Weekly Newsletter
Adventures in Mrs. Harold-Jones's Jungle
Check back here weekly for updates, news, and all the things happening in the classroom!I will send out weekly emails as well!Adventures in Mrs. Harold-Jones's Jungle
May 10th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
May 15th: K-8 Open House (5:30 PM- 7:00 PM)
May 16th: WAVE Board Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 17th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Math 24th: School Spirit Day (Book Character Day)
May 27th: Memorial Day (No School)
May 30th: Rumpus In The Rainforest-1st Grade Play (5:00 PM)
May 31st: Books on the "Beach" Day
June 3rd: In Class Game Day
June 4th: Field Day (Wear Our Grade Level Color!)
June 5th: 1st Grade Bridge Building Day
June 6th: Last Day of 1st Grade
Classroom Content
We had an exciting thirty-fourth week in 1st grade! During the thirty-fourth week of 1st grade, we continued to explore maps (how location, weather, and physical environment affect the way people live, including the effects on their food, clothing, shelter, and transportation) as well as we created maps using map symbols and the cardinal directions, we practiced drawing conclusions with different scenarios in class, we became experts at identifying, using, and making contractions (should have-- should've, can not-- can't, I am-- I'm), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
WCS K-8 Open House
Who: Your 1st Grader
What: WCS Open House
When: Wednesday, May 15th from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Where: Westlake Charter School
Why: An opportunity to visit your child's 1st Grade Classroom and celebrate all the learning they have done this school year!
Rumpus In The Rainforest: In 1st grade we put on a musical performance at the end of the school year--Rumpus In The Rainforest!
Performance Date: May 30th at 5:00 PM, so mark your calendars!
I sent home your child's part for the play in their Blue Folder before Spring Break. I also included the costume letter as well.
If you would like to practice the play songs at home here is the link to the website that has the songs with the lyrics included! Happy practicing!
Mrs. Harold-Jones’s Classroom Countdown to Summer!:
Thursday, May 30th- Rumpus in the Rainforest Performance
It’s time to perform our 1st Grade musical play!
Get ready to shine at 5:00 PM in the WCS Gym!
Arrive at 4:30 PM to our classroom, C 104.
Friday, May 31st- Books on the "Beach" Day
Bring a few books, and a blanket or towel! Get ready to spend
the morning relaxing in the warm sun, reading a few of your favorite books
with friends, and doing some fun summer activities!
Click Here if you would like to sign up to donate bubbles!
Monday, June 3rd- Games with Friends
Bring a game to share with the class on Monday, June 3rd!
Your game should allow for at least 2 players and be labeled with your name.
All games will come home at the end of the day!
Tuesday, June 4th- Field Day
Come have some fun on the field with your First Grade Friends!
Be sure to wear sunscreen, wear PE appropriate shoes, bring a hat,
and a water bottle! Our 1st grade Field Day color is, orange!
You may wear orange clothing today!
Click Here if you would like to sign up to donate orange spirit items for Field Day!
Wednesday June 5th- Engineering: Bridge Building Day
Engineers have important jobs! Using the Engineering Process: Ask, Brainstorm, Plan, Create, Test and Improve, students will build bridges with all of the 1st Grade classes!
Thursday, June 6th- Movie and Treats & The Last Day of 1st Grade!
Bring individually wrapped snacks to share with your
classmates (OPTIONAL) while we watch a movie and spend time
with our friends to celebrate our last day of First Grade!
Click Here if you would like to sign up to donate snacks!
We have 22 students in our class if you signed up to bring in a snack.
Dismissal is at 12:00 P.M. on the last day of 1st Grade!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing, people, month, been, little, want, own, Mr., Mrs., work. word, write, first, being, their, look, good, new (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 8- Putting It All Together
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Non Fiction Text Features
Grammar: Contractions
Writing: Expository Writing- How To ______
Thematic Study: Maps (History/ Social Studies 1.2)
Assessment Information
Trimester 3 Report Card Assessments will begin the Week of May 13th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on relating addition to subtraction in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 8 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize the writing section of this resource for ideas for activities you can continuously do to support your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the suffix -es, base words vs words with a suffix, Word of the Day (finishes, inches) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (their, being, first), writing sentences and scooping them (Look at these branches., It is good to finish your taxes., Who are the people on the benches?, Get well wishes were sent to Ted.), and dictating words (taxes, tosses, foxes, quizzes). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 13 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on drawing conclusions to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on contractions which are informal “shortcuts” that we often use in our everyday speech. A contraction consists of two words that are combined to form one word. Please utilize this game or video to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our focus for Social-Emotional Learning this week was on how our skills can grow stronger one step at a time. Ask your child, What is one thing you are proud that you recently learned how to do?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Spirit Shirt Contest - Submissions Due Friday, May 24th: It’s time for Westlake to pick the student drawing for next year’s Friday spirit shirt! This contest is open to all Westlake Charter School students. On an 8.5x11 sheet of paper, students should draw a black and white picture of what Westlake means to them. Students should make sure their drawing includes the school name. Email submissions to admin@westlakecharter.com or turn it into the front office. All entries must be received by Friday, May 24th. Winners will be announced in the Family Weekly on June 2nd.
K-8 Field Day: Mark your calendars for our K-8 Field Day on Tuesday, June 4th. Help us end an amazing year by signing up to volunteer or make a donation for Field Day. CLICK HERE to volunteer or make donations to Field Day.
Families, we need your help! This year, June 4th will be a free dress day and each grade level will represent their grade level by wearing a different colored t-shirt. Please see what color shirt to have your child wear that day!
Kinder - Red
1st - Orange
2nd - Yellow
3rd - Green
4th - Blue
5th - Purple
6th - Black
7th - Blue
8th - Tie-Dye
May 3rd, 2024
Upcoming Dates
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
May 15th: K-8 Open House (5:30 PM- 7:00 PM)
May 16th: WAVE Board Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 17th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Math 24th: School Spirit Day (Book Character Day)
May 27th: Memorial Day (No School)
May 30th: Rumpus In The Rainforest-1st Grade Play (5:00 PM)
June 4th: Field Day (Wear Our Grade Level Color!)
June 6th: Last Day of 1st Grade
Classroom Content
We had an eventful thirty-third week in 1st grade! During the thirty-third week of 1st grade, we began to explore the interesting world of maps (the compass rose, the map key, the 7 continents, the 5 oceans, globes, and how to read a map), we analyzed story problems with unknowns in any position, we practiced drawing conclusions based on what we read in a story, we had fun practicing how to make two words into a contraction (it is-- it's, we will-- we'll, did not-- didn't), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
SAVE THE DATE: WCS K-8 Open House
Who: Your 1st Grader
What: WCS Open House
When: Wednesday, May 15th from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Where: Westlake Charter School
Why: An opportunity to visit your child's 1st Grade Classroom and celebrate all the learning they have done this school year!
Rumpus In The Rainforest: In 1st grade we put on a musical performance at the end of the school year--Rumpus In The Rainforest!
Performance Date: May 30th at 5:00 PM, so mark your calendars!
I sent home your child's part for the play in their Blue Folder before Spring Break. I also included the costume letter as well.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing, people, month, been, little, want, own, Mr., Mrs., work. word, write, first, being, their (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 8- Putting It All Together
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Drawing Conclusions
Grammar: Contractions
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Maps (History/ Social Studies 1.2)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Studies 1.2 (Maps) will be assessed the Week of May 6th.
Trimester 3 Report Card Assessments will begin the Week of May 13th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on analyzing story problems with unknowns in each position in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin) and the Measurement and Data domain (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 6 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to encourage your writer to write a book about a topic they love. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the suffix -es, base words vs words with a suffix, Word of the Day (waxes, crosses) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (their, being, first), writing sentences and scooping them (First, fill the glasses with milk., Jack tosses the ball to Fran., Their dresses are being mended., Fill the boxes with your work.), and dictating words (taxes, tosses, foxes, quizzes). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 13 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on drawing conclusions and answering questions to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this game to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on contractions which are informal “shortcuts” that we often use in our everyday speech. A contraction consists of two words that are combined to form one word. Please utilize this resource , or game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our focus for Social-Emotional Learning this week was on the Power of YET. It is important that we remember that we may not be able to do something YET but with hard work and perseverance, we will be able to do it, just not YET. Ask your child, What is one thing that you cannot do YET?, and What can you do to learn how to do it?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-8 Field Day:
Mark your calendars for our K-8 Field Day on Tuesday, June 4th. Help us end an amazing year by signing up to volunteer or make a donation for Field Day. CLICK HERE to volunteer or make donations to Field Day.
Families, we need your help! This year, June 4th will be a free dress day and each grade level will represent their grade level by wearing a different colored t-shirt. Please see below for what color shirt to have your child wear that day!
Kinder - Red
1st - Orange
2nd - Yellow
3rd - Green
4th - Blue
5th - Purple
6th - Black
7th - Blue
8th - Tie-Dye
April 26th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
May 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
May 15th: K-8 Open House (5:30 PM- 7:00 PM)
May 17th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Math 24th: School Spirit Day (Book Character Day)
May 27th: Memorial Day (No School)
May 30th: Rumpus In The Rainforest-1st Grade Play (5:00 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting thirty-second week in 1st grade! During the thirty-second week of 1st grade, we continued to explore the interesting world of Plant Adaptations, we wrote equations to match story problems in math, we focused on How To writing, we used the verbs have & had in sentences we wrote, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Rumpus In The Rainforest: In 1st grade we put on a musical performance at the end of the school year--Rumpus In The Rainforest!
Performance Date: May 30th at 5:00 PM, so mark your calendars!
I sent home your child's part for the play in their Blue Folder before Spring Break. I also included the costume letter as well.
While we are hard at work preparing in class, we could use some help from you at home! We are looking for volunteers to help with character headpieces, setup, and cleanup. If you can volunteer, please sign up at: https://signup.com/go/NkJtLxY
***Here are some examples of headpiece ideas for those who are interested. You may mirror these ideas, or come up with your own creation!
Math Assessment: During the week of April 29th, we will be taking our sixth math assessment of the school year! I sent home a Study Guide in your child's Blue Folder today. Click Here for a digital copy of the Study Guide.
SAVE THE DATE: WCS K-8 Open House
Who: Your 1st Grader
What: WCS Open House
When: Wednesday, May 15th from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Where: Westlake Charter School
Why: An opportunity to visit your child's 1st Grade Classroom and celebrate all the learning they have done this school year!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing, people, month, been, little, want, own, Mr., Mrs., work. word, write (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 6- Length Measurements Within 120 Units
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Drawing Conclusions
Grammar: Contractions
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Maps (History/ Social Studies 1.2)
Assessment Information
Unit 6 Math Assessment will be given the week of April 29th. Click Here for the Unit 6 Study Guide
History/ Social Studies 1.2 (Maps) will be assessed the Week of May 6th.
Trimester 3 Report Card Assessments will begin the Week of May 13th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on writing equations for story problems in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin) and the Measurement and Data domain (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 6 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on adding suffixes to multisyllabic words (-ed, -s, -ing), Word of the Day (includes) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (work, word, write), writing sentences and scooping them (You can write on the napkins., Stop disrupting our class!, I insulted my friend by mistake., Ben dislikes my cat.), and dictating words (bedbugs, exhales, flagpoles, publishing, indented, unzips, athletes). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 13 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on Author’s Reasoning to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on have and had to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource, video and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our focus for Social-Emotional Learning this week was how we have changed throughout this school year. Ask your child, What will you miss about 1st grade and How have you changed since you started 1st grade?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
April 12th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
April 15th-22nd: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
May 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
May 15th: K-8 Open House
May 17th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
May 30th: Rumpus In The Rainforest-1st Grade Play (5:00 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an action packed thirty-first week in 1st grade! During the thirty-first week of 1st grade, we began to explore the interesting world of Plant Adaptations (the Prickly Pear Cactus, the Eucalyptus Tree, Spinifex Grass), we practiced writing to 120 in math, we identified the author's reason for writing books we read, we used the verbs go & went in sentences we wrote, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Spring Break (No School): Westlake Charter School will be closed Monday, April 15th through Monday, April 22nd for Spring Break. BASE will be open on Monday, April 22nd.
Rumpus In The Rainforest: In 1st grade we put on a musical performance at the end of the school year--Rumpus In The Rainforest!
Performance Date: May 30th at 5:00 PM, so mark your calendars!
I sent home your child's part for the play in their Blue Folder today. I also included the costume letter as well.
While we are hard at work preparing in class, we could use some help from you at home! We are looking for volunteers to help with character headpieces, setup, and cleanup. If you can volunteer, please sign up at: https://signup.com/go/NkJtLxY
***Here are some examples of headpiece ideas for those who are interested. You may mirror these ideas, or come up with your own creation!
Math Assessment: During the week of April 29th, we will be taking our sixth math assessment of the school year! I sent home a Study Guide in your child's Blue Folder today. Click Here for a digital copy of the Study Guide.
International Festival: Save the date! Our WAVE partners are planning to host our annual International Festival on Saturday, April 27th from 3:00 PM-5:30 PM.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing, people, month, been, little, want, own, Mr., Mrs. (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 6- Length Measurements Within 120 Units
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Author's Reasoning
Grammar: Have & Had
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Plant Adaptations (Mangrove Trees and Kangaroo Paw)
Assessment Information
Life Science (Animal Adaptations) Assessment will be given the week of April 22nd.
Unit 6 Math Assessment will be given the week of April 29th. Click Here for the Unit 6 Study Guide
History/ Social Studies 1.2 (Maps) will be assessed the Week of May 6th.
Trimester 3 Report Card Assessments will begin the Week of May 13th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on writing numbers to 120 in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin) and the Measurement and Data domain (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 6 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the spelling of /ic/, 2 syllable words, Word of the Day (frantic, plastic) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (Mr., Mrs.), writing sentences and scooping them (Mr. and Mrs. Grant had a picnic., The dog in the bathtub is frantic!, Did Mrs. Smith panic?, I expect to see Mr. White.), and dictating words (plastic, topic, expect, contact). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 12 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on author’s reasoning to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on go and went to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our focus for Social-Emotional Learning this week was how can we show kindness for the last 41 school days. Ask your child, How will you show kindness to your school?, How will you show kindness to your classroom?, How will you show kindness to your teacher?, and most importantly, How will you show kindness to your classmates?.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
19th Annual International Festival:
Our 19th Annual International Festival is just around the corner on Saturday, April 27th! This community event is a family favorite that helps celebrate Westlake’s diversity. In order to continue to host this spectacular event, we need your support. It’s not too late to sign up to plan, volunteer at the event, donate equipment, bake or purchase desserts for the Dessert Walk, or host a cultural booth.
Cultural Booths: We currently have 16 booths signed up, but our goal is to see as many countries and cultures represented as possible. Cultural Booth hosts may provide a small sampling of native cuisine, cultural artifacts, and/or a children’s activity/game - the booth can be as simple or complex as you would like. Hosts are reimbursed up to $150 for booth expenses. CLICK HERE to sign up to host a Cultural Booth.
Dessert Walk: Want to show off your baking skills? CLICK HERE to donate desserts for the Dessert Walk.
Equipment & Supplies: Equipment and supply donations are also needed (pop-up tents, ice chests, tables, drinks, ice). CLICK HERE to sign up to donate or lend us your equipment.
Volunteers: The success of this event greatly depends on the support of our volunteers. There are still many opportunities available and it is a chance to get those volunteer hours in during the last trimester! CLICK HERE to sign up for a shift.
CLICK HERE to visit the website for all of the details about this year’s International Festival.
April 5th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
April 5th: Spring Picture Day (OPTIONAL)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-22nd: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
May 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
May 15th: K-8 Open House
May 17th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
May 30th: Rumpus In The Rainforest-1st Grade Play (5:00 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful thirtieth week in 1st grade! During the thirtieth week of 1st grade, we wrapped up our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit--your child is an expert on the Emperor Penguin, the Kangaroo, the Caribou, the African Elephant, the Giant Panda, and the Anaconda, we practiced measuring length with different length units in math, we applied our knowledge of text features to enhance our understanding of non fiction books we read, we used the verbs was & were in sentences we wrote, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Sacramento Zoo Field Lesson: Great News, our second outdoor Field Lesson is quickly approaching! Our trip is scheduled for next Friday, April 12th from 8:45 AM-12:45 PM. Thank you to our chaperones who will be attending the Field Lesson and riding the bus with us: Adrian's Mom, Sahand's Mom, Zen's Dad, and Juan Pablo's Mom.
Field Lesson Reminders:
Be at school on time, at 8:30 AM
Bring a backpack, a bag lunch, and a water
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Please do not send extra money for snacks or gifts
Spring Break (No School): Westlake Charter School will be closed Monday, April 15th through Monday, April 22nd for Spring Break. BASE will be open on Monday, April 22nd.
International Festival: Save the date! Our WAVE partners are planning to host our annual International Festival on Saturday, April 27th from 3:00 PM-5:30 PM.
Rumpus in the Rainforest Musical Play: Save the Date for the first-grade musical play performance of Rumpus in the Rainforest on Thursday, May 30th at 5:00 PM in the WCS Gym! More information will be sent home next week. If your child cannot attend this after-school performance on May 30th, please let me know as soon as possible.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing, people, month, been, little, want, own (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 6- Length Measurements Within 120 Units
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Author's Reasoning
Grammar: Go & Went
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Plant Adaptations (Prickly Pear Cactus, Eucalyptus Tree, Spinifex Grass)
Assessment Information
Unit 6 Math Assessment will be given the week of April 29th. Click Here for the Unit 6 Study Guide
Life Science (Animal Adaptations) Assessment will be given the week of April 22nd.
Trick Words and BPST will be reassessed in the coming weeks and shared during Progress Reports.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on measuring length with different length units in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin) and the Measurement and Data domain (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 6 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on two syllable words with vowel consonant-e, Word of the Day (excuse, dislike) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (little, been, own, want), writing sentences and scooping them (A little reptile is in the bathtub., I have been at the dentist., The fireman is blinking from too much smoke., Do you own a backpack?), and dictating words (cupcake, springtime, athlete, fireman). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 12 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on text features in a non fiction text to help us understand the information that is presented in the text. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on was and were to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our focus for Social-Emotional Learning this week was how can we show kindness for the last 41 school days. Ask your child, How will you show kindness to your school?, How will you show kindness to your classroom?, How will you show kindness to your teacher?, and most importantly, How will you show kindness to your classmates?.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
19th Annual International Festival:
Our 19th Annual International Festival is just around the corner on Saturday, April 27th! This community event is a family favorite that helps celebrate Westlake’s diversity. In order to continue to host this spectacular event, we need your support. It’s not too late to sign up to plan, volunteer at the event, donate equipment, bake or purchase desserts for the Dessert Walk, or host a cultural booth.
Cultural Booths: We currently have 10 booths signed up, but our goal is to see as many countries and cultures represented as possible. Cultural Booth hosts may provide a small sampling of native cuisine, cultural artifacts, and/or a children’s activity/game - the booth can be as simple or complex as you would like. Hosts are reimbursed up to $150 for booth expenses. CLICK HERE to sign up to host a Cultural Booth.
Dessert Walk: Want to show off your baking skills? CLICK HERE to donate desserts for the Dessert Walk.
Equipment & Supplies: Equipment and supply donations are also needed (pop-up tents, ice chests, tables, drinks, ice). CLICK HERE to sign up to donate or lend us your equipment.
Volunteers: The success of this event greatly depends on the support of our volunteers. There are still many opportunities available and it is a chance to get those volunteer hours in during the last trimester! CLICK HERE to sign up for a shift.
CLICK HERE to visit the website for all of the details about this year’s International Festival.
First Grade Field Lesson, Sacramento Zoo:
On Friday, April 12th our 1st Grade classes will be going to the Sacramento Zoo. As of April 3rd, we have only received 56% of our grade level goal. Help us to continue to host these engaging field lessons to extend our Explorers’ learning! Please access the QR code on the field lesson permission slip coming home soon or CLICK HERE to donate for grade level field lessons.
March 29th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 5th: Spring Picture Day (OPTIONAL)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-22nd: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
May 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
May 15th: K-8 Open House
May 17th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Classroom Content
We had an action-packed twenty-ninth week in 1st grade! During the twenty-ninth week of 1st grade, we wrapped up our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the Amazing Anaconda, we began to practice comparing lengths of objects in math, we compared and contrasted the animals that we have learned about in class, we used the verbs Am Is & Are in sentences we wrote, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Sacramento Zoo Field Lesson: Great News, our second outdoor Field Lesson is quickly approaching! Our trip is scheduled for Friday, April 12th from 8:45 AM-12:45 PM.
Rumpus in the Rainforest: Save the Date for the first-grade musical play performance of Rumpus in the Rainforest on Thursday, May 30th at 5:00 PM in the WCS Gym! More information will come home before Spring Break. If your child cannot attend this after-school performance on May 30th, please let me know as soon as possible.
K-8 Spring Picture Day: Spring Picture Day is Friday, April 5th. All students will have free dress. Only students who have prepaid AND filled out the form will be sent to the photographer to have their picture taken. Forms were sent home on Friday. CLICK HERE if you would like to have your student’s spring picture taken, please fill out the form above AND prepay online or send payment in the packet.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing, people, month (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 6- Length Measurements Within 120 Units
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Text Features (Non-Fiction)
Grammar: Was & Were
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Wrap Up)
Assessment Information
Unit 6 Math Assessment will be given the week of April 29th.
Life Science (Animal Adaptations) Assessment will be given the week of April 22nd.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on comparing lengths of objects in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin) and the Measurement and Data domain (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 6 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on compound words (catnip, Batman, sunset), syllable division ( lim-it, mas-cot), Word of the Day (upset, limit) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (people, month), writing sentences and scooping them (I squinted into the sunset., The dog in the bathtub is a mess., Jim got catnip for his tomcat., Did you get a suntan on your trip?), and dictating words (invent, tenpin, cobweb, disrupt, lapdog, nutmeg). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 12 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to help us understand what we read and what is read to us by finding similarities and differences. Use this game to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on am, is, are to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource , video or worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our focus for Social-Emotional Learning this week was on taking responsibility for our actions. Ask your child, When you hurt someone—even if it is an accident— why is it important to make the situation better?.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Community Giving - Used Book Drive:
The Community Giving Middle School elective students are partnering with the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library. From now through April 5th, they will be accepting donations of undamaged, gently used books to be distributed to kids and organizations in need. Students may place books in the book bin in their grade level flex space, the front office, or Mrs. Hubbard’s classroom (G106). If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Hubbard at shubbard@westlakecharter.com.
K-8 Spring Picture Day:
Spring picture day is Friday, April 5th. All students will have free dress. Only students who have prepaid AND filled out the form will be sent to the photographer to have their picture taken. Forms were sent home on Friday. CLICK HERE if you would like to have your student’s spring picture taken, please fill out the form above AND prepay online or send payment in the packet. All 8th grade students should dress to impress - pictures for promotion certificates will be taken that day.
First Grade Field Lesson:
On Friday, April 12th our 1st Grade classes will be going to the Sacramento Zoo. As of March 27th, we have only received 55% of our grade level goal. Help us to continue to host these engaging field lessons to extend our Explorers’ learning! Please access the QR code on the field lesson permission slip coming home soon or CLICK HERE to donate for grade level field lessons.
March 22nd, 2024
Upcoming Dates
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 5th: Spring Picture Day (OPTIONAL)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-22nd: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
May 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful twenty-eighth week in 1st grade! During the twenty-eighth week of 1st grade, we continued our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the Giant Panda, we continued to practice addition within 100, we compared and contrasted stories that we read, we explored on our Camp Pollock Field Lesson (so much fun!), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Sacramento Zoo Field Lesson: Great News, our second outdoor Field Lesson is quickly approaching! Our trip is scheduled for Friday, April 12th from 8:45 AM-12:45 PM. In your child’s Blue Folder today, you will find a yellow packet with important forms that need to be completed for our upcoming Field Lesson. This includes important Field Lesson information and a permission slip. Please be sure to complete all highlighted areas on the permission slip. Each class is able to take four fingerprinted parent chaperones on the bus to supervise a group of students. As a reminder, siblings are unable to join us for this trip. The permission slip needs to be returned by Friday, March 29th.
K-8 Spring Picture Day: Spring Picture Day is Friday, April 5th. All students will have free dress. Only students who have prepaid AND filled out the form will be sent to the photographer to have their picture taken. Forms were sent home on Friday. CLICK HERE if you would like to have your student’s spring picture taken, please fill out the form above AND prepay online or send payment in the packet.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 6- Length Measurements Within 120 Units
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Compare and Contrast
Grammar: Am, Is, Are
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Anaconda)
Assessment Information
Unit 6 Math Assessment will be given the week of April 29th.
Life Science (Animal Adaptations) Assessment will be given the week of April 22nd.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on adding two digit numbers within 100 in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 5 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on words v-e words with suffixes, Word of the Day (rules, tribes) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words, writing sentences and scooping them (The ride ended on the other hill., She rented her home., Stop pumping wind into the fire!, Mom shakes the rug out., The other grapes are bad.), and dictating words (scrape, white, prune, poke, snake, tune). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 11 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to help us understand what we read and what is read to us by finding similarities and differences between texts or within one text. Use this link and video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on past tense verbs to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on change and how we can deal with change. Ask your child, What are some ways you can deal with change in school?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Community Giving - Used Book Drive:
The Community Giving Middle School elective students are partnering with the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library. From March 25th - April 5th, they will be accepting donations of undamaged, gently used books to be distributed to kids and organizations in need. Students may place books in the book bin in their grade level flex space, the front office, or Mrs. Hubbard’s classroom (G106). If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Hubbard at shubbard@westlakecharter.com.
K-8 Spring Picture Day:
Spring picture day is Friday, April 5th. All students will have free dress. Only students who have prepaid AND filled out the form will be sent to the photographer to have their picture taken. Forms were sent home on Friday. CLICK HERE if you would like to have your student’s spring picture taken, please fill out the form above AND prepay online or send payment in the packet. All 8th grade students should dress to impress - pictures for promotion certificates will be taken that day.
First Grade Field Lesson:
On Friday, April 12th our 1st Grade classes will be going to the Sacramento Zoo. As of March 20th, we have only received 50% of our grade level goal. Help us to continue to host these engaging field lessons to extend our Explorers’ learning! Please access the QR code on the field lesson permission slip coming home soon or CLICK HERE to donate for grade level field lessons.
March 15th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
March 22nd: Free Dress Day (First Grade Students ONLY)
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-19th: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
May 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
May 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting twenty-seventh week in 1st grade! During the twenty-seventh week of 1st grade, we continued our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the African Elephant, we practiced adding two digit numbers in math, we identified the Main Idea and Details of stories we read, we practiced using Past Tense verbs, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Upcoming Field Lesson, March 21st: Our Camp Pollock (Nature's Transformers) Field Lesson is next week on Thursday, March 21st!
We will be off of campus from about 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will be outside the entire time.
Please send your child to school with:
Comfortable clothing (Westlake Spirit Shirt and Jeans would be great!)
Comfortable shoes (Closed Toe)
A hat (Optional)
Their backpack with ONLY their labeled lunch and water bottle inside
When we return to school we will complete our school day and we will have our typical Dismissal time at 3:15 PM.
Thank you to our chaperones who will be attending the Field Lesson and riding the bus with us: Sophia's Mom, Elias' Mom, Ellie's Dad, and Emele's Mom.
Free Dress Friday, March 22nd: All of 1st grade has earned Free Dress on Friday, March 22nd!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend, none, nothing (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 5- Adding Within 100 (Wrap Up)
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Compare and Contrast
Grammar: Past Tense Verbs
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Giant Panda)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 5 Assessment will be given the week of March 18th. (Click Here for the Chapter 5 Study Guide.)
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on adding two digit numbers in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 5 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on words with long vowel versus short vowel sounds, Word of the Day (swipe, tape) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (none, nothing), writing sentences and scooping them (Dad had a joke that made us all smile., I had none of the cake., Hank has a limp and a cane., We like nothing here!), and dictating words (scrape, white, prune, poke, snake, tune). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 11 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on the main idea to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on past tense verbs to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource, video or worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on how it feels to be included as well as how it feels to be excluded. Ask your child, How can you make others feel welcome and included when we are working and playing?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-8 Spring Picture Day:
Spring picture day is Friday, April 5th. All students will have free dress. Only students who have prepaid AND filled out the form will be sent to the photographer to have their picture taken. Forms were sent home on Friday. CLICK HERE if you would like to have your student’s spring picture taken, please fill out the form above AND prepay online or send payment in the packet. All 8th grade students should dress to impress - pictures for promotion certificates will be taken that day.
First Grade Field Lesson Donations:
On Thursday, March 21st and March 28th our 1st Grade classes will be going to Camp Pollock. As of March 6th, we have only received 49% of our grade level goal. Help us to continue to host these engaging field lessons to extend our Explorers’ learning! Please access the QR code on the field lesson permission slip coming home soon or CLICK HERE to donate for grade level field lessons.
March 8th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-19th: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an action-packed twenty-sixth week in 1st grade! During the twenty-sixth week of 1st grade, we continued our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning more about the Cool Caribou, we practiced making tens to create new tens in math, we celebrated the 120th Day of School, we began to learn about the very exciting world of verbs, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with me to discuss your child's progress thus far in 1st grade! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me.
Upcoming Field Lesson, March 21st: Our Camp Pollock (Nature's Transformers) Field Lesson is in 2 weeks on Thursday, March 21st! We will be off of campus from about 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will be outside the entire time.
Please send your child to school with:
Comfortable clothing (Westlake Spirit Shirt and Jeans would be great!)
Comfortable shoes (Closed Toe)
A hat (Optional)
Their backpack with ONLY their labeled lunch and water bottle inside
When we return to school we will complete our school day and we will have our typical Dismissal time at 3:15 PM.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about, other, another, friend (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 5- Adding Within 100
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Main Idea/Details
Grammar: Past Tense Verbs
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (African Elephant)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 5 Assessment will be given the week of March 18th. (Click Here for the Chapter 5 Study Guide.)
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on making tens to make new tens in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 5 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on words with long vowel sounds (a_e, o_e, i_e, u_e), Word of the Day (globe, brave) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (friend, other, another), writing sentences and scooping them (I left another bone on my plate., Is it safe to ride my bike here?, My friend Mike got the prize., My dad shaves in here.), and dictating words (mule, flame, dare, whine, cube). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 11 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on cause and effect to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on verbs to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource , game or worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on how it feels to be included as well as how it feels to be excluded. Ask your child, How can you make others feel welcome and included when we are working and playing?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Pedestrian Safety Campaign:
Thank you for supporting our pedestrian safety campaign and returning the pledge! Our Westlake community did a great job staying safe by using the crosswalk, using Walking School Bus, and getting in and out of vehicles that were parked safely! Class and grade level winners will be announced Monday, March 11th! Continue to talk to your child about continuing safe behaviors during arrival and dismissal!
K-8 Yearbook Orders:
CLICK HERE to order your K-8 yearbook directly through TreeRing and get two pages to personalize with your own pictures! Use code 101667583471473 or see the email with the link to purchase. Order by May 1st for guaranteed delivery the last week of school. Need help? Contact: Mrs. Liechti at kliechti@westlakecharter.com.
First Grade Field Lesson Donation:
On Thursday, March 21st and March 28th our 1st Grade classes will be going to Camp Pollock. As of March 6th, we have only received 49% of our grade level goal. Help us to continue to host these engaging field lessons to extend our Explorers’ learning! Please access the QR code on the field lesson permission slip coming home soon or CLICK HERE to donate for grade level field lessons.
March 1st, 2024
Upcoming Dates
March 4th-8th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-19th: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful twenty-fifth week in 1st grade! During the twenty-fifth week of 1st grade, we continued our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the Cool Caribou, we began our next math unit focusing on addition to 100, we applied the comprehension strategy of Cause & Effect to different books we read, we celebrated Leap Day, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher conferences will be held next week, March 4th-8th! I look forward to meeting with you all to discuss your child's progress thus far in 1st grade. Your child will be presenting at the conference, so I am requesting that they attend with you.
Please note: March 4th-8th will be early dismissal each day. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th Grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM to allow for time to meet with each family.
Upcoming Field Lesson, March 21st: Great News, our second off campus Field Lesson is quickly approaching! In your child’s Blue Folder today, you will find a packet with 3 important forms that need to be completed for our upcoming Field Lesson. Please be sure to complete ALL of the highlighted areas on the forms. All three forms and permission slips need to be returned by March 8th. Each class will take four fingerprinted chaperones on this Field Lesson.
Walk With Me On The Walking School Bus Friday, March 8th: Join the First Grade teachers for a walk to school on Friday, March 8th!
What: Mrs. Harold-Jones Joins the Walking School Bus
When: Friday, March 8th
Where: Burberry Park
Time: 7:50 AM
Participating students have a chance to win a Donut 🍩 Party for our class!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down, our, out, about (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 5- Adding Within 100
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Cause and Effect
Grammar: Verbs
Writing: Expository Writing (Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Animal Catch Up Week)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 5 Assessment will be given the week of March 18th. (Click Here for the Chapter 5 Study Guide.)
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on explaining how to add tens and ones in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 5 of math.
Writing
In Trimester 3, we will focus on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing next trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on words with the suffixes -ed, -ing, trick words, spelling trick words, vowel teams au and aw, Word of the Day (blending, planted ) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (out, about, our), writing sentences and scooping them (I am thinking about my class., Frank is swinging on our swing., He is spending our cash.), and dictating words (squinted, stumping, drifted, crusted, spending). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 10 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on cause and effect to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource and video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on multiple meaning words (homonyms) to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on how it feels to be included as well as how it feels to be excluded. Ask your child, How can you make others feel welcome and included when we are working and playing?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-12 Conference Week:
Conference week is next week, March 4th - 8th. CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. We strive to have 100% of our families meet with their teacher! The online scheduler is available to families through March 3rd so reserve your conference time now. CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler. Remember, during conference week we will dismiss early to allow time for teachers to meet with each of our families – Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM, and High School will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our K-8 BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day.
Pedestrian Safety Campaign Launch:
From March 4th-8th, we're launching a Pedestrian Safety Campaign! Look for safety pledge forms in your child's backpack for both you and your students to sign and return. Students will receive an “I pledged” sticker to add to our pledge wall in the cafeteria (and a sweet treat)!
We will also have class and grade level competitions where students will receive tickets as rewards when observed using crosswalks, participating in the Walking School Bus, or safely entering and exiting parked cars. These tickets contribute to exciting competitions for classroom and grade level prizes. Let's prioritize safety and make pedestrian awareness a fun and rewarding experience for all! We need your help to make this a success. CLICK HERE to sign up to help. CLICK HERE for a video.
Missoula Children’s Theater Company:
On Monday, March 4th at 1:45 PM, all K-8 students are welcome to audition for Missoula Theater Company's production of Peter & Wendy. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be in a professional show. CLICK HERE for details. CLICK HERE to RSVP to audition.
K-8 Yearbook Orders:
CLICK HERE to order your 2023-24 K-8 yearbook directly through TreeRing and get two pages to personalize with your own pictures! Use code 101667583471473 or see the email with the link to purchase. Order by May 1st for guaranteed delivery the last week of school. Need help? Contact: Mrs. Liechti at kliechti@westlakecharter.com.
February 16th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
March 4th-8th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-19th: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting twenty-fourth week in 1st grade! During the twenty-fourth week of 1st grade, we continued our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the Echidna, Koala, and Bilby, we completed our fourth math assessment of the school year, we used describing words to "stretch" out our sentences, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
February Break: February Break is Monday, February 19th through Friday, February 23rd. Both campuses and BASE will be closed for February Break. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, February 26th.
Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher conferences will be held between March 4th-8th! These conferences will be Student Led, so I am requesting that your child attends the conference with you.
The conference scheduler is now LIVE, and available for families to sign up for a conference.
Click HERE to sign up for a conference.
The password is: explorers
Please note: March 4th-8th will be early dismissal each day. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th Grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM to allow for time to meet with each family.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many, how, now, down (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 5- Adding Within 100
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Cause and Effect
Grammar: Multiple Meaning Words- Homonyms (words that sound & are spelled the same, but have different meanings)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Caribou)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 5 Assessment will be given the week of March 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on comparing numbers shown in different ways in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 4 of math.
Writing
Next trimester we are focusing on Expository Writing. Expository writing includes a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Expository writing explains, describes, gives information or informs the reader. Please utilize this resource to help your writer determine if they are using facts or opinions in their writing. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing next trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on R- controlled vowel sounds (ar, or, er, ir, ur), Vowel Teams (ue, ew), trick words, spelling trick words, reading words with a suffix, Word of the Day (strap, clumps) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (how, now, down), writing sentences and scooping them (Ben twists off many lids., You can chop the stump down., The tot crept to her dad.), and dictating words (brings, standing, blasted, crafted, blended). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 10 of phonics.
Comprehension
This week we reviewed comprehension strategies taught up to week 24 of school.
Grammar
This week we reviewed grammar concepts taught up to week 24 of school.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on how we can show we care for others. Ask your child, Why can doing something kind for someone else make you feel good too?, and, What are some ways that you can change someone's day and make it better?.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-12 Conference Week: Conference week is March 4th-8th. CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. The online scheduler is available February 12th - March 3rd so reserve your conference time now. CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler.
Pedestrian Safety Campaign Launch: From March 4th-8th, we're launching a Pedestrian Safety Campaign! Look for safety pledge forms in your child's backpack for both you and your students to sign and return. We will also have class and grade level competitions where students will receive tickets as rewards when observed using crosswalks, participating in the walking school bus, or safely entering and exiting cars. These tickets contribute to exciting competitions for classroom and grade level prizes. Let's prioritize safety and make pedestrian awareness a fun and rewarding experience for all! We need your help to make this a success. CLICK HERE to sign up to help.
Missoula Children’s Theater Company: On Monday, March 4th at 1:45 PM, all K-8 students are welcome to audition for Missoula Theater Company's production of Peter & Wendy. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be in a professional show. CLICK HERE for details. CLICK HERE to RSVP to audition.
February 9th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
March 4th-8th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
April 3rd: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
April 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
April 15th-19th: Spring Break (No School)
April 23rd: Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
April 26th: School Spirit Day (Culture Day)
April 27th: International Festival (3:00-5:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an action packed twenty-third week in 1st grade! During the twenty-third week of 1st grade, we continued our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the Kangaroo, we practiced making 2 digit numbers in multiple ways, we identified the main idea and details in nonfiction texts, we used describing words (er/est) to describe nouns in more detail within our writing, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher Conferences are quickly approaching! Trimester 2 Parent-Teacher conferences will be held between March 4th-8th. These conferences will be Student Led, so I am requesting that your child attends the conference with you.
Canyon Creek (Conference Scheduler) will go LIVE for families to sign up on February 12th.
Please note: March 4th-8th will be early dismissal each day. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th Grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM to allow for time to meet with each family.
Click HERE to sign up for a conference.
The password is: explorers
Valentine's Day: Students may hand out Valentines on February 14th, if they wish! Please Note: This is in no way required. I ask that you do not address the Valentines to any specific student, it’s just too tricky at this age. Instead, you may have your child sign “From: ____.” We have 22 students in our class (11 girls and 11 boys).
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Math Assessment: Next week we will be taking our fourth math assessment of the school year! Click Here for a digital copy of the Study Guide.
February Break: February Break is Monday, February 19th through Friday, February 23rd. Both campuses and BASE will be closed for February break. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, February 26th.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each, any, many (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 4- Numbers to 99 (Wrap Up)
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Review of concepts taught up to Week 23
Grammar: Review of concepts taught up to Week 23
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Marsupials/ Kangaroo Wrap Up)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 4 Assessment will be given the week of February 12th. (Click Here for the Unit 4 Study Guide)
Trick Words will be assessed the week of February 12th.
Opinion Writing will be assessed the week of February 12th.
Reading Levels will be assessed the week of February 12th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on making two digit numbers in multiple ways in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 4 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer spell independently at home while writing. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on R- controlled vowel sounds (ar, or, er, ir, ur), Vowel Teams (oa, oe, ow, ou, oo), trick words, spelling trick words, blending words with 5 sounds, Word of the Day (slept, trust) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (any, many), writing sentences and scooping them (I got a chill from that bad draft., Jack felt his leg twist., We must stand to sing many songs.), and dictating words (grunt, blimp, skunk, squint, crunch, slant). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 10 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on the main idea and detail to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on describing words (er/est) to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource, game or worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on recognizing how our behavior affects other people. Ask your child, What can you do or say if working for others is not working for you?, also, Why is it good to work with people who do not always do things the same way that you do?.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-12 Talent Show:
You are invited! Join us in the K-8 gymnasium on Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM for our K-12 Talent Show! Come show your WCS spirit by supporting our performers! Don’t miss this year’s staff dance! The event is free.
Pedestrian Safety Campaign Launch:
Mark your calendars! From February 26th-March 8th, WCS will be launching a Pedestrian Safety Campaign based on data collected in the neighborhood that was analyzed by our amazing parent and community partnerships. We need adult volunteers to help at arrival and dismissal during the week of March 4th-March 8th. Thank you for your participation and partnership in keeping our students safe! CLICK HERE to sign up.
Missoula Children’s Theater Company:
On Monday, March 4th at 1:45 PM, all K-8 students are welcome to audition for Missoula Theater Company's production of Peter & Wendy. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be in a professional show. CLICK HERE for details. CLICK HERE to RSVP to audition.
February 2nd, 2024
Upcoming Dates
February 3rd: K-8 Family Dance (6:00 PM)
February 7th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
February 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
February 8th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
March 4th-7th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful twenty-second week in 1st grade! During the twenty-second week of 1st grade, we began our HUGE Animal Adaptations unit by learning about the Emperor Penguin, we practiced comparing numbers using greater than and less than symbols in math, we identified and explained the purpose of different text features in a nonfiction book (table of contents, headings, maps), we used describing words (how many) to describe nouns in more detail within our writing, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Valentine's Day: Students may hand out Valentines on February 14th, if they wish! Please Note: This is in no way required. I ask that you do not address the Valentines to any specific student, it’s just too tricky at this age. Instead, you may have your child sign “From: ____.” We have 22 students in our class (11 girls and 11 boys).
We will also be doing some different friendship activities throughout the week. If you are interested in donating any items to make these activities a success, please sign up here. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Math Assessment: During the week of February 12th, we will be taking our fourth math assessment of the school year! Click Here for a digital copy of the Study Guide.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says, between, see, each (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 4- Numbers to 99
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Main Idea and Details
Grammar: Describing Words (er/est)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Kangaroo)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 4 Assessment will be given the week of February 12th. (Click Here for the Unit 4 Study Guide)
Trick Words will be assessed the week of February 12th.
Opinion Writing will be assessed the week of February 12th.
Reading Levels will be assessed the week of February 12th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on comparing numbers using greater than and less than symbols in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 4 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer digitally publish their writing at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on syllables (open- if there is no consonant around the vowel, closed- a consent is around the vowel and closes the word), trick words, spelling trick words, mark words to show syllables, Word of the Day (drills, spells) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (see between, each), writing sentences and scooping them (Ted will jump between the rocks., I held Pup as he got each shot, This pink shell was between the rocks, That is very wet slush!), and dictating words (drips, champs, drags, Fran, shrub, wilt, snug). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 9 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on text features in a non fiction text to help us understand the information that is presented in the text. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on describing words to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on ways to collaborate in teams and how to play fair. Ask your child, how is it helpful to work as a team instead of by yourself?, also, When do you cooperate and work together with others?.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-12 Talent Show:
You are invited! Join us in the K-8 gymnasium on Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM for our K-12 Talent Show! Come show your WCS spirit by supporting our performers! Don’t miss this year’s staff dance! The event is free.
NASA Hunch Judging:
We are excited that WCHS will be hosting a preliminary round of the NASA Hunch Culinary Challenge. The competition will take place in WCHS’s Commons on Wednesday, February 28th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM. Do you or someone you know have a culinary background? Would you be interested in being a judge for this event? Please reach out to Lila McIver at lmciver@westlakecharter.com to express your interest in being a NASA Hunch Judge.
January 26th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
February 3rd: K-8 Family Dance (6:00 PM)
February 7th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
February 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
February 8th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
March 4th-7th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting twenty-first week in 1st grade! During the twenty-first week of 1st grade, we learned about the stars and it's pattern in the sky to wrap up our Patterns in the Sky unit, we had our first Mystery Reader of the school year, we practiced adding tens to 2 digit numbers, we identified and used different text features in a nonfiction book (table of contents, captions, maps), we used our 5 senses (touch, see, smell, hear, taste) to describe nouns in more detail within our writing, we went on our first off campus Field Lesson, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Winter NWEA MAP Testing: At Westlake, the NWEA assessment is given three times a year to get an accurate view of how much each student has grown over time and what students are ready to learn. This in turn supports teachers in planning instruction for students based on their specific needs. We will be taking our Reading Assessment on January 30th in the morning, and the Math Assessment on February 1st in the morning.
Valentine's Day: Students may hand out Valentines on February 14th, if they wish! Please Note: This is in no way required. I ask that you do not address the Valentines to any specific student, it’s just too tricky at this age. Instead, you may have your child sign “From: ____.” We have 22 students in our class (12 girls and 10 boys).
We will also be doing some different friendship activities throughout the week. If you are interested in donating any items to make these activities a success, please sign up here. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her, say, says (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 4- Numbers to 99
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Text Features (Reading for Information)
Grammar: Describing Words (How Many?)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Animal Adaptations (Emperor Penguin)
Assessment Information
NWEA Reading Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
NWEA Math Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
Math Unit 4 Assessment will be given the week of February 12th (Click Here for the Unit 4 Study Guide)
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on adding tens to two digit numbers in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 4 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on syllables, trick words, spelling trick words, mark words to show syllables, Word of the Day (block, act) and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (say, says), writing sentences and scooping them (Jill will get the doll in her crib., Tom sets up drums for the band., Do not dump that stuff on my bed!, Gram did say, “I will get lunch. ”), and dictating words (munch, rust, pinch, kept, tilt, shrug, trim). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 9 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on text features in a non fiction text to help us understand the information that is presented in the text. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on describing words to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week was The Great Kindness Challenge. We focused on all things kindness related. We learned that kindness begins with us, we shared what we like about ourselves, how we are a good friend to others, we thought about kind things we can do for others to make them happy, we shared characters from books and movies that show kindness to others, and we thought about how our world would be different if everyone was kind to one another. Be sure to ask your child how they show kindness to themselves, to their friends, to their family, and to the world.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-12 Talent Show:
The K-12 Talent Show Performance will be on Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM.
K-5 Family Dance:
Join us for WAVE’s Inaugural K-5 Family Dance entitled “Enchanted Evening” held on Saturday, February 3rd at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased as follows until the event is sold out:
Purchase in person at the Maybrook Gate each morning. Payments can be made with cash or card.
Purchase via Venmo (Username: @wave-foundation). Please include your family name and the number of tickets in the description.
CLICK HERE for the invitation
CLICK HERE to volunteer and to donate food and drinks
CLICK HERE to be directed to WAVE’s Amazon wishlist
January 19th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
January 23rd: Spelling Bee (5:30 PM)
January 26th: School Spirit Day (Rainbow Day)
January 26th: Off Campus Field Lesson (CSUS Planetarium)
February 3rd: K-8 Family Dance (6:00 PM)
February 7th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
February 8th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
March 4th-7th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful, but short twentieth week in 1st grade! During the twentieth week of 1st grade, we learned about the moon and it's pattern in the sky, we focused on numbers with tens and ones in math this week, we explored descriptive language in stories we read, we started to learn about the exciting world of adjectives (words that describe a noun), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Upcoming Field Lesson, January 26th: Our Sacramento State Planetarium Field Lesson is quickly approaching next week on, Friday, January 26th! This will be 1st Grade's first time going on this specific Field Lesson, so it will be new for everyone-teachers included!
We will be off of campus from about 9:15 AM to 12:45 PM.
Please send your child to school with:
Comfortable clothing (Westlake Spirit Shirt and Jeans would be great!)
Comfortable shoes
A labeled sack lunch and a water bottle
A positive attitude :)
When we return to school we will complete our school day, and we will have our typical Dismissal time at 3:15 PM.
Thank you to our chaperones who will be attending the Field Lesson and riding the bus with us: Sahand's Mom, Bella's Mom, Zen's Mom, and Mia's Mom.
We are VERY excited for our first Field Lesson ever!
Winter NWEA MAP Testing: At Westlake, the NWEA assessment is given three times a year to get an accurate view of how much each student has grown over time and what students are ready to learn. This in turn supports teachers in planning instruction for students based on their specific needs. We will be taking our Reading Assessment on January 30th in the morning, and the Math Assessment on February 1st in the morning.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should, number, over, her (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 4- Numbers to 99
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Text Features (Reading for Information)
Grammar: Describing Words (Five Senses)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Patterns In The Sky (Stars)
Assessment Information
Earth Science Assessment (Patterns in the Sky) will be given the week of January 22nd
NWEA Reading Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
NWEA Math Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
Math Unit 4 Assessment will be given the week of February 12th (Click Here for the Unit 4 Study Guide)
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on numbers with tens and ones in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 4 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on digraph blends (words that have a digraph but have 4 sounds- lunch, shrub , R- Controlled vowels (ar, or, er, ir, ur), trick words, spelling trick words, Word of the Day (shred, bluffs), and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (her, over, number), writing sentences and scooping them (She fell over the wet bench., Beth has her pink silk dress., Should Stan lift that big pump?, Did he get the frogs?), and dictating words (ranch, drums, sniff, press, flash, gulf, silk). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 8 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on descriptive language to help us visualize what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on describing words to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this game and video to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on ways to solve problems. We discussed that it is okay to feel differently than someone else, but it is important to talk to each other so you can understand their feelings. Ask your child why is it important to share your feelings?, and how can discussing how each person feels help find a fair solution to a problem?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-12 Talent Show Sign-Up Deadline: NEXT Tuesday, January 23rd:
CLICK HERE to sign up to audition to be a host, perform a talent, or be part of the stage crew team! Audition sign ups are due Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Auditions: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Talent Show Performance: Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM
K-5 Family Dance:
Join us for WAVE’s Inaugural K-5 Family Dance entitled “Enchanted Evening” held on Saturday, February 3rd at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased as follows until the event is sold out:
Purchase in person at the Maybrook Gate each morning. Payments can be made with cash or card.
Purchase via Venmo (Username: @wave-foundation). Please include your family name and the number of tickets in the description.
CLICK HERE for the invitation
CLICK HERE to volunteer and to donate food and drinks
CLICK HERE to be directed to WAVE’s Amazon wishlist
January 12th, 2024
Upcoming Dates
January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
January 19th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
January 23rd: Spelling Bee (5:30 PM)
January 26th: School Spirit Day (Rainbow Day)
January 26th: Off Campus Field Lesson (CSUS Planetarium)
February 3rd: K-8 Family Dance (6:00 PM)
February 7th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
February 8th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
March 4th-7th: K-8 Trimester 2 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:30 PM Monday-Friday)
March 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
March 15th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
March 15th: School Spirit Day (Super Bright Day- Neon Colors)
Classroom Content
We had an action-packed, but short, nineteenth week in 1st grade! During the nineteenth week of 1st grade, we dove in to our Patterns in the Sky thematic unit-focusing on the sun, we began to explore addition and subtraction of tens, we identified who is telling the stories we read (point of view), we practiced using possessive nouns ('s), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
No School: There will be no school on Monday, January 15th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Upcoming Field Lesson, January 26th: Our Sacramento State Planetarium Field Lesson is quickly approaching on Friday, January 26th!
WOW! Thank you to all of the families that volunteered to chaperone this Field Lesson! There were 15 families! As a result, I had to do a lottery to be fair to all families. If your name was not selected for this trip, we will have 2 other off campus Field Lessons later this year. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
Thank you to our chaperones who will be attending the Field Lesson and riding the bus with us: Sahand's Mom, Bella's Mom, Zen's Mom, and Mia's Mom.
We are VERY excited for our first Field Lesson ever!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come, would, could, should (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 4- Numbers to 99
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Descriptive Language
Grammar: Describing Words (size, shape, color)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Patterns In The Sky (Moon)
Assessment Information
Earth Science Assessment (Patterns in the Sky) will be given the week of January 22nd
NWEA Reading Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
NWEA Math Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
Math Unit 4 Assessment will be given the week of February 12th
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving addition and subtraction problems with tens in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 4 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on using digraphs (sh, wh, th, ch, ck) to help blend letters (sl, br, -nt, fl, sk, -nk, st) , R- Controlled vowels (ar, or, er, ir, ur), trick words, spelling trick words, and sentence dictation. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (would, could, should), writing sentences and scooping them (Could mom mend the rip in this dress?, The class should get a flag., Did Beth step on that frog?), and dictating words (limp, stick, plug, mask, pest, vent, thump, cloth, band). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 8 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on point of view in a text we read to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on possessive nouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on self confidence when communicating with others. We discussed how every person has important things to say and share. Ask your child when it is important to speak up and what might happen if you don't speak up.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Learning Lab:
We want to invite 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to the Learning Lab after school. The Learning Lab is staffed by an instructional aide to assist Middle School students with their classwork and homework. Families can sign up their Middle School student(s) by using School Dismissal Manager. The Learning Lab is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:15 - 3:45 PM.
K-12 Talent Show Sign-Ups – Due Tuesday, January 23rd:
CLICK HERE to sign up to audition to be a host, perform a talent, or be part of the stage crew team! Audition sign ups are due Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Auditions: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Talent Show Performance: Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM
December 21st, 2023
Upcoming Dates
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 21st: In Class Game Day
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
January 10th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
January 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
January 19th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
January 23rd: Spelling Bee (5:30 PM)
January 26th: School Spirit Day (Rainbow Day)
January 26th: Off Campus Field Lesson (CSUS Planetarium)
February 3rd: K-8 Family Dance (6:00 PM)
February 7th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
February 8th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful, but short, eighteenth week in 1st grade! During the eighteenth week of 1st grade, we wrapped up our Family Tradition presentations, we took our third math assessment of the school year (your child ROCKED it!), we identified the point of view in stories we read, we practiced using pronouns to replace nouns in a sentence (i.e. the dog -- he, Bob and Sue-- they, them, etc.), and as always we participated in Fun Friday -- but with lots of games from home too!
Winter Break: Friday, December 22nd through Monday, January 8th both campuses (WCS & WCHS) and BASE will be closed for Winter Break. BASE will reopen on January 8th. I look forward to welcoming students back to class on Tuesday, January 9th!
Family Tradition Project: We completed our Family Tradition presentations this week! I learned so much from all of your children and I am truly amazed at the courage and excitement they all had during their presentation. I really appreciate all of the help each and every one of you gave to your child to help make their presentation a success. Every child in our class shared something unique, and it was obvious the time and thought they put into their sharing.
Upcoming Field Lesson, January 26th: Great News- our first field lesson is quickly approaching! In your child’s Blue Folder today, you will find a packet with important forms that need to be completed for our upcoming Field Lesson to the newly opened Sacramento State Planetarium! This includes important Field Lesson information and permission slips. Please be sure to complete all highlighted areas on the forms. The permission slip is due by January 12th. We are very excited for our first ever Field Lesson!
Field Lesson Chaperone Note: Each class will be able to take 4 fingerprinted chaperones on this Planetarium trip due to capacity limits. To be fair to all families, if more people are interested in chaperoning than are able to attend the Field Lesson, I will have to do a lottery. If I have to do a lottery, and your name is not selected for this trip, we will have 2 other off campus Field Lessons later on this school year. I will be in communication about chaperones after Winter Break.
*** If you are interested in being on the chaperone list, you will need to have a Live Scan Fingerprinting on file with Westlake Charter School. This does not guarantee that you will be selected as a chaperone for a specific field lesson, but it makes you eligible to chaperone. Potential chaperones need to complete this Volunteer Fingerprinting Packet one month prior to the scheduled field trip. This allows for adequate time for the DOJ to process the information given. If you are interested, please complete and return this packet to the office ASAP. (If you think you have already completed the volunteer paperwork previously through WCS, please check with the Front Office to ensure they have your fingerprints and information cleared and on file. )
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two, very, also, too, some, come (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 4- Numbers to 99
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Point of View
Grammar: Possessive Nouns ( ' )
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Patterns In The Sky (Sun)
Assessment Information
Earth Science Assessment (Patterns in the Sky) will be given the week of January 22nd
NWEA Reading Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
NWEA Math Computer Test will be given the week of January 29th
Math Unit 4 Assessment will be given the week of February 12th
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving subtraction problems in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the glued sounds and adding a suffix (-ank, -ink, -onk, -unk, -ang, -ing, -ong, -ung), marking up glued sounds, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(thinks, fangs) . Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (too, very, also, some, come), writing sentences and scooping them (The kids are at the rink, too., Mom also has six rings., Can you come here?, She sang some songs.), and dictating words (chunks, lungs, thanks, rings, sinks, tanks). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 7 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on point of view in a text we read to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on pronouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on conversation skills. We discussed the difference between conversation makers and conversation breakers. Ask your child for an example of a conversation maker and for an example of a conversation breaker.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Attendance:
Our First and Eighth grade classes are in the lead! The final winners will be announced in the next Westlake Weekly and will receive a Hot Cocoa Party after Winter Break!!
Family Survey:
The Family Survey is taken three times a year. CLICK HERE to answer six questions to rate your family's experience at Westlake Charter School during the 2023-24 school year. The deadline is Tuesday, January 9th.
K-12 Talent Show Sign-Ups – Due Tuesday, January 23rd:
CLICK HERE to sign up to audition to be a host, perform a talent, or be part of the stage crew team! Audition sign ups are due Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Auditions: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Talent Show Performance: Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM
Volleyball Interest 6th - 8th Grade Students:
Our 6-8 volleyball season will start the week of January 1/22. Teams are co-ed and open to all ability levels. CLICK HERE to sign your middle schooler up to play. Athlete participant packets are required for all student athletes. CLICK HERE for the digital version or pick up a hard copy from the front office. Reach out to Coach Sterling with any questions at swynne@westlakecharter.com.
December 15th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
December 15th: WAVE Movie Night (5:30 PM)
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 21st: In Class Game Day
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
January 10th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
January 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
January 19th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
January 23rd: Spelling Bee (5:30 PM)
January 26th: School Spirit Day (Rainbow Day)
January 26th: Off Campus Field Lesson (CSUS Planetarium)
February 3rd: K-8 Family Dance (6:00 PM)
February 7th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
February 8th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
February 16th: School Spirit Day (Decades Day)
February 16th: WCS Talent Show (6:00 PM)
February 19th-23rd: February Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an action packed seventeenth week in 1st grade! During the seventeenth week of 1st grade, we learned about 8 more Family Traditions, we solved subtraction problems from teen numbers in math, we practiced making connections when reading stories, we applied what we learned about homophones (2 words that sound the same but are spelled differently AND have different meanings-- sun & son, knight & night, flour & flower, ate & eight), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Family Tradition Project: We had an amazing second week of family tradition sharing! Your children have shown such bravery while presenting, such engagement while listening to their peers, and such kind hearts while asking questions and giving compliments at the end of a presentation. I have learned so much from the students that have shared thus far, and I am really looking forward to the traditions our class will be learning about during our final week of sharing! Questions about the Family Tradition sharing? Please check out this document for more information.
Game Day, December 21st: We will be having an in class Game Day on Thursday, December 21st! I am looking for families that are willing to bring in a board game that your child enjoys playing to share with the class.
***The game will come back home on the same day, at the end of the school day on December 21st.
I am also looking for families that are willing to donate a few snacks for our class to enjoy while we play games. If you are interested in donating any snacks please sign up here.
Upcoming Field Lesson, January 26th: Great News, our first field lesson to the CSUS Planetarium will take place on Friday, January 26th! Each class will take 4 fingerprinted chaperones on this trip. If you are interested in being on the chaperone list, you will need to have a Live Scan Fingerprinting on file with Westlake Charter School. This does not guarantee that you will be selected as a chaperone for a specific field lesson, but it makes you eligible to chaperone. Potential chaperones need to complete this Volunteer Fingerprinting Packet one month prior to the scheduled field trip. This allows for adequate time for the DOJ to process the information given. If you are interested, please complete and return to the office ASAP.
***Please Note: If you have previously completed the Fingerprinting and Volunteer process through WCS, you do not need to complete it again. Please check with the Front Office to make sure they have your information on file.
Math Assessment: Next week we will be taking our third math assessment of the school year! Here is the Study Guide if you would like to practice with your child at home. If you are looking for additional practice, Freckle is a great resource--click on the turtle (Operations & Algebraic Thinking).
Spirit Day: Thursday, December 21st is Pajama Day! Your child is welcome to wear their pajamas to school. If your child is going to wear slippers they must have rubber soles on them.
Winter Break: Friday, December 22nd through Monday, January 8th both campuses (WCS & WCHS) and BASE will be closed for Winter Break. BASE will reopen on January 8th. I look forward to welcoming students back to class on Tuesday, January 9th!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try, put, two (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20 (Wrap Up)
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Point of View
Grammar: Pronouns (to replace the noun i.e. the dog -- he, Bob and Sue-- they, them, etc.)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Family Traditions (Social Studies 1.5)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 3 will be assessed the week of December 18th. Click Here for the Unit 3 Study Guide.
Social Studies 1.5 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving subtraction problems from teen numbers in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the glued sounds (-ank, -ink, -onk, -unk), marking up glued sounds, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(junk, link) . Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (put, two), writing sentences and scooping them (Put the cash in the bank., His ship sank in the tub., Thank Dad for the gum., He had the top bunk for his nap.), and dictating words (honk, wink, funk, yank). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 7 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on making connections to text we read to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on homophones to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on attentive listening and reciprocal communication. We discussed the importance of listening carefully to what others say. Ask your child why it is important to listen carefully to others, and if they have ever had a hard time listening to or understanding someone and what makes it hard to pay attention and listen?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Family Survey: The Family Survey is taken three times a year. CLICK HERE to answer six questions to rate your family's experience at Westlake Charter School during the 2023-24 school year. The deadline is Thursday, December 21st.
Attendance: Our “HERE FOR THE HOT COCOA!” competition is in full swing! Our 3rd graders continue to lead the challenge but 1st graders are hot on their heels for the hot cocoa! The grade levels with the highest average attendance from 11/27 to 12/21 will receive an exclusive Hot Cocoa party after Winter Break. Let's make attendance a fun thing together!
Spirit Day - Pajama Day: Thursday, December 21st is pajama day! Students and staff can show their spirit by wearing pajamas. Please remember to follow the dress code guidelines below for spirit day:
Clothes must be free of inappropriate wording and images
All shirts must have sleeves, no sleeveless shirts.
All clothing must be free of rips and tears
All clothing must fit properly. Pants around the natural waist, tops completely covering the torso area
K-12 Talent Show Sign-Ups – Due Tuesday, January 23rd: CLICK HERE to sign up to audition to be a host, perform a talent, or be part of the stage crew team! Audition sign ups are due: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Auditions: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Talent Show Performance: Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM
December 8th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
December 14th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
December 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
December 15th: WAVE Movie Night (5:30 PM)
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
January 10th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
January 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
January 19th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
January 26th: School Spirit Day (Rainbow Day)
January 26th: Off Campus Field Lesson (CSUS Planetarium)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting sixteenth week in 1st grade! During the sixteenth week of 1st grade, we learned about 10 family traditions from students in our class, we looked for patterns within addition in math, we practiced making connections to stories we read (Text to Text, Text to Self), we used I and Me in sentences that we wrote, we completed our first Opinion Writing cycle all about our favorite food, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Family Tradition Project: We had a wonderful first week of family tradition sharing! WOW! I am amazed and impressed by all of your children. I have learned so much from the students that have shared thus far, and I am really looking forward to the traditions our class will be learning about next week!
Questions about the Family Tradition sharing? Please check out this document for more information.
Game Day, December 21st: We will be having an in class Game Day on Thursday, December 21st! I am looking for families that are willing to bring in a board game that your child enjoys playing to share with the class.
***The game will come back home on the same day, at the end of the school day on December 21st.
I am also looking for families that are willing to donate a few snacks for our class to enjoy while we play games. If you are interested in donating any snacks please sign up here.
Upcoming Field Lesson: Great News! First grade field lessons are coming up in the new year! For each field lesson, each class will take 4 fingerprinted chaperones. If you are interested in being on the chaperone list, you will need to have a Live Scan Fingerprinting on file with Westlake Charter School. This does not guarantee that you will be selected as a chaperone for a specific field lesson, but it makes you eligible to chaperone. Potential chaperones need to complete this Volunteer Fingerprinting Packet one month prior to the scheduled field trip. This allows for adequate time for the DOJ to process the information given. If you are interested, please complete and return to the office ASAP.
***Please Note: If you have previously completed the Fingerprinting and Volunteer process through WCS, you do not need to complete it again. Please check with the Front Office to make sure they have your information on file.
Math Assessment: During the week of December 18th, we will be taking our third math assessment of the school year! Here is the Study Guide if you would like to practice with your child at home. If you are looking for additional practice, Freckle is a great resource--click on the turtle (Operations & Algebraic Thinking).
Spirit Day: Thursday, December 21st is Pajama Day! Your child is welcome to wear their pajamas to school. If your child is going to wear slippers they must have rubber soles on them.
Winter Break: Friday, December 22nd through Monday, January 8th both campuses (WCS & WCHS) and BASE will be closed for Winter Break. BASE will reopen on January 8th. I look forward to welcoming students back to class on Tuesday, January 9th!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where, why, by, my, try (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Making Connections (Reading for Information)
Grammar: Homophones (eight ate, sun son, hair hare, sail sale, to two too, knight night, etc)
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Family Traditions (Social Studies 1.5)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 3 will be assessed the week of December 18th. Click Here for the Unit 3 Study Guide.
Social Studies 1.5 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been finding patterns in addition in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the glued sounds (-ang, -ing, -ong, -ung), marking up glued sounds, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(wing). Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (why, by, my, try), writing sentences and scooping them (Tom sang my song to the kids., Try to run up that long hill., Why did Bob hang this up?, What is the thing in this jug?), and dictating words (king, gong, sung, fang). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 7 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on retelling and making connections to text we read to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on using I and me to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on promoting motivation and persistence. We discussed that people can change how they feel or what they do. Ask your child what happens if we always keep the same ways of thinking and if things are always easy right away.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
2024-25 Lottery Application Window Open Now: Our 2024-25 lottery is open now through January 31st, including our freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes at Westlake Charter High School! Current students do not need to fill out an application to continue their enrollment at WCS; however, siblings do need to fill out lottery applications to attend. The enrolled sibling preference applies to students currently enrolled in any of our K-12 grades. Spread the word and encourage friends and family to visit JoinWestlake.com to apply today.
Attendance: Our “HERE FOR THE HOT COCOA!” competition is in full swing! Our 3rd and 8th grade Explorers are now in the lead!! The grade levels with the highest average attendance from 11/27 to 12/21 will receive an exclusive Hot Cocoa party after Winter Break. Let's make attendance a fun thing together!
Spirit Day - Pajama Day: Thursday, December 21st is pajama day! Students and staff can show their spirit by wearing pajamas. Please remember to follow the dress code guidelines below for spirit day:
Clothes must be free of inappropriate wording and images
All shirts must have sleeves, no sleeveless shirts.
All clothing must be free of rips and tears
All clothing must fit properly. Pants around the natural waist, tops completely covering the torso area
December 1st, 2023
Upcoming Dates
December 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
December 14th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
December 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
December 15th: WAVE Movie Night (5:30 PM)
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
January 10th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
January 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
January 19th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
January 26th: School Spirit Day (Rainbow Day)
Classroom Content
We had an action packed fifteenth week in 1st grade! During the fifteenth week of 1st grade, we learned more about light waves (transparent, translucent, opaque), we had fun making a kindness light bulb to light our classroom up with kindness, we solved story problems using teen numbers in math, we practiced retelling non fiction books we read, we began our first Opinion Writing cycle all about our favorite food, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Family Tradition Project: During the month of December, each student will have the opportunity to share a special family tradition with their classmates. This project provides an opportunity for students to explore their own family traditions and learn more about the diverse traditions, customs, and cultures of their classmates. Through this project, students will continue to build community, make connections, and learn more about their classmates. I sent home information about our Family Tradition project in your child's Blue Folder before Thanksgiving Break! I am also attaching the information to this email as well, it includes our presentation schedule.
***If your child would like to use a video or digital pictures during their presentation, they are more than welcome to! If your child chooses a digital method to present, please send me the pictures/ videos by the morning of their presentation date.
Game Day, December 21st: We will be having an in class Game Day on Thursday, December 21st! I am looking for families that are willing to bring in a board game that your child enjoys playing to share with the class.
***The game will come back home on the same day, at the end of the school day on December 21st.
I am also looking for families that are willing to donate a few snacks for our class to enjoy while we play games. If you are interested in donating any snacks please sign up here.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when, there, here, where (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Lost and Found: To help recover lost items in the lost and found, please write your child's name on items such as water bottles, jackets, hats, etc. We are working on remembering these items when we leave Specialty Classes, Recess, and the classroom, but having our names on our belongings helps these items make their way back to us should they go missing!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Retelling/ Making Connections (Reading for Information)
Grammar: Using I & Me
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Physical Science (Light Waves)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 3 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Social Studies 1.5 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving story problems with teen numbers in them in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer start thinking of their opinions at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (s, z ending sounds), identifying words with suffixes with action words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(pins, ducks). Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (where, there, here), writing sentences and scooping them (Where are all the shells?, She sits here on the deck.), and dictating words (zaps, dabs, kicks, tugs, quits). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 6 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on retelling informational text to help us gain a deeper understanding of what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on names of days, months, and holidays to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lesson this week, we focused on reducing stereotypes and promoting flexible thinking. We discussed the importance of keeping an open mind and giving everybody a chance even if you hear something about somebody else. Ask your child about, Have you ever heard someone say that some things are for some kids and not for others? How can you respond to someone who makes this kind of stereotyped statement?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Exciting Opportunity to help Build our High School!
NUSD is asking for feedback from the community about which future construction projects are the highest priority. Please make sure your voice is heard.
We encourage you to share your feelings about the need for a permanent high school campus for our students. You can describe why a permanent high school campus is important and what types of features you would like to see. For example, modern safety features, access to high quality athletics facilities, access to green space, and more.
Please take 3-5 minutes to share your thoughts for future construction projects using this NUSD Thought Exchange, before December 9, 2023. You can also “upvote” ideas and feedback left by others to help the district understand what is most important to you.
2024-25 Lottery Application Window Opens December 1st:
Our 2024-25 lottery is now open, including our freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes at Westlake Charter High School! Current students do not need to fill out an application to continue their enrollment at WCS; however, siblings do need to fill out lottery applications to attend. Spread the word and encourage friends and family to visit JoinWestlake.com to apply today.
Toy Drive:
We have partnered with the Natomas Chamber of Commerce for their annual Toy Drive. Drop off new, unwrapped toys in either of our Front Offices by Friday, December 8th. No time to shop? CLICK HERE for the Amazon Wish List that has been set up by the Natomas Chamber of Commerce and items will be delivered directly to them.
Attendance:
We have kicked off our “HERE FOR THE HOT COCOA!” competition! So far, our 5th and 8th grade Explorers are in the lead with 96% attendance!! The grade levels with the highest average attendance from 11/27 to 12/21 will receive an exclusive Hot Cocoa party after Winter Break. Let's make attendance a fun thing together!
November 17th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 29th: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
December 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
December 14th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
December 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
January 10th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
January 11th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
January 19th: Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful fourteenth week in 1st grade! During the fourteenth week of 1st grade, we learned about turkeys (non-fiction), we had fun finding and labeling proper nouns, we solved addition problems by adding to a teen number in math, we found the main idea and details in non-fiction stories we read, we began our exciting Opinion Writing unit, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
School and BASE will be Closed for Thanksgiving Break: November 20th-24th our school and our BASE program will be closed for Thanksgiving Break.
Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with me to discuss your child's progress thus far in 1st grade. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me.
Family Tradition Project: During the month of December, each student will have the opportunity to share a special family tradition with their classmates. This project provides an opportunity for students to explore their own family traditions and learn more about the diverse traditions, customs, and cultures of their classmates. Through this project, students will continue to build community, make connections, and learn more about their classmates. I sent home information about our Family Tradition project in your child's Blue Folder today! I am also attaching the information to this email as well, it includes our presentation schedule.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were, who, what, when (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Retelling (Reading for Information)
Grammar: Names of Days of the Week and Months of the Year
Writing: Opinion Writing (Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3)
Thematic Study: Physical Science (Light Waves)
Assessment Information
Light Waves P.S. 4.2, 4.3 will be assessed the week of November 27th.
Math Unit 3 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Social Studies 1.5 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving addition problems by adding to a teen number in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (s, z ending sounds), identifying words with suffixes, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(shells, ships). Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (who, what, when), writing sentences and scooping them (What did you get at the shops?, Pam hugs the pup when it is sad.), and dictating words (paths, sheds, necks, pups, pegs, mills). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 6 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on the main idea to help us more thoroughly understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on proper nouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on stereotypes and assumptions about others. We discussed the importance of keeping an open mind and giving everybody a chance. Ask your child, how could believing stereotypes keep you from getting to know people?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Attendance: We hope you all have a fantastic break! As we gear up to return from Thanksgiving break, we want to give you a heads-up about a crucial time for attendance.
For our K-8 kiddos, this marks the kick-off of the second trimester of learning. We can't stress enough how vital it is for your student to be in school, especially if they're healthy. Missing out can have a ripple effect on their academics and social-emotional well-being. It could even impact their journey to graduating on time from High School.
To add some fun to December, we're turning attendance into a celebration! Introducing "Here for the Hot Cocoa!" The grade levels with the highest average attendance from 11/27 to 12/21 will receive an exclusive Hot Cocoa party after Winter Break. Let's make attendance a fun thing together!
Chili Cook-Off: We are excited for the upcoming and always popular Chili Cook-Off on Wednesday, November 29th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM on our K-8 campus. We invite every family to come sample chili and vote for their favorite! All of our families are a part of making the Chili Cook Off a success. See below for details about how each grade level is participating.
Kindergarten - 5th Grade: CLICK HERE to sign up to bring Desserts, Drinks, Spoons, and Napkins.
6th - 11th Grade: CLICK HERE to sign up to bring Chili or Booth Decorations. Each grade level will decorate one shared booth and have several different chilis to sample.
Come out, sample some chili, and vote for your favorite! The cost is $5 per person to try as much chili as you’d like. Families of four or more are just $20.00. The winner of the Chili Cook-Off will take the Golden Spoon to display with pride for the next year! All proceeds this year will benefit Joey’s Food Locker.
November 9th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 29th: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
December 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
December 14th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
December 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an action packed, but short thirteenth week in 1st grade! During the thirteenth week of 1st grade, we learned about light waves (artificial light vs. natural light), we practiced using our knowledge of nouns to make plural nouns, we solved subtraction number sentences, we had fun identifying the main idea of stories we read, and as always we participated in Fun Friday (on a Thursday)!
Veteran's Day (No School): School and BASE will be closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veteran’s Day.
Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher conferences will be held next week, November 13th-17th! I look forward to meeting with you all to discuss your child's progress thus far in 1st grade. Your child does not need to attend the Trimester 1 Conference.
Early Dismissal: November 13th-17th will be early dismissal at 1:30 PM (1st grade-8th grade) and 1:00 PM (Kindergarten) to allow for time to meet with each family.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have, are, were (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Main Idea/Details
Grammar: Proper Nouns
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Turkeys (Non-Fiction)
Assessment Information
Light Waves P.S. 4.2, 4.3 will be assessed the week of November 27th.
Math Unit 3 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Social Studies 1.5 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving to find the difference in subtraction in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
Next trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sounds s, z ending sounds, tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(jobs) . Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (are, were), and dictating words (mack, bugs, sad). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 6 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on the main idea to help us more thoroughly understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on plural nouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource and game to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on empathy and showing we care. We discussed the importance of understanding how other people are feeling. Ask your child about what they can do to understand someone else’s feelings?
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
K-8 Conference Week:
Our goal is for 100% of families to attend their Parent-Teacher Conference this week! CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. As of November 8th, 74% of families had signed up. The online scheduler is available through November 12th, so reserve your conference time now! CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler. Remember, during Conference Week, Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day.
Supporting Your Student and Their Academic Habits, K-12:
On Wednesday, November 15th, from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, our counselors will be facilitating a workshop for parents/guardians geared towards building student academic habits. Topics such as time management, study habits, perseverance, and advocacy will be covered. Come for an evening of learning and collaboration! CLICK HERE to RSVP, which is encouraged but not mandatory to attend.
November 3rd, 2023
Upcoming Dates
November 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 9th: School Spirit Day (Mix & Match Day)
November 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 29th: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
December 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
December 14th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
December 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
December 22nd-January 8th: Winter Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting twelfth week in 1st grade! During the twelfth week of 1st grade, we learned about pitch, vibrations, and volume during our study of sound waves, we had fun creating silly noun stories, we practiced solving subtraction sentences to find the difference, we completed our Personal Narrative Writing Cycle (Brainstorm, Rough Draft, Revise/Edit, Final Draft) all about a time we were kind, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher conferences will be held between November 13th-17th! The conference scheduler is now LIVE, and available for families to sign up for a conference. Thank you to the families that have already signed up! I look forward to celebrating your child's growth and progress thus far in 1st grade.
Click HERE to sign up for a conference.
Click HERE for the instructions to sign up. The password is: explorers
Please note: November 13th-17th will be early dismissal each day. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th Grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM to allow for time to meet with each family.
Veteran's Day (No School): School and BASE will be closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veteran’s Day.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was, does, from, do, have (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Main Idea/Details
Grammar: Plural Nouns
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Physical Science (Light Waves)
Assessment Information
Light Waves P.S. 4.2, 4.3 will be assessed the week of November 27th.
Math Unit 3 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Social Studies 1.5 will be assessed the week of December 18th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been relating counting to addition in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Base Ten domain in math (click on the penguin). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math.
Writing
Next trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer distinguish between fact and opinion at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics- Unit 5, Week 1
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (am, an), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(ham) . Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (from, have, do, does), and dictating words (quick, man, fan, shell, ham). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 5 of phonics.
Comprehension
This week we reviewed comprehension concepts taught up to week 11 of school. Visit the RazKids website to review your skills.
Grammar
This week we reviewed grammar concepts taught up to week 11 of school. Visit the ABCya website and play a game to review your skills.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. We discussed why it is important to pay attention to our thoughts and other people's thoughts too, as well as what we can do to try and change how we are feeling. Ask your child if it is okay for people to think differently about the same thing.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Supporting Your Student and Their Academic Habits, K-12:
On Wednesday, November 15th, from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, our counselors will be facilitating a workshop for parents/guardians geared towards building student academic habits. Topics such as time management, study habits, perseverance, and advocacy will be covered. Come for an evening of learning and collaboration! CLICK HERE to RSVP, which is encouraged but not mandatory to attend.
Fall Food Drive:
Our annual Fall Food Drive benefiting Joey’s Food Locker, and in partnership with the Natomas Chamber of Commerce, is in full swing and runs through November 13th. CLICK HERE for more information about our K-8 Competition.
K-8 Conference Week:
Conference week is November 13th - 17th. CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. The online scheduler is available through November 12th, so reserve your conference time now. CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day.
Supply/Field Lesson Donations:
Families, we need a little help! We have paid for all of our field lessons and school supplies in advance, but parent donations have not all come in! We know the start of the school year can be a whirlwind, so we are sending out a reminder to please CLICK HERE to donate to the student supplies and field lesson campaigns. There are options for one time, or monthly donations. Without your support, we are not able to send our students on field lessons, nor design such engaging in-class learning opportunities, so thank you for any support you can offer!
October 27th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
November 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
November 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 9th: School Spirit Day (Mix & Match Day)
November 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 29th: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
December 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
December 15th: WAVE Movie Night
December 21st: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful eleventh week in 1st grade! During the eleventh week of 1st grade, we began our exploration of sound waves, we had fun creating a noun town, we completed our second math assessment of the school year, we asked and answered questions about non fiction texts, we applied what we have been learning about letter twins (ff, ll, ss), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher conferences will be held between November 13th-17th. Canyon Creek (Conference Scheduler) will go LIVE for families to sign up on October 30th.
Please note: November 13th-17th will be early dismissal each day. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM and 1st–8th Grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM to allow for time to meet with each family.
Click HERE to sign up for a conference.
Click HERE for instructions on how to sign up. The password is: explorers
Assessment Week: Next week I will begin assessing your child for Trimester 1 Report Cards. This data will be shared with you at Trimester 1 Conferences during the week of November 13th-17th.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they, said, one, was (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 3- Adding and Subtracting Within 20
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Review of Concepts Taught Through Week 11
Grammar: Review of Concepts Taught Through Week 11
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Physical Science (Sound Waves)
Assessment Information
Trick Words will be assessed the week of October 30th.
BPST will be assessed the week of October 30th.
Sound Waves will be assessed the week of October 30th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics- Unit 4, Week 2
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (all, ll, ss, ff), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(chill, call) . Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (I, they, you, your, was, one, said), and dictating words (chill, lash, puff, fall, lock). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 4 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on asking questions to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on plural nouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on empathy and critical thinking. We discussed our emotions, what causes them, and how to deal with them. Ask your child what they can do to figure out how someone is feeling and why it is important to do so.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Fall Food Drive:
Our annual Fall Food Drive benefiting Joey’s Food Locker, and in partnership with the Natomas Chamber of Commerce, has begun and will run through November 13th. Next week, October 30th - November 3rd, our K-8 students will participate in a competition to see which grade level (K-5th) or Advisory class or (6-8th) can bring in the most donations! At the end of the week the winning classes win a popsicle party! CLICK HERE for more information.
K-8 Conference Week:
Conference week is November 13th - 17th. The online scheduler is available to families on October 30th - November 12th so reserve your conference time now. CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler.
October 20th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
October 20th: School Spirit Day (Role Model Day)
October 21st: Fall Festival (3:00 PM)
November 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
November 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 9th: School Spirit Day (Mix & Match Day)
November 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 29th: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an action-packed tenth week in 1st grade! During the tenth week of 1st grade, we learned about the American Flag, we had fun identifying and using nouns (things and animals), we solved story problems with unknown numbers in them, we practiced comparing and contrasting with friends in class, we explored letter twins in phonics (ll, ff, ss), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Math Assessment: During the week of October 23rd we will be taking our second math assessment of the school year! Here is the Study Guide if you would like to practice with your child. If you are looking for additional practice, Freckle is a great resource--click on the turtle (Operations & Algebraic Thinking).
Fall Festival: The Fall Festival is tomorrow, October 21st, from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM at our K-8 campus! I hope you are all able to make it out to this fun family event for some games, a treat walk, food, silent auction baskets, and more! Thank you to our amazing Classroom Ambassador, Amy Edwards, for putting together our classroom Fall Festival Basket. Also, a heartfelt thank you to all the families who donated to our class basket, I truly appreciate it!
CLICK HERE to view the flier
CLICK HERE to volunteer for the event day
Book Fair: Our Scholastic Book Fair opens Saturday, October 21st at the Fall Festival and will end Thursday, October 26th. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, October 21st from 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Opening Day at the Fall Festival
Monday, October 23rd from 3:00 - 4:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Tuesday, October 24th from 3:00 - 4:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Wednesday, October 25th from 1:30 - 3:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Thursday, October 26th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Parent Shopping
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me, you, your, I, they (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 2- Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Ask and Answer Questions (Non Fiction Texts)
Grammar: Plural Nouns
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Physical Science (Sound Waves)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 2 will be assessed the week of October 23rd.
Trick Words will be assessed the week of October 30th.
BPST will be assessed the week of October 30th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been solving equations with unknowns in math this week. We have been solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics- Unit 4, Week 1
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (ff, ll, ss, zz), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (you, your, I, they, was, one, said), and dictating words (bill, cuff, quiz, fuzz). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 4 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to help us understand what we read and what is read to us by finding similarities and differences. Use this game to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on common nouns- animals and things, to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource, game or resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on empathy and critical thinking. We discussed our emotions and how they can be different and feel different between each other. Ask your child why it is important to understand how we feel and how other people feel.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Book Fair:
Our Scholastic Book Fair opens this Saturday, October 21st at the Fall Festival and will end Thursday, October 26th. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, October 21st from 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Opening Day at the Fall Festival
Monday, October 23rd from 3:00 - 4:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Tuesday, October 24th from 3:00 - 4:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Wednesday, October 25th from 1:30 - 3:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Thursday, October 26th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Parent Shopping
CLICK HERE to set up your student’s e-wallet as cash is not accepted at the book fair.
Students will have the opportunity to visit the book fair during their regularly scheduled library visit and/or after school with a parent/guardian at the times listed above.
Fall Festival:
Our 11th Annual Fall Festival is TOMORROW, Saturday, October 21st from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. This family event is open to the entire community with games suitable for all ages! The Fall Festival features food, a treat walk, games, and the ever popular silent auction baskets where all proceeds go directly to the classrooms.
CLICK HERE to view our flier
CLICK HERE to volunteer for the event day
Fall Food Drive:
Our annual Fall Food Drive benefiting Joey’s Food Locker, and in partnership with the Natomas Chamber of Commerce has begun and will run through November 13th. Our students will participate in a competition the week of October 30th to see what advisory class or grade level can bring in the most donations! At the end of the week the winning classes win a popsicle party! CLICK HERE for more information.
October 13th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
October 17th: WAVE Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
October 19th WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 20th: School Spirit Day (Role Model Day)
October 21st: Fall Festival (3:00 PM)
November 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
November 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 9th: School Spirit Day (Mix & Match Day)
November 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful ninth week in 1st grade! During the ninth week of 1st grade, we learned about the American Symbol, The White House, we began our exploration of the wide world of nouns, we learned and applied more addition & subtraction strategies, we learned more about digraphs (a digraph is two letters that stick together to make a new sound - i.e. CH in chin, SH in ship, CK in sock, WH in whistle, TH in thumb), we revisited classroom expectations and procedures, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Fall Festival: Westlake is excited for an upcoming family favorite event, Fall Festival, on Saturday, October 21st from 3-6 PM at our K-8 campus! Be on the lookout for ways to help, including donating items, volunteering the day of, and donating to our classroom Silent Auction basket! I forwarded you all a message from our Classroom Ambassador, Amy Edwards, regarding our classroom Silent Auction basket with a Google Doc linked.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has, or, for, we, he, she, be, me (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 2- Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Compare and Contrast
Grammar: Nouns- Animals & Things
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: American Symbols (The American Flag)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Science 1.3 (American Symbols) will be assessed the week of October 16th.
Math Unit 2 will be assessed the week of October 23rd.
Trick Words will be assessed the week of October 30th.
BPST will be assessed the week of October 30th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been comparing addition to subtraction in math this week. We have been solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics Unit 3, Week 2
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (sh, ch, th, wh, ck), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (as, has, to, into, we, he, she, be, me, for, or), and dictating words (quick, puck, shock, rack, moth). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 3 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on plot to help us focus in and understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on community. We discussed the importance of having an inclusive classroom community and worked on building our classroom community. Ask your child about our community agreements and why they are important to ensure everyone feels safe and heard in our classroom community.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Book Fair: Our Scholastic Book Fair opens Saturday, October 21st at the Fall Festival and will end Thursday, October 26th. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, October 21st from 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Opening Day at the Fall Festival
Monday, October 23rd from 3:00 - 4:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Tuesday, October 24th from 3:00 - 4:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Wednesday, October 25th from 1:30 - 3:30 PM: Parent Shopping
Thursday, October 26th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Parent Shopping
CLICK HERE to set up your student’s e-wallet as cash is not accepted at the book fair.
Students will have the opportunity to visit the book fair during their regularly scheduled library visit and/or after school with a parent/guardian at the times listed above.
Fall Festival: Our 11th Annual Fall Festival is just over a week away on Saturday, October 21st from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. This family event is open to the entire community with games suitable for all ages! The Fall Festival features food, a treat walk, games, and the ever popular silent auction baskets where all proceeds go directly to the classrooms.
We’re looking for Classroom Ambassadors to help our teachers put together their class baskets. CLICK HERE to sign up to be a classroom ambassador.
Do you or someone you know own a business they would like to share with our community? Sign up to host a sponsorship booth at our Fall Festival! CLICK HERE to download the sponsorship packet.
Planning is well underway but there is still plenty of time to get in on the fun. If you're interested in joining the planning committee please reach out to Toni Elgamiel at wavewcs@gmail.com.
CLICK HERE to view our flier
CLICK HERE to volunteer for the event day
September 29th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
October 2nd-6th: Fall Break (No School)
October 11th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
October 12th: Picture Retake Day
October 17th: WAVE Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
October 19th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 20th: School Spirit Day (Role Model Day)
October 21st: Fall Festival (3:00 PM)
November 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
November 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 9th: School Spirit Day (Mix & Match Day)
November 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting eighth week in 1st grade! During the eighth week of 1st grade, we participated in the very exciting Life Long Ago On Campus Experience, we dove in to our new Thematic Unit- American Symbols, we created exclamation sentences (SO much fun!), we practiced comparing number sentences in math, we focused on the plot of stories we read, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Fall Break: Westlake Charter School will be closed Monday, October 2nd through Friday, October 6th for Fall Break.
Life Long Ago On Campus Experience: We had SO much fun participating in the Life Long Ago On Campus Experience this week! Your child had the opportunity to learn about all aspects of life from Long Ago. We ended our day of fun by playing different Life Long Ago recess games! Your children decided that they like the games we play at recess today MUCH better than the games that were played during recess in life long ago.
Wagon Station: Your child was a part of a rope wagon and were able to be different supplies (a sack of sugar, a butter churn, quilts, a barrel of water, the wagon wheels, oxen, etc) that you would have taken on the journey West. Ask your child what they would choose to bring if they were going on a wagon journey in life long ago!
Trapper Station: Your child learned about what a Trapper is and what their job was in life long ago. They got to see many different animal furs and hear about how hard of a job being a Trapper was in life long ago. The beaver skull and beaver pelt were popular items to see! Be sure to ask your child about the different animal furs they got to see!
School Station: Your child experienced what school was like in life long ago by using a slate and chalk, sitting on a girls side and a boys side, and learning about the shocking consequences! Every student said they would NEVER want to go to school in life long ago. Be sure to ask your child about lashes from long ago!
Doctor Station: Your child learned about what a doctor did for a job in life long ago. They heard about how VERY different a doctor was in life long ago than they are today. During this station, your child also got to see how fire was made long ago with flint and steel too. Ask your child what type of things a doctor did in life long ago--they did many jobs in addition to caring for people who were ill.
Clothing & Laundry Station: Your child experienced the hard work it took to keep things clean in life long ago. They also got to try on different clothing items from life long ago. Ask your child if they would want to do laundry today like they did in life long ago.
Fall Festival: Westlake is excited for an upcoming family favorite event, Fall Festival, on Saturday, October 21st from 3-6 PM at our K-8 campus! Be on the lookout for ways to help, including donating items, volunteering the day of, and donating to our classroom Silent Auction basket! I forwarded you all a message from our Classroom Ambassador, Amy Edwards, regarding our classroom Silent Auction basket with a Google Doc linked.
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of, to, into, as, has (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 2- Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Story Elements (Plot)
Grammar: Nouns- People and Places
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: American Symbols (The White House)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Science 1.3 (American Symbols) will be assessed the week of October 16th.
Math Unit 2 will be assessed the week of October 23rd.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been comparing story problems in math this week. We have been solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics-Unit 3, Week 1
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (sh, ch, th, wh, ck), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (as, has, to, into, we, he, she, be, me, for, or), and dictating words (shop, ship, chin, chat, thud, thin). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 3 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on plot to help us focus in and understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on exclamatory sentences to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource, game or worksheet to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
In our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons this week, we focused on learning from diversity. We discussed the importance of respecting one another and appreciating our differences. Ask your child about similarities and differences they have with their classmates. Celebrate both the similarities and differences!
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Fall Break:
Both campuses will be closed for Fall Break Monday, October 2nd through Friday, October 6th. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, October 9th. Our BASE program will also be closed during Fall Break.
Fall Festival:
Our 11th Annual Fall Festival is approaching quickly on Saturday, October 21st from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. This family event is open to the entire community with games suitable for all ages! The Fall Festival features food, a treat walk, games, and the ever popular silent auction baskets where all proceeds go directly to the classrooms.
We’re looking for Classroom Ambassadors to help our teachers put together their class baskets. CLICK HERE to sign up to be a classroom ambassador.
Do you or someone you know own a business they would like to share with our community? Sign up to host a sponsorship booth at our Fall Festival! CLICK HERE to download the sponsorship packet.
Planning is well underway but there is still plenty of time to get in on the fun. If you're interested in joining the planning committee please reach out to Toni Elgamiel at wavewcs@gmail.com.
CLICK HERE to view our flier
CLICK HERE to volunteer for the event day
Picture Retake Day – Thursday, October 12th:
Our Picture Retake Day is Thursday, October 12th. Retakes are for the following:
Students who are new to our school since the original picture day
Students who were absent on the original picture day
Students who would like to retake their photo, please return the original picture package
CLICK HERE to order pictures
September 22nd, 2023
Upcoming Dates
September 26th: Life Long Ago (On Campus Experience)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd-6th: Fall Break (No School)
October 11th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
October 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 12th: Picture Retake Day
October 17th: WAVE Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
October 20th: School Spirit Day (Role Model Day)
October 21st: Fall Festival (3:00 PM)
November 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
November 8th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 9th: School Spirit Day (Mix & Match Day)
November 9th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 10th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 13th-17th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Classroom Content
We had an action-packed seventh week in 1st grade! During the seventh week of 1st grade, we wrapped up our learning of Life Long Ago, we created question sentences, we practiced breaking numbers apart and putting them back together, we tapped out and wrote short vowel words, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
On Campus Field Lesson- Sutter's Fort: On Tuesday, September 26th, all of the first grade students will be participating in an On-Campus Field Lesson from Sutter's Fort to extend their learning about Life Long Ago! Your child will have the opportunity to learn more about school, transportation, and home life from Long Ago! Your child will also have the opportunity to play Life Long Ago recess games in the afternoon! I am SO excited for this special day, and I know your child is too!
Current Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of (click here for the full list of Trick Words)
Fall Break: Westlake Charter School will be closed Monday, October 2nd through Friday, October 6th for Fall Break.
Library: We have Library every Wednesday. Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 2- Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Story Elements (Plot)
Grammar: Exclamation Sentences
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: American Symbols (Liberty Bell)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Science 1.3 (American Symbols) will be assessed the week of October 16th.
Math Unit 2 will be assessed the week of October 23rd.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been putting together and taking apart story problems in math this week. We have been solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics-Unit 2, Week 2
This week in phonics we focused on tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (the, a, and, is, his, of), and dictating words (lug, nap, zap, yes, beg, fix, quit, rob, hit, mud). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 2 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to help us understand what we read and what is read to us by finding similarities and differences between texts or within one text. Use this link and video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on question sentences to help us create sentences that are interesting and precise. Please utilize this video and resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week we continued our Sanford Harmony Social-Emotional Learning lessons. We focused on finding commonalities between ourselves and our classmates to help students feel connected to their peers and our classroom community. Ask your child what they have in common with their classmates and how it makes them feel knowing they have similarities.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Olympic Triathlon: We are so excited for our Olympic Triathlon event day on Friday, September 29th! Be sure to create your family’s website or prepare for our in-person drop off days! We have one week left until event day and have raised 34% of our fundraising goal.
Bring donations to our K-8 campus on Wednesday, September 27th for our last in-person drop-of day
CLICK HERE to set up a family donation page
CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer on event day. We are especially in need of volunteers to support the afternoon for our K/1 and 6/8 events
K-8 Yearbooks: CLICK HERE to order your K-8 yearbook directly through TreeRing and get two pages to personalize with your own pictures! Use code 101667583471473 or see the email with the link to purchase. Get 10% off your purchase until 10/31. Need help? Contact: Mrs. Liechti, kliechti@westlakecharter.com.
Fall Break: Both campuses will be closed for Fall Break Monday, October 2nd through Friday, October 6th. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, October 9th. Our BASE program will also be closed during Fall Break.
Picture Retake Day – Thursday, October 12th:
Our Picture Retake Day is Thursday, October 12th. Retakes are for the following:
Students who are new to our school since the original picture day
Students who were absent on the original picture day
Students who would like to retake their photo, please return the original picture package
CLICK HERE to order pictures
September 15th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
September 15th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00 PM)
September 22nd: School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 26th: Life Long Ago (On Campus Experience)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd-6th: Fall Break (No School)
October 11th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
October 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 17th: WAVE Coffee Talk (6:00 PM)
October 20th: School Spirit Day (Role Model Day)
October 21st: Fall Festival
November 1st: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful sixth week in 1st grade! During the sixth week of 1st grade, we learned more about Life Long Ago (Transportation), we created statement sentences (sentences that end with a period), we practiced solving story problems in math, we compared and contrasted different stories that we read, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
On Campus Field Lesson- Sutter's Fort: On Tuesday, September 26th, all of the first grade students will be participating in an On-Campus Field Lesson from Sutter's Fort to extend their learning about Life Long Ago! Your child will have the opportunity to learn more about school, transportation, and home life from Long Ago! Your child will also have the opportunity to play Life Long Ago recess games in the afternoon! I am SO excited for this special day, and I know your child is too!
Lunch Number Challenge: When students know their lunch number, it helps the hot lunch line go faster and gives students more time to eat. We are currently challenging our first grade students to learn their lunch numbers. All first grade students who memorize their lunch number will earn a sticker! This challenge is available to all first graders, even those who usually bring lunch from home! Your child's lunch number is on an orange half sheet of paper that is located in the back of their Blue Responsibility Folder.
Library: We will have Library every Wednesday. We began our weekly Library visits this week! Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 2- Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Compare and Contrast
Grammar: Question Sentences
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Life Long Ago (Wrap Up)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Science 1.4 (Life Long Ago) will be assessed the week of September 18th.
History/ Social Science 1.3 (American Symbols) will be assessed the week of October 16th.
Math Unit 2 will be assessed the week of October 23rd.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We recently began Unit 2 in our math curriculum. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. We have been writing expressions and equations to solve story problems and showing our thinking with drawings and numbers. Play this addition game and this subtraction game to further develop these concepts at home. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sound review, tapping to read words, tapping to spell words, and reading sentences in the correct order. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word and then tapping to write out a word (lit, lip, lap, rap, rip, nip, sip, sit, set). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 2 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to help us understand what we read and what is read to us by finding similarities and differences between texts or within one text. Use this link and video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on statement (telling) sentences to help us make our sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week, we focused on working and playing with others in safe and respectful ways. We continue to work hard to follow our class-made Community Agreements. Our Community Agreements are: Be Safe, Be Kind, Make Good Choices, and Have Fun!
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Olympic Triathlon:
We are so excited for our Olympic Triathlon event day on Friday, September 29th! Be sure to create your family’s website or prepare for our in-person drop off days! We have two weeks left until event day and have raised 26% of our fundraising goal.
Bring donations to our K-8 campus on Wednesdays at drop-off: 9/20, 9/27
CLICK HERE to set up a family donation page
CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer on event day
Classroom Ambassadors:
We are looking for one or two family members from each K-5 class and Middle School Advisory class to act as a liaison between the school and families. Ambassadors will help in ensuring important information gets to every family and help volunteer needs get met. CLICK HERE to sign up.
K-8 Yearbooks:
CLICK HERE to order your K-8 yearbook directly through TreeRing and get two pages to personalize with your own pictures! Use code 101667583471473 or see the email with the link to purchase. Get 10% off your purchase until 10/31. Need help? Contact: Mrs. Liechti, kliechti@westlakecharter.com.
September 8th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
September 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 15th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00 PM)
September 22nd: School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 26th: Life Long Ago (On Campus Experience)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd-6th: Fall Break (No School)
October 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting, but short fifth week in 1st grade! During the fifth week of 1st grade, we learned more about Life Long Ago (School), we created sentences that identified the telling part (verb) of a sentence, we practiced addition and subtraction, we focused on the setting of stories we read, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Lunch Number Challenge: When students know their lunch number, it helps the hot lunch line go faster and gives students more time to eat. We are currently challenging our first grade students to learn their lunch numbers. All first grade students who memorize their lunch number will earn a sticker! This challenge is available to all first graders, even those who usually bring lunch from home! Your child's lunch number is on an orange half sheet of paper that is located in the back of their Blue Responsibility Folder.
Library: We will have Library every Wednesday. We began our weekly Library visits this week! Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 2- Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Compare and Contrast
Grammar: Telling Sentences (Statements)
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Life Long Ago (Transportation)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Science 1.4 (Life Long Ago) will be assessed the week of September 18th.
History/ Social Science 1.3 (American Symbols) will be assessed the week of October 16th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been surveying and looking at data in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters e, r, p, j, l, h, k. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on story elements to help us understand the different aspects of what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on the naming part of a sentence to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week, we focused on finding things in common with other people as a way to get to know one another and discover the ways we are similar. We made "connections" with our classmates by finding things we have in common with each other.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Olympic Triathlon:
We are so excited for our Olympic Triathlon event day on Friday, September 29th! Be sure to create your family’s website or prepare for our in-person drop off days!
Bring donations to our K-8 campus on Wednesdays at drop-off: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27
CLICK HERE to set up a family donation page
CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer on event day
Middle School Dance:
Our student leadership team is preparing for our first Middle School dance of the year! The music, food, and photo booth fun will take place on Friday, September 22nd from 3:30 - 5:00 PM in the gym. We need families to volunteer for this event. Please CLICK HERE to sign up if you are able to help set up, chaperone, clean up or donate food/drinks. Thanks for your support!
Classroom Ambassadors:
We are looking for one or two family members from each K-5 class and Middle School Advisory class to act as a liaison between the school and families. Ambassadors will help in ensuring important information gets to every family and help volunteer needs get met. CLICK HERE to sign up.
September 1st, 2023
Upcoming Dates
September 4th: Labor Day (No School)
September 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
September 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 15th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00 PM)
September 22nd: School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 28th: Life Long Ago (On Campus Experience)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd-6th: Fall Break (No School)
October 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an exciting fourth week in 1st grade! During the fourth week of 1st grade, we had lots of fun beginning to learn about Life Long Ago, we created sentences that identified the naming part (noun) of a sentence, we practiced different ways to solve an addition sentence, we had some Phonics fun with Baby Echo by making short A and short I words, we learned and identified the different parts of a story, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
No School: There will be no school on Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day.
NWEA Reading AND Math Test: Your child was a ROCKSTAR when we took the NWEA Reading and Math tests this week! I am so proud of their perseverance and 'can do it' attitude! We will take these tests again in January/February. Assessment data will be shared at Trimester 1 Parent Teacher conferences.
Library: We will have Library every Wednesday. We began our weekly Library visits this week! Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 1- Adding, Subtracting, and Working With Data
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Story Elements (Setting)
Grammar: Telling Part of the Sentence
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Life Long Ago (School)
Assessment Information
Math Unit 1 will be assessed the week of September 4th.
History/ Social Science 1.4 (Life Long Ago) will be assessed the week of September 18th.
History/ Social Science 1.3 (American Symbols) will be assessed the week of October 16th.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been surveying and looking at data in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters e, r, p, j, l, h, k. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on story elements to help us understand the different aspects of what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on the naming part of a sentence to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week we continued to focus on building community in our classroom. This week we practiced greeting each other and asking questions to better get to know each other. We discussed what it is like to start something new and what it is like to make friends. We practiced by conducting a friendly interview with partners.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Supply Donations:
CLICK HERE to make your donation today! Great News! First grade has already reached 42% of our School Supplies goal. Note: When you make a monthly donation, our grade level campaigns are credited for the entire year in advance on our goal thermometer!
Olympic Triathlon:
We are so excited for our Olympic Triathlon event day on Friday, September 29th! Be sure to create your family’s website or prepare for our in-person drop off days!
Bring donations to our K-8 campus on Wednesdays at drop-off: 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27
CLICK HERE to set up a family donation page
CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer on event day
Middle School Dance:
Our student leadership team is preparing for our first Middle School dance of the year! The music, food, and photo booth fun will take place on Friday, September 22nd from 3:30 - 5:00 PM in the gym. We need families to volunteer for this event. Please CLICK HERE to sign up if you are able to help set up, chaperone, clean up or donate food/drinks. Thanks for your support!
Enrichment Sign-ups:
Our fall Explorer Enrichment programs are starting soon! CLICK HERE to see the catalog of course offerings and information about how to sign up. Email achavez@westlakecharter.com with scholarship inquiries.
Middle School Explorer Athletics:
HOOPS are here! All 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Explorers are invited to come play basketball! The season starts the week of September 5th. Athlete packets, including a doctor’s physical clearance, are required for participation.
CLICK HERE to sign up your middle schooler for basketball!
CLICK HERE for the digital athlete packet, or pick up a hard copy from the front desk or Coach Sterling.
Email swynne@westlakecharter.com with any questions and check back next week for schedules and more information!
August 25th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
September 4th: Labor Day (No School)
September 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
September 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 15th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00 PM)
September 22nd: School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd-6th: Fall Break (No School)
October 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
Classroom Content
We had an eventful third week in 1st grade! During the third week of 1st grade, we had an action-packed time crafting questions to ask each other, we created a sentence person with all the parts of a sentence, we practiced addition to 10, we had some Phonics fun with Baby Echo, we learned what it means to be a good citizen (respectful, responsible, really safe, and ready to learn), and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Back To School Night: It was wonderful to see so many of you at Back to School Night on Wednesday! I am excited to embark on this school year as partners in your child's education. As I stated at Back to School Night, I am including the presentation, for your reference.
School Dismissal Manager/ Dismissal: At Westlake, we use School Dismissal Manager to safely dismiss students to the appropriate location each day. If you haven't already, please update your child's School Dismissal Manager for this school year to indicate how your child will be going home each day.
V.I.P: Each student in our class will have the opportunity to be V.I.P for a week this school year! I will send home a V.I.P poster for your child to complete the week before it is their scheduled V.I.P week. During their V.I.P week, your child will share their V.I.P “All About Me” poster with the class (Monday) as well as participate in "Hot Seat" so we can get to know the V.I.P better. Your child may also bring in their favorite book to share. Your child (or Mrs. Harold-Jones) will read it to the class (Wednesday). Your child may bring a favorite toy/ object from home to share with the class (Friday). I will provide more information about this at Back To School Night.
Library: We will have Library every Wednesday. We will begin our weekly Library visits next week! Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 1- Adding, Subtracting, and Working With Data
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Story Elements (Characters)
Grammar: Naming Part of the Sentence
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Life Long Ago (Home Life)
Assessment Information
History/ Social Science 1.1 (Citizenship) will be assessed the Week of August 28th.
NWEA Reading Test will be given on August 29th.
NWEA Math Test will be given on August 31st.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We recently began Unit 1 in our math curriculum. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. We have been exploring addition and subtraction in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters c, o, a, g, d, s. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on asking questions to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this link to support your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on the different parts of a sentence to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week, we focused on learning more about our classmates and creating a safe and welcoming classroom community. We also focused on being respectful and making responsible choices.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Olympic Triathlon:
We are so excited for our Olympic Triathlon event day on Friday, September 29th! Be sure to create your family’s website or prepare for our in-person drop off days!
Bring donations to our K-8 campus on Wednesdays at drop-off: 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27
CLICK HERE to set up a family donation page
CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer on event day
Enrichment Sign-Ups:
Our fall Explorer Enrichment programs are starting soon! CLICK HERE to see the catalog of course offerings and information about how to sign up. Email achavez@westlakecharter.com with scholarship inquiries.
Middle School Explorer Athletics:
HOOPS are here! All 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Explorers are invited to come play basketball! The season starts the week of September 5th. Athlete packets, including a doctor’s physical clearance, are required for participation.
CLICK HERE to sign up your middle schooler for basketball!
CLICK HERE for the digital athlete packet, or pick up a hard copy from the front desk or Coach Sterling.
Email swynne@westlakecharter.com with any questions and check back next week for schedules and more information!
August 18th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
August 22nd: School Picture Day
August 23rd: K-8 Back to School Night
September 4th: Labor Day (No School)
September 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
September 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 15th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00 PM)
September 22nd: School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
Classroom Content
We had an exciting second week in 1st grade! During the second week of 1st grade, we had an eventful time asking and answering questions about books we read as well as about each other, we explored what makes up a sentence (noun, verb, capital letters, end punctuation), we discussed numbers and applied what we know to make number sentences, we began our FUNdations Phonics Curriculum, and as always we participated in Fun Friday!
Fall Picture Day: Kindergarten-11th grade picture day will be on Tuesday, August 22nd at both campuses. This is a uniform picture day for our K-8 campus. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook and student IDs, even if they don’t purchase a picture package. CLICK HERE to pre-purchase your pictures online.
K-8 Back to School Night: Our K-8 Back to School Night is on Wednesday, August 23rd! To the best of our ability, we would like to keep this event distraction free by encouraging families to make this a non-student event. This will allow for teachers and families to connect in a distraction-free environment. For families that need supervision, our BASE program will be available to help, however, space is potentially limited. If you know that you will need childcare to attend this event, please CLICK HERE to RSVP for BASE as soon as possible so that they can properly prepare.
Kindergarten through 5th grade Families: We have two identical sessions – you only need to attend one.
Session One is from 6:00 – 6:30 PM
Session Two is from 6:40 – 7:10 PM
Art and Spanish teachers will be in their classrooms and PE will be on the Stage/Gym from 6:00 – 7:10 PM – please stop by!
School Dismissal Manager/ Dismissal: At Westlake, we use School Dismissal Manager to safely dismiss students to the appropriate location each day. If you haven't already, please update your child's School Dismissal Manager for this school year to indicate how your child will be going home each day.
***Please note: Every Wednesday, and some Fridays, I will have Carline Duty. This means that I will be out at the 1st Grade area for Carline ensuring that those students are safe as they wait for their car. As a result, if you are picking up your child from the classroom and you do not see me or your child in our classroom that means I have gone out to Carline duty and your child is in Mrs. Weiner's classroom, C 109. On Wednesday and some Fridays, if we are not in our classroom, please pick up your child from classroom C 109.
V.I.P: Each student in our class will have the opportunity to be V.I.P for a week this school year! I will send home a V.I.P poster for your child to complete the week before it is their scheduled V.I.P week. During their V.I.P week, your child will share their V.I.P “All About Me” poster with the class (Monday) as well as participate in "Hot Seat" so we can get to know the V.I.P better. Your child may also bring in their favorite book to share. Your child (or Mrs. Harold-Jones) will read it to the class (Wednesday). Your child may bring a favorite toy/ object from home to share with the class (Friday). I will provide more information about this at Back To School Night.
Library: We will have Library every Wednesday. We will begin our weekly Library visits in 2 weeks! Please be sure to have your child return their Library book on or before Wednesday each week, so that they may check out a new book. Thank you for your help with this!
Specialty Classes: Our specialty classes began this week! I know all of your children are very excited for Spanish, Art, and PE! Just like last year, students will be in cohorts (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green). They will go to Specialty Classes with their assigned cohort on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 1- Adding, Subtracting, and Working With Data
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Ask and Answer Questions
Grammar: Sentences (What is a complete sentence?)
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Let's Be Friends and Citizenship
Assessment Information
BPST will be assessed during the first few weeks of school.
Sight Words (Trick Words) will be assessed during the first few weeks of school.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been exploring expressions and sums in math this week. Use this link to log in to Freckle to help your mathematician practice at home. We are currently focused on the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain in math (click on the turtle). We are also focusing on the Measurement and Data domain in math (click on the frog). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters t, b, f, m, n, i, u. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on asking questions to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this link to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on the different types of sentences to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week, we continued to focus on getting to know our classmates and what it means to be a friend. We will continue to work on building classroom community and learning about our classmates in the coming week.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Back To School Night:
Our K-8 Back to School Night is on Wednesday, August 23rd. To the best of our ability, we would like to keep this event distraction free by encouraging families to make this a non-student event. This will allow for teachers and families to connect in a distraction-free environment. For families that need supervision, our BASE program will be available to help, however, space is potentially limited. If you know that you will need childcare to attend this event, please CLICK HERE to RSVP for BASE as soon as possible so that we can properly prepare..
Kindergarten through 5th grade families: We have two identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session one is 6:00 - 6:30 PM, session two is 6:40 - 7:10 PM. Art and Spanish teachers will be in their classrooms, and PE will be on the stage/gym from 6:00 - 7:10 PM - please stop by!
6th - 8th grade families: We have two identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session one is 5:00 - 5:40 PM, session two is 6:00 - 6:40 PM. During these sessions, you will meet with your student’s core teachers and specialty teachers. Your students are creating your schedule for the evening.
Food Trucks: Cafe a laMode, Game Day Grill, and Kado’s Asian Grill food trucks will be available on the blacktop from 5:00 - 7:10 PM, for you to purchase dinner.
School Supply Donation: Each grade level has purchased all the school supplies that your students will need for the entire year. We get a great discount as a school, so we like to purchase everything in advance. We ask each student for a $35 donation toward school supplies. CLICK HERE to donate toward school supplies and grade level field lessons.
Fall Picture Day:
Kindergarten-11th grade picture day will be on Tuesday, August 22nd at both campuses. This is a uniform picture day for our K-8 campus. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook and student IDs, even if they don’t purchase a picture package. CLICK HERE to pre-purchase your pictures online. Group pictures will be available to add to your package for Kindergarten to 5th grade classes only.
August 11th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
August 16th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
August 18th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
August 22nd: School Picture Day
August 23rd: K-8 Back to School Night
September 4th: Labor Day (No School)
September 6th: WAVE Meeting (6:00 PM)
September 14th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 15th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00 PM)
September 22nd: School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 29th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
Classroom Content
During the first week of 1st grade, we had a fun time focusing on What's In A Name and Friendship, we began to to get to know our classmates, we explored numbers to 120, we brainstormed for our Classroom Community Agreements, and we participated in our first Fun Friday of 1st Grade!
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your child this week, and I am excited to learn more about them as the year progresses. During the first three weeks of school, we will be learning about every student in our class as well as learning about classroom routines and procedures to create a safe and positive classroom community.
School Dismissal Manager/ Dismissal: At Westlake, we use School Dismissal Manager to safely dismiss students to the appropriate location each day. If you haven't already, please update your child's School Dismissal Manager for this school year to indicate how your child will be going home each day.
***Please note: Every Wednesday, and some Fridays, I will have Carline Duty. This means that I will be out at the 1st Grade area for Carline ensuring that those students are safe as they wait for their car. As a result, if you are picking up your child from the classroom and you do not see me or your child in our classroom that means I have gone out to Carline duty and your child is in Mrs. Weiner's classroom, C 109. On Wednesday and some Fridays, if we are not in our classroom, please pick up your child from classroom C 109.
Beginning of the Year Survey: If you have not had the opportunity to do so, I am requesting that families take a few minutes to fill out a brief Beginning of the Year survey. CLICK HERE for the Beginning of the Year survey.
Specialty Classes: Our specialty classes began this week! I know all of your children are very excited for Spanish, Art, and PE! Just like last year, students will be in cohorts (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green). They will go to Specialty Classes with their assigned cohort on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home each month. If you are interested in purchasing books from this book order, our class code is: NBNXY. Order online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Nightly Reading: I highly encourage your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. This can be your child reading independently, to someone, or someone reading to your child. RAZKids, Epic Books, and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize.
Blue Responsibility Folders: Please have your child bring their blue Responsibility Folder to school by Friday each week. I will fill it on Fridays with their work as well as other important papers from our class and from the school.
***We currently have a temporary Green Responsibility Folder until the school provided Blue Responsibility Folders arrive.
Coming Up Next Week
Math: Illustrative Math Unit 1: Adding, Subtracting, and Working With Data
Phonics: Letter Tapping Words, Writing Words, Reading Words
Comprehension: Ask and Answer Questions
Grammar: Sentences (What is a complete sentence?)
Writing: Personal Narrative (First, Next, Last)
Thematic Study: Let's Be Friends and Citizenship
Assessment Information
BPST will be assessed during the first few weeks of school.
Sight Words (Trick Words) will be assessed during the first few weeks of school.
Homework/Schoolwork Resources
Math
We have been focusing on number writing in math this week. Practice writing your numbers to 20 at home!
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, Sequence of Events (First, Next, Last), and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on letters. Use this link to help your reader improve their letter sound knowledge.
Social-Emotional Learning
This week, we focused on getting to know our classmates and learning their names. We will continue to work on building classroom community and learning about our classmates.
Specialty Class Information
See the weekly email for information on what your children are learning in Specialty Classes, upcoming assessments, and resources to practice at home.
Click here for Specialty teachers' websites and contact information.
Westlake Weekly Information
Fall Picture Day:
Kindergarten-11th grade picture day will be on Tuesday, August 22nd at both campuses. This is a uniform picture day for our K-8 campus. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook and student IDs, even if they don’t purchase a picture package. CLICK HERE to pre-purchase your pictures online. Group pictures will be available to add to your package for Kindergarten to 5th grade classes only. We are looking for six volunteers to help with picture day. Email admin@westlakecharter.com if you are available to be at either campus from 8:00 AM - 2:00 pm on August 22nd - volunteers receive a free picture package.
Free and Reduced Price Meals:
Families, each year it is incredibly important to our school that we are able to account for every student during this form collection process. We are authorized by the Natomas Unified School District and as a part of our partnership, we commit to collecting these forms from every family. So, please, complete this form for every student in your family. While meals remain free for all students this school year, this is important data for our Charter authorization.
CLICK HERE to complete the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FRPM) acknowledgement form which will allow us to ensure everyone has received this information. Even if you don’t think you qualify for free or reduced priced meals, please complete the form for our tracking purposes.
CLICK HERE to complete the FRPM application.
August 4th, 2023
Welcome to our Class!
I hope you had a wonderful summer break! I, myself, enjoyed lots of reading, relaxing, traveling, and connecting with my loved ones and friends!
Speaking of connecting, I will be sending out weekly newsletters to you every Friday at 4:00 PM via email! You can expect to find important dates, class announcements and reminders, curriculum highlights, upcoming assessments, resources, Specialty Class information, and school news within each weekly newsletter. You may also email me at rharoldjones@westlakecharter.com with any questions, concerns, comments, celebrations, etc.
I look forward to partnering with you this school year to make your child's 1st grade year an exciting success!
Farewell, Summer! Hello, Funtimes in First Grade!