Dear Families,
Can you believe the kids are in school today??? I was quite surprised we were spared the expected overnight weather. It is difficult for the district to make a cancellation call that affects over 4,000 people when the weather doesn’t follow the predictions made. Only one of my kids is absent, so coodos to you for being prepared either way! We are celebrating the 100th day of school with several activities that will have the kids counting by ones, fives, and tens all the way to 100. This is going to be a fun day, so I’m glad we’re here.
TODAY – Be sure to continue listening to radio or TV, or check the internet for an early dismissal announcement if the weather threatens to become more dangerous for the buses at our normal release time. At present, I haven’t heard anything regarding early dismissal. I can assure you that if it were to happen today, the kids would not leave school any earlier than 1:00. If you are unable to listen for updates, please ask a friend or family member to listen for you. I will not call parents. We only have 5 phone lines, and I won’t have time. The pink sheets you completed for inclement weather is the plan I will follow for your child.
Monday I have a family member in surgery, therefore I will be absent. If all goes as planned during surgery, I will be here Tuesday.
The Valentine party planning is going well. Lisa will be making phone calls to those who usually help. If you send something to be used for the party, please mark it “party.” You can send items any time. I have space above the sink to store them.
Pleae keep reading and writing daily with your child. Sight words are so very important in first grade. Refer to the list on the blog to make flash cards or to quiz from. I’m sending the monthly reading log in folders today. When you read 10 books to your child in the month, your child gets a free, personal pan pizza coupon for Pizza Hut.
Have a fun, snowful weekend. I can’t wait to play with the new sled I bought yesterday!
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
We have a new student, Arissa. Our count for the Valentine’s party is 19 now. No new information for the party.
Next week we will celebrate the 100th day of school. You do not need to send anything special. We will be counting to 100 by ones, fives, and tens. Kids get to mark their own “blue” ribbon when they achieve each. Fives are hard, but over half the kids are counting to 100 by ones and tens. Practice makes perfect:)
Rr week was a little difficult for those who say the “w” sound for “r”. If you hear this in your child’s speech, don’t focus too much, but once in awhile teach them how to emphasize the “r” correctly. This is a developmental speech problem that works out by the end of first grade.
I have seen a tremendous improvement in handwriting! My parents are so awesome! You do make a difference everyday. The first grade teachers are noticing the work we hang in the hall. They are already telling me they will take my whole class. Yes, I strut a little taller in the hall.
We are planning a field trip to the Nature Center April 6. We will leave at 10:00 and return by 2:00. You will receive information concerning parent helpers and timing, lunch, etc. in late March when we finalize details. The field trip has not been formally approved yet, but our request has been submitted.
Check out the pictures page. I added a group picture of Pj Day.
Love,
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
The Tiger Pride assembly is tomorrow, January 15, at 2:00. The following students are receiving awards: Logan, Grafton, Anna, Halli. You are invited to join us. Our awards are usually given around 2:25. Seating is packed though.
Lisa and I have spoken about the Valentine’s party February 12th. We will probably begin to set up treats and activities around 8:50. Kira has an activity prepared. If you want to be involved in planning or sending treats, please contact Lisa at 862-5642 or lisa417@sbcglobal.net.
Snow days will be made up on January 18, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and April 5 which is normally an Easter break day. The third day will probably be Presidents’ Day in February – which is undecided at this time.
Students are working heavily on writing sentences that are tied to a specific thought. Sentences must have a capital letter at the beginning, spaces between words, and punctuation at the end. Students should be writing all the letters they can hear within a word, unless it is a sight word, then they should know all the letters used. Refer to the alphabet chart when your child is stumped on a letter sound. I’ll be sure there is a link to it on the blog in case you don’t have it anymore.
To practice writing at home you can ask about something that happened at school (ex: Anna and I built a zoo in blocks.) Then ask your child to write what they did. Many kids are ready to tell a story with two or more sentences. I encourage them to do so. This is terrific prep for 1st grade activities.
Field trips are encouraged and the kids really enjoy the excitement of getting away together for a day. We have visited the zoo and Rutledge Farm in the past. We are looking for a new idea that costs under $3 per student. Yes, parents are invited on field trips and desperately needed. The date is not scheduled because it is determined by the activity. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
The weather is warmer, but not warm yet! When the snow is gone, we will have recesses outside. Please be sure to send appropriate clothing. You’ve all been terrific about that. I have a great group of responsible parents, so this is just a reminder.
Have a terrific weekend,
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
The weather is having fun with us! It’s too cold for us to have fun with it though. It’s pretty sad when the kids aren’t begging to go out and play in the snow. Please listen to the news for cancellations and/or early dismissals due to weather now through March. Missouri can have some weird, unexpected weather. A pink sheet is being sent home today requesting early dismissal information. Please return this sheet completed asap.
We welcomed Ben to our class this week. We also lost Jacob. So far we are still at 18 kids. The boys are glad to have a new male friend. He’s adjusting well thanks to our sweeties who are willing to help.
A January book order is in your child’s mail today. The kids have circled 3 to 4 items they are interested in. I always let them know that it’s a choice to order, and that sometimes money just isn’t available. If you are looking for good stories to order, some suggestions are:
p. 2, #31, Gingerbread Baby $6 - a beautiful book
p. 3 #50, Love You Forever $6 – touching, may make your heart swell
p. 6 #14, Counting Sheep $3 – skip counting
Of course, there are many terrific books and different interests for the kids. If you aren’t ordering, just toss the order booklet.
There are two half-sheet forms concerning Highlights and Playground magazines. These companies offer us FREE classroom items just for offering the magazines to you. If you want to order, check “yes” and complete all information for billing. If you do not want to order, check “no” and sign your name. I’ve done this for 15 years - no one will bug you or mail you anything pressuring you to order if you check “no”. Either way, your signed sheet earns us free items to use for incentives or organization. Your child will get a sticker for one returned sheet, a sticker and treat for two returned sheets. Please take a few seconds to sign and help us out. Free is always good!
Report cards are being sent home Friday. The Tiger Pride assembly is at 2:00 Friday as well – if we’re here. I’ll keep you informed the best I can when changes occur.
Questions? You know I’m here for you,
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
Thank you for your help in preparing the Christmas party. The kids enjoy having parents visit for these events. You make the party even more special.
The Santa Store went very smoothly thanks the planning by PTO. I love the envelope and list idea. We tried to be sure the kids chose gifts wisely.
Dates to know:
**The Tiger Pride assembly will be January 8 at 2:00. If your child is receiving an award, I have already e-mailed you.
**PE will be on Wednesday the 6th. If there are any snow days, bump special classes forward that many days.
Please practice some reading and writing while we are out of school. It’s amazing how much learning can evaporate in two weeks. Have a tremendously joyous and safe Christmas season. I will miss the kids, but will see them in a blink. Time has flown so quickly this school year. See you on January 4th.
Love to all, Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
Friday the 18th at 8:45 is our class Christmas party. Lisa said all is planned and ready to roll. If you plan to attend, you may come in with your child around 8:30. We have until 10:30 for party activities if needed. Kids do not need to eat breakfast as we will have breakfast together. Mrs. Crighton-Smith is planning a pajama day for that day as well. I’m allowing Santa hats, reindeer antlers, etc. I don’t know about other teachers. So, we have a busy day the 18th. PLEASE be sure your child gets lots of rest the night before.
Santa Store information went home the 9th. Your child’s envelope for shopping can be turned in to me at any time. I will keep them safe until Tuesday the 15th. We have Tuesday and Thursday to shop. I’ll take the whole class both days. Sending money is optional. I’ve explained this to the kids and will help them not feel left out.
The Springfield Christmas parade is Saturday, although I don’t know what time or where it starts. I’ll be there once I figure it out. If you go, watch for me. I’d love to watch the parade with the kids if we accidentally find each other.
Report cards are complete and ready for January 6th. Rhyming and writing numbers from memory has proven difficult for many. Keep reading, writing, and counting even just five minutes a day, especially over the break. The Tiger Pride assembly is scheduled for January 8th at 2:00. Award winners will be notified by the 5th so family can attend if available.
Mrs. Anderson, the librarian, said that our class is the best in the whole school about returning their books on the right day. Thank you for referring to the calendar for events to remember. The kids are also getting better about wearing tennis shoes on PE (when I remember to put it on the calendar). Kids have been dressing warmly for recess too. Bless you! It is hard to do everything you need to as a parent, especially when you have more than one child. My husband worked nights for 19 years, and I was pretty much a single parent for all of them. I understand how crazy life can be. I’m very proud of my parents!
Have a safe, warm weekend.
Hugs,
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
Book orders are due today, but I won’t place the order until tomorrow from home. If you need to drop an order by school or order on the Scholastic web-site, you have more time. Our on-line info. is http://www.scholastic.com/clubsordering, class name: BaileysKindy, password: ilovereading.
I think Make It -Take It night was a hit. We always have a large crowd and lots of fun together. I can’t wait to see if anyone took a good picture of all 14 faces. Please copy one for me if you did. Or, send them by e-mail. I’ll try to get mine on the picture page today, but many kids are looking places rather than at the cameras.
Lisa and I have planned the Christmas party for 8:45 – 10:20ish on December 18. This gives us more time to be together without having to rush the kids out the door. Please feel free to join us for any amount of the party time that morning. If you have ideas for fun or treats, contact Lisa by e-mail, phone, or send a note through me. Kira, Dillon’s mom, has a craft planned.
PTO will have the Santa store on the stage December 15 – 17. Items are affordably priced similar to the dollar stores. Students will visit as a class. Those that don’t bring money will be allowed too help friends shop. The best way to handle sending money for your child is by putting it in an envelope and listing the amount on the outside, and sending a list of those he/she is to shop for. Checks are fine. Sending money for your child is completely optional. I don’t make a big deal out of who does and doesn’t have money.
The cold is here! Most parent are really good about sending adequate clothing for their kids. Thank you so much. Wednesday it was 27 degrees with the wind chill - within the range allowed for outside recess. We went outside! Gloves are life savers, please send them. If you need help with clothing, please contact Chrysta Forrest in our clothing bank.
I’ve started report card testing with items I feel the kids are ready to pass (patterning, counting to 50, writing first and last name, etc). Next week I will test letter recognition and sounds, and writing and recognizing numbers to 20 (correctly). Rhyming is difficult. Playing rhyming games is great to strengthen this skill. Any extra help you can provide will help your child succeed. I’ve seen so much growth, and I know it’s due to your involvement.
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
Thank you for holding down the fort while I was out two days. As far as I know, all went well. I was holding my breath! Next week is a two-day week for us. Everyone is out for Thanksgiving on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We will talk about the first Thanksgiving and skip letter-of-the-week.
Christmas is coming quicker than we realize. I’ll be putting up a tabletop tree and planning some Christmas activities if no one is offended. Please let me know if there is a topic you want me to avoid. I respect your beliefs and traditions, regardless, and don’t want to step on any toes.
Our Christmas party will probably be on December 18. I’d like to avoid having it at the end of the day so we don’t have to rush. First thing in the morning or at lunch are options. Contact Hanna’s mom, Lisa, if you have ideas and want to help. 862-5642 or lisa417@sbcglobal.net. Students don’t exchange gifts at our party, so don’t worry about planning for that.
Fundraiser items are to be picked up today after school in the cafeteria. If you are unable to be here, please contact Mrs. Galloway for options.
We are in need of brown, paper lunch bags for puppets and other activities. We use 20 each time they are needed. That adds up quickly.
Keep reading everyday! Be sure to send in lists of 10 books each month for a free Pizza Hut personal pan pizza. For writing practice have your child write a sentence about the book, maybe their favorite part of the story, and illustrate.
Mrs. Bailey
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Dear Families,
November is flying by. I’ve loved the warmth, but, of course, it will soon change. Be sure to send a jacket for outdoor recesses. The wind seems to blow harder and colder on our playground.
Don’t forget: When your child reads 10 books, you can turn in the list and receive a coupon for a free Pizza Hut personal pan pizza. I send a Home Reading Record sheet at the first of the month to record the books on. If you lose the sheet, you can write on any paper. The kids think it’s funny that I’ve said they can even use toilet paper to write on. As long as they are reading/being read too, I’ll take it.
If you are able to send Germex/hand sanitizer at any time during the school year, that would be terrific. We’re using it like crazy to avoid sickness. I will be sure to notify everyone if we aren’t in need anymore.
Our Patterning unit in math is almost complete. I’m so proud of how well the kids have listened and followed directions. Because they’ve listened they have trully enjoyed math workshop and the choices they have. This is when learning is taking place, and I’m really enjoying teaching math more than I ever have.
We are writing more everyday. Please practice the alphabet chart often. At this point kids may have the chart memorized. You can practice in the car saying words and asking what the first letter and last letter would be. This helps with reading and writing. A little work goes a long way.
Next week I am out two days in a row, Tuesday and Wednesday. Things may go differently, so I want you to know ahead of time. I always tell the kids when and why I am not going to be here. Hopefully we can avoid tears. I promise to be back Thursday with lots of hugs.
Mrs. Bailey
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