Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Summer Slide and Reading Challenge

Summer is almost here! Can you believe it? I know we all have a lot of things on our "Bucket List" this summer, but one thing that is NOT on the list is the Summer Slide!

Here are some statistics about the Summer Slide:
·        Teachers spend 4 - 6 weeks re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer.
·        Students experience significant learning loss when they do not participate in educational activities during the summer months.
·        Reading during the summer can prevent a decline in a child's fall reading scores.

In efforts to avoid the Summer Slide, I am encouraging your child to take the Summer Slide and Reading Challenge! Here is what you need to know:

Summer Slide Review Packet
Attached to this a paper you will find a packet full of worksheets your child can complete to make sure they are still practicing their academic skills during the long summer vacation.
Reading Log
It is so important to make sure your kiddo is still reading during the break.  Each time your child reads a book, have them fill out the reading log.  Don’t forget the website www.raz-kids.com (password: Orchard1b). This is a fabulous site where your child can access books on their reading level. I am challenging your kiddo to read at least 30 books.


If your child takes on this challenge, they will get to participate in a celebration when they return back to school in the fall. Simply have them return their completed packet and reading log when school starts. I know with our combined efforts, we will not see your child experience the summer slide! 

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Last Minute Details

Here are some last minute details to keep in mind for next week:

Guided Reading Books
If your child has a guided reading envelope and/or a guided reading book at home from any previous weeks, could you please return it to school as soon as possible. I need to make sure these books get returned to the library.

Field Day
Field Day will be Monday, May 18th. This will be a really exciting day.  Coach has planned several water activities. Here is what your child needs to bring that day:
1. An extra change of clothes and shoes
2. Sunscreen
3. Tennis shoes that are ok to get dirty
4. Sack lunch from home or school sack lunch
Kindergarten will have Field Day in the morning.  Your child will be pretty miserable the rest of the day if they do not bring an extra set of clothes! If you are interested in volunteering, that is great! I am sure Coach Higgins would appreciate the help (taylorhiggins@willardschools.net).

Last Day of School
The last day of school is Friday, May 22nd. This is also a half day of school, so we will dismiss at 12:30.

Summer Reading Challenge
It is so important that your child continues to read this summer. I will be sending home information about a summer reading challenge next week. Keep an eye out for this in your child’s take home folder.

Taking Home Supplies
Next week we will start cleaning out our cubbies, so your child will be taking home many of their folders/school supplies in their backpacks. Check your kiddo’s backpack, because they might get pretty heavy. If an item doesn’t come home, I am keeping it for next year for them to use (folders and binders). This should hopefully save you some money when buying school supplies in the fall. I plan on attaching a school supply list to a letter that will come in the mail before school starts.


I have really enjoyed working with all of you this year! I am so excited to continue our journey next year!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

May 4th - May 8th

What We Are Learning
Reading:  This week we reviewed retelling all important events. We practiced  this by ordering events in stories using pictures. I also started DRA assessments. This test will help me determine your child’s independent reading level.
Alphabet: In alphabet this week, we looked at the _ack word family (examples: back, Jack, black, etc.). We also learned about the blends str and tw.
Writing: This week we made and wrote something very special for Mother’s Day.  Your child should be coming home with some pretty special items to give you. You just might tear up a little bit!
Math: This week we finished our measurement unit on length and weight.  I also started end of the year math assessments.
Theme: During theme this week, we learned about frogs. Ask your kiddo to show you the life cycle of a frog!

Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you all for an amazing Teacher Appreciation Week! I feel so blessed! You are truly the most supportive parents around!

Field Day
Field Day will be Monday, May 18th. This will be a really exciting day.  Coach has planned several water activities. Here is what your child needs to bring that day:
•             An extra change of clothes and shoes
•             Sunscreen (I get sunburned every year!)
•             Tennis shoes that are ok to get dirty
•             Sack lunch from home or school sack lunch
Kindergarten will have Field Day in the morning.  Your child will be pretty miserable the rest of the day if they do not bring an extra set of clothes!

Guided Reading Books
If your child has a guided reading envelope and/or a guided reading book at home from any previous weeks, could you please return it to school as soon as possible. We are making sure our guided reading library is intact and ready for next year, and if you could help us out with making sure they are all returned, it would be greatly appreciated!

Dates to Remember
May 18th: Field Day

May 22nd: Last Day of School