News From Our Classroom

     Hello!  Happy Halloween week!  We've worked (and played) hard this week, so it's been a busy time!  Pumpkin Land went fairly smoothly (except for  the wait time for the presentation.  I think next year we won't leave until 8:45 am, and then we can get a little done at school, and have plenty of time to use the bathroom and snack before we go to the presentation).  The weather cooperated, the kids were great, and we had terrific chaperones!   Thank you so much for your help, especially if you were one of the folks who went with us.  These kinds of trips would not be possible without your help.  The children seemed to thoroughly enjoy the trip.
      We took our first district timed test for Math this week.  The children all handled the testing situation well.  Again, everyone is "pitted" only against their own score, not other people.  What became apparent, though, is that there are two levels of mathematicians in this class.  Everyone is currently functioning at grade level or beyond, so I am really happy with math in this room.  However, some kids are ready for more challenge at a faster pace, and some are good at the pace that things are currently happening for them.  So, this past week we divided the class into an "on pace" group (they selected "The Mathbusters!" for a name) and a "challenge group" (they chose "The BloodHounds"!! ).  The "BloodHounds"  will need to demonstrate their knowledge of all first grade math curriculum, too,  but will be a faster-paced group, and so will probably cover more than just first grade material.   The way Math class will work (until things change, of course) is in this format:
quick review (practicing a skill to build stamina and endurance); "mini lesson" taught by Mrs. D where we cover basic skills or strategies all first graders need to know; a "partners" practice session of the skill just taught (mixed groupings); and then an independent practice of today's skills (with Mrs. Steven, for the Mathbusters) and a second "mini lesson" to extend today's skill or to go beyond this skill (with Mrs. D for the BloodHounds).  We're going to give this a try for a while, to see how everyone is doing with the "new set-up", and make sure learning is happening on all fronts by everyone involved---we will "tweak" as the need arises.  All of this has to fit into a 45 minute block, so we snap right through from one activity to the next.  The 45 minutes FLIES by, but the kids seem to really be enjoying doing Math this way.
      Reading groups are going through minor adjustments as children are showing they may be capable of switching groups.   Some groups are fairly close together, and moving a child from one of these groups to another one that is fairly close in ability is easier to do that with one group that is several levels above the others.   When a child switches reading group, I let families know.   Right after we return from Thanksgiving Break, we will begin the assessment period for the end of the first trimester (Trimester one closes on December 4, 2015.  Report cards will come home around December 18th.)  It is not uncommon for "switching" to happen after these assessment periods are concluded.

       Next week is Halloween week.  For most of the week, we will try to carry on as usual, though worksheets and skill practice activities will contain more Halloween-related clipart than the rest of the year.  "The Seniors" ladies will be in on Tuesday morning for us to read to them.  We will also have a presentation/ performance from the "Tinpanic  Steel Band" sometime Tuesday.  This performance is sponsored by the Mahoosuc Arts Council.    Everything else will be fairly normal until Friday.
      On Friday, we will celebrate Halloween!  Please SEND IN a costume into which your child will change AFTER our Halloween Party.  Do NOT have your child come in to school in that costume, please.  It makes it almost impossible to get any work done that day.  At 8:30, the children will be treated to a presentation of "The Wizard of Oz" starring Judy Garland.  This film is rated PG (mostly because young children can be a little frightened of the idea of witches, or of her "flying monkeys" henchmen).  If you think your child might be a little afraid during this show, please send in a note and I will make sure to be nearby, if they need an adult to cling to.  Most kids watch worse stuff than this nowadays, but we do still have some "tenderhearts",  so your letting us know ahead of time will help to relieve their angst.  The children have earned this treat because of their ongoing excellent behavior, as demonstrated by the Coyote coupons we've handed out.  Congratulations, kids! Bathroom trips will be allowed (in small numbers) whenever your child tells me he or she needs to go.  We will bring our snacks with us, and will stop for a snack and stretch period around 9:30 (about halfway through the movie).  We will return to the classroom at 10:30, and will play some rounds of "Halloween Bingo" for the 20 minutes until lunchtime.  While the children are at lunch, I will set up treats for the party on the big table(s) in the room.  I already have one parent who has offered to send in a fruit and/ or veggie "healthy" snack.  I will bring in cheese slices, crackers, and "ham rolls".  If you would be interested in contributing food or drink for the party, please contact me.   After the party is over at 12:30, we will change into Halloween costumes and get ready to go on our Halloween Parade.  We will be gone about 45 minutes, and then will return to school and take off the Halloween costumes and repack them for use Halloween night.  I will also have "treat bags" to hand out to kids at this time, so please don't take your child home until he or she has a treat bag!
     And speaking of Halloween- - There will be two activities going on in town on Saturday (Halloween Day).   The first is a fundraiser put on by the Girls' Softball Team at Telstar.  This event included ball throwing games for kids competing for prizes.  It will take place at Bethel Auto Sales.  The second is that "trick or treating" will take place at Crescent Park on Halloween evening from 6 -7 pm, candy donations permitting.  If you enjoy being able to bring your child to the school to do some safe trick-or-treating, PLEASE consider donating nut-free candies or stickers or other treats for this cause.  Doors will only be open until the supplies are gone.  Right now, supplies are pretty low, as few donations have come in.
      Thank you in advance for any donations to the candy fund and / or to our classroom party.  Have a Happy Halloween.  We will see you at the Halloween Parade, hopefully!