May "things"...

It's May!  Can you BELIEVE it???

Things get really exciting around this time of year and I have a lot of extra responsibilities, so I apologize for not posting the past couple weeks!

Since the last time I posted we had quite a few students make their personal AR goal--
Congratulations to Dean, Nich'olaas, Simon, and Tymonn!

Also, we have had a few smarties make their AR Challenge goal of 12 points, as well-- Congratulations to Maile, Makaelyn, Kalese, Bryce, and Dean!

We have about 4 kids who are sooooo close to making their personal goal and about 3 who are sooooo close to making their AR Challenge goal!   This has been the BEST grading period as far as reading motivation, AR test scores, and AR goals are concerned.  I'm very proud of these little readers!
Spelling Words:
family, saw, paw, purple, know, swing, rang, talk, walk, goes  (There will be two "surprise" bonus words on our test this week... hint... study your previous bonus words...)

Dates to remember:

Thursday, May 4-- RHWJ signatures due, Jafta signed book slip due
Friday, May 5-- Reading and spelling tests (Jafta U8L1-3)
Monday, May 8-- Reading Log due (4 books)
Tuesday, May 9-- FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORM DUE!  Also, Math test, Chapter 8-- We have begun to learn how to tell TIME!!!  This is a GREAT skill to practice at home, and one that does not require a lot of prep work.  Please look at the clock frequently and ask your child questions.  (EX:  What time is it?  How many minutes until _____? If we go to baseball practice at 5 and practice is 1 hour long, what time will practice be over? etc.)  Telling time on an analog clock (the clock with a face, numbers, a minute hand and an hour hand) is a lot harder than on a digital clock.  If you have an analog clock at home please practice with this clock.

Future dates to remember:
Wednesday, May 19-- Early Dismissal 2 pm
Tuesday, May 23-- First Grade Field Trip to the Magic House (send a sack lunch)
Thursday, May 25-- School Carnival (more info will come home)
Friday, May 26-- Last day to make AR goal and AR challenge goal
Monday, May 29--NO SCHOOL-- MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, May 30-- End of year party in the morning, AR Challenge goal pizza party in the afternoon
Wednesday, May 31-- Last day of school, 12 pm dismissal


One last thing to discuss.... Fidget Cubes and Fidget Spinners...
I have told my students over the past few weeks that I have no problem with the fidget cubes or the fidget spinners as long as they are not a distraction.  I understand their purpose.  For some they work, for some they do not.  As of right now, I have allowed them into my classroom with two rules to follow:
1. They may not be a distraction in our learning environment.
2. They should not be passed around for others to use or play with.
I am going to stand by these rules for now, but they are slowwwwwly becoming a problem.  If you allow your child to bring a fidget cube/spinner to school please understand that we are not liable if that item becomes broken or stolen.  (We have already had 2 attempts at stealing where these are concerned.)  I DO NOT enjoy telling everyone that they have to suffer because of someone else's choices; however, I also can't keep spending class time trying to investigate where items have "run off" to.  As of now the school has not put a rule into place about fidget cubes or spinners, but based off of problems that I have seen and heard of occurring in other classes and grades, it would not surprise me if this rule is put into place.  If your child is bringing one to school, please discuss being respectful and responsible with them!    I will keep you posted of any changes!  Thank you for your understanding!

Have a great evening and week!
Hugs and High Fives,
Ms. Bleich