September Newsletter

Reading
KB has been working on stretching sounds with (bubble gum) Pathways to Reading helps us focus on the connections between letters, sounds, and the way our mouths form to create the sounds.
Mm /m/ sound is one we have worked on and we will continue on this upcoming month with the Nn /n/ , Ff /f/, and Vv /v/, sounds. I will be sending activities home so students can practice “popcorn words” words students need to know by sight because they will “pop” up in their reading. Our first list: the, of, a, to , and, in, is, you, that, it. Students should be able to recognize them and then later be able to write them.


Math
Every morning we take a look at the calendar, including, the month, year, days of week, and date. We are counting by one’s. Also we take a look at the weather and create a graph were we can compare our data.
We also have looked at several manipulatives like teddy bear counters and pattern blocks. We are going to continue working on numbers, counting, and graphing over the next few weeks.


Writing
We have already started our Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) writing program. We have a packet that stays at school that we write in. Please help your students practice writing their name using lower case letters and only a capital at the beginning. HWT has writers starting at the top to make their letters, help prompt your student to start at the top every time. We have worked with the letter M and numbers 1, 2, 3. We are going to continue on with letters F, N, E, and D. Also we will keep working on our numbers 0-9.



Communication
What is the best way to make sure your child is doing great in school? Ask your child questions. Ask your child what they did in school that day, have them show you some of the things they have been practicing.
Ask your teacher questions. Please don’t feel like you need to wait until conferences to find out information about your student’s progress in school. Please use the FROG binders.
Email is the best way to communicate quickly. I will normally check my inbox during lunch and while they are at specials. If you are letting me know about a change in after school travel arrangements or a child’s absence. I will always send a response to let you know the message has been read.



Who does my child see everyday?
I’m Ms. Gray, this is my second year teaching kindergarten in Corning. Prior to that I taught 5th grade down in the Ozarks after graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. I’m also a former graduate of Corning.
Mrs. Hardisty, is a proud mother of 2 wonderful girls. She will be helping out in the classroom, with recess, and in with lunch as our para educator.
Your child will have at least one special a day. Ms. Winter teaches art, Mr. Naugle will keep them active in P.E.., Ms. Docker works with the students in music, Mrs. Goldsmith will have them in library, and Mrs. Morales will be teaching them Spanish.
Your student may also visit other classrooms during the day. Mrs. Reynolds does Title I Math and Mrs. Thompson will be working with students in Title I Reading this year.


Book orders
Book orders are due on Thursday, Septembe11 , 2008. Please do not feel obligated to purchase books. Each month I will send home a stack of book orders. Scholastics is a great way to build up your students home library. You may send in cash or make checks out to Scholastics.



September Dates To Remember
September Week 1 Fall
Monday, September 1st
No School
Tuesday, September 2nd
FV’s Birthday
Wednesday, September 3rd
Early Out 1:35
Friday, September 5th
BA'sBirthday
September Week 2 Apples
Wednesday, September 10th
Early Out 1:35
Thursday, September 11
Book Orders Due
Saturday, September 13
Cheerleading Clinic 1-4pm
September Week 3 Leaves
Tuesday, September 16th
BVand BV's Birthdays
Wednesday, September 17th
Early Out 1:35
September Week 4 Fire Safety
Thursday, September 25th
Homecoming Pep Rally
(Elementary Spirit Squad Cheers)
Friday, September 26th
Homecoming-Early Out
(Elementary Spirit Squad Cheers)