Happy First Day of March!

Hi Families,

Your children might have shared with you that I won't be at school this week. Originally, I was going to go to Little Rock to help my son and his wife pack (well, actually, I planned to hold/play with the baby as they packed) for their transfer to Germany. Then, this last Tuesday his orders were changed and they are no longer moving to Germany. I was going to postpone my visit until the summer, but there is a real concern that he will be deployed to the Middle East now, so I decided I am going to go to Little Rock as planned. 

I arranged for Jenn Oliver to be my substitute, and she is beyond amazing!  She was with them back in October when I went to Little Rock last time. Everything is prepared for the week, and the kids are in excellent hands.  I will be in contact with her and checking my emails, so let me know if there are any issues or concerns. 

In the last few weeks, quite a few kids have been involved in conflict on the playground. This group is very comfortable with each other, and sometimes they say/do things that are hurtful...thinking it is "just for fun." Please talk to your child about including everyone, using their words if something upsets the,  and never speaking  about "crushes" at school.  Please let them know we don't talk about crushes in first grade ever. I'm sure they think it is harmless, but kids feel embarrassed/hurt, and then sometimes respond in unkind ways or simply cry. Also, please reinforce that everyone makes mistakes/bad choices and the most important thing is to be honest, take responsibility, apologize, and not do it anymore. I know we all have limited control over what happens on the playground, but if they are getting the same message from all the adults, hopefully it will stick. Please reach out to me if you find out something is happening with your child, so I can help resolve the conflict. (I have many years of experience in this area and also will reach out to our counselor Ms. Boom if I the kids need futher guidance.) I want everyone to have a peaceful, happy last trimester.  

As I have said many times, I have a lot of respect for the way you are parenting your children. (It's been a long time since I've had such responsive parents who listen and work with me to correct behavior.) I am reaching out because I truly think it will help the kids understand how what they say and do affects others, and I feel like all the kids want to do the right thing...I just think sometimes they need to be told what that "thing" is. 

This week is "Read Across America." Hopefully you saw the schedule of dress up days in ParentSquare. I did write them in the homework, but on Monday the  theme is “Be a Reading Superhero!” The focus will be kindness and standing up for others. The kids should dress up as a superhero.

Shamgrams are also being sold this week. Here is a link to the flyer that explains the prices. Helping your child make a list of names of who they'd like to give them to will help ensure accurate distribution. 

Academic Focuses

Language Arts

• au/aw

• commas in a series

• leveled reading groups

Math

• lesson 18 (add and subtract tens)

• number scroll

Social Studies/Science

• Asia

• pandas

• elephants 

• silk

Upcoming Dates: 

• Tuesday, March 10: Spring Picture Day

• Tuesday/Thursday March 10/12: Optional Parent Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 12:10) 

• Friday, March 13: No School (teacher work day)

• 3/27-4/6 Spring Break