week for editing sentences. The children are familiar with how to begin a sentence and how to use end punctuation.

We'll be starting a unit on Dinosaurs, always fun and informative.

I will be sending home your child's "lines" for the K Celebration. Please have him/her memorize them.

Stop by at the end of the week to see the wonderful paintings in the style of Georgia O'Keefe. They will impress you!

Friday is Letter People Day. Your child can choose any letter. It does not have to be the letter assigned for the Celebration. We'll do Math with Alphabit cereal, nibble ABC cookies, make words, read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and lots of other ABC books. No uniform.

We'll be collecting pretzels and goldfish crackers for the local food pantry. You are always so generous. Thank you!

Homework: Write at least two sentences about a book character. Illustrate it in the space provided. The paper is in your child's folder. Due: Thursday, June 7th.

Reminders

Gym: Wednesday, May 30th Your child can wear the Field Day tee shirt for gym class.

12:30 Dismissal Friday - Faculty Meeting

Class Trip: Tuesday, June 5th. Chaperones meet in front at 8:45.

Have a good week!

Jesus Sent His Holy Spirit
Romans 5:5

The children will appreciate air as a gift from God and know that Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Reading Selection: On The Move!, informational. Skill: Main Idea; Phonics: Vv /v/ and Zz /z/; Grammar: Nouns in Sentences; HF Words: where, come. We'll read Dear Zoo and complete a class book. Please return all class books, photos, etc. in a day or two. Many other children are waiting for a turn.

I hope that you are reading for the Read Aloud. Certificates will be given out at our Read Aloud Book Party next month.

We will complete our chapter on Addition. The children seem to have a good understanding of the concept.

We'll remember those who serves so well as Memorial Day approaches. Remember: no school Friday, Monday or Tuesday. There is Gym when they return on Wednesday.

The children did a great job on "Wanna Be Day". Jobs that help others seemed to be the most popular.

Field Day is Wednesday. Your child will receive his/her team tee shirt on Tuesday. He is to wear it to school on Wednesday with his gym shorts. Pack lunch for your child if he does not eat hot dogs or burgers. You're welcome to stop by and see some of the events. It will be a fun day and we're hoping that the rain holds off.

There will be a special visitor on Thursday to promote reading. He'll be a very familiar face.

We collected 51 school supply items for the local food pantry. Thank you so much!

Homework: Complete the writing prompt: I am busy as a bee when... Illustrate the sentences in the space provided. The paper is in your child's folder. Please be sure that it's handed in on Thursday.

Reminders

Send in your child's lines for the Kindergarten Celebration. You can write them but he/she should think of what they learned to go along with the assigned letter. Due: Thursday

Letter People Day: Friday, June 1st. Info is in your child's folder.

Have a great week!

We Give Thanks For God's Gifts At Mass

We call the Mass a celebration because we come together with other people to thank and praise God for His wonderful gifts. We will attend Mass on Ascension Thursday. You are welcome to join us.

Reading Selection: The Little Engine That Could, a fantasy. Skill: Plot; Phonics: Uu short /u/; Grammar: Nouns; HF Words: what, said, was.

I hope that you are reading for the Read Aloud. It is our last month. We'll have a Read Aloud Book Party on Friday, June 8th. Info will follow.

We're working on addition, using pictures to add and recognizing addition patterns. We'll play an addition game with our buddies.

There's lots of excitement as we watch the metamorphosis of the caterpillars.

The children are looking forward to painting BIG flowers in the style of Georgia O'Keefe.

We've collected 29 school supply items for the clients at the food pantry. We'll collect through the end of the week. Many thanks!

Our "Jumpathon" raised $80.00 for the American Heart Association. Thank you!

Field Day is next week. Your child will receive his/her tee shirt the day before. These shirts will be worn on the class trip so no writing on them. There are two teams: blue and white. Your child has not received his/her team color yet.

Homework: Number writing to 100 - in the folder

Reminders

Spring Concert Tuesday - arrive in class 6:15 - pick up your child in the classroom afterwards

Wanna Be Day Friday - no uniform - Please be sure that your child is prepared.

Have a great week!

"We Celebrate God's Love and Give Thanks At Mass."

Luke 22:19-20

Did you go to church on Sunday? This week the children will learn that Sunday is a special day, a day that they should celebrate Mass with their families.

The Reading Selection is Messenger, Messenger, a rhyming story. Skill: Compare and Contrast; Phonics: Uu short /u/; Grammar: Dates; HF Words: what, said, was.

Ten children participated in the April Read Aloud with a total of 209 books read, a significant drop from last month. Our total to date is 2,113. I hope there will be a better turnout this month.

We'll finish up our chapter on Measurement and begin addition shortly.

It was fun having our Grandparents/GrandFriends join us for breakfast. They enjoyed our "Heart Healthy" Program as well as looking through our writing journals. Thank you to all of you who donated your time and/or food items.

A special thank you to the Danubio, Forsatz, and McNiff families for sponsoring our last birthday bash of the year. The children really enjoyed it.

We've collected eight "Back to School Supplies" so far for the local food pantry.

We'll visit the Spring Boutique on Monday (11:15) and Tuesday (10:15). Please label an envelope with your child's name and amount of money enclosed if he/she will be shopping. You are welcome to join us.

We'll have several rehearsals for the Spring Concert next Tuesday evening. All children are expected to attend. Wear bright colors. No jeans or sweats please.

Homework: Pet Survey - in your child's folder. Due: Thursday

Still Missing: Jessie Bear book and class rewrite. Do you have it?

I will out all day on Wednesday at a workshop. Mrs. Donovan will be in charge. Please remind your child that I expect full cooperation.

Reminders

* May Crowning Monday at 7:00

* Tailgating Thursday at 5:30

* Moms' Tea Thursday at 2:30 in the classroom

* Wanna Be Day Friday, May 18th - info in your child's folder

* Enjoy the week ahead.

"Jesus, the light of the world, calls us to share his light with others."

Matthew 5:13-16

The children will appreciate light as a gift of God and learn that light is a symbol of God for us.

The reading selection is Mayday!Mayday!, an informational story. Skill: cause and effect; Phonics: Xx /ks/; Grammar: Capitals and Question Marks; HF Words: yellow, blue, green.

April Read Alouds are due. I hope that you will participate in May, our last one. We will celebrate with a Read Aloud Book Party in June.

We are working on measurement. It's been fun to measure with paper clips, crayons, and other non-standard units of measurement.

Our buddies helped us with some Science experiments and this week will guide us in using rulers to measure ribbon and rope.

We'll celebrate Cinco de Mayo as we enjoy tortilla chips and salsa.

We're looking forward to the Grandparents'/Grand Friends Breakfast on Thursday.

Homework: Shoe Survey - due Thursday - in your child's folder

Reminders

Birthday Bash - Thursday - Sponsors welcome

Tag Day Friday - sponsored by Grade 5 - $2.00

12:30 Dismissal Friday - faculty meeting

May Crowning - May 7th, 7pm in Church

Spring Boutique - May 7th/8th If your child will be shopping please send money in an envelope labeled with the amount and your child's name.

Moms' Tea on Thursday, May 10th, at 2:30

Everyone enjoyed the Jumpathon. Please send in your donation. Thank you!

Have a good week!

Community Service Project: School supplies will be collected through Friday, May 17th and donated to the local food pantry.

"Jesus Rose from the Dead and Gave Us New Life."

The children will see the comparison between the life cycle of a butterfly and the death and Resurrection of Jesus. They will be able to appreciate spring as a time of new life and to rejoice that Jesus is risen.

Our reading selection is Max takes the Train, an animal fantasy. Skill: Realism and Fantasy; Phonics: Jj /j/ and Ww /w/; Grammar: questions; HF Words: yellow, blue, green' -un Word Family: bun, fun, nun, run, and sun. I will give the Unit 4 Assessment this week. We'll go on a sight word dig and use tally marks to record the words found.

I hope that you're reading for the Read Aloud.

We've been writing in our journals almost every day and can't wait to share them with our Grandparents/Grand Friends next month. Have you RSVP'd yet?

We'll begin working on measurement: comparing length using standard and non-standard units of measurement. We'll read How Big Is A Foot? and work on capacity and weight.

We've planted lima beans and will record their growth.

We'll jump for the American Heart Association this week. Everyone will participate. Thank you!

Homework 1. Checklist for the 3 R's - due Monday, 4/30

2. On the paper in your child's folder have him/her write at least two sentences about a favorite Super Hero or create their own. Include the name of the hero and the special powers. Due: Thursday

Reminders

* Tag Day Friday, sponsored by Grade 3 - $2.00

* Moms' Tea on Thursday, May 10th

* Does anyone have Jessie Bear and the class rewrite?

* Have a good week!

"Jesus Rose From the Dead and Gave Us New Life."

Our reading selection is Max Takes the Train, an animal fantasy. Skill: Realism and Fantasy; Phonics: Jj /j/ and Ww /w/; Grammar: questions; HF Words: yellow, blue, green; -un Word Family: bun, fun, nun, run, and sun. I will give the Unit 4 Assessment this week. We'll go on a sight word dig and use tally marks to record the words that we find.

We've been writing in our journals almost every day and can't wait to share them with our Grandparents/Grand Friends next month. (Have you RSVP'd yet?)

We'll begin working on measurement: comparing length using

standard and non-standard units of measurement. We'll read How Big Is A Foot? and work on capacity and weight.

We've planted lima beans and will record their growth.

We'll jump for the American Heart Association this week. Everyone will participate. Thank you!

Homework: 1. Checklist for the 3 R's - due Monday, 4/30

2. On the paper in your child's folder have him/her write at least two sentences about a favorite Super Hero or create their own. Include the name of the hero and the special powers. Your child's full name on the back please. Due: Thursday

Reminders

*Tag Day Friday, sponsored by Grade 3 - $2.00

*Moms' Tea on Thursday, May 10th

*Field Trip on Tuesday, June 5th

*K Celebration on Tuesday, June 12th

"Jesus Died To Give Us New Life."

John 12:23-25

The children will learn that plants come from seeds and marvel at the wonder of God's gift of seeds and plants. We'll plant lima beans in water and watch and record their growth. The children will be aware of the death-to-new life cycle of a seed and know that Jesus died on the cross and rose to new life to give us new life.

Our reading selection is Abuela, fiction. Skill: setting; Phonics: Ee short /e/ initial and medial; Grammar: Pronoun I; HF Words: go, here, from; -ut Word Family: but, cut, gut, hut, jut, and nut. We'll use a Venn Diagram to compare the story to Tar Beach by Faith Ringold

Fifteen children participated in the March Read Aloud for a total of 305 books read, a slight drop from February. Total to date is 1,977.

We'll work on telling time to the hour and write about our best time of the day.

We'll learn about the Rain forest and things that we can do to protect planet Earth. A guest speaker will share tips on how to cut down on garbage by recycling. We'll work with a partner on a class rewrite based on Three Pandas Planting and what they do to keep the earth looking beautiful.

Our ArtSmART lesson will focus on George Seurat.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Mrs. Donovan and her family. Her mom died last week. Mrs. Donovan will return to class at the end of the week. The children will make cards for her.

Homework: Movie Candy Survey - in your child's folder. Due: Thursday

Please return the Field Trip Permission form by Friday along with payment.

SeeSaw Book Club order is due Friday

Anti-Bullying Assembly at 2:00 on Friday

Send in a box of CRAYOLA crayons (please not 64) in a pouch with your child's name.

Jumpathon forms are due back

Still needed: Toilet tissue and/or paper towel holders and a volunteer to help with a project Tuesday at 1:15

A water bottle, folder, and hand sanitizer every day please.

Have a good week and enjoy the weather!

"On Easter We Pray Alleluia!"

Father Dan will read the Easter story to us and Mrs. Alberta will lead us in a recreation of The Last Supper. I hope that you can spend some time on Good Friday with your child reading over the Stations booklet. Perhaps a "quiet day" without television and other electronic distractions that clutter our world. Silence is good.

We'll celebrate Spring with an Easter egg hunt and cupcakes on Wednesday. Holy Thursday will be a "quiet" day for us. We'll visit the Stations of the Cross in church and think about Jesus' journey to Calvary.

Thank you for your effort and support with Circus Day. The children were well prepared and did an outstanding job. Bravo! I will display pictures on the hall bulletin board after Easter vacation.

The children did a good job on "Estimation Day". There was a lot of good thinking! The 4th grade buddies were a big help.

Homework: Time for Kids - due Thursday and the form giving permission for your child to participate in the Jumpathon. We'll jump rope for the American Heart Association after Easter recess. Both are in your child's folder.

Reminders

No gym on Wednesday. It's scheduled for Monday, April 2nd.

March Read Alouds are due.

Smiles for Good Deeds due after Easter.

Helpers needed on Tuesday, April 17th at 1:30 to help with a project.

Needed: toilet tissue holders

Stop by and see the Heart Healthy posters. They 're great!

Happy Easter to you and your family!

"Jesus Gives Himself To Us In The Eucharist."

John 6:1-13

The children will hear the Bible story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. They will identify the importance of the bread and wine used at Mass. They will develop a simple understanding of the Mass and its relationship to Jesus' Last Supper.

We will work on several writing activities connected with the reading selection If You Go To Antarctica. Phonics: initial and medial short /e/;HF Words: here, from, go; -ug Word Family: bug, dug, hug, jug, lug, mug, rug, tug.

Your child will "Get Caught Reading" this week. Have him/her bring in a favorite book for us to take a picture with. Due: by Thursday please.

We're working on money - identifying and learning the value of the penny, nickel, and dime. We enjoyed going outside with our buddies and trying to bounce a ball on a penny. It's not so easy!

Estimation Day is on Friday. There will be many opportunities to "guesstimate" items that take up space, volume, and weight.

Everyone is looking forward to the Circus on Thursday. I hope your child has prepared and practiced his/her act. (The popcorn cart is ready!) Your child should wear a costume to school that day. Keep in mind that weather permitting, there will be outside recess at lunchtime.

We'll be testing the temperature of tap and ice water and looking at glaciers and icebergs. We'll look for changes in our avocado seed and planted potato.

We collected 43 items for the Scout project. Thank you so much!

Homework: Write at least two sentences comparing themselves to a sibling or a friend. Tell how they are alike and how they are different. Full name on the back. Only write on the front of the paper. There's a 2nd sheet if needed. It's in the folder. Due: Thursday

Reminders

* Join us at 2:00 for the circus on Thursday. Siblings welcome!

* Read Aloud due Friday

* Enjoy the week ahead!

"The Church Is A Family Of People Who Believe In God."

We're still discussing the church and its meaning. We've listed things we see and do in church. Thanks to all who joined us at Mass on Friday.
The Reading Selection is If You Go To Antarctica, an informational story. Skill: classify and categorize; Phonics: Ee short /e/; Grammar: Capitals and Periods; HF Words: go, here, from; -og Word Family: dog, fog, hog, log. Be sure to write them on index cards for practice and review. I hope you are reading for the March Read Aloud.
We'll begin working on money, naming coins and learning their value. We'll be flipping and recording heads/tails and learning some songs about money.
We've learned that air takes up space and will have fun bouncing on a balloon to pop out the air.
Homework: Healthy Heart Poster due Thursday.
Reminders

Stop by and see the "Math is Me" posters. They're wonderful.

You're invited to a "Healthy Heart" demo in the classroom on Wednesday at 2:40.

No school Friday - Professional Day

Circus - Thursday, March 29th Be sure your child has an act prepared

We've collected 30 items for the Scout project. We'll accept donations through Thursday. Thank you!

We could use a volunteer for Estimation Day on Friday, March 30th, 9:15-10:00.

Hand sanitizer, a water bottle, and a folder every day please.

Have a good week!

"Jesus Is Present When The Church Gathers To Worship."

Acts 2:42

The children will learn the two meanings of the word church and become familiar with some aspects of the church building. We'll attend the 8:00 Mass on Friday with our buddies. I'll meet the children in the front lobby at 7:55. Join us if you can.

Is your child coloring in "Smiles" for each good deed done at home during Lent? We're doing likewise in the classroom.

The Reading Selection is an old favorite: Goldilocks and the 3 Bears. Skill: Character; Phonics: Gg /g/; Grammar: Telling Sentences; HF Words: one, two, three, four, five; ub Word Family: cub, pub, rub, sub, tub. I hope that you're reading for the March Read Aloud.

We're work on ordinal numbers and number lines. We'll sort, count, and graph Skittles.

There will be several activities with air as we take a look at weather. We'll read Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and write our own version.

We'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Friday. There will be a bagpipe demonstration that afternoon.

Homework: name word search - in your child's folder - due Thursday please
Reminders
*Tag Day Friday is sponsored by Grade 1. Wear green! $2.00. Please have your child bring in an unpeeled uncooked potato.

*Your child's "circus act" needs to be okayed by me. A note is in his/her folder. Check out Alexander Calder's circus on You Tube.

*Estimation Day has been rescheduled for Friday, March 30th. Helpers are welcome.

*Be sure to check out the "Math Is Me" posters at the end of the week. Great job!

*Please send back Bag A Books, class rewrites, and the photo album in a day or two. Other children are waiting for a turn.

*Hope to see you at Laughs for Ladies.

*Have a good week!

"We Seek Forgiveness For Doing Wrong and Forgive Those Who Hurt Us."

Matthew 18:35

The children will learn how to handle their negative feelings and know that it is wrong to hurt themselves or others. They will learn that Jesus had feelings and realize that Jesus forgives them when they are sorry.

Thank you for joining us at Mass on Friday. The next Mass we attend will be Friday, March 16th. Our buddies will join us and you are also welcome.

I hope that your child is coloring "Smilies" at home for good deeds during Lent.

The reading selection is One Little Mouse, a rhyming concept story. Skill: sequence; Phonics: Consonant Blends cl, fl, pl, sl; Grammar: Complete Sentences; HF Words: one, two, three, four, five; -ot Word Family: cot, dot, got, hot, jot, lot, not, pot, rot, tot. Be sure to write the HF and Word Families on index cards for practice and review.

Seventeen children participated in the Read Aloud for a total of 333 books read (two less than last month.) Total to date is 1,674. Thank you!

Our next chapter book will be Flat Stanley.

We're working on counting by 2's, 5's, 10's, even and odd numbers.Please practice at home.

We're learning about "Our Place in Space" in preparation for our visit to the Planetarium. There are many songs and stories and interesting segments on Discovery Ed for us to enjoy. We'll paint "Starrry Nights" this week.

We'll continue talking about the weather and air. There have been some fun experiments.

Our buddies will play a space galaxy consonant game with us and also help us use our wind to blow objects.

Homework: in your child's folder - due Thursday please

"Math Is Me" is due Thursday

Have your child bring in an uncooked unpeeled baked potato by Friday

Info is will be sent home regarding our field trip this week.

Volunteers needed for "Estimation Day" on Friday, March 16th, 9:15-10:00.

Needed: a volunteer to bake cupcakes for Friday - supplies will be provided

We've collected nine items for the Eagle Scout Project. Requested items include combs, brushes, body lotion, chapstick, etc. We'll collect through Thursday, March 23rd. Thank you!

Please back hand sanitizer in your child's lunch bag.

Enjoy the week ahead!

"Jesus Calls Us To Help Others"

Matthew 20:29-34

The children will be able to reflect on what their two hands enable them to do and appreciate the gift of their hands. They will become aware of people who help them in different ways and see Jesus as one who helped others.

They are following Jesus' journey to Calvary in their Stations of the Cross booklets.

We'll attend the 8:00 Mass this Friday with our buddies. I will meet the children in the front lobby of the school at 7:55. I will pick up those who go to before care. I hope all of them of them will attend. Please join us if you can.

The Reading Selection is My Lucky Day, an animal fantasy. Skill: Cause and Effect; Phonics: Ll /l/; Grammar: Action Parts; HF Words: are, that, do; -op Word Family: bop, cop, hop, mop, pop, top.

We're enjoying My Father's Dragon and will finish it this week. We'll write about our favorite character in the story and recall some of the details.

We're doing well counting by 5's and 10's and will work on skip counting by 2's and odd and even numbers. "Race to 100" on the Smartboard is a lot of fun. We're trying to learn how to win and lose graciously.

In anticipation of our visit to the Planetarium we'll learn about "Our Place in Space" with a variety of activities. We'll take a look at Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and paint our own night sky.

The 3rd graders helped us collect 158 toothbrushes for World Dental Relief. Thank you so much!

Homework: Write two sentences. Each sentence should have two rhyming words. Illustrate each sentence in the space provided. Paper is in your child's folder. Does your child's folder need to be replaced? Please do so if so.

Reminders

* Stop by and see the Faces of Jesus and the time lines on display.

* Tooth brushing charts due

* "Math is Me" due Thursday

* Read Aloud due Friday

* SeeSaw Book order due Friday

* Book/transportation forms need to be returned

* 12:30 Dismissal Friday - Send a note if your child will go to EDP

* Thank you for sending in hand wipes for the class to share.

* Join other K moms at Laughs for Ladies next month. Good food and great prizes.

* Have a good week!

"Lent Is Good"

Lent is like springtime. It is a time for us to grow. During Lent, we grow in God's love. We pray and do good deeds. By Easter our hearts should be full of love. We will discuss this special time as we try to plant the seeds of God's love in our hearts by our prayers and actions.

We are reading My Father's Dragon this week, noting character, setting, and plot.

We'll read The Mitten and use a Venn diagram to compare it with Move Over Rover.

It's been fun playing "Race to 100" on the Smartboard. We're noting number patterns as we count by 2's, 5's, and 10's. We'll play "Race to the Top" with our buddies, a good game for number recognition to 30. They'll help us measure our hand span and we'll compare it to theirs.

We'll begin some space activities in anticipation of our visit to the Planetarium next month.

We're observing whether mold will grow faster on wet or dry white bread and keeping an eye on the avocado pit to see when it will begin to sprout.

A speaker from Chilton Hospital will present a program on "Germ Busters".

I hope that you're reading for the Read Aloud and recording tooth brushing at home. We've collected 88 toothbrushes and I have no doubt that we will reach our goal of 100 by the end of the week. Thank you!

I will randomly choose four children for "Lunch Bunch" this week. They'll have lunch with me and give us a chance to chat. Everyone will get a turn.

No homework/Bag a Book this week.

"Math is Me" posters due Thursday, March 8th. Check your child's folder for info.

Reminders

Please send in a pack of hand wipes. We have many messy activities ahead!

I am asking the kindergartners to attend the 8:00 Mass with me on Friday, March 2nd, and Friday, March 16th. I will pick up those who go to before care. Your child can meet us in church. Backpacks will be left in the gym and someone will direct them to the church. You may sit with us if you are able to attend. It would be great to have a good turnout. Our buddies will join us.

Be sure to stop by at the end of the week to see the Timelines. Great job!

I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend. It feels like spring is around the corner!

"Spirit of Love, Enkindle In Me the Fire of Your Love."

As Valentine's Day approaches, we continue to discuss ways to show love towards others through kind words and caring actions. Each time a child is "caught" showing love he/she colors in a heart of kindness. Our Valentine Party will be "Heart Healthy" and include red apples and watermelon. Our speaker from Chilton Hospital was very impressed by what the children already knew about the food groups and good eating.

We'll continue reading and discussing Bunny Day and talk about the routine and sequencing of our own days. We'll set clocks to the hours shown in the story. HF Words: are, that, do; -og Word Family: dog, fog, hog, jog, log, and frog. Please continue to practice and review. I hope that you are reading and recording for the February Pizza Hut Read Aloud.

Our next unit in Math is Number Patterns. We'll work on counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's, something we do daily. We'll sort, count, and graph Valentine conversation heart candies.

"A penny for her thoughts." Just what was the Mona Lisa thinking about? We'll view the art print and tell why in our journals.

We'll celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln and compare/contrast these beloved Presidents. We'll play I Spy when we view "Washington Crossing the Delaware". Our buddies will help us make Lincoln log cabins. We'll graph pennies according to the year, make penny pendants, and do penny rubbings.

* Homework: Change fragments to sentences - paper is in your child's folder

* Be sure to stop by and see the 100th Day posters. They are fantastic!

* Thank you for sending in the items for the "100th Day Heavenly Hash" buffet. The children did a great job selecting foods in groups of ten.

* Your child's report card is in the folder. Please sign it and return it. Once I've collected all of them I will return it to you. You can keep the comments.
* Tag Day Friday sponsored by 7th grade - free dress - $2.00
* We've collected 65 toothbrushes and are close to our goal of 100. Thank you!
* Do not order lunch for March 8th, the day of our Field Trip
* Join other K moms at Laugh for Ladies on Thursday evening, March 15th - good food and great prizes.
* Have a great week!
* Wanted: empty personal size soap boxes

"Jesus loves us and wants us to love others."
John 13:34

The children will be able to see themselves as worthwhile persons who are loved by God and by others. They'll be made to realize that love is shown through kind words and actions. They'll learn that God wants them to love others. In anticipation of Valentine's Day there will be songs, stories, and poems about friendship and love. We are filling in "Hearts of Kindness" every time we do something kind for someone in class.

The reading selection is Bunny Day, an animal fantasy. Skill: sequence; Phonics: Hh /h/; Grammar: Naming Parts; HF Words: are, that, do; -og Word Family: dog, fog, hog, jog, log and frog. Reminder: Please write the HF and WF words on index cards for practice and review. Also, go over the Family Times booklet with your child and the Phonics Reader that is sent home weekly.

Sixteen children read 341 books for the January Read Aloud with a total of 1,355 to date. I hope that you are reading this month.

We've played Bingo as we continue to work on teen numbers. We're using ten frames for numbers in the twenties.

We'll celebrate the 100th Day of School on Wednesday. We'll enjoy "Heavenly Hash", a buffet of treats to eat. We'll munch on 100 treats - ten of ten different items. We're looking forward to seeing everyone's poster of 100 items. We'll try jumping for 100 seconds, do lots of counting to 100, complete 100 day booklets, make Fruit Loop necklaces and illustrate what we'll look like when we're one hundred years old. Please send in your food item by Tuesday.

A representative from Chilton Hospital will visit this week and discuss how we can be "Heart Healthy" by eating the right foods and exercising. I think she will be impressed with what the children already know!

We enjoyed a visit from Dr. Szumita, our Mystery Guest Reader. He read Dr. DeSoto, the story about a dentist who couldn't be outfoxed by a fox. We learned about taking care of our teeth and got goody bags of dental items. Thank you! I hope your child is recording daily tooth brushing. We've collected 29 toothbrushes so far for the World Dental Relief. Our goal is 100. This week we'll soak an egg in Coke and then brush the egg to see how tooth brushing does help.

Homework: Numbers to 100 -in your child's folder - due Thursday

100th Day items for our "Heavenly Hash" are due Tuesday

100th Day posters are due Tuesday. Stop by and check them out at the end of the week.

You can send in Valentines for classmates. Put them in ABC order. Due: Friday

Report cards will be sent home on February 13th. Sign and return them in the envelope.

Consider joining the other K moms at "Laughs for Ladies" next month. You will enjoy the food, show, and prizes.

Have a good week!

"Jesus, the Good Shepherd, loves and cares for his sheep."

John 10:2-5

Thank you to all of you who came to Mass this weekend to kick off "Catholic Schools Week ". Be sure to stop by and see all the wonderful work on display throughout the school.

Your child should wear his/her star band to school this week. I will give special recognition to those who participated in this Community Service Project.
The children will realize that God is our shepherd and that he cares for us just like shepherds care for sheep. They will become familiar with the parable of the Good Shepherd.

Our reading selection is Hide, Clyde, a concept book. Skill: Main idea; Phonics: Oo short /o/; Grammar: Sentences; HF Words: they, you, of; -ob Word Family: Bob, cob, job, mob, rob, and sob.

Please send back the January Read Aloud. I am hoping for 100% participation.

The children did a great job at the "Winter Poems" Recitation. I am proud of them. Thank you for practicing with them.

We've enjoyed the time lines and seeing how everyone has grown and changed. They'll be on display soon.

We'll kick off Dental Hygiene Month with a visit from a Mystery Guest Reader who will talk about tooth care. Your child will be bringing home a tooth brushing recording chart.

Our February Service Project will be to collect 100 toothbrushes (children/adults) for the World Mission Program in celebration of our upcoming 100th day of school. We'll record each donation and collect toothbrushes through Friday, February 24th.

Homework: Months of the Year word search - in your child's folder
Wanted: Items for the White Elephant Sale table at the Fun Fair .

Your child may bring in Valentines for classmates. Be sure that the names are on the front and in ABC order. Due by Friday, February 10th. Please do not send any in on Valentine's Day. It gets too hectic.

Catholic Schools Week Events
Monday Book Fair at 2:15. You're welcome to join us.
8th graders will teach a lesson in kindergarten

Tuesday Student Council will sell hot chocolate at lunchtime - 50 cents
Pajama Day. Your child can wear pj's to school
Birthday Bash - Sponsors are still welcome to support this event

Wednesday Parent Appreciation Day - Thank you for all that you do for us!

Thursday Service Day - Bring two items for the food pantry. They are especially in need of beans and canned tuna.
Fun Fair for Charity- games, ice cream, face painting, White Elephant sale. Ice cream will be sold for 50c, game tickets will cost 25c. When you win at a game you get a ticket to play another game. Most items on the white elephant table will be under $1.00. Your child should bring a few dollars. (Girls love bringing their pocketbooks!)
Book Fair at 10:45 You're welcome to join us

Friday Prayer Service at 9am
Grade 6 Class of the Month assembly
Faculty vs. 8th grade volleyball
12:30 Dismissal

"We imitate Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, by saying yes to God.

Luke 1:26-38

The children will be able to be aware that they should think before they choose. They will appreciate that choosing what pleases God brings joy. The children will know that God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus and understand that Mary said yes to God.

Our reading selection is Seeds, an informational book. Skill: drawing conclusions; Phonics: Oo short /o/; Grammar: meaningful word groups; HF Words: they, you, of; -en Word Family: Ben, den, hen, Ken, men, pen, ten. We'll compare Jack and the Beanstalk with Jim and the Beanstalk.

I hope that you are reading for the Read Aloud. I am requesting that you record at least 15 books in order for your child to receive a Pizza Hut coupon.

We continue to work with ten frames to better understand teen numbers. Please review with your child.

Thursday is "Half and Half Day", the halfway point of the school year. Your child may come to school out of uniform but dressed in half e.g. half summer, half winter; half baseball, half soccer; half uniform, half dance costume, etc. A note was sent home last week. Contact me if you're not sure what to do.

We'll celebrate Chinese New Year, the year of the Dragon. We'll graph the year we were born in and enjoy white rice, crispy noodles and fortune cookies. Everyone will receive a red envelope with a treat inside.

Our "Winter Poems" recitation is on Thursday at 2:35. Join us if you can. Our buddies will also join us. Please make sure that your child has memorized the poem.

We've been enjoying the Timelines that have been returned. It's fun to see how the children have grown. Timelines are due on Thursday.

Many of this week's activities will center on snow. (Good timing!) Most children did predict that it would snow this month. Save a snowball in your freezer until the first day of spring if possible. We'll work on sequencing, painting snow scenes, and snowmen combinations.

We'll finish reading Mr. Popper's Penguins and write and share our favorite part.

Our buddies will share their hobbies with us, as will your child.

Homework: Math number sequence - in your child's folder. Due: Thursday. Also, have your child be prepared to tell about his/her hobby.

Have a good week!

Reminders

* Library books due on Mondays

* Bag A Books due on Thursdays

* Tag Day Friday - $2.00 Free Dress sponsored by 6th grade

* Sponsors for next month's Birthday Bash are most welcome

* Starbands of Service due Monday, January 30th

* Join us at the Book Fair on Monday, January 30th at 2:15 or on Thursday, February 2nd at 10:45. Please send in money in a labeled envelope with your child's name and amount of money.

"We Thank God For Giving Us Every Good Thing."

Psalm 136:1

The children will offer thanks to God this week for His many blessings. By now everyone has had a turn to take home the "Thank You Box". We've listened carefully to when saying thank you is necessary. There are reminders in class every day. We're very thankful to see so many parents join us for morning prayers.

The reading selection is Farfallina & Marcel, animal fantasy. Skill: plot; Phonics: Ff /f/; Grammar: Verbs for now and the past; HF Words: see, look; -ed Word Family: bed, fed, led, Ned, red, Ted, wed. I will assess your child's knowledge of HF words and send home the results. Please review.

I hope that you're reading for the Read Aloud. You need to record at least 15 books for your child to receive a certificate for Pizza Hut. Our goal is 100% participation.

We'll work on ten frames and teen numbers. We'll graph who wore mittens to school and who will eat a jelly sandwich at our teddy bear picnic on Friday. Your child may bring his/her teddy bear to school on Thursday for a sleepover. An invitation will follow. We'll put our bears in serial order, graph the colors, and use a Venn diagram to compare them with our buddies' bears.

We'll begin reading our first chapter book Mr. Popper's Penguins and learn a lot about these winged birds who do not fly.

We're still missing a few Gingerbread Babies. Be sure to stop by and see the display in the hall. They certainly did a lot of traveling!

Homework: Days of the week word search - in the folder. Due: Friday.

More Good News!

I received a $700.00 Field Trip Grant from Target. The class will visit the Planetarium at the Newark Museum in March. I am thrilled and the children are excited. We're off to the stars!
Wanted: Any parents/grandparents/neighbors who would like to "show and tell" their hobby. We'd love to have you. Please contact me. Hobby sharing is scheduled for the week of January 23rd. We'll be sharing our hobbies with each other as well as with our buddies
Reminders
Will you sign up for "Visibility Weekend" at Mass on January 29th?
Items for the White Elephant Sale are welcome. Drop them off in the classroom.
Might you consider being a "Birthday Bash" sponsor next month?
Scholastic book order due by Friday (check or online order)
Time lines due by Thursday, January 26th - Everyone needs to do it!
Star Bands of Service due Monday, January 30th
Save the date: Thursday, January 26th at 2:35 in the classroom for Winter Poems Recitations.
Half and Half Day is also Thursday, January 26th. Info will follow.
Enjoy the rest of the week!

"I Have A Dream..."

Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr.

We'll discuss civil rights as we read about Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We'll make "Hands of Friendship" showing Peace, Love, and Friends.

Thank you to those of you whose children participated in the Hearts of Kindness Advent Project. I hope that you are working on the Community Service star bands. Please have your child wear his/her star band on Monday, January 30th.

Our reading selection is See How We Grow, a biography of twin sisters. Skill: cause and effect; Phonics: Dd /d/ and Kk /k/; Grammar: verbs that add -s: HF Words: see, look; -et Word Family: bet, get, jet, let, met, pet, set, vet, and wet. Be sure to write the words on index cards for practice and review. I hope that you go over the Phonics Story that is sent home every week as well as the Family Times booklet.

Sixteen children participated in the December Read Aloud, for a total of 237 books read, a drop from November. Good news though - We've read 1,035 books to date. I hope that more of you will participate this month. You should record at least 15 books in order to receive a Pizza Hut coupon.

The Gingerbread Babies are returning from their visit to another state. Only nine have returned so far. They've traveled to California, Maine, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Illinois and NY. We have one lost baby from West 57th Street. Is it yours?

We're working on symmetry and equal parts. We enjoyed "half" of a gingerbread cookie. We used tally marks to see if it would snow this month. Don' t you just love snow days!

Our bag of water (that has been hanging since September) has just about evaporated. We'll be growing a baby duck in water next.

We're learning a lot about bears and comparing real ones to fantasy ones. We'll have a teddy bear sleepover next week. Be on the lookout for an invitation.

Our buddies helped us discover what objects could sink/float in water. This week we'll experiment with things that can be absorbed by water. (We know for sure that paper towels clean up wet spills!)

Homework: Writing prompt: It is important to... Have your child complete the sentence and write another one to support the statement. Writing should be done in pencil, slowly, carefully, and neatly. First/last name on the back. Due: Thursday. The paper is in your child's folder.

Reminders

* We'd love to see your child at one of the masses on Sunday, January 29th, the kickoff to our Catholic Schools Week.

* Please send in your Jingle Bell Jog Pledges.

* Save the Date: Thursday, January 26th, Winter Poems at 2:35 in the classroom. Info will follow.

* Have a good week!

"We Grow As Christians By Showing Love."

Psalm 52:10

The children will know what chrism is and become acquainted with the story of David's anointing as king. They'll know the significance of the baptismal gown and know that they can grow to be more like Jesus. They'll share their Baptism photos.

The reading selection is Little Quack, an animal fantasy. Skill: plot; Phonics: Rr /r/; Grammar: verbs; HF Words: me, with, she; -ip Word Family: dip, hip, lip, nip, rip, sip, and tip.

Pizza Hut Read Alouds are due. I hope we have 100% participation this month and reach 1,000 books.

We're very excited about the Gingerbread Babies returning to school. We can't wait to read about where they've been and learn a little bit about the USA. We'll mark the states they've visited on a map.

We'll learn about symmetry and equal parts using cookies to show "fair shares".

Homework: Math sheet - in your child's folder.

Reminder: 12:30 dismissal Friday. Please send a note if your child will go to EDP.

Happy New Year! Have a good week.