Weekly Update

Hi Parents,

Our class has been learning all about holidays from different cultures from all around the world this week! They get so excited each day when I ask them what country they traveled to! Be sure to ask your child about the countries they have learning about too! :)

Holiday Shop:
We previewed the items for sale at the Pinebrook Holiday Shop today. Students may purchase items next Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. If your child is purchasing Holiday Shop items, please kindly use the envelope I sent home today to send his/her list and money next Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Students who bring in money, may shop during non instructional times only. Please remember, there is no obligation to buy. If you would like to shop with your child, the Holiday Shop will be open Monday night from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The 5th Grade will be hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast-for-Dinner fundraiser, so come for dinner (breakfast?) too! :)

Gingerbread House Supplies:

As a culminating activity to our unit on gingerbread stories, we will make gingerbread houses. Please see yesterday's Thursday folder for a note requesting supplies for this project.  I am asking each student to bring 2 items from our supply list, and I highlighted the items I am requesting from your child on the letter I sent yesterday.  Please send the supplies no later than Monday, December 17th.  If you are available to help with our project on December 19th at 1:30, please return the slip at the bottom of the form. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Gingerbread Homework Project:
I sent home an optional homework project in yesterday's Thursday folder.  It's a little activity whereby you and your child may decorate a gingerbread person together.  I will display any decorated and returned gingerbread people in the hall outside our classroom.

Coins for Our Money Unit:
Please check yesterday's Thursday folder for a letter requesting coins for our upcoming Money unit.  We will be starting this unit when we return from Winter Break. I would like the kids to have real coins available to count, and am requesting that you send the coins to school no later than Thursday, December 20th. 

Interim Progress Reports:
Interim progress reports (commonly called "interims") will go home Wednesday, December 12th.  A friendly reminder that I do not send an interim home for every child.  If I send one for your student, you will receive it via email at the email address on file in your ParentVue account.   

World Market:
I am looking for two parent volunteers to help with the first grade World Market on December 18th from 1:15 to 2:25. Volunteers will help with punching the cards for student "purchases" as they come to our class holiday/country table. If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know! I will take the first two volunteers that offer.

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading-We will finish our nonfiction reading unit by learning how to read aloud sounding like experts. 
• Writing-We will continue our nonfiction writing unit learning how to write teaching books with independence by adding details and answering questions our readers may have.
• Math- We will finish our measurement unit on Monday by taking our assessment. Then, we will review previously taught skills/concepts until winter break.
• Social Studies- We will finish our Holidays Around the World rotations and begin preparing our product to "sell" at the World Market on December 18th. 

There's a lot happening as we head into Winter Break! Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, and concerns about anything written here. 

I hope you enjoy the weekend! Donal and I are heading into D.C. to explore the city at Christmas time. :)