Embedded Files
October 17, 2026
Dear families,
We had such a busy short week. The month of October is flying by. Look up and take in the fall colors! The tree leaves are changing colors more and more. I hope you and your families are enjoying all that fall has to offer, so far.
This week, in Literacy, students learned the following letters and letter sounds: l & h. They also learned the following sight words: at & is. Continue to practice identifying the letters, saying the sounds, and blending sounds together to read and spell 3-letter real and non-sense words along with practicing the sight words every night. To make practicing fun, students can play "Oops" and "Memory" with the letters and the sight words. In Math, students studied the numbers 0-5. They focused on counting items and showing that amount using their fingers, 5-frames, and counters. Next week, students will move on to comparing quantities to 5 and beyond.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Bitsy and Mia for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Bitsy and Mia were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
A few reminders:
Please check your student's green folder daily for notes and to see what work we have done in the classroom. Viewing their work is great entry into conversations about their day.
We will be using shaving cream in the classroom for various activities. Please let me know if your student is NOT allowed to use it.
Monday, October 19th - Body Safety Talk w/Lisa Ryno
Tuesday, October 20th - Vision and Hearing Screenings
Saturday, October 24th - Westbrook PTO Trunk or Treat @ 9:30am-12pm
Monday, October 26th-Monday, November 2nd - Anderson Book Fair
Friday, October 30th - Halloween Parade and Classroom Party
All students may come to school in costume. Please help your child make safe, respectful, and comfortable decisions about their costume. Students may wear an appropriate mask in the parade, but not during school. Make-up, weapons, fake blood, or inappropriate dress are not allowed. All costume accessories will be left in the classroom for recess. Students may not bring candy or food to share.
10:30am - 11:15am AM Kindergarten Halloween Class Parties (Room Parents Only)
11:30am EC & AM Kindergarten Halloween Parade
2:30pm - 3:15pm PM Kindergarten & First Grade Halloween Class Parties (Room Parents Only)
3:30pm - EC, PM Kindergarten, & First Grade Halloween Parade
Monday, November 2nd - No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 8:15am-7pm
Sign up here.
Wednesday, November 4th - Picture Retakes
Thursday, November 5th - Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 4pm-7pm
Sign up here.
Monday, November 23rd-Friday, November 27th - No School, Thanksgiving Break
Home connection:
We will be using shaving cream in the classroom for various activities. Please let me know if your student is NOT allowed to use it.
Here is an article about "Homework".
Bad mornings will happen - it’s a given. But you can turn it around for you and your kids to have a better day! Read this article for some tips on how.
October 10, 2026
Dear families,
How about this beatiful weather we've had?! Fall is here and I cannot be more excited. This is my favorite time of the year. I am all about wearing sweaters, hoodies, scarves, boots, and seeing the leaves change colors. With the change is temperature, please make sure students are dressed appropriately. I tend to let the students self-regulate when it comes to wearing jackets outside for recess.
This week, in Literacy, students focused on reviewing the letters and sounds of the 15 letters they have learned. They also reviewed their sight words. Continue to practice identifying the letters, saying the sounds, and blending sounds together to read and spell 3-letter real and non-sense words along with practicing the sight words every night. To make practicing fun, students can play "Oops" and "Memory" with the letters and the sight words.
In Math, students studied the numbers 0-5. They sorted them based on if they were made out of lines only, curves only, or both. They practiced forming numbers with various classroom materials such as wikistixx, playdoh, and pattern blocks. In Writing, students participated in another instructed drawing, drawing a scarecrow. Their drawings turned out so beautifully.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Sonny and Aisha for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Sonny and Aisha were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
Thank you to the PTO for organizing such a spectacular Bee Bowl fundraiser. The students were so excited to join the festivities and bowl for their school. Their faces were beaming with pride as they saw their families cheering them on.
Thank you to our families for all of your generous donations to our Bee Bowl for Westbrook. Go team!!
Happy Birthday to Nora! I hope you have a wonderful day.
A few reminders:
Please check your student's green folder daily for notes and to see what work we have done in the classroom. Viewing their work is great entry into conversations about their day.
We will be using shaving cream in the classroom for various activities. Please let me know if your student is NOT allowed to use it.
Monday, October 12th - No School, Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 13th - No School, Institute Day
Monday, October 19th - Body Safety Talk w/Lisa Ryno
Tuesday, October 20th - Vision and Hearing Screenings
Saturday, October 24th - Westbrook PTO Trunk or Treat @ 9:30am-12pm
Monday, October 26th-Monday, November 2nd - Anderson Book Fair
Friday, October 30th - Halloween Parade and Classroom Party
All students may come to school in costume. Please help your child make safe, respectful, and comfortable decisions about their costume. Students may wear an appropriate mask in the parade, but not during school. Make-up, weapons, fake blood, or inappropriate dress are not allowed. All costume accessories will be left in the classroom for recess. Students may not bring candy or food to share.
10:30am - 11:15am AM Kindergarten Halloween Class Parties (Room Parents Only)
11:30am EC & AM Kindergarten Halloween Parade
2:30pm - 3:15pm PM Kindergarten & First Grade Halloween Class Parties (Room Parents Only)
3:30pm - EC, PM Kindergarten, & First Grade Halloween Parade
Monday, November 2nd - No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 8:15am-7pm
Sign up opens Friday, October 16th - Be on the lookout for the message.
Wednesday, November 4th - Picture Retakes
Thursday, November 5th - Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 4pm-7pm
Sign up opens Friday, October 16th - Be on the lookout for the message.
Home connection:
iRCM0K_NA_SW_U02_L05_FL_24.pdfOctober 3, 2026
Dear families,
Happy October! We have officially hit the six weeks of school mark. Students are settling into our classroom routines. They know exactly what to do and how to do it - mostly, on their own and without several reminders! Students are still working on being independent problem solvers, kind, supportive, and helpful with their classmates. They are also getting to know each other very well and building friendly connections.
This week, in Literacy, students learned the following letters and letter sounds: k & o. They also learned the following sight words: by, my, & to. Students went home with their third set of letter cards as well as the first set of sight word cards. Continue to practice identifying the letters, saying the sounds, and blending sounds together to read and spell 3-letter real and non-sense words along with practicing the sight words every night. Remember to make practice fun, students can play "Oops" and "Memory" with the letters and the sight words. In Math, students completed, reviewed, and took their first unit assessment. They also began Unit 2 - Numbers to 5. We will continue to count and practice writing numbers to 5 and beyond. In Writing, students made a banner poster all about themselves highlighing their favorite colors, favorite games, and favorite foods.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Will and James for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Will and James were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
A few reminders:
Please check your student's green folder daily for notes and to see what work we have done in the classroom.
Monday, October 5th - Officer Friendly visits PM Kindergarten
Friday, October 9th - Bee Bowl (Wear Westbrook gear or Colors)
AM @ 10:25am & PM @ 2:25pm.
Monday, October 12th - No School, Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 13th - No School, Institute Day
Monday, October 19th - Body Safety Talk w/Lisa Ryno
Tuesday, October 20th - Vision and Hearing Screenings
Saturday, October 24th - Westbrook PTO Trunk or Treat @ 9:30am-12pm
Friday, October 30th - Halloween Parade and Classroom Party
Home connection:
iRCM0K_NA_SW_U02_L04_FL_24.pdfSeptember 26, 2026
Dear families,
Thank you for your book orders through Scholastic Book Club. All orders were delivered and went home with students on Thursday. Because of your order, we were able to add several new books to our classroom library. Students will be excited to read the new additions. The next scholastic order will be placed in October.
This week, students began their center time routine. Center time is something we build upon each week. During center time, students indulge in independent work that allows them to practice various skills learned in the classroom as well as work on fine motor skills. Students are working hard to understand that this time is their individual learning time and that they should use this time wisely. They are learning how to make good choices during center time as well how to keep challenging themselves when they have completed an activity. Ask your student what their favorite part of centers was this week and what the expectations are during center time.
This week, in Literacy, students learned the following letters and letter sounds: r, f, & g. They also learned the following sight words: see & like. Because we have learned almost half of the letters of the alphabet, students were able to practice blending sounds together to read and spell 3-letter real and non-sense words such as cab, dab, hib, gib, etc. In Math, students sorted and counted objects in many different ways (based on objects attributes).
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Nithya and Lucas for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Nithya and Lucas were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
Our student teacher started on Thursday. Her name is Lucy Ripes. She will be with us on Mondays and Thursdays until November to begin her practicum observations. She will be back in the classroom with us in January through March to begin her student teaching.
A few reminders:
Friday, October 2nd - Spirit Day - Strike UP the Spirit (Wear Sports Gear or Team Colors)
Friday, October 9th - Bee Bowl (Wear Westbrook gear or Colors)
Schedule is below.
Monday, October 12th - No School, Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 13th - No School, Institute Day
Saturday, October 24th - Westbrook PTO Trunk or Treat @ 9:30am-12pm
Home connection:
From mid-September to mid-October, we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month is an opportunity to deepen our appreciation for the diverse stories and traditions that enrich our school and community. Together we celebrate inclusion, cultural pride, and connection.
We will be using iPads in the classroom on Monday, September 28th. Please make sure students have their headphones by then, if they do not have them yet.
WorkStationRules2026 Bee Bowl Event Schedule _Final.pdfSeptember 19, 2026
Dear families,
Happy Fall! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Tuesday is the first day of fall. I couldn't be more excited. This is my favorite time of the year. Students were chugging along with school things this week. They even got to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new addition. What an exciting time to be a Westbrook Bee!!
This week, in Literacy, students learned the following letters and letter sounds: p, & i. They also learned their first three sight words: the, a, & I. They read stories with these words in them to practice their sight words. Next week, students will come home with their second set of letter cards. These letters have been taught and I am expecting them to know the name of the letters and the sounds they make. Use the letter cards to practice letter names, letter sounds, and letter and sound fluency. The cards can also be used for making 3-letter words. Have your student practice sounding them out and blending the sounds to get them used to the idea of sounding out unfamiliar words.
In Math, students practiced describing and comparing length and height using words such as longer, taller, and shorter than as well as practiced their counting skills. They played their first math game and began sorting and counting objects. In Writing, students completed their first directed drawing. Directed drawing is a step-by-step process through which students draw something. The teacher guides students through each step, showing them exactly where and how to make the next line or mark on their drawing. This can help them improve their dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Directed drawings can also teach children the importance of following instructions.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
We will have a student teacher starting Thursday, September 24th. Her name is Lucy Ripes. She will be with us on Mondays and Thursdays until November to begin her practicum observations. She will be back in the classroom with us in January through March to begin her student teaching. We are excited to have her at Westbrook.
Thank you for your book orders through Scholastic Book Club. All orders have been placed and will be delivered within the next 10 days. Because of your order, we were able to add several new books to our classroom library. Students will be excited to read the new additions. The next scholastic order will be placed in October.
A few reminders:
Monday, September 21st - No School
Tuesday, September 22nd - Picture Day
Picture Retakes are 11/4
Friday, September 25th - Spirit Day - BEE Comfy Day (Wear PJs or Comfy Clothes)
Friday, October 2nd - Spirit Day - Strike UP the Spirit (Wear Sports Gear or Team Colors)
Friday, October 9th - Bee Bowl (Wear Westbrook gear or Colors)
Details coming soon.
Monday, October 12th - No School, Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 13th - No School, Institute Day
Saturday, October 24th - Westbrook PTO Trunk or Treat @ 9:30am-12pm
Home connection:
Parenting is hard - Here is an article about "letting kids struggle a little".
We will be using iPads in the classroom on Monday, September 28th. Please make sure students have their headphones by then, if they do not have them yet.
September 12, 2026
Dear families,
This week, we were BUSY with safety drills, beginning of the year assessments, and following the routines, even adding on a few extras. In Literacy, students learned the following letters and letter sounds: n, d, & c. They played their first literacy game called Roll and Read. A game board was sent home yesterday so students can play with family members. Students also went home with their first set of letter cards. These letters have been taught and I am expecting them to know the name of the letters and the sounds they make. Use the letter cards to practice letter names, letter sounds, and letter and sound fluency. The cards can also be used for making 3-letter words. Have your student practice sounding them out and blending the sounds to get them used to the idea of sounding out unfamiliar words. In Math, students practiced describing and comparing length and height using words such as longer, taller, and shorter than as well as practiced their counting skills.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Adelaide and Luca for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Adelaide and Luca were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
Happy Birthday to Kane!! I hope you have a wonderful day.
A few reminders:
Wednesday, September 16th - Scholastic Book Orders are Due
This month's scholastic book club catalog went home in your student's green folder. Purchasing books is optional but it's a great way to build your home library and foster a love for reading. Your book order also helps build our classroom library. If you are interested, you can order books online through Scholastic Book Clubs. Orders will be shipped directly to me at school. I will distribute book orders in the classroom. If you choose to order books, please use my class code Q98NY.
Thursday, September 17th - Westbrook Groudbreaking Ceremony
Friday, September 18th - No School for Kindergarten (Half Day for First Grade Only)
Monday, September 21st - No School
Tuesday, September 22nd - Picture Day
Picture Retakes are 11/4
Friday, October 9th - Bee Bowl
Details coming soon.
Monday, October 12th - No School, Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 13th - No School, Institute Day
Home connection:
Parenting is hard - but you are doing an awesome job! Here are 7 signs you’re "parenting right" according to a clinical psychologist.
Les3FamilyLetterSeptember 5, 2026
Dear families,
I hope you are enjoying this much needed weekend. Students were tired this week. They are beginning to feel the pacing of their days and are working on settling into their new daily routines at home and at school. They are quickly figuring out that this is their "new normal". Thank you for attending our Back to School Night. I hope I was able to answer your questions. If there is anything you would like to speak more about, please do not hesitate to reach out.
In Literacy, students learned the following letters and letter sounds: m, s, t, a, & b. We used these five letters to begin blending the sounds together to make and read words. Letter cards will come home next week to practice more at home. In Math, we launched Unit 1 - Position, Length, Height, & Sorting. Students practiced describing where items were using the words above, below, behind, beside, next to, and in front of. Next week, students will begin describing and comparing length and height.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Layla and Finley for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Layla and Finley were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
A few reminders:
Monday, September 7th - Friday, September 11th - Safety Week
We will practice all school safety drills.
Monday, September 7th - No School, Labor Day Holiday
Wednesday, September 16th - Scholastic Book Orders are Due
This month's scholastic book club catalog went home in your student's green folder. Purchasing books is optional but it's a great way to build your home library and foster a love for reading. Your book order also helps build our classroom library. If you are interested, you can order books online through Scholastic Book Clubs. Orders will be shipped directly to me at school. I will distribute book orders in the classroom. If you choose to order books, please use my class code Q98NY.
Thursday, September 17th - Westbrook Groudbreaking Ceremony
Friday, September 18th - No School for Kindergarten (Half Day for First Grade Only)
Monday, September 21st - No School
Tuesday, September 22nd - Picture Day
Picture Retakes are 11/4
Friday, October 9th - Bee Bowl
Details coming soon.
Home connection:
Here are 16 Friday night traditions perfect for family time.
Unit1Lesson2Letter.pdfBack2School Night A to Z.docxAugust 29, 2026
Dear families,
And just like that - we have finished our second week of school. We are taking our time easing into the kindergarten curriculum. The goal is for students to be successful in all aspects of school. We start slow, so we can move fast.
This week, we were BUSY with beginning of the year assessments and following the routines that we learned from the first week, even adding on a few extras. Students have done a great job coming into the classroom ready to learn. They practiced scissor skills, they played in the kitchen, built with blocks and legos, they created with dot paint, and practiced writing their names in different ways. Students are also learning about what our classroom rules look, feel, and sound like.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
A round of applause for Kane and Isaac for being our Bee Sash winners this week. Kane and Isaac were caught "bee"-ing kind, safe, and ready to learn all week. Keep up the good work.
A few reminders:
Wednesday, September 2nd @ 7pm - Back to School Night
Friday, September 4th - All School Assembly
Monday, September 7th - Friday, September 11th - Safety Week
We will practice all school safety drills.
Monday, September 7th - No School, Labor Day Holiday
Thursday, September 17th - Westbrook Groudbreaking Ceremony
Friday, September 18th - No School for Kindergarten (Half Day for First Grade Only)
Monday, September 21st - No School
Tuesday, September 22nd - Picture Day
Picture Retakes are 11/4
Home connection:
iReady Unit 1 Family Letter.pdfUntitled designAugust 22, 2026
Dear families,
Students had a smooth first two days of Kindergarten! They worked on getting to know their teachers, their school, and each other. They learned how to use their crayons and where to store them. They learned a few school routines like walking quietly in halls, using the bathroom, and how to play at the playground during recess. They learned what to do with their finished work and a little bit about how our school day will flow. Students were very excited to go to gym and to play on the playground (until it got too hot). I'd say the first two days of school were a HUGE success.
Next week, we will continue to learn about the expectations, procedures, and routines of the classroom and school. We will focus on getting to know each other more, and discuss more about what our classroom rules look, feel, and sound like.
Check out this week's photos here or you can click on the classroom photos tab above.
Shout outs!!
Happy Birthday to Ali-Khan! I hope you have a wonderful day!
A few reminders:
Friday, August 28th - PTO Back School Bash @ 5pm-7pm, Westbrook Playground
Wednesday, September 2nd @ 7pm - Back to School Night
Specific information can be found in The Buzz Newsletter. If you did not receive the school's "The Buzz" newsletter, please let me know.
Friday, September 4th - All School Assembly
Monday, September 7th - Friday, September 11th - Safety Week
We will practice all school safety drills.
Monday, September 7th - No School, Labor Day Holiday
Thursday, September 17th - Westbrook Groudbreaking Ceremony
Friday, September 18th - No School for Kindergarten (Half Day for First Grade Only)
Monday, September 21st - No School
Tuesday, September 22nd - Picture Day
Picture Retakes are 11/4
Home connection:
Here are 50 questions to ask your children instead of asking “How Was Your Day”.
August 14, 2026
Dear families,
Welcome to our classroom family. Below, I have attached the kindergarten school supply list along with other back to school information. If you have not purchased school supplies yet, please do not purchase pencils, dry erase markers, dry erase boards, gallon and sandwich sized ziploc bags, or baby wipes. We have plenty of these specific items in the classroom to start the school year. Linked below is my family survey so I can get to know a little bit about each student as well as the Dismissal Survey that was sent out in the principal's welcome letter, for you to complete, if you have not already done so.
At your "Welcome to Hive" Open House, please bring a FRAMED FAMILY photo to display in the classroom (4X6 or 5X7). Photos and frames will be returned at the end of the school year.
Tuesday, August 18th - Welcome to the Hive #1 for Kindergarten Last Names A-L
AM session: 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
PM session: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19th - Welcome to the Hive #2 for Kindergarten Last Names M-Z
AM session: 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
PM session: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Please email me any questions or concerns. I look forward to a great year!
See you soon!
Mrs. Zei
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