Wearing Green on Friday

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Over the past five days I have spent countless hours reflecting on how amazing our school community is. I have (as you have as well) encountered a variety of emotions. However, the emotion that has risen above all else is pride. I am proud of  our school community and the support that has been demonstrated over and over again for our staff, our school and our families. As you are aware, Friday would be Devin's birthday and schools and communities are "lighting up green" across the commonwealth to remember Devin and all the light he brought into our lives.  While we realize that each of us are in different places in our journey, we encourage you to wear green while respecting the fact that each of us will carry his light in our own way. Please know that we respect each of our families and encourage you to make the decision that works best for you and your children. Thank you for your continued support!

 

Best,

 

Amy Bright

Principal

Fall Fun and More!

Happy Wednesday!  We are learning about the changing seasons and students created detailed fall trees with crayons and watercolor paints.  Each tree was made with careful paint strokes, taps, and dabs.  Students practiced using watercolors without mixing the colors together.  Take a look at our beautiful pictures!

During math, students practiced printing numerals 1-5 starting all numbers at the top!  Our number book was fall themed and we colored that apples when we were finished printing numbers.

Columbus Day

Happy Friday!

This week, we studied Christopher Columbus and why we will celebrate him on Monday.  Students listened to a story on Book flix, a Scholastic website, that explained Christopher Columbus' journey from Spain to America. 

During Literacy Centers, students learned how to complete color by number activities. We completed 1 Columbus Day color by number and have another one for homework!

Each student got their own Columbus Day book to read as a group and color.  The books explain who Christopher Columbus is and the adventures he went on.  Kindergarteners can try to read this book to you this weekend!

Our last Literacy Center focused on learning about letter "o."  Kindergarteners traced the letter, colored the picture, generated words that begin with /o/ and even practiced beautiful handwriting on the back.  We worked so hard!

Team work

It is important to learn to work as a team. In math, students built number puzzles in pairs, small groups and large groups. We practiced using kind words, taking turns and being a supportive friend. We all finished our puzzles! 

Fall Conference Sign Ups

Please click the link to sign up for a Fall Conference

Community Helpers

We have been learning about different Community Helpers and Kindergarteners decided which one they would like to be when they grow up.  The pictures they created are amazing!  Each student focused on details like the Community Helpers clothing and tools. Some students even labeled the picture with words!

 This week, our Shared Reading focuses on how Kindergarteners can help each other in different places.  We learned sight word "I" and added it to our word wall.  We are also going to learn the word "at" this week! Ask your Kindergartener what other words we have on our word wall.

It's important to talk about WHY people have jobs.  At school, Kindergarteners have jobs all around the classroom like putting up chairs, fixing the clip chart, turning the schedule pieces and delivering notes to the office.  This week, we decided to earn coins (instead of pom-poms) for our hard work, just like grown ups!  Students add 5 coins to our classroom jar for completing jobs, showing expected behavior, and doing their best! Look how many coins we've earned already! I wonder what we will buy when it's full :)

Arrival Routine Change

On Friday, we met our Safety Patrols! Safety Patrols are responsible 5th graders who have been nominated by teachers to assist Kindergarten students to their classrooms in the morning. We will no longer line up as a class in front of Stapleton School in the morning. As students arrive, 5th graders will walk them down to their classroom to ensure safety and increase time on learning. In addition to Safety Patrols, Kindergarten teachers will continue to be visible at different arrival posts. 

If you are dropping your Kindergartner off, please use the Elm Street drive up method. Mr. Mac, Mr. Burrill and 5th Grade Safety Patrols will be on Elm street in order to assist Kindergarteners exiting cars and walk them safely to Kindergarten door 13. 

We are excited to begin the new arrival process and understand that K students may not remember the names of each Safety Patrol. Many K students have been paired with multiple Patrols in order to reduce wait time and help them get their day started right away. Please email me if you have any questions regarding the new arrival procedure.