Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Monday we learned about and celebrated Chinese New Year! We have been working so hard and learning so much about reading, writing, and math it was nice to work on some other things. For example, foreign cultures, new languages and traditions, fine motor skills (chop sticks!) and of course the ever missed snack! We had a great time! Hopefully, you got to hear stories about our fun-filled day and your child greeted you with "Gung Hay Fat Choy" or Happy New Year! Here are some pictures of our special day!

It DoEsN't TaKe MuCh FoR oUr LiL' fLaKeS tO hAvE fUn!

Actually, all it takes is a few (Well, maybe more than a few!) empty milk jugs, a week long study with the short vowel i and some glue and Kindergarten becomes a perfect place to build an igloo!!!
Thanks to all of you for helping to clean and send in milk jugs! Also, a big thanks to the parents that have sent in hot glue sticks and even helped to build our igloo! We are just beginning to turn in the "ice blocks" to complete the roof! It has been fun and I must say one of the best igloos built thus far! Way to go Kindergartners!!!
So keep the milk jugs coming and please feel free to stop in and check out our really cool igloo! We would love to show it off!!! (Keep checking back in to see some candid shots of our special Friday centers today! We worked hard on all kinds of "cool" things like puffy painting igloos or polar bears, building an igloo of our own with marshmallows and toothpicks and lots of other fun activities!) Kindergarten is truly the best!!!

"Lifes most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!! Last week, we took some time to read and talk about the reasons for having this day off from school. Our discussions turned to who Martin Luther King Jr. was and all that he accomplished during his lifetime. We also talked about his actions were to make the world a better place and to help others and how we should have the same desire in our lives today. I have to say that I was completely amazed by the conversations that took place with my 5-6 year olds. I am so proud of each of them!! Some say that our kids don't understand but I think each of them not only understand but appreciate what it takes to make our world better and help the others around them. The simplistic golden rule of just being nice and thoughtful to everyone is not only appropriate but one that we as adults need to be reminded of! Take a look at some of our thoughts on how we are going to help make the world a better place and what we can do to help other people! Enjoy!!

Winter Weather Reminder

Parents,
A quick reminder to please make sure your children are coming dressed for the cold weather. While we try to hold them inside from recess when weather is hindering, there are days where we may be outside if possible. I do try to give them an option of going out or staying in even when the office staff has made the decision to go out. However, there are times when I have a meeting and/or I cannot allow them to do that. Even when the weather is okay to be out, they still encounter cold weather and wet conditions. Our office does not have enough extra socks and clothes to accommodate many students who end up being soaked from puddles. Today some of our kids, were pretty wet and miserable trying to learn in class with wet clothes. Thanks so much to the parents that come and brought us clothes during the day.
As a precaution, it is a good idea to send your child with an extra pair of socks and/or pants in their backpack, "just in case"!
Please don't forget coats, hats, mittents, etc. for playing outside as well!

Thank you for your help in keeping us safe and warm this winter!!! I appreciate all that you do to help to make our learning environment the best one possible!!!

WeLcOmE BaCk!!!!!!!!

What a way to start back with the snow, ice and wind! Yipee!! It was hard getting up and going, especially with the fun roads but once I got to school and the kids started to show up, things were perfect! I got to hear all kinds of wonderful stories (Some I promise to keep to myself and only believe half of!! Teehee!) and it sounds like Santa was wonderful to everyone! I sure did miss my students and loved seeing them again! Two weeks seems like forever ago and I am almost certain some of them have grown. I know there were a handful of teeth lost!!
We are starting our 2nd quarter assessments for report cards this week and next week, so make sure to have your child work on letter identification, letter sounds, counting, etc. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by those that I worked with today! Thank you for all that you do! Your children are amazing and becoming quite the little readers!!
Homework was sent home for this week, so remember to read for at least 10 minutes and log it on the recording sheet and then do the short activity for each day. Please have your child bring in the homework on Friday, so I can give them credit for their work!
I am so excited for what this New Year will have in store for each of my students. I know that I have the best job there is and am so thankful that you have allowed me to work with your child!
Here is to a great start and an amazing 2009!!!! Please make sure to keep in touch, via e-mail, notes or even comments on our blog! Hopefully our blog has been a good tool for you to stay informed and see what is happening. We LOVE comments, so keep them coming!