Winter Concert

On Tuesday, December 18th we will have our Winter Concert.  Please have the students meet me in our classroom at 6:15.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Holidays Around the World

Dear Families,

On Friday, December 21st the K-2 team will be hosting our second annual Holidays Around the World Event.  Students will travel to classrooms learning about various holiday traditions around the world.  We will be offering two sessions: one from 9:15-10:00 and the other from 10:05-10:55.  We would love to have volunteers to help run stations.

Please let me know if you are interested in participating!  

Winter Concert

Mark you calendars!  The Winter Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18th.  I'll post more information as we get closer to the date.

Fall Festival Slide Show

Check out the amazing slide show that was created by Mrs. Francke!

http://youtu.be/29CpxrpqGe0

Math Information Session

I'm looking forward to meeting with parents tomorrow at 2:55.  If you are still interested, it's not too late!  Just email me and I will make sure that there are copies ready for you.

New Math Games

Here are two new games that I will be sharing with the kids tomorrow.

http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=218

http://www.ictgames.com/aztecTakeAway/index.html

Cute Echolocation Song

Fairbanks Museum

Today we learned about temperature-- measuring temperature and changes in temperature.

The kids loved working with Bobby!

Informational Math Session

I have participated in some fantastic professional development opportunities over the last few months.  I have brought the new and fun activities to the classroom to enhance the math lessons.

On Tuesday, November 20th from 2:55-3:30 you are invited to come and join me for an informational session that will cover some of my new learning.  This session will include our math boxes and a variety of activities that explore combinations of ten that you can try at home.

I'd love to have you join me!  Please RSVP so I can have materials prepared for you.

Thanksgiving Dinner

The school's Thanksgiving dinner will be on November 9th.  Our class eats lunch at 11:05.  We would love to see you there!

Math Boxes

We have been using Math Boxes in our classroom.  Each box is loaded with manipulatives that encourage math thinking.  Ask your child about his/her favorite activity.

Some activities that they could try at home: (Using cards 0-10)

Make Ten Go Fish
Make the Sum
All in a Row

If you would like more information about these activities, I can send the directions home to you--Just send me an email :)

Everyday Math Games- Home Connection

The following site provides families with activities that they can try at home.  Each activity uses materials that can easily be found around the house.  If you try some, I'd love to hear about it!

http://instruction.aaps.k12.mi.us/EM_parent_hdbk/games.html

Spelling Words

We will be working on the following spelling words in class over the next two weeks.  It would be helpful if you could help your child practice them at home as well.

this
come
very
your
like
into
going
they
what
was
away
did
my
then
went
his
her
said
little
ran

November Events

We will be visiting the Fairbanks Museum on Wednesday, November 14 in the afternoon.
Thanksgiving Break will be from November 21-25.

Go Danville!

Thank You

A very special thank you to all of the volunteers who came out to make this Fall Festival so successful!  We are very lucky to have you!!

Happy Halloween

Both first grade classrooms worked together on a fun project this afternoon!  I'd say this is teamwork at its finest!!

Fall Festival

We will be having the fall festival activities on 10/31 as planned.  If you are interested in sending in a healthy snack for our class, please let me know.

If parents/grandparents are interested in volunteering, please let me know!

Math Goals Update

Today we started working with dimes.  We are in the EARLY stages of counting dimes, nickels, and pennies together.  Students will need to recognize that they can exchange five pennies for a nickel, ten pennies for a dime, and two nickels for a dime.

Other topics:

Counting by 10s starting at any given number (i.e., 7, 17, 27, 37, 47)
Counting back from any number 1-120
Counting on from any number 0-120
Recognizing combinations of ten (8 and 2, 7 and 3, etc.)
Basic math facts (adding one or two to any number)
Using the language of before and after- What number comes before 37?
Telling time to the hour and half hour

Stay Safe Everyone!!

Fairbanks Museum Reminder

We will be going to the Fairbanks Museum this Wednesday!  The kids are very excited :)

Bats Unit

We will be starting a unit on bats next week and it will be tied into our math and literacy centers.  Please be sure to ask your child about his/her new learning!

A Note from Mrs. Francke

Please email Suzanne this weekend (or send the form in on Monday) if you are interested.
sfrancke@danvillek12vt.us


A Note from Mrs. Francke:

Happy October!!  It’s time for Elementary Guidance Groups.  Because participation in these groups tends to be popular, I will be prioritizing participation for those who have not yet participated and by parent and teacher referral information.  Students who have participated before can still sign up but may not be able to fit in this time.  I have enlisted some assistance from others on staff to be able to offer a variety of options to our students.  If your child is not able to fit into his or her first choice, know that we will do our best to accommodate them next time.  On the back of this sheet I have listed the small groups that will be offered this session along with objectives for each.  If you feel your student has a particular area that needs support or reinforcement, please feel free to sign them up for a group.  Only students with signed parental permission may participate in groups.  Group size and make-up will vary and groups will meet for 6-8 weeks. It is important for me to understand your goals for the children in these groups so please communicate them to me on the bottom of this sheet.  We look forward to working with the students and learning together!  If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at 684-3651.  Groups will begin next week and times may vary depending on student/teacher/staff person schedules.

Suzanne Francke, Elementary School Counselor

Options for Groups (please choose at least one)

______  Play Group:  Offered for K-1
Objectives:   Students will demonstrate the ability to share, take turns, use appropriate words to communicate, to make conversation, and to move and play in a safe and appropriate manner.

______  Operation:  Breaking the Girl Code - Girls in Grades 3-6
Objectives:  Students  learn friendship and communication skills, experience strength and leadership skills, and build self-esteem and awareness through a variety of experiences in a small group setting.

______  Operation:  Breaking the Boy Code - Boys in Grades 3-6
Objectives:  Students  learn friendship and communication skills, learn about gender differences and strengths, and build self-esteem and awareness through a variety of experiences in a small group setting.

______  Self Control and Management of Me:  Offered for students in K-6.
Objectives:  Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and communicate feelings appropriately, to identify emotional triggers, to identify physical feelings and how they affect us, to problem solve, to develop strategies to work out problems before they become bigger and reduce stress.

______  Friendship Group:  Offered for students in Grades 1-6
Objectives:  Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and display friendly behaviors, how to include others, how to initiate and respond to others in conversation, and to problem solve when faced with friendship challenges.  Groups may be formed to address specific issues as well.

______  Super Stars:  Offered for students in grades 1-6.
Objectives:  Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate with others using appropriate eye contact and physical gestures; to look at the face and body language of others and use these cues to interact, to self-monitor their own communication both physically and verbally, and to understand the three main components of communication – words, body language, and voice/tone.  The theme and focus of this group will be around being powerful in an assertive vs. aggressive way.

______  Stress-Free Me:  Offered for any student in grades K-6
Objectives:  Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate their worries and fears in an appropriate way; to learn signals in their body that can relate to worry and stress; to learn coping skills; and to understand that everyone has worries or fears at some point.  The theme and focus of this group will be around developing healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for worriers or children with anxiety.

______  Creative Storytelling:  Offered for students in 3/4
Objectives:  Students will be encouraged to create their own stories and to share them with others through one or more of the following media: digital storytelling with Photostory3, Online comix creators, drawing, drama, and puppetry. This is an enrichment program for students who would benefit from an extra challenge through teacher and parent input.  45 minute sessions will be offered.

Early Numeracy Games

http://www.dreambox.com/first-grade-math-lessons

Here we are!

Corn Maze Photos

Corn Maze 2012 on PhotoPeach

Puzzle using Jigsaw Planet Site

Click on the puzzle to go to the site.
35 IMG_2044

Parent Conferences

I will be sending home reminders for the parent teacher conferences this week.  I look forward to meeting with parents to discuss the amazing progress that the students are making!

Fairbanks Museum

We will be visiting the Fairbanks Museum this year for a variety of classes.  We will depart the school at 12:45 and will return by 2:15.

Our Fall Schedule:

Wednesday, October 17th  Have You Heard?
Wednesday, November 14th  Weather a la Carte--Temperature

For more information, visit the museum's website:

http://www.fairbanksmuseum.org

Math Update

We are currently working on the following math skills:

-Counting and representing numbers with tally marks
-Identifying the number that comes before and after numbers to 100
-Telling time to the hour
-Combinations of 10 (please practice these facts at home)
-Counting on and back from any number 0-100
-Identifying pennies and nickels and their values

Corn Maze

Just a reminder that we will be going to the Corn Maze tomorrow at 9:00 and will be returning to school by 1:00.

Please send your child to school with layers and/or a change of clothing.  Thanks!

If you are available, we would greatly appreciate any volunteers!

Open House

I was thrilled to see such an amazing turn-out!  It was a pleasure having an opportunity to share our learning with you.  Please feel free to come and visit our classroom anytime!  I know that the kids enjoy showcasing their hard work :)

Calling all Volunteers :)

Are you looking to volunteer in the classroom? 

There are MANY opportunities available for you!  I am currently looking for volunteers for the Literacy Centers Time (9:00-10:00).  Please let me know if you'd like to come in and join us!

Now that we have established our routines, I will be sending an email home to those parents who indicated that they wanted to volunteer this year.  I will also post the info on this blog :)

THANKS!!

Quick Reminders

I am looking forward to seeing you at the Open House/Carnival on Thursday!  The kids have been working very hard this year and we are looking forward to showcasing our work!!  You will also have an opportunity to sign-up for the Parent-Teacher Conferences that will be held in October.

The Jenks Picture Day is tomorrow at 1:30.

Our Rules

We have brainstormed classroom rules and I found a great poster set that clearly articulated our rules for this year. 

Jenks Pictures-- Change

Our Jenks Picture Day has changed to the 19th (Wednesday).  A green note went home as a reminder today.

Jenks Photo Day

Our class will have our individual pictures on Thursday, September 20th at 1:00.

Guidance Blog

Have you checked out Suzanne Francke's Blog?  She has great information posted about what she's doing with the kids, as well as fun resources.

Suzanne Francke's Blog

More Songs!

Book Bags

We have officially started Guided Reading Groups!  Every night your child will be bringing home a book to read.  Please send the book bags back to school every day.  You may notice that your child is bringing home more than one book-- that is his/her choice.  I only ask that one book is read every night.  Thank you for your ongoing support!! :)

Open House

Just a reminder that the Open House is on September 20th.  I hope to see you there!

Assembly

There will be a Welcoming Assembly today at 2:15 in the gym.  We hope to see you there!

K-2 Soccer

This form was sent home today.  Please contact Tammy Rainville with any questions.

K-2 Soccer Skills Program

Soccer skills for k-2 will begin on Sept 8 from 8am-
9am on the baseball field by the playground. There
are no games, only skills/drills. Paul Searls will be
running the skills program and will need some
parents to help him run stations. There will be
handouts on concussions at the first session. Please
make sure you get this information. Please bring
permission form with you and give it to Paul. If you
have any questions please feel free to email me at:
trainville@danvillek12vt.us. Thanks.

Sept 8 8am-9am

Sept 15 8am-9am

Sept 22 8am-9am

Sept 29 8am-9am

Oct 6 8am-9am

Oct 13 8am-9am

Sharing Our Work

This is a chart that we read together today.  Our focus was punctuation.  Check to see if your child can identify some of the punctuation marks!

POA Testing

Our class will be assessed for the POA tomorrow morning (Sept. 5).  I will be sending home your child's results in the Friday folders by September 14th.

Our New iPad

I will be introducing our new iPad tomorrow!  Do you know of any apps that would be appropriate for the classroom?  If so, please email me their names. My goal for this year is to accumulate a collection of high-interest apps to keep the kids learning while integrating technology!

Our Hopes and Dreams

Author Study

We started our author study of Kevin Henkes today.  We read Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and discussed what we want to be when we grow up.  Students completed a Response to Text and it is being displayed in the classroom.

Our Class Song

We played this song several times today and will continue to sing it as the year progresses.  Check it out!

Our Classroom

Cute Making Numbers Video

Volunteer Form

Volunteer Form 2012

Welcome!

Parent Letter 2012

Summer!

Happy Summer, Everyone!  I hope you're enjoying the gorgeous weather!!

Update of Scheduled Events:
• The spring concert is tomorrow night (Tuesday, May 15th). Please have your students come to the classroom at 6:15.
 • Spring Fling is on Friday, May 25th. There will be a performance in the afternoon.
• Our final trip to the Fairbanks Museum will be on Friday, June 1st. We will be visiting the new Junior Planetarium exhibit.
 • Our End-of-Year trip has been planned for Friday, June 7th. We will be going to Danielle Nitsche’s house. We would love to have as many parents attend as possible! I will be sending home more information soon.
• Please let me know if you have any questions! 

Winter Fest

Please feel free to join us on Friday, February 24th from 8:15-11:00 for the Winter Fest activities!

Math Unit

We will be starting Unit 6 in math this week. I will update the Math Goals over vacation.

Learning our Facts

We have begun working with our addition and subtraction facts. We have been working on learning our combinations of 10, doubles, +1, and +0. If possible, please begin working on practicing these facts at home, too. If you feel your child knows those facts, feel free to move on to others.

THANK YOU for your ongoing support!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

A letter will be going home with your child today about Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please send the form back by Friday so I can schedule the conferences. If you would prefer a telephone conference, please just let me know. I would also be happy to meet later in the school year if you feel you are all set for right now.

I look forward to meeting or speaking with you!

Fairbanks Museum

We will be going to the Fairbanks Museum tomorrow afternoon.

POA Results and AIMSWEB Data

On Friday, February 3rd, your child was sent home with the December POA results and the AIMSWEB data that was gathered in mid-January. Please let me know if you would like to meet to discuss the results.

Fairbanks Museum

We will be going to the Fairbanks Museum twice this month- February 14th and 21st. We will be attending the afternoon sessions.

Winter Fest

The K-2 team is very excited for Winter Fest. We will be organizing the morning similarly to the Fall Festival and Holidays Around the World Celebration. The main difference is that we will be running three morning sessions instead of just two. If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know and I'll get you signed up!

The Winter Fest is on February 24th.

100th Day

The 100th day of school is on Wednesday, February 8th. We are encouraging students to bring in a project made out of 100 objects. You could use Cheerios, beads, rubber bands, etc.

I'm Back!

I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately! I spent most of January trying to overcome the illnesses that were passing through my room. I'm slowly building up an immunity to all of the first grade germs!!

Fairbanks Museum

We will be going to the museum on Friday, January 27th in the morning.