Mrs. Bliss' First Grade Class

2012-01-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

January 27-February 3

WELCOME TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK!!!

There are many activities to be involved in during Catholic Schools week. On Saturday they will be having a Mass dedicated to Catholic Schools week. If you attend any of the masses this weekend please have your child wear their school uniform.

Tuesday we will be having Buddy Day with the 8th grade. Please bring a gift that costs no more than a dollar. This day will also be Blue and White Day. You can send your child in Free Dress but please be sure they wear Blue and White to support the Week. There will be NO HOT LUNCH ON TUESDAY or WEDNESDAY so please be sure your child has a cold lunch both days.

Please refer to the Monthly Newsletter for a list of all of the Activities.

In Religion we will be begin to talk about Celebrating the Holy Spirit. In math we will continue to learn about Geometry.
We will continue to work on the weather in Science and Culture in Social Studies.

We will not be having Vocabulary words this week. Please be sure to focus on the words that already have been done to ensure success in reading and fluency. Thank you

Thank you to all of you who turned in your Latvia Projects. The last day to turn in the Projects is Tuesday, January 31st. I enjoyed looking at all of the different ways the projects have been done. Each one is unique in its own way and this is why I do not put any restrictions on how your child does the project. If you have not done the project its not to late. Please turn it in by January 31st. Thank you

Friday will be a 12:30 dismissal

Have a great weekend and God Bless

2012-01-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

January 17-20

Please speak with your child about playground rules. There is to be no running on the Jungle Gym and no tag games. The children have been very rough and they have been warned for the past two weeks about playground behavior. If they have to be told this week and from now on detentions will be handed out. Please remind them of the rules.

We have also been discussing how to be respectful and how to use our manners. It seems since we have gotten back from break students need to be reminded about the classroom rules and what is expected of them. Simple things such as not getting up out of their seats until they raise their hand and not talking when an adult is talking. Please talk with your student about how they think they have been doing in class and remind them that they are preparing for the second grade. The second half of the year goes by very quickly and I want all children to be prepared.

I have moved students desks to better help with the classroom conduct. The first half of the year contains some review but the second half is a lot of new material. It is extremely important that your student stay on task and follow classroom rules and follow the conduct rubric.

Everyone received a paper discussing your child's assignment for International Night. Please refer to the handout and have the project turned in by January 31st. We will also be needing volunteers for International Night. If you would like to volunteer please let me know. We need people to make food and to work the night of the event.

Thank you very much for the D Street Shelter items. Each month we are recognized and thanked for preparing the lunches.

Catholic Schools week will begin on January 29th and continue through February 3rd. If you are able to drive on Friday, February 3rd please let me know. We will be meeting at St. Patrick's church and drivers are needed for after the mass.

In Religion we will be continuing to discuss that Jesus teaches us about Forgiveness. We will begin discussing some morals and sin.

In Math we will finish the chapter on addition and subtraction facts up to 18. We will be having a test on Thursday so please be sure to practice the math facts and fact families. Friday I will be introducing Geometry.

We will begin to read The Seven Sillies in your child's hardback reading book. Continue to only read the selection of the week. We will talk about descriptive writing and how it can make a story more interesting. Continue to work on Vocabulary words.

VOCABULARY WORDS

swim
farther
drink
expect
built
hawk
grit
vacuum
edge
enough
clutch
gizzard
afternoon
everywhere

In Social Studies we have been discussing Culture. We have been discussing Chinese New Year and the symbols associated with the holiday. Chinese New Year is on January 23rd. If you have read the BLOG please write the year your child was born. We will be making animals for an art project and I would like it if they knew the Year ahead of time.

Continue to sign planners and please make sure your child has their homework to turn in the following day. Planners are also a good way to communicate if you feel the need. I also use the planners as a tool to let you know about your child's day.

Thank you again and God Bless!!

2012-01-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

January 9-13

Welcome!!!

Report Cards went home on Friday. Be sure to sign and return them as soon as possible. Please remember the report cards are a reflection of your students overall work. The first quarter is a lot of review where the rest of the quarters will be new material. Please understand that there may be a slight change in your students grades due to the new material that is learned. Overall I was pleased with the achievements all of the children have accomplished.

Only OLM sweatshirts can be worn at school. Jackets may be worn outside but not in the classroom or at morning prayer. If your child is wearing a non OLM sweatshirt for a jacket they will be asked to take it off in class and during morning prayer. This is part of the OLM uniform.
Thank you

On Monday January, 16th we will have NO SCHOOL due to holiday of Martin Luther King.

This Friday we will be having an early dismissal at 12:30. Teachers are preparing for the Accreditation of our school.

International Night will be on February 7th at 6 pm in our Cafeteria. I will be sending home a note with an assignment for your child. The assignment will be displayed on International Night. I will need as much help as possible on the night of and before to help prepare for the event. If you are able to make food, volunteer that night or help ahead of time please let me know.

In class we will be learning about different cultures. January is also the Month of Chinese New year so we are learning and making arts and crafts about the New Year. It is the Year of the Dragon.

We are discussing Weather in Science and in Math we will begin subtraction facts. Please be sure to help at home with these assignments.

On February 11th we will be having one of our biggest fundraisers for the school which will be a Mardi Gras Theme. All are encouraged to attend. Our class will be making an auction item to bid on. This is a very special event and helps benefit the school.

Ash Wednesday will be on February 22nd our class will be helping for the Mass. Please come if you can.

Our class is in the Spring Program which will be held on March 28th in our school Cafeteria.

Vocabulary
fourth
fifth
sixth
seventh
strange
elephant
whole
pillar
turn
agree
moral
great

If you have any questions please let me know and God Bless!!!

2012-01-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

January 2-6

Happy New Year!!! I hope that all of you had a super holiday and vacation.

Thank you so much for all of the nice gifts I received. I appreciated all of them. Thank you for those who participated in bringing or coming in to our Christmas Party. The students really enjoyed the day.

The second quarter has ended and we are now beginning the 3rd quarter. My has the time flown by...Report cards will go home on Friday. This is a good opportunity for you as parents to remind your child how important it is that they do their best each and everyday in school. Effort grades are recorded according to returning students readers, completing assignments and homework. Conduct is a reflection of your students behavior in and out of class. Please refer to the conduct rubric if you are unsure of the grading.

In reading we have finished our 3rd reading series and we will begin our 4th reading series which is a hardback book. Please only read the assigned story of the week. Going ahead can cause confusion because we preview and build background knowledge ahead of time.

In Science we will begin the Weather. We will be discussing temperature and season change.

Our Changing World will begin the Social Studies chapter.

In Religion we will be discussing what happened after the birth of Jesus.

In spelling we will continue to work on short vowel sounds. This weeks words will be with short U. Instead of doing challenge words we will be doing dictation sentences. Two sentences each week. The students have already been introduced to dictation.

Timed tests will be combining subtraction and addition facts to 12. Keep working on this at home.

On Friday we will be having an All School Mass at 8:15. Dismissal will be at 12:30.

Remember to have planners signed for Wednesday. I am not counting tomorrow but if you did that is great. Hope you all have a great week.

Thank you and God Bless You!

In math we will start working on math facts up to 18.

December 12-16

2011-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd week of Advent!!!

This week will be a very busy week starting tomorrow. We will be having a dress rehearsal for the Christmas Program at school at 8:30. The classes have been working very hard and can't wait to share the program with you.

Wednesday, December 14th your child must be dropped off at St. Patrick's church no later than 8 am. We will be practicing for the Christmas Program. After the practice we will be traveling to Emeritus and Park Merced to do some Christmas Caroling. Please talk with your child about their behavior when we are out. If you have signed up to drive please be at the church no later than 9:15 am. We should be back to school by 11:15.

Wednesday night is the Christmas Program Performance for all. Please be at the church no later than 6:15 pm. The program will begin at 6:30. Wear nice clothes on the night of the performance. I would prefer girls to wear a dress and boys to wear slacks and a shirt. The boys may wear a tie.

If you have not brought in items for the "D" street shelter and the "Spirit of Christmas" please turn in the items no later than Thursday, December 15th.

Friday we will be having an early dismissal and Free Dress. We will be having a class party with crafts and snacks. Please be sure to pick up your child promptly at 12:30. There will be no extended care or preschool pick up.

Thank you for a great first half of the school year. Have a good two weeks off and remember to discuss with your children why The Spirit of Christmas is so important. Thank you so much and May God Bless you.

2011-12-05T07:43:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the 2nd week in December !!!!

Thank you to all of you who drove for the Nutcracker. It was nice to see some of our classmates performing.

We have been preparing for the Christmas Program. Please be sure to work with your students on the words. Starting today we will be practicing with no sheet music. Remind your child this is a big part of their music grade along with conduct. We are practicing everyday so if we all work together it will become a great success. Thank you again for preparing your child for this event.

Thursday we will be having an All School Mass at 8:15 for the Feast of Immaculate Conception.

For the Spirit of Christmas first grade is to bring in sugar, salt or flour. This all goes to help prepare the dinner for the Shelter.

In class we have been talking about the Advent and Christmas Season. We have discussed how some people are less fortunate and are in need of practical items. In helping with our community I am asking our class to bring in items for the D street shelter by December 15th. Please be generous. Some suggestions: the dollar store has knitted caps, scarves, mittens, socks, small packages of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, lip balm, soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, combs, shampoo etc. Thank you so much for your support during this time of need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Please check with your child for the vocabulary words for this week.

Thank you and have a great week !!!!

2011-11-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Week of November 14-18

Welcome to the Thanksgiving Season even though there are Christmas Decorations out we sometimes pass Thanksgiving by and we forget what we are thankful for. Please talk with your student about being thankful and being helpful to others.

There will be no new Vocabulary words this week so be sure to practice all of the words up to date.

We will have a new spelling list that will be going home tomorrow.

Tomorrow your child may have free dress if they bring in a canned food item.

Friday will be a 12:30 dismissal and we will be having a Thanksgiving Prayer Service.

Progress Reports will be going home on Friday. Please understand these are not the Final Grades for the Quarter. The grades can still change up until the end of the quarter.

Our class will also be participating the Christmas Program. We will be singing songs to help with the play. Music sheets will be sent home and we will begin practicing Wednesday and Thursday. This is going to be a big project and it will be a big part of your students grade so please be sure to practice at home too.

There will be no school on November 21-25th. School will resume on Monday, November 28th.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP.

2011-10-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

October 31-November 4

Thank you for all of the Halloween Treats !!! Have a fun and Safe Night!

Vocabulary
any
animals
trouble
kind
gave
there
thing
nice
thought
answered
asked
belongs

Tomorrow is our All Saints Mass Day at 8:15 am. Uniforms must be worn. No shorts are allowed.

Catalog assembly will be on Wednesday at 1:45
Catalog items will be delivered on Thursday.

Friday we will be having a 12:30 dismissal.

October 3-7

2011-10-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

We are already in October!!! My has this went by fast...

This week we will be having the Blessing of the Animals mass on Tuesday, October 4th at 1:15. You may bring an animal to be blessed for the mass. Your child must stay with the class for Mass and during the Blessing we will meet up with you to bless your animal.

Picture retakes will be on Thursday, October 6th.

Friday, October 7th will be a 12:30 Dismissal.

Mrs. Blackburn has extended wearing shorts until Friday, October 28th.

The end of the Quarter is fast approaching and will end on October 14th. Please discuss with your students how important Conduct is in and out of class. It is also very important to note that effort and finishing work is important in being a successful student.

This week we will be beginning to learn about the United States in our Social Studies Unit. In math we will be finishing up Addition and beginning Subtraction. Please continue to work on addition and subtraction facts. In our Language Arts Program we will be beginning to read in our Level two readers along with our story of the week.

Thank you so much for completing the assigned homework. Reading Fluency is very important in the first grade. It also helps with comprehension.

Continue to sign planners each and every day. Also look to see if there are any notes for you including information about lunch or milk. Also milk tickets are now $2.50 for 5 milks.

SERVICE PROJECT:
Our class will be starting our Service Project this week. We will be donating food items to the "D" street shelter again. The food items will need to be brought in one time a month and each student will be designated a certain item. The note will be going home this week so please look for the information. After we bring in the items the 8th graders will make and distribute the lunches. Please understand you are helping someone in need in our community and this maybe the only meal they will be receiving for the day. We are sent to be "Christ Like" and I feel this is a good way for us to contribute to our community.

Vocabulary Assessment will begin next week. Be sure to practice as much as possible with your student. They are required to know all the words in order to finish the first grade. If they do not know all of their words they will continue to struggle in Reading.

Vocabulary words
your
where
make
fly
needs
be
tail
work
kite
day
by
that
down

Have a Great Week!
Thank you and God Bless!!!

2011-09-26T12:53:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary Words:
boy
girl
how
with
very
much
I'm
can't
I'll
it's
they
bet
lift

September 26-30

2011-09-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

We made it through testing week!!! The children were troopers through all of the testing and we should have results by conference time in October. Thank you for sending in the snacks too!

Thank you for sending in the vegetables for the children to look at during our Science Investigation on Friday.

In Religion we will continue to talk about Jesus and how he loves each and every one of us.

In Math we will be finishing up addition. We will be adding three numbers. This may be confusing for some but i am hoping by showing them a trick by circling and adding the first two numbers it will come easily for them. We will be having the Chapter test on Friday. Continue to work with your child on addition facts.

In Social Studies we will continue talking about our Country, State and City. Be sure to discuss this vocabulary with your child. We will also continue discussing the compass rose and direction. We will be having a test on Thursday. I will be sending home the atlas to practice on Monday or Tuesday.

In Science we will finish up discussing plants this week which is our 3rd part of the ecosystem. Next week we will begin Herbivores.

Continue to work with your child on the Spelling words with short a. There have been two additional words added which are bonus words. The bonus words are included in the total score but will not be given until Thursday.

IMPORTANT: If you are planning on attending any field trips or planning on volunteering in the classroom you must be fingerprinted and have attended the Safe Environment Training. In October we will be going to the Bear Creek Pumpkin Patch. Please be sure in the office that you are cleared to participate in the field trip. There will be no special circumstances allowed. If you need the Safe Environment Training there will be one in the Library at 6 pm on Tuesday.

Check your students home folder for their vocabulary words for the week.

Thank you and God Bless

2011-09-19T14:57:00.001-07:00

Please come by our classroom to sign up to bring a vegetable for Friday September 23rd.
The children really enjoy our investigations. Thank you for your contribution.

September 19-23

2011-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not having the blog done this weekend. Our Internet was down. Your child has the vocabulary words for the week in their folder. Please check and practice every night.

Reminder: Turn in Signed Progress Reports by Friday, September 23rd.

ITBS TESTING HAS BEGUN!!!

We took our first tests today and I will say that the children were focused and on task. We will be taking 2 tests each day. We will be finished testing on Thursday. Please continue to remind them to do their best on each and every part. They need to get a good nights sleep and be sure to remind them to eat breakfast to fuel their brain.

The spelling words will be going home on Tuesday. Please practice each night. The practice test will be on Thursday and the final on Friday. We are continuing with Short a words. There will be two bonus words each week. The Bonus words on Thursday will be different from Friday and will be included in the scoring.

We will continue to learn about the ecosystem in Science. We have been doing science investigations each week with the items requested. Thank you to everyone who has participated. This week we will be discussing plant parts and what part we eat. Please look at the list outside of our classroom door to bring in items for our Friday Discussion and Investigation.

In Social Studies we have been discussing our Country, State and City. Be sure to discuss with your child so they know the difference. Tonight's homework includes discussing your neighborhood. Discuss what your neighborhood might have and have your child ready to discuss tomorrow at school. Locations may include a park, school, fire station, library etc.

Friday will be a 12:30 Dismissal

Thank you for signing all the planners. Be sure to also check on Friday for any work that needs to be done or completed over the weekend.

Vocabulary Words
clean
all
of
why
up
would
this
but
take
because
find
circle
animal
turtle

Thank you and have a good week!!!

2011-09-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

September 12-16

In Science we will continue to learn about Ecosystems. I have set aside some time on Friday afternoons for our class to be Scientists and Investigators. Last Friday we learned about our senses by using the fruit that was sent in. This week we will begin learning about plants and this Friday I would like to do an Investigation on different kinds of seeds. If everyone brings in 2 packages of seeds by Thursday of any kind it would be greatly appreciated and we can continue to be Scientists. This is a great opportunity to have a teach a different kind of learning using hands on activities in the Classroom.

Thank you to all of you who brought in fruit last Friday. Our work is in our classroom if you have a chance to come by and look at it. It will be posted in our classroom on Tuesday.

2011-09-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

We are about half way through the first quarter and Progress Reports will be going out this Friday. Remember this is your students progress up through this week. The first weeks of school have been review with a few new learning strategies added. Included in the effort grade is neatness, coloring and handwriting. Conduct is also a big part of the School grades. Be sure to look over the rubric for Conduct. Progress reports are to be signed and returned by Friday, September 23rd.

This week we will begin our Spelling Words. This week we will be working on short a words. The list will be going home on Tuesday. The children will be given a Practice Test on Thursday and the Final on Friday. The score received on Friday is the score entered for a grade. Backward and upper case letters will be marked incorrect on a test. Remember to work on Spelling words every night just like the Vocabulary Words.

Timed math tests have begun. Be sure to practice the math facts as much as possible. We want our children to memorize the facts and to not be dependent on their fingers or beads.

In class we have been practicing oral reading. Now is a good time to start reading with your child and to be sure they are able to follow along if you are reading. Starting this week your child will be given an oral reading grade based on fluency and being able to follow along as a whole group. Oral reading is a skill that each and every child should work on to continue to speed up their fluency. This also includes being sure that your child knows the vocabulary words up to date. Some of the children are struggling making it difficult to fluently read a story in class.

Vocabulary
is
my
from
run
jump
walk
think
fun
play
home
friend
like

On Thursday a decorated paper bag will be going home for St. Vincent de Paul lunches. Please fill the bag with a sandwich, chips, fruit and drink if possible to help those in need.

Thank you again for all of your hard work so far this school year. First grade is a big change and it is our job to help your child in succeeding to become Responsible Citizens of our Country.

2011-09-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

September 6, 2011

In Science we are learning about our Five Senses. Please send in some kind of fruit by Friday for our Science investigation. Thank you

2011-09-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend!!!

It's hard to believe we are already in our 4th week of school.

In the past couple of weeks students have been bringing in medication to be administered in class. By law I can not administer the medication unless necessary paperwork is completed in the office. I am not able to administer medication unless their is a signed release form from the office and I would prefer all medication to be kept in the office for the staff to administer to your child unless it is necessary to keep in the classroom.

This week we will begin our timed tests in math. The test will be addition in sums up to 6. The children will be given 3 minutes to complete. I will keep a running record to chart your students progress. Practice at home as much as possible.

In Reading we will be starting our Five Little Ducks story. Please note that the practice pages sent home on Friday is a refection of your child's progress in class. The pages are given in class and we do a couple of problems whole group. I have noticed that some of the children are having difficulty following directions. Please practice this at home to better ensure your students success.

This weeks vocabulary words are:
found
going
am
for
under
across
bad
good
so
draw
are
look

Make sure to practice the words daily if possible.

In Religion we will continue to discuss Creation. You can talk about what GOD created and why it is so important to take care of our Earth as a family.

In Science we will be continuing to discuss the Ecosystem. I believe that the children will really enjoy this part because there will be more hands on activities.

Last week was our first week in going to library and computers. In the library our children were able to check out one book. They are keeping the book in their desk to teach them how to be responsible citizens.

This week we will be having school pictures on Wednesday and Thursday. I am not sure which day we will take pictures but be prepared for September 7th.

On Thursday, September 8th is the Virgin Mary's Birthday. Our class will be having a treat to celebrate her birthday along with prayer in the morning.

If you are interested; the OLM foundation International Food and Wine event is on Saturday, September 10th at 6pm. This is a fun event kind of like our International Night we have here at school with one exception being the drinks. Everyone is invited even people outside of our OLM family. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Progress Reports will be going out on September 16th. Please be sure to read over the rubric for CONDUCT. I do not want anyone to be surprised. Also I should note that it would be a good idea to discuss classroom behavior with your child. It is apparent to me that some are having a hard time adjusting from Kindergarten to the First Grade with the rules and what is expected of them. When an assignment is not completed it counts against the child's grade more so than Kindergarten. In First Grade Letter grades are earned by the child. Grades can also be looked at on Option C. Mr. Somers will be giving out passwords this week so you can look online for your students grades.

REMINDER:
The ITBS testing will begin on September 19 and continue through September 23rd. Please make sure your student is here each and everyday. If they miss a day they will be retested but please reschedule appointments if they are during these days of testing. I know we can not control illness so keep them home if they are running a fever or really sick. The students are evaluated based on academics and listening skills. This is why I can not stress enough how important it is to be a good listener, be able to follow directions and to be able to finish work in the First Grade. There are also parts of the test where directions can only be given a couple of times. The results should be ready by Conference time in October.

In the First Grade we do go on field trips and our first one will be to the Bear Creek Pumpkin Patch. If you would like to go you must go the the Safe Environment training, be fingerprinted and have all insurance paperwork turned in to Carnation before the event. The Safe Environment training will be on September 28th at 6 pm in the library. There will be no exceptions if you miss the training you will not be allowed to drive for the field trip so please clear all of your paperwork ahead of time.

NOTE: Thank you for talking with your children about the bathroom. We have not had as many interruptions. Also keep signing the planners even on the weekend. Thank you

I hope that you have enjoyed our Audio Podcasts and be sure to check the BLOG daily just in case their is something I forgot or something needed for the next day.

As always if you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

God Bless and Have a Nice Day

Mrs. Bliss

Ecosystem sun poem

2011-08-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

ecosystem sun poem (mp3)

August 31, 2011

2011-08-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Parents,

I forgot to remind the students bring home their RAIN story book. Please have them tell the story to you and write two sentences about the story. The story includes the sun, red cars, orange flowers, a white house, blue sky and a rainbow. They can choose what they want to write about and draw a picture.

Also a booklet went home about the Catalog Sale. Fill out the booklet and return it for your child to receive a frog key chain. The kickoff for the Catalog Sale will be on Friday at 11:30.

August 29-September 2

2011-08-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

We are off to a great start this school year!!! Thank you to everyone who was able to come to Open House today. It was nice to see all of you and some of your family members.

This week we will be having Free Dress on Tuesday, August 30th for $1 for the SPCA. Please wear appropriate free dress clothing. No flip flops or tank tops can be worn.

On Friday we will be having an All School Mass. Boys must wear corduroy pants and girls must wear their jumpers. No Shorts. This will also be an early dismissal day at 12:30.

Friday, September 2nd will also be the kick off for the Catalog Sales. There will be a packet going home with all of the information needed. Be sure to sale as much as possible there are incentives for the class who sales the most.

Thank you so much for signing the planners. This is also a great opportunity to keep the communication lines open between the parents and teacher. Please look for notes about lunch and milk along with any other concerns that need to be addressed. If you need to leave me a note the planners are checked each morning by 8:15 am.

In Math we will continue to review numbers and number words. It is not necessary to know how to spell the number words but the practice is always good. Tuesday, September 6th we will be starting timed tests. The students need to know their math facts up to the sum of 10. The test will be a 3 minute timed test. There will be 25 problems. You may want to make flash cards at home to practice to better ensure you students success.

In Social Studies we will continue to learn about communities, rules, laws and leaders. We will also begin to study the ecosystem. If you are reading this BLOG have your child write the name of the Merced City Mayor and bring in tomorrow to share.

In Religion we will be learning about Creation. We are finishing up discussing the Good Shepard and Bible stories.

Please ask your child about their day and what new things they have learned.

We will continue to post Audio readings or songs so please check during the week to see the published materials.

On Friday a reading packet will also be going home. These worksheets are done in class and may not be done at home. The packet consists of worksheets from the story of the week. On the first page their is a percentage grade to show how your student did. Their will be a letter going home to discuss the packets and the grading policy.

Vocabulary Words

over
out
said
and
little
copy
far
away
bear
come
here
now
in
want

Thank you so much for a great first two weeks with many more to come. Please let me know you have any questions or concerns about the First Grade I am more than happy to help.

God Bless and have a great week.

August 22-26

2011-08-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

We have made it through the first week of First Grade !!!! The students are adjusting to the new routines and the planners. Thank you so much for those of you who are signing the planners. Monday signatures are required. If your child's planner is not signed each day they will have to sit out 5 minutes at recess and Yes even on the weekend they will have something to do.

Thank you so much for going to the auditorium if you arrive before 7:50 am. The teachers are usually at school by 7:30 but this is a time for us to prepare for our day. We are not always in our classroom that is why it is best to always wait in the auditorium if you arrive before 7:50. Thank you again for doing this.

Mrs. BLackburn will be selling tickets next week for 25 cents for a raffle to have lunch with Mercy and Mrs. BLackburn. The following week on August 30th your child may have free dress for 1 dollar in honor of Mercy and the late Lancey who we lost last summer. All proceeds go to the SPCA.

Lunch seems to be going well. The students know if they are having hot or cold lunch and milk. I will write in your planners if your student is running low on tickets or you are always welcome after school if you would like to check.

The first set of vocabulary words have been given and the students have been doing a good job reading them in class. Please remember the students only have to read the words they do not have to spell them. We have also been practice color words and number words up to twelve. Practice these words at home too. The next list of vocabulary words will be going out on Tuesday and these are part of our weekly story. We will be beginning our first story and it is very important that your child know the vocabulary words to better help in reading the story.

In Math we will be focusing on addition facts. Please work on facts up to 12. You may want to put these on flash cards.

In Social Studies we are continuing with our community, rules, laws and voting. This is all part of Rules and laws guide people to responsible citizens.

We will be learning about our church and what we see in our church for religion. We will discuss when Jesus is with us and prayer. Discuss at home what your family does for prayer and how Jesus is with your family.

Reminders:

Friday, August 26th is a 12:30 dismissal.

Remind your child that before they come to school, at recess and lunch recess they need to use the restroom. We have have several students who are using class time to use the restroom. Since we do not have a restroom in our class this takes time out of the teaching day. If your child has a medical condition please let me know so I can make other arrangements otherwise your child will be sitting out for using the bathroom.

If the child writes homework in their planner it must be returned the next day to receive credit.

If you have not sent 2 eight pack of crayons for your child please do so. We use the 8 pack for projects such as color by number or for specific worksheets. These seems to work best.

OPEN HOUSE WILL BE ON AUGUST 28TH FROM 11-2. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. We have been doing a lot in First Grade and have work to show you. Please come and check out our First Grade work.

Vocabulary Words:
1. rain
2. sun
3. on
4. white
5. it
6. get
7. to
8. color
9. do
10. have

Thanks again for all of your help during the first week. If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom a note will be going home. Be sure to keep signing the planners and remind your child about the bathroom. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. If you have read the blog bring in an apple. Have a great Week!!!

Mrs. Bliss

Listen to our Calendar Song !!!!

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Calendar Song (mp3)

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Save the Date:

Open House will be on Sunday, August 28th from 11-2 pm. Everyone is welcome. This is a great opportunity to invite your family to come and see our classroom and our school.

August 15-19

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Welcome Back!!! Thank you to everyone that attended Back to School Night.

Please make sure your child has their planner the first day of school along with all of their supplies by the end of the week. There will be many notes going home so be sure to check all folders.

Remember the first bell rings at 7:50 and school begins at 8:00 am. If you are tardy remember to go to the office before coming to class. The children are not allowed in the classroom until 7:50. If you drop off early take them to the Auditorium. With that said you are allowed the first week of school to drop off in class so your child feels comfortable. The dismissal bell rings at 2:30. You may pick up at the classroom or in the front or back circle. If your child is going to extended care they will be walking to the extended care building.

The first day of school we will be having an All School Mass. The Mass begins at 8:30 am. Girls must be in their jumpers and boys must be wearing the blue cord pants along with light blue uniform polo.

Your child must bring their own snack and they will be eating it at morning recess. Please remember no peanut/nuts allowed in class due to our student who has a severe allergy reaction.

Vocabulary words will be going home this week. Most of these words were the sight words in Kindergarten and should be familiar to your child. Please be sure to study the words every night to ensure success.
The words are:
go
can
we
see
will
not
what
saw
the
went
you
help
did
looking
walking

I understand it may take a bit to get the hang of the routine so we will have a week to adjust and get situated. After a week we should be on our way through another school year.

Be sure to check the BLOG as often as possible. The planners must be signed each night and checked for notes from me or the homework. Thank you again and look forward to seeing you on the first day of school.