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Mrs. McGinty Current Events
Robbie McGinty:
I started teaching at St. John Fisher School in 2001. I
received my B.A. in early childhood and elementary education at the University
of Portland where I later graduated with my Master’s degree in Education. I
taught in a preschool and a Montessori before I found this wonderful place! I
lovingly work with Delores Beckers. She is the Kindergarten Instructional
Assistant and she has been with St. John Fisher for many years. We have four
guidelines in Kindergarten: 1) We take care of ourselves, 2) We take care of
each other, 3) We take care of our environment and 4) We love our God. We are
very happy to be with this wonderful community.
Mrs. McGinty Current
Events:
March 15th-19th
Week In Review:
The students started to explore reasons why they
care for the Earth as they decorated special cards with their photographs. We
also began to build our Earth dioramas. Each group picked a different
environment to create (forest, beach, jungle, etc.) This has been so much fun.
These projects have helped your children to develop responsibility as they have
worked together and thought about why it is important to care for our beautiful
planet! Please remember to come to our Social Studies Fair on March 17th
from 6:30-7:30. Our display will be in the kindergarten classroom.
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. – Leprechauns, Mrs. McGinty – Small Reading Groups, Ms. Beuving –
Finishing touches on Social Studies Fair Projects, Computers and Shelf Work
Math:
Calendar (Counting Days)
Religion:
Palm Sunday and The Stations of the Cross
Second Step:
“Dealing with having things taken away”
Science:
Identifying hard and soft objects
Writing:
Weekend News, The letters R and r
Reminders:
Report Cards:
You will receive your child’s report card in their folders on Thursday, March
11. The school is asking parents to sign and return the report cards, we will
make a copy and then you can have the original. We are keeping them on file.
Please take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of the report card with
your child. The comments are important for them to hear too.
If you notice they received a “check mark” or an “I” for
Needs Improvement for a skill I would like your help to reinforce the skills at
home. For example, if they got a “check mark” for skip counting. You could count
in the car, count in the bathtub, or count on a walk until they are comfortable
with their numbers. You could also use a manipulative like beans or coins. If it
is a social skill please try “role playing.” For example, if they are developing
the skill to follow directions allow them to set the table. Did they remember
all the items? Try adding an unexpected item to make it harder! Role-playing
also means you can come up with a different scenario for your son or daughter
and they will tell you what they would do in the situation. For example: “What
would you do if someone bumped you as they were lining up?” “What would you
say?”
You are their number one teacher! Extra encouragement at home
will really pay off for first grade. Try to take a moment during the evening to
tackle a skill. Please let me know what I can do to help you.
Food Drive:
The Sunshine Division is collecting canned food to give families in need. They
are in extra need of canned fruit but any canned food will do.
The grade that brings in the most canned foods will receive class of the
month. Our goal for the Kindergarten class is for each family to bring in two
canned foods. If we reach this goal then students will receive an extra recess.
So, please encourage your child to look through your pantry and donate any
canned food that your family is willing to give. Thank you for your wonderful
support!
Social Studies Fair:
Thank you very much for your donations. We have all the shoeboxes we need. Yeah!
We sill need some photographs so that each student can create a card about why
they care for the Earth. So, please if you have not done so, send in a
photograph of your child doing something outside. Please make sure the photo is
something we can cut and glue. The Social Studies Fair is this week so please
bring in your photograph ASAP. Thank you very much for all of your support!
Tuesday, March 17th:
St. Patrick’s Day! We will have green stickers for your children to put on their
uniforms. No pinching leprechauns in here!
Thursday, March 18th
(8:30 in the cafeteria): Our first Jogathon
Assembly!
March 22-26:
Spring Break! See you next week on Monday, March 29th! Have a great time with
your family! Rest and enjoy!
March 8-13th
Week in Review:
This
week your children made weather wheels and studied temperature. We tested the
temperature of hot and cold water and recorded the readings of the thermometers
with red crayon. We also took the temperature of our hands! It was so much fun!
Birthdays:
March 8th–
Madie
March 11th-
Araina
This Week:
Math: Times of the Day
(your children will interpret and create pictures of the morning, afternoon, and
evening)
Writing: Weekend News, the
letter “j” and “J”
Science: “What is winter?”
and “What are different kinds of storms?”
Center Time: Mrs. B:
Leprechaun art, Ms. Beuving: Earth dioramas, Mrs. McGinty: Earth Cards
Religion: Stations of the
Cross
Reminders:
Food Drive:
The Sunshine Division is collecting canned fruit to give families in need. The
grade that brings in the most canned foods will receive class of the month. So,
please encourage your child to look through your pantry and donate any canned
fruit that your family is willing to. Thank you for your wonderful support!
Social Studies Fair:
We are beginning to plan our project for the social studies fair held on
Wednesday, March 17th from 6:30 pm - 7:30
pm this year. Your children will be making Earth dioramas and making cards about
why they can care for our planet. For this project we will need men’s size
shoeboxes (top & bottom). Students will work in groups, so every child does not
need one shoe box but it is nice to have extra. If you have a good men’s shoebox
you are willing to donate please send it in with your child. We also need a
picture of your child doing something outside to make our cards. Please make
sure the photo is something we can cut and glue. We are planning to create these
projects this week if possible. So
please bring in your shoe box and photograph ASAP. Thank you very much for all
of your support!
Rest Mats: Rest mats are
being sent home. Please wash them over the weekend so your child can have a nice
and fresh place to rest next week. Thank you!
Save the Date:
Spaghetti Dinner:
Sunday, March 7th-
Please keep
your eyes open for future announcements in the SAM or the SJF website. It is a
great night! We will be presenting a “Theme Basket” for a raffle. The Theme
Basket for Kindergarten is “Gift Cards.” (i.e. $5 cards to places like
Starbucks, Jamba Juice, iTunes, Borders, Target.)
Every child that brings in a gift card will receive a coupon for an ice
cream treat later in the spring to keep them cool!
Jogathon Assembly:
At 8:30 in the morning. Please see the SAM for details about pledges and due
dates
J
Muffins with Mom:
Wednesday, May 12th @ 8:20 am-8:50 am (SJF Cafeteria)
Donuts with Dad:
Wednesday, June 2nd @ 8:20 am-8:50 am (SJF Cafeteria)
March 1-5th
Week in Review:
On
Thursday, February 25th we celebrated our “100th” Day of
Kindergarten! (We did not count
weekends, snow days or holidays.) We made fun rain sticks with 100 dried beans
and popcorn kernels in each of them. The children really enjoyed decorating
these instruments and learning about the history of rain sticks. The first
people to make rain sticks were tribal members in the deserts of Chile. They
used cactuses to make them.
Birthdays:
Drew: March 2nd
Dominic: March 5th
Madelyn: March 8th
Ariana: March 11th
This Week:
Math:
Choosing groups with more or fewer items; Times of the Day
Writing:
Weekend News, the letter “y”
Science:
“What is Summer?” and “What is Fall?”
Center Time:
Mrs. B: Spring butterfly art; Ms. Beuving: Thermometer lab; Mrs. McGinty: Small
reading groups
Religion:
Celtic Crosses
Reminders:
Social Studies Fair:
We are beginning to plan our project for the social studies fair held on
Wednesday, March 17th from 6:30 pm - 7:30
pm this year. Your children will be making Earth dioramas and making cards about
why they can care for our planet. For this project we will need men’s size
shoeboxes (top & bottom). Students will work in groups, so every child does not
need one shoe box but it is nice to have extra. If you have a good men’s shoebox
you are willing to donate please send it in with your child. We also need a
picture of your child doing something outside to make our cards. Please make
sure the photo is something we can cut and glue. We are planning to create these
projects this week if possible. So
please bring in your shoe box and photograph ASAP. Thank you very much for all
of your support!
Donations for Haiti:
Tomorrow (February 26th) is the last day to bring in donations for
Haiti. Please bring in your change
or anything else you are willing to sacrifice for these wonderful people in
need! Please note that the class who
raises the most $will receive class of the month!
Markers:
The teachers in the K class have noticed that the marker supply is running low.
If you know that your child needs new markers to keep in his or her pencil box
please send them in so they make art with all the colors of the rainbow! Thank
you!
Save the Date:
Online Auction:
The online auction launches Friday, February 26th.
You can place bids at (sjfschool.cmarket.com).
There are some great deals…think silent auction…but better!
Spaghetti Dinner:
Sunday, March 7th-
Please keep
your eyes open for future announcements in the SAM or the SJF website. It is a
great night! We will be presenting a “Theme Basket” for a raffle. The Theme
Basket for Kindergarten is “Gift Cards.” (i.e. $5 cards to places like
Starbucks, Jamba Juice, iTunes, Borders, Target.)
Every child that brings in a gift card will receive a coupon for an ice
cream treat later in the spring to keep them cool!
Muffins with Mom:
Wednesday, May 12th @ 8:20 am-8:50 am (SJF Cafeteria)
Donuts with Dad: Wednesday, June 2nd @ 8:20 am-8:50 am (SJF
Cafeteria)
February 22nd-26th
Week In Review:
This was a great week in Kindergarten. We welcomed
a new student, Madelyn. She did a great job! Your children have been very
helpful by showing her the things we do in Kindergarten. Welcome Madelyn and her
family! We are so thrilled that you are now a part of the SJF community!
The students were really able to tap into their
math skills. We learned about making equal groups with unifix cubes and we
practiced writing our numbers. The children were also exposed to a “Reduce,
Reuse, & Recycle” song as we learned how to protect our Earth.
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. – Weather wheel, Mrs. McGinty – Small Reading Groups, Ms. Beuving-
Drawing and writing about land uses (i.e. We use wood to make camp fires and we
harvest plants to eat.), Computers and Shelf Work
Religion:
Lent. How are you preparing for Easter? We will decorate Celtic crosses to
prepare for St. Patrick’s Day!
Second Step:
Dealing with distractions
Science:
What are different kinds of weather? & What is spring?
Writing:
Weekend News, Handwriting: lower case w and capital W
Reminders:
100th Day:
This day falls on Thursday the 25th of February. That’s this week! We
are making rain sticks with 100 popcorn kernels in them. We need paper-towel
rolls. Please send these in with your child in the morning. Parent volunteers
are waiting to take home paper-towel rolls to prepare, so if you could send them
in ASAP that would be great! If you have extra, that’s great too. We could
always use some for students who did not bring one in. We could also use some
volunteers to help out with the art project that will be held on Thursday the 25th
from 1:15 to 1:40. If you are interested please let us know. Thank you!
Social
Studies Fair:
We are beginning to plan our project for the social studies fair held on
Wednesday, March 17th from 6:30 pm - 7:30
pm this year. Your children will be making Earth dioramas and making cards about
why they can care for our planet. For this project we will need men’s size
shoeboxes (top & bottom). Students will work in groups, so every child does not
need one shoe box but it is nice to have extra. If you have a good men’s shoebox
you are willing to donate please send it in with your child. We also need a
picture of your child doing something outside to make our cards. Please make
sure the photo is something we can cut and glue. Thank you very much for all of
your support!
Hot lunch
orders: Due on Saturday, February 20th.
Teacher Swap:
On Monday, February 22nd the SJF teachers are going to swap
classrooms. Lucy Meneghello is the “Principal for the Day” and this is her
request! Ms. Schoenheit (4th grade teacher) will take over
Kindergarten. She will teach the class the Second Step Lesson (Dealing with
distractions). She will do awesome! She is a wonderful teacher and she also
taught Mrs. McGinty’s class during her “maternity leave” in 2007. Mrs. McGinty
and I will be teaching 8th grade algebra, so wish us luck!
Donations for Haiti:
The last day we will be accepting donations for Haiti is Thursday, February 25th.
We were able to collect $60.56 on Friday, February 12 from 8:00-8:15. That is
amazing. Thank you! Please bring in your spare change or anything you would like
to give to these people in need. The class with the largest donation will
receive “Class of the Month!” They will announce the class results on Friday,
February 26th at our All School Assembly at 2:00.
Lent:
In your child’s folder you will find a butterfly sheet. The caterpillar and
butterfly symbolize the growth that we experience during Lent. Every time your
child does a good deed (helps with the cleaning/cooking, plays nicely with a
sibling, etc.) ask them to color in one leaf. The goal is to have the entire
sheet colored before Lent is finished. Keep this sheet on your refrigerator so
the entire family can view the spiritual growth that your child is experiencing.
This is also a great way to provide positive reinforcement for your child when
he or she makes a good choice.
February 16-19
Week In Review:
The children are becoming great scientists
as we explore the different landforms on our Earth. Students are making
mountains, valleys, and plains with molding clay and are also drawings pictures
of each with great detail. Thanks to everyone for the great Valentine’s Party!
We had so much fun making our art and sharing Valentines!
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. – Writing numbers, Mrs. McGinty – Reading Groups, Ms. Beuving- counting
w/ unifix cubes, Computers, Shelf Work
Math:
Deciding which number is bigger and which one is smaller
Religion:
“What is Lent?”
Science:
“How do we use water and air?” and “How can you help care for the Earth?”
Writing:
Weekend News, The letters U and u
Reminders:
February 15:
No School! President’s Day!
100th Day:
The 100th day of school will fall on Thursday Feb. 25th
this year. There will be a special snack during the regular snack time at 9:15
in the morning. The art project will be held the same day at 1:15-1:40 in the
afternoon. We will be making rain sticks with 100 dried beans and popcorn
kernels in each of them! Each child will make one rain stick. Please save your
paper towel rolls for this project. It is nice to bring in extra in case another
child forgot. You can start sending these in any time & we will store them in
the classroom for this very special day! We are also looking for parent
volunteers that need hours. We could use your help with putting 100 dried
beans/popcorn kernels in zip loc baggies. Just let Mrs. McGinty, Mrs. B., or
myself know if you are interested and we will provide you with the supplies to
take home and have them ready by Thursday, February 25! Thank you!
Social
Studies Fair: We
are beginning to plan our project for the social studies fair held on Wednesday,
March 17th from 6:30pm-7:30pm this year.
Your children will be making Earth dioramas and making cards about why they can
care for our planet. For this project we will need men’s size shoeboxes (top &
bottom). Students will work in groups, so every child does not need one shoe box
but it is nice to have extra. If you have a good men’s shoebox you are willing
to donate please send it in with your child. We also need a picture of your
child doing something outside to make our cards with. Please make sure the photo
is something we can cut and glue. Thank you very much for all of your support!
Reading
Homework: Thank you for taking the time each
night to read with your child! I invite you to take more time with each page to
answer any questions from your child. This is your son or daughter’s way of
comprehending the book. The St. John Fisher staff read a book called “Mosaic of
Thought, The Power of Comprehension Strategy Instruction” by Ellin Oliver Keene
and Susan Zimmermann. The book celebrates the idea of students “thinking about
their thinking.” For example, if you read the word “radish” and you notice that
the artist drew orange radishes you can say: “Hmm? I wonder why the radishes are
orange? What color are radishes?” Of course this type of reading will take you a
little longer but it is a great way for your child to understand the book and/or
the vocabulary more thoroughly. Your child could also have a question that would
lead them to branch off from the book to another idea or book. Thinking about
our thinking could show your child that we have thoughts all the time when we
read! Sometimes our thoughts are actually reading strategies. The wonderful
thing about the kindergarten age group is they already ask questions all the
time! You also do not always have to finish the book if it creates so many
questions and it is getting too late! Put a bookmark in the page and save it for
the next night! Enjoy!
February 1-4
Week
In Review:
Last week was so much fun! We learned about the
Chinese New Year and made dragon puppets! We also prepared special gifts for the
Grandparents on Family Day this week. Your children are so excited to share
their school and their special surroundings.
Birthdays:
(We are celebrating summer birthdays this month!)
Timothy: February 8th (July 23rd)
Jada: February 10th (July 25th)
Jesse: February 17th (July 28th)
Ella: February 23nd (August 8th)
Jimmy: February 24th
(August 10th)
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. – Valentine’s Art, Mrs. McGinty – Small reading groups, Ms. Beuving-
Soil, Sand, and Rocks Lab (Computers and Shelf Work)
Math:
Identifying Solid Shapes
Science:
What makes up Earth’s Surface? & What are some of Earth’s Landforms?
Writing:
Weekend News, The letters K and k (D’Nealian is tricky with this letter!)
Reminders:
No School:
Friday, February 5th (Faith based in-service for teachers)
Math: We
will be sending the “Sort Solid Shapes” worksheet home. Please enjoy coloring
the back of this sheet with your children as a home activity to hang on your
refrigerator!
Valentine Cards!
Please allow your child to make 24 Valentines for their classmates. They will
only need to sign their own name on the cards. We do NOT address
the cards because it is much easier for your child to just drop their cards in
any Valentine bag. Your son or daughter will bring their completed cards to
school on Friday morning, February 12th. Thanks!
Valentine Party:
The party will from 2:00-2:45 and all are welcome! We will have snacks and a fun
craft provided!
The Afghanistan’s School supplies:
Thank you for your warm contributions. We will hear our contest results at the
end of the month assembly on Monday, February 1st @ 2:30.
Monday, February 15th:
President’s Day – NO SCHOOL
Family Day:
(Wednesday, February 3rd)
10am Mass (8th grade)
11:15-12:00 A-L in Library, M-Z at lunch
12:00-12:45 M-Z in Library, A-L at lunch
12:45-1:00 school wide recess
1:00 resume classes
If you would like to join us for Mass please allow your
children to meet you in their classroom, so that you may walk to the church
together and sit with their “family groups”. After Mass you are welcome to enjoy
your delicious lunch or explore the school with your children. Please take the
time to find your child’s artwork displayed in the hallways and in their
classroom. You may also wish to visit the library and donate a book. Enjoy this
wonderful day! We are all so excited! Thank you!
January 25, 2010
Week
In Review:
It has
been very fun watching your children adjust to a new teacher in here! I have
noticed that the class is very flexible with new situations and with Ms.
Beuving. This is a direct reflection of the maturity and balance that your child
posses. You have done a wonderful job as their parent to relay trust and respect
of authority. I am reminded every day of the responsibility I have to ensure a
safe and happy environment for your children. They are precious to us at St.
John Fisher. Sincerely, Robbie McGinty
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. –Art for Family Day! Mrs. McGinty and Ms. Beuving – Small Reading
Groups, Computers and Shelf Work
Math:
Identifying Solid Shapes. Look around your house! What shape is your Kleenex box
or a can of food? Do they roll or do they slide?
Second Step:
Dealing with being hurt.
Science: We
will make collages of animals that live in hot and cold places from magazine
pictures!
Social Studies:
Friendship
Writing:
Weekend News, The letters H and h, and more Practice Pages from the book:
Armadillo’s Orange. If you noticed your son or daughter brought home their first
Practice Book (Pink with a Hippo on the cover) they are yours to keep! We were
able to complete most of the pages in the book but if you notice a page is not
completed take the chance at home! We skipped some pages in class. Have fun!
Reminders:
Catholic School’s Week:
February 1-4. All Families are welcome to visit our school on Wednesday morning
and stay for Mass and a superb lunch!
February 5th:
Teacher’s In-Service Day. NO SCHOOL! Ms. Beuving and I will attend a Faith
Formation In-Service.
School Supplies:
Please remember to bring in school supplies for the students in Afghanistan.
This would be a perfect time to go on a shopping spree at the Dollar Store! You
can be assured that your school supplies will be safely delivered to a school in
Afghanistan from a true American Soldier. He happens to be a cousin of two
current students at St. John Fisher School. Please bring your supplies into the
classroom. Thank you.
Progress Reports:
These will be coming home to you in your child’s folder on Thursday, January
28th. This is not a chance for me to “surprise” you but a chance to communicate
with you. I never want you feeling shocked when your child brings important
papers home. For example if a social behavior has a check mark for “developing
behavior” on the Progress Report I am voicing a concern that I see in the
classroom. Yes. I am hopeful that it will be a plus sign in March after both of
us practice discussing the importance of the subject with your son or daughter.
I am your cheerleader too. We want the best for your child. You can always
e-mail me if you would like to talk during or after school. Talking in person is
better than e-mail because I can relay information with the perfect tone of
voice.
January 12-16
Week In Review:
We
would love to extend a warm welcome to a new student and his family to our
kindergarten class! The class is doing a very good job of explaining all the new
rules at St. John Fisher! You would be very proud to see how well they are all
getting along.
We
would also like to welcome our Student Teacher. She is learning the “ropes” this
week and you will start to see her sitting in the rocking chair more and more
during the day. I of course will still be in the classroom with Mrs. B. The
Student Teacher will start her full time teaching on Monday, February 1. She is
doing a great job of incorporating her love of sign language and teaching with
all of us. She will do beautifully!
When
we returned from our long break we wanted to talk about the snow and the gifts
we received from Santa. It was so great to see your children’s smiling faces. It
was fun to see some students had grown taller, some had lost teeth, some had a
haircut but most of all they were all so happy to be here! It does feel a little
like September because we are getting used to the full day of 8:00-3:00. We are
very busy!
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. – Writing Numbers, Mrs. McGinty – Small Reading Groups, Computers and
Shelf Work
Math: Equal
Parts and Dividing Shapes in Half. When you are cooking at home could you allow
your child to separate food for you in equal parts? What else can you cut or
divide?
Religion:
Jesus is One of Us. Jesus Grew Up in Nazareth.
Second Step:
Identifying Feelings. What happens to our body when it is feeling angry?
Science:
Animals that live in hot and cold places
Writing:
Weekend News, The letter Ll, Writing comprehension skills for the book: Dig Dig
Digging!
Snack Prayer:
Tune – Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Let’s be thankful for this
day,
For our friends and for
our play.
Let’s be thankful let’s be
glad,
For this food and things
we have.
Let’s give thanks for you
and me,
And our home and family.
Amen.
Reminders:
Change of Clothes:
We are going outside again and sometimes we are getting very wet. It would be
great if you could pack a gallon Ziploc baggie with a change of clothes for your
son or daughter to keep in their cubby. It can get pretty miserable to sit in
soggy pants! (Please pack clothes close to the uniform.)
Community Service Project:
The Student Board will announce our next Service Project for the month of
January on Friday, January 8 during an all school assembly. Thank you for
bringing in your food and toiletry items for the St. Vincent DePaul drive. We
are lucky to have such generous families. It is a great example for our
children.
PTC Meeting on Wednesday, January 13th:
Please join us in the cafeteria at 6:00 for the social and stay for the meeting
at 6:30. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our school and learn
about any new ideas or procedures for SJF.
Open House:
Please inform interested families about our Open House on Thursday, January 21st
at 6:30. Mrs. B and I will be ready to answer any questions about our wonderful
school. We will also be opening our classrooms from 9:00-11:30 on January 22nd
for New Parent Tours.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday:
Monday, January 18th. No School! Thank you for spending the extra time in
explaining why they do not have school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will
read books about this famous leader and you could do the same at home. We should
take the time to honor diversity.
Grandparents/Family Day:
Wednesday, February 3. Come one, come all! Our school will host an Art Fair, a
special lunch and a book fair to donate books to our SJF Library for you and
your families!
Progress Reports are sent home:
Thursday, January 28th. Please remember that we will focus on the social skills
of your child and the academic skills will be posted on their next report card
in March. Please remember to continue to help your child with any skills that
they received a “check mark” or “developing” in December. For example, if your
son did not know all the letters in the alphabet please allow him to do extra
handwriting or reading skills for 5-10 minutes each night. Please let me know if
you need any help.
Thank you!
Mrs. B. and I were pleasantly surprised to receive such wonderful gifts from all
of you for Christmas. Thank you so much for thinking of us. We feel very
blessed!
December 14-18
Week In Review:
We celebrated the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday
with a special Mass. We discussed the importance of an angel who came to Mary to
say: “God is going to send you a baby. He will be God’s own Son. His name will
be Jesus.”
The students are learning more about the special day when
Jesus was born and was laid in a manger. We explored Bethlehem and the idea of a
manger. We also learned new words from the Wise men when they brought gold,
frankincense and myrrh.
This Week:
Center Time:
Snow People (Art Project), Computers and Shelf Work
Math:
Identifying shapes. Look at your Christmas tree! Is it a sphere, cone or
ellipsoid? Can you find a “cube” in your house?
Religion:
Advent, Christmas, Called to Protect Lesson about enforcing rules to protect our
bodies (wearing helmets, seat belts, jackets, etc).
Second Step:
Strong Feelings and Ways to Calm Down
Science:
Land and water animals
Writing:
Weekend News, The letter Ff
Reminders:
Wednesday, December 16th:
The SJF Christmas Program starts at 7:00!
Please bring your children into the classroom to meet Mrs.
McGinty and Mrs. B. at 6:45. Please let us know if your child
will not be able to attend. I will also check my e-mail at 6:45 that night to
make sure we don’t leave anyone behind! Your children can wear pretty and
handsome Christmas clothes (“Sundays Best”). Ms. Bjore did not have any other
requirements for their dress attire. Your children will wear large stars over
their faces. When they come that night I will put the stars on their cute faces.
Bring your camera!
After we are all assembled in the classroom and you have
found your seats in the cafeteria, we will walk to the stage for our first
presentation. After our presentation we will walk back to the classroom and wait
(color and read) for our next song and then again for the school’s finale at the
end! When the program is over we will walk back to the classroom and you can
pick us up! This will work out great because your children can leave their coats
in the classroom. Thank you!
Christmas Break:
December 19-January 4th (Please come to school on Monday, January 4th!)
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! You will see Miss Sarah Beuving when your
return with your child. She is very excited to start her teaching experience
with the school and your children.
St. Vincent DePaul Food Drive:
December 11th will be the last day to donate food and toiletries.
Please bring them into the classroom! If you forget then Monday and Tuesday will
be the last day! Thank you!
Snow and Ice Days:
St. John Fisher School follows the “Portland School District” school closure
schedule. Please watch the local news for school closures and if you notice
Portland school districts are late or closed you can assume that we are too! You
can also view our SJF web site! Personally, the SJF web site is quicker and
easier. Go to the direct source!
No Hot Lunch:
December 17th and 18th
Coats:
Thanks for bringing in warm coats, gloves and hats! We do take the time to put
them on your children. If the recesses are really cold then we have been staying
inside!
November 9-13
Week In Review:
We are
starting to focus on our next holiday! We are reading books about Pilgrims and
Thanksgiving. Next week we will explore our favorite Thanksgiving foods.
On
Wednesday, the class had a beautiful discussion about Jesus and his
resurrection. We first sang the song: Lord I Lift Your Name on High. Then the
children started the discussion about Jesus coming down from heaven, staying on
earth, dying on the cross, being buried in a tomb and then rising again to
heaven. Keep in mind that I only had the intention of singing the song with the
class! I was amazed at how much your children could keep this discussion alive.
Some students talked about Jesus on earth, some students talked about the 2
thieves that were crucified with Jesus and others talked about the miracle of
Jesus’ resurrection. One student said it best when he said: “God has many
powers.” Yes!
On Thursday, the class
discussed animals and their habitats. Your children are so smart! You can always
help spark their interest by reading science and/or non-fiction books for
homework. You will be amazed at how much they know or how much they will
remember! You can take their knowledge of books further by searching the
Internet together!
This Week:
Center Time:
Mrs. B. – Turkeys! (Please come check them out in our classroom! The turkeys
could become great centerpieces for your Thanksgiving tables!) and Shelf Work
Math:
Graphs, More and Less
Religion:
We are thankful!
Second Step:
Accidents. Remembering to say: “I’m sorry it was an accident.” We are observing
the differences of doing something “on purpose” and/or “by accident.”
Science:
Animal characteristics. What makes them the same and different?
Social Studies:
Treat others the way you would like to be treated!
Reminders:
Class of the Month Contest:
“Pennies for Patients.” Our school is raising money for patients who cannot
afford their medical bills. There is a trick to the procedure so I would like to
explain it to you. The way a class can win the contest is to have the least
amount of money in their class’s money basket. This means that your child will
put their donation in another class’s basket. When you come in the morning you
will notice the baskets outside each classroom and you can encourage your son or
daughter to drop their coins in another class’s basket! Good luck!
Saturday, November 7th:
SJF Auction (5:00-10:00)! Mrs. B and I will see you there!
November 11th:
Veteran’s Day! No School!
November 16th:
Parent Help Begins! The due date for the sheets are Friday, November 6th so I
can organize the helpers before Monday, November 16th. I will let
Parent Helpers know when their day is to come in by Thursday, November 12th.
November 24th and 25th:
Parent and Teacher Conferences. Thank you for signing up for a time! You will
receive your child’s report cards before the conferences and we can discuss it
during the conference.
November 26-27:
No School! Happy Thanksgiving
J
I am thankful for your partnership at SJF!
October 12-16 (FRIDAY IS
NOON DISMISSAL-PICK UP AT 12:00!)
This Week:
Center Time:
Leaf Rubbings and Shelf Work
Math:
Sequencing and Seed Stories! We will work on putting pictures in order so we can
tell a story about a pumpkin seed sprouting into a beautiful orange pumpkin.
Religion:
God Made the Sun and God Made the Moon
Second Step:
We Feel Feelings In Our Bodies
Science:
Pumpkins and Skeletons – Oh My!
Social Studies:
Workers on the farm!
Writing:
Weekend News, Writing skills in our workbooks
Reminders:
Field Trip:
Friday, October 23rd! We are going to “The Pumpkin Patch” on Sauvie
Island! Thank you to all of our chaperones. Mrs. B will contact you soon with
more information. Please look in your child’s folder. This is also a good time
for everyone to look for boots that come up to your children’s
knees! We go through the muddy corn maze every year and long boots are the best!
We change our shoes when we ride back in our chaperone’s car.
Life Works Candy Drive!
We have our first service project for the month of October. The service project
is going to be a candy drive for a men and women’s shelter called Life Works.
These men and women are recovering from drug and alcohol use. The candy will be
used for their sons and daughters when they go trick or treating! At the
assembly on October 6th Mrs. Holub also reminded us that when we get
excited for candy on Halloween we could share our own excitement by bringing in
candy for other children in need. Please bring your candy into the classroom and
we will collect it in the back of the classroom. The class with the most candy
by weight could win an extra recess, a free dress or a movie during class time.
The class will vote for their choice when they win.
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