OCTOBER MCMONTHLY NEWS

October has begun with some exciting new responsibilities around the corner - Spelling, homework, small-group reading, and independent activities.  The children are excited about taking these new challenges seriously.  We already had our first Activity Afternoon (It was actually Apple Tasting in the morning), 3 birthday celebrations, and our first Super Citizen Pep Rally with all of the first graders!  We will continue those efforts as we begin even more grown-up first grade regular activities, such as Literacy Centers, Mystery Guest, Computers, and more!  We will also consume apples and pumpkins in our major subject areas as we anxiously await Halloween.


LANGUAGE ARTS
Our reading and writing programs are taking us through many letters, sounds, word patterns, and print concepts.  We have enjoyed investigating the shape, the syllables ("beats"), and vowels in each other's names.  We have jumped right into our balanced literacy program, are learning to choose "just-right" books, and are working hard on our very difficult writing responsibilities.

MATH
We are beginning to review how to add and subtract numbers to 10 and focus on the parts (the numbers) that make up the total.  We will continue to use literature and manipulatives to reinforce problem-solving.

BIRTHDAY

There are no October birthdays.

REMINDERS

Fri., Oct. 7:          Scholastic Orders Due

Mon. Oct. 10:      No School/Columbus Day/Staff Dev.

Fri., Oct. 14:        Yearbook orders due

Fri., Oct. 21:        Boo-Grams due (approx. date, details coming)

Mon., Oct. 31:     Halloween Celebration (wear Halloween colors)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tues., Nov. 1:      Nature Walk at school, weather permitting
(wear outdoor clothing)

Tues., Nov. 8:      No School/Election Day/Staff Dev.

Nov. 7 - 9:           Book Fair (Mon. - Wed.)

SPECIAL NOTES

• Thank you for helping to make the first month of your child's first grade a success!  It was nice to meet those of you who were able to attend Open House.
• A special Thank You goes out to our Room Moms, Allison Melich and Missy Almy, for coordinating our Volunteer schedule.  A special thanks goes out to the rest of you too!  The children and I are excited to have all of you help us in the class (or help out at home too!)  Your time is most appreciated!
• A special thank you to all of you who made our Apple Tasting Day such a success!  We enjoyed some tasty creations and experimenting time.  Apples have 20 to 25 percent more air in them than most fruits, so we're glad to know why our apples floated.
• Thank you for helping your child choose his/her favorite book to share with the class last month.  We enjoyed investigating the selections!
• It's often hard to think of end-of-the-year school yearbooks in the Fall, but if you wish to order a yearbook, please send in your $$ now.
• Box Tops will be collected once again this year.  More info coming!

SEPTEMBER WORDS

Anna

Annie

Ashley

Axel

Brendan

Isaac

Jack

James

James

Kelcie

Lily

Matteo

Owen

Paige

Remy

Richie

Ryan

Shafay

Turner