UCS Kindergarten Newsletter
November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025
Kindergartners made Vermont animals during Integrated Arts. They looked through books last week to gather information about where the animal lives and what it needs. They made animals out of clay on Monday with Mrs. Aucter's guidance. Later in the week, they researched more information about their animals so they can create habitats for them after November break. The children picked a beaver, black bear, duck, frog, or bunny to learn more about. They will also research different animals around the world during our literacy unit.
Important Dates
November 21st ~ Turkey Trot and Book Order Due
November 24th - 28th ~ No School
December 10th ~ Early Release Day
Learning Highlights from the Week
We started Unit 3: Make a Shape, Fill a Hexagon. Please notice the family letters that went home in your child’s folder last week describing some of the skills and concepts we will cover in this geometry unit. This week we developed language to describe and compare 2D shapes and their attributes. We related 2D shapes to real world 3D objects and made shape pictures/designs. We also made shape murals by changing basic shapes into real world objects (example: a square and triangle turned into a house).
We read different books to highlight gratitude. The children shared about things they are thankful for in their school community and wrote them down today as part of our second SEL Friday. They shared things like being grateful for friends and their 3-4 buddies. They also filled out the belonging survey. This survey aims to collect data on students' sense of belonging to inform our efforts to better support students' well-being. This is also part of our school's "Continual Improvement Plan".
During Reading Workshop, the children learned strategies to help them be strong readers. They are working on:
pointing to words as they read
touching each word one time (even long words get one tap)
sounding out words to decode
reviewing power words (see, a, I, is, the, look, you, & love)
sharing ideas during book discussions
During Writing Workshop the children worked on:
writing top down, left to right
holding pencils correctly
adding spaces between words
forming letters correctly using their letter sheet
rereading their work
Students are also working on letter formation, letter sounds, blending words, and matching uppercase and lowercase letters during Word Work.
Reminders
The Turkey Trot will be next Friday afternoon beginning at 1:45. Families are welcome to join us for the fun!
Please remind your child to pack indoor shoes each day. Thank you!
Please remember there is no school for students November 24th - 28th.
Email: kathleen.cowan@mmuusd.org
Location: 6 Irish Settlement Rd, Underhill, VT 05489
Phone: 802.899.4676