Weekly Update

Hi Parents!

Sometimes short weeks feel like long weeks, but this one flew by! I think the kids are settling into the year. On the whole, I am quite pleased with how quickly they're picking up our classroom routines and procedures. Staying focused during the afternoon has been a bit difficult, but I am hopeful that as the kids build stamina for a full school day, they will have an easier time staying on task.

We will have our Patriot Day ceremony at the flag pole on Tuesday morning. We will honor those who lost their lives on September 11th, along with all service members and first responders who keep us safe. September 11th has stayed with me for all these years and now we teach it as a piece of history. Truly, we will never forget.

Here's your update for the week:

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Online Learning Resources
In yesterday's Thursday folder, I sent home your child's log-in information for 2 of our most popular online resources that we use at school...Dreambox Math and RAZ-Kids. These programs allow your child to practice literacy and math skills from any computer, and most tablets. This information is also listed on the right side of my blog with direct links to the sites. Later in the year when we begin learning about addition and subtraction, I will send home information about another program called Reflex math that we will use to build addition and subtraction fact fluency.

Scholastic News and Science Spin
If you have not done so, please send in your child's Scholastic News and Science Spin subscription money as soon as possible. This is a one-time fee of $7.50 cash or check (made payable to Pinebrook) Thank you!

Homework Update:
Homework will begin on Monday, September 17th. Next week, the kids will practice their homework routine by completing their homework in class each day with me. To promote consistency, our weekly homework routine is as follows:

• Monday: Read 15-20 minutes. Read your words of the week 3 times to an adult. (Words of the Week will be written in your child's agenda and written on my blog)
• Tuesday: Read 15-20 minutes. Complete the assigned page in your Homework Journal using your Words of the Week. (The assigned page will have that day's date written at the top)
• Wednesday: Read 15-20 minutes. Complete the assigned page in your Homework Journal using your Words of the Week. (The assigned page will have that day's date written at the top)
• Thursday: Read 15-20 minutes. Complete the assigned page in your Homework Journal using your Words of the Week. (The assigned page will have that day's date written at the top)
• Friday: Be ready to take a spelling quiz on your Words of the Week. You must be able to spell each word correctly. 

*Please note: I will collect and check your child's Homework Journal on Friday. Your child will receive a completion grade for homework. Feel free to email me with any questions. :) 

Thursday Folders:

Please empty your child's Thursday folder each Thursday and return it to school on Fridays. I do reuse these folders each week.

Substitute:

I just wanted to make everyone aware the I will not be in the classroom on Friday, September 14th. Donal and I will be in Connecticut for a wedding. However, I will still be available via email and the Remind app. 

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading-We will begin book shopping, picking out just right books, and practicing independent reading. 
• Writing- We will practice Handwriting, emphasizing proper letter formation, and starting our letters at the top.
• Math-We will begin establishing and practicing routines for Math Workshop as we focus on number sense, counting, ordering numbers, and comparing numbers. 
• Science/Social Studies- We will discuss the meaning of Patriot Day. We will define and discuss the 5 senses. We will begin to learn about the 4 seasons.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I am traveling back to Pennsylvania tonight to visit my family. I have not been back since February so I am very excited to take the time to make the trip! (Especially after an Eagles win!) This will be Raleigh's first trip to Pennsylvania too! :)