Yurack, Rebekah / Announcements

Monday, October 7th

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Fall Break! I'm excited about beginning the 2nd Nine weeks.

Please read this week's newsletter: October 7-11

Reminder - This Wednesday is a half-day of school. Elementary students are dismissed at 11:30. Please fill out the Half Day Google link letting me know of any transportation changes and what your child will do for lunch. I only need one parent to fill out the form. Here is the link: Google Form

Thursday, May 16th

Today I am sending home chromebooks, headphones, charger, and the packet for Monday's E-Learning Day. The chromebook and charger are checked out to your child. It is your family's responsibility to keep the chromebook and charger in a safe place at home during the summer so your child can have it to use in 1st grade.

In your child's Daily Folder you will find the directions for Monday's E-learning day. Please do not return the work to school until Tuesday. Thank you!

Remember to have your child wear our BLUE class shirt tomorrow for our Astro Bash. Your child does not need to bring a full change of clothes, towel, or water shoes tomorrow because the Astro Bash has been moved indoors. They need to wear socks and velcro/slip on tennis shoes as usual.

Please send your child's empty backpack with their empty Daily Folder tomorrow. Thank you!!

Please click this link to view learning opportunities over the summer for your child: Summer Learning Opportunities

A great way to save time and money is with ordering school supplies now for the 2024-2025 school year. The Columbia Elementary back-to-school supply kits are now available for you to order! Go to www.educationalproducts.com/shoppac k now and enter our School Code, which is COL217. The kit price for 1st grade is $55.

Tuesday, May 14th

Kindergarten Program: Our Kindergarten end of year program will be TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 15th, at 8:30am. Please plan for enough time to check in at the office and get your seat before the program begins promptly at 8:30. Our office staff has asked us to share that the lobby will not be open until 8:00, so if you plan to arrive early, please wait in your car until 8:00 to check in at the office. Remember, I sent a picture of the stage with our class wearing their blue shirts in order to help you pick the best seat to see your child!

Class Party: This will be on Tuesday, May 21st. Our party will be outside. It will begin at 8:30 and last until 10:00. Please apply sunblock on your child before sending him/her to school on party day. The Kindergarten classes will rotate through several stations. The Kindergarten room moms are organizing our party. Parents are welcome to come to our party, but no siblings. Please have your child wear our BLUE class shirt this day. The party snack is Kona Ice. You will have to pre-order and pre-pay for the party snack. An order form was sent home in your child’s folder. Please return this form and $4 exact cash no later than this Friday, May 17th. May 21st is also a half-day of school. Students will be dismissed at 11:30.

Thursday, May 9th

Here is this week’s newsletter: May 13-17. Thank you for taking the time to read it each week!

Due to weather conditions, the Astro Bash has been moved to the rain date of May 17th. The lunch menu has changed. Tomorrow the cafeteria will be serving hot turkey croissants, potato wedges, green beans, tossed salad, and fruit now instead of the sack lunches. Whatever you marked on my Google Form for your child’s lunch for the Astro Bash, we will apply to the May 17th date.

Class Party: This will be on Tuesday, May 21st. Our party will be outside. It will begin at 8:30 and last until 10:00. Please apply sunblock on your child before sending him/her to school on party day. The Kindergarten classes will rotate through several stations. The Kindergarten room moms are organizing our party. Parents are welcome to come to our party, but no siblings. Please have your child wear our BLUE class shirt on this day. The party snack is Kona Ice. You will have to pre-order and pre-pay for the party snack. An order form was sent home in your child’s folder on Wednesday. May 21st is also a half-day of school. Students will be dismissed at 11:30.

Thursday, May 2nd

Click the link to read next week's newsletter: May 6-10. Please note the important information box. As it states, our classes will be taking their DIBELS assessments on Wednesday, May 8th and Thursday, May 9th. A great way to help them prepare for this is to have your child read the words and sentences on the reading practice page in your child’s green Practice Folder. The more they practice the better readers they become. Thank you for your continued support this year. The children have grown so much and I know they will all do their best on these assessments.

I emailed a picture of where our class will stand on the stage during our End of the Year Program. This should help you find a seat with a good view of your child. I also added several pictures of our fun time at Field Day our Google Drive!

Reminder: Thank you for sending your child in their class shirt today. The next time they need to wear it is on May 10th for the Astro Bash. The students will be outside the majority of the day, so please apply sunblock before sending them to school. We encourage them to wear crocs or athletic sandals. Please send a FULL change of clothes, including underwear. The students may need to change after they go to the water station.

End of Year Assessments - Starting May 7, I will reassess all of our Kindergarten Standards for our last report card. I have to submit 4th Nine Weeks grades on May 17. This means now is the time to review and practice any of the standards your child has yet to master. Refer back to the pictures you took of your child’s Progress Report so you know what standards to practice with your child. Thank you for your support at home.

Monday, April 29th

Here is this week’s newsletter: April 29-May 3

This week we are reading and writing words with the digraphs /ch/ and /sh/. We will also be reviewing our sight words.

Our class will begin taking their Spring iReady reading diagnostic assessment starting tomorrow. We will also take our math diagnostic this week. You will want to make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. Thank you for your continued support this year. The children have grown so much and I know they will all do their best on these assessments.

May is filled with many fun activities! Many of which will require a sack lunch. For planning purposes, all sack lunches have to be pre-ordered. Please fill out this Google Form for me so I will know if your child is bringing lunch or will need one ordered. . Here is the link: May Google Form.  Then, record your selection on your calendar at home to ensure you know which days you chose a school sack lunch/home sack lunch. Please only complete this for your child that is in my class. Please complete by 10:00 am Wednesday, May 1st.

  *End of Year Activities*

It is important for each parent to read this information and follow directions about class shirts, water bottles, and towels. I know several of you are experiencing the end of the year activities for the first time. The following are descriptions of each activity so that you can be prepared and know what to expect:

Field Day - This will be Thursday, May 2nd. Coach Fields has planned our Field Day events. Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:00. The classes will rotate through several stations.The majority of the stations are held outside, so please apply sunblock on your child before sending your child to school. Please have your child’s water bottle labeled with their name and have it filled with water and ice. Please send a towel. It would help your child if you sent the water bottle and towel inside a plastic bag (Target, Publix, etc.) or a small drawstring backpack so they can easily keep up with their items. The only parents that are allowed to attend Field Day are the parents who sign up to volunteer. If you are a volunteer, see Coach Fields for your assignment. We will eat lunch much later on Field Day than normal, so please make sure your child eats breakfast. Please have your child wear our BLUE class shirts to Field Day.

Astro Bash - This will be on Friday, May 10th. Please have your child wear our BLUE class shirts to Field Day. We will spend most of the day outside. Please apply sunscreen before school and bring a refillable water bottle labeled with your child’s name. We will have a picnic lunch outside so please send your child with a towel for the picnic. There will be inflatables at the bash and water activities, so crocs/athletic sandals/ slip on shoes are a MUST! No flip-flops. We will not have time to tie shoes before rotating stations. Since children may get wet, please send a change of clothes in a gallon bag labeled with your child's name as well.

End of the Year Program – This will be on Wednesday, May 15th in our cafeteria. This is an opportunity for our students to perform for you. They will sing songs and recite poems. All parents, grandparents, younger siblings are welcome to come to our End of the Year program. We will begin promptly at 8:30, so please arrive around 8:15 to have time to sign in and find a seat. Please be in your seat by 8:30. The performance should only last about 30 minutes. This is a special performance so the children are encouraged to dress nicely. You should have an opportunity after the show to say hello and take pictures. Please let me know if your child will not be here, so I do not save them a spot on the stage. I will take a picture of our class during one of the practices so you can see where we will be standing on the stage. Your child can bring a change of clothes and shoes to put on after the program.

Class Party – Our End of the Year Party will be Tuesday, May 21st at 8:30. Details for this will be communicated with you soon. Students will need to wear our BLUE class shirts.

Last Day of School – The last day of school is Wednesday, May 22nd. Students will be dismissed at 11:30. Send your child’s backpack and folder. Report Cards and End of the Year Data Reports will be sent home on the last day. If your child will not be at school on May 22nd, you will need to provide me with a self-addressed stamped envelope so the report card can be mailed to you.

Thank you for your support at home. It is still very important for your child to be at school on time every day.

*If you read all of today’s long post, send me an email and I’ll give your child a Good Time Ticket. In your email, let me know if you have questions about these end of the year events that were not answered above.

Wednesday, April 24th

Progress Reports are coming home today in the Report of Learning Folders. Please read over it, sign it and return it to school by Friday, February 26th.

Important Field Trip Information for tomorrow:

If your child is bringing lunch from home, it must be completely disposable.

All students need to wear their BLUE class shirt on the field trip.

Parents who pre purchased admission to Early Works must come to Columbia Thursday morning between 8:15-8:30 to check-in and receive a visitor sticker.

You will need to wear the visitor sticker while on the field trip. Parents should plan on meeting us at Early Works by 9:15. Please see Monday’s post for parking instructions.

Please sign-in at the front desk when you arrive at Early Works.

If an adult from your family is meeting our class at Early Works tomorrow, please email me if you plan to take your child with you at the end of the field trip. You'll need to check them out from me before you leave.

Lunch will take place upstairs in the picnic room. Seating is very limited. Parents and family members should stand behind your child during this time. We will be eating lunch an hour later than normal. Please make sure your child eats a big breakfast with lots of protein.

Please limit phone usage while on the trip and engage with your child while touring the museum. This is such an exciting time in your child's life! Enjoy it!

Monday, April 22nd

This week we are reading words with the voiced and unvoiced /th/sound. There are two sounds that are spelled /th/ and sound very much alike. The sounds /th/ and /th/ are an unvoiced-voiced pair: /th/ is unvoiced, pronounced with no vibration of the vocal cords, such as path, bath, thin, thumb; /th/ is voiced, pronounced with the vocal cords vibrating, such as that, this, those, mother.

Thursday is our field trip to Early Works Children’s Museum! If your child is bringing lunch from home, it must be completely disposable. All students need to wear their BLUE class shirt on the field trip. If your child doesn’t have a class shirt, please have him/her wear any solid blue shirt. Parents who pre purchased admission to Early Works must come to Columbia Thursday morning between 8:15-8:30 to check-in and receive a visitor sticker. You will need to wear the visitor sticker while on the field trip. Parents should plan on meeting us at Early Works by 9:15. There is parking available for 50 cents per hour. Parking is available at the Fountain Circle Parking Garage located behind the museum. The address is 318 Fountain Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. Parking does cost $0.50 per hour. Street parking is also available for the same price, but it can be hard to find due to construction. Sign-in at the front desk when you arrive at Early Works.

Please email me by tomorrow afternoon if you are meeting us at Early Works and want to take your child home at the end of the field trip.You will need to check them out with me before you leave! Thank you!

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! I hope you are continuing to enjoy listening to your child develop as a reader each day using the included sentences and passages. Remember your child becomes a better reader by reading. The time you spend each evening with your child reading will make a meaningful difference!

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:

Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #24, the reading practice sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards. These links might be helpful to you as you work with your child:

Sight Word Flashcards  Addition Flashcards  Subtraction Flashcards    Subtraction Video

Thursday, April 18th

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: April 22-26

Please click to watch this quick video to help your child: Practice Folders Listening to your child read will help them become a better reader and will help them do awesome on their upcoming DIBELS and iReady assessments. Thank you!

Tomorrow is Purple Up Day. Have your child wear purple in support of military children. Click to read the flyer: Purple Up Day

Goal for this weekend: Locate your child's BLUE class shirt. You will want to have it ready for your child to wear on our field trip on Thursday.

Monday, April 15th

This week in 95 Phonics we are reviewing vowel-consonant-magic e words. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 25 of 95% Phonics.

Here is this week’s newsletter: April 15-19. Thank you for taking the time to read it each week! There are lots of important dates you will want to add to your May calendar.

Please click to watch this quick video for clarification with our Practice Folders: Practice Folders

Friday is Purple Up Day. Have your child wear purple in support of military children. Click to read the flyer: Purple Up Day

I know that it is a busy time of year with sports and activities, but I ask that you to continue check and empty your child's Daily Folder daily. Thank you to everyone who sent your child’s green folder to school today.

The weather is getting warmer which is creating a challenge to keep up with jackets that are necessary for early morning, but not needed later in the day when it is warmer. As a reminder, the students are responsible for keeping up with their belongings. You are welcome to come check the lost and found for missing items. It is located in the cafeteria.

As the weather gets warmer, please remember that closed toe velcro tennis shoes are required daily. No sandals or crocs.

Upcoming Dates to Know:

-Friday, April 19: Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in the Media Center, 9:00-10:30

-Friday, April 19: Purple Up Day, wear purple

Monday, April 8th

This week in 95 Phonics we are reading words with long u. Long u magic e can spell the /oo/ sound like in the words rule and tune. Long u magic e also spells the /U/ sound in the words mute and cube. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 24 of 95% Phonics.

Click here to read this week's newsletter: April 8-12. Thank you for taking time to read the newsletter each week.

Field Trip Paperwork was sent home at the end of March. The forms and $20 payment are due on Friday, April 12th. Parents that plan on meeting us at the Early Works Museum will need to pre-purchase your admission ticket. The cost of the adult ticket is $10. We ask that you send your payment on the same day that you send the completed paperwork. Thank you!

Self-Control - Lately, I've had to talk about self-control on a daily basis with the class. We talk about how they are in charge of what their body does and what their mouth says. It is making a choice to do the right thing, even when others are not making that choice. For example, as I go to each table to quickly check their work, the other students sit quietly at their table waiting for me to get to them. Students are expected to sit patiently (criss cross with a quiet mouth) until everyone gets to the rug. Instead, I have kids spinning in circles, rolling on the rug, and talking in a yelling voice to each other. Another example is when I ask the class to get in line so we can go to lunch, music, PE, etc. The students are expected to stand in line quietly facing the door. Instead, I have kids dancing, playing, and talking. We've been late to a few places because I wait to leave our classroom until everyone gets under control. These are two examples. I could go on with more, but I think you get the picture. I am requesting your assistance. Please talk to your child about how to have self-control. Give them time to practice - at home, at a store, or in a restaurant. I know they are capable of exhibiting self-control.

Monday, April 1st

**School will be dismissed at 11:30 on Tuesday, April 2nd. Please send an email with any transportation changes.

This week in 95 Phonics we are reading words with long e. Long e can be spelled with “magic e” at the end of the word such as in names like Steve or Pete, with one e in short one syllable words like me and be, or with two es in one syllable words like weed or beep. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 23 of 95% Phonics

I hope you noticed the April Challenge on this week’s newsletter. If not, go check it out. We become better readers by spending time reading. Help your child develop the habit of reading daily. If you did not send a note for completing the March Challenge, you can send it tomorrow. Thank you!

Don’t forget to return the solar eclipse permission slip no later than Friday, April 5th.

Please also remember to return the field trip paperwork and payment by April 12th.

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:

Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #21, the reading practice sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards. Please note that the reading practice sheet now has a space for you to initial on the days that you listen to your child read. Please take advantage of the reading practice page in the Practice Folder, your child will become a better reader by reading!

Thursday, March 28th

Here is next week’s newsletter: April 1-5. Thank you for taking the time to read it each week!

Important Papers are in the Folder Today:

Field Trip Paperwork came home today in your child’s daily folder. The forms and $20 payment are due on Friday, April 12th. Parents that plan on meeting us at the Early Works Museum will need to pre-purchase your admission ticket. The cost of the adult ticket is $10. We ask that you send your payment on the same day that you send the completed paperwork. Thank you!

On Monday, April 8th, your child will have the opportunity to view the solar eclipse at school. The district is providing glasses for your child. A permission slip is coming home today in your child’s daily folder. In order for your child to be able to participate in this event, you will need to sign and return the permission slip by Friday, April 5th. Thank you!

Reminders:

Spring Pictures are tomorrow, Friday, March 29th.

Monday, March 25th

This week in 95% Phonics we are reading words with long o. We are learning about the silent e at the end of a word. We call this e "magic e" because it can jump over a consonant and make the vowel say its name (the long vowel sound). Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 22 of 95% Phonics.

Our field trip to EarlyWorks will be on April 25th. Chaperones must have a background check completed. The names of chaperones will be submitted to Mrs. Herwig for verification. Here is the link to complete the Madison City Schools background check.

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! I hope you are continuing to enjoy listening to your child develop as a reader each day using the included sentences and passages. Remember your child becomes a better reader by reading. The time you spend each evening with your child reading will make a meaningful difference!

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:
Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #20, the reading practice sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards. Please take advantage of the reading practice page in the Practice Folder. Your child would benefit from reading the words, sentences, and passages more than once during the week.

Thursday, March 21st

Report of Learning Folders came home yesterday with your child’s 3rd Nine weeks Report Card. Here are comments about a few of the report card power standards:

If your child has a 1 on "Read Kindergarten high frequency words accurately and automatically, fluently add within 5, and fluently subtract within 5," there is a great way to help your child master the skill...daily use of flashcards. :)

Spell simple words phonetically by writing a letter for consonants and short vowels - Students are expected to apply our Kindergarten phonics rules when writing words. This includes the correct use of short vowels in words like pin, pen, ham, yam. It also includes writing -ck when final /k/ is after a short vowel. For example, duck, sick, tack, lock, peck, etc. The students are also expected to remember that q and u work together and make the beginning sound with the following words: quiz, quit, quack, quilt, quick, quest. To practice writing simple words at home, give your child a piece of paper and say any of the above words and ask your child to write them.

Read and reread grade appropriate decodable texts smoothly, accurately, and with expression to support comprehension - Please listen to your child read the passages in the Practice Folder. When finished, ask questions about what they have read.

Please sign your name in the address box on the first page of the Report Card and return it in the Report of Learning Folder tomorrow! Thank you!

Monday, March 18th

I hope everyone had a great Spring Break! It felt good to be back and see everyone today at school.

Click this link to read this week's newsletter: March 18-22. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

This week in 95% Phonics we are reading words with long i. We are learning about the silent e at the end of a word. We call this e "magic e" because it can jump over a consonant and make the vowel say its name (the long vowel sound). Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 21 of 95% Phonics.

Thank you for sending Practice Folders today. You will see new passages and Practice Sheet #19. These folders are to be returned to school every Monday. If you forgot to send your child’s practice folder today, please send it tomorrow. Please also remember to keep the practice sheet in the practice folder. Thank you!

I would like your help. Please talk with your child about classroom behavior. After Spring Break, we see a lot of interruptive behaviors. The class of late has been very talkative, loud, and interruptive during instructional times. In class, we've discussed being conscious of their speaking volume and having self-control, but it hasn't transferred to application yet. Thank you for helping me with this at home too. During recess, the kindergarten teachers are observing some aggressive behaviors while on the playground. We request your help with talking to your child about this. Please encourage your child to keep their hands, feet, and all other objects to themselves when playing with others.

3/21 is World Down Syndrome Day: wear BLUE, YELLOW, and crazy socks on Thursday!

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:

Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #19, the reading practice sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards. Please take advantage of the reading practice page in the Practice Folder. Your child would benefit from reading the words, sentences, and passages more than once during the week.

Monday, March 4th

This week in 95% Phonics we are learning about a second sound that the letter a spells. We are learning that the “e” at the end of a word makes the vowel “say its name,” meaning it becomes a long vowel. Because the “e” isn't pronounced, it's called a silent “e.” Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 20 of 95% Phonics.

We started a new literacy station last week. It is called Magnet Center. At this station, the students build words in a word family using magnets. Then, they write the words. Their last step is to use the words in a sentence. Last week our word family was -at, this week our word family is -it. I am expecting the students to begin their sentence with a capital letter, put a space between the words, and end the sentence with punctuation. The students are enjoying this new station.

If you forgot to send the Practice Folder and/or Practice #17, please send them tomorrow.

Today I heard lots of talk about children leaving for Spring Break trips this week. Time with family is super exciting and I hope everyone enjoys the vacations you have planned. Please make sure to email me if you know your child is going to miss any days this week, so I can adjust my assessment plan accordingly. Thank you!

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:
Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #18, the reading sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards.
Read a book to your child. The library is open this week! Thank you!

Thursday, February 29th

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: March 4-8 Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

If your child has completed February’s challenge, please send in the Dental Health Log tomorrow.

Family Reading Night is tonight from 6:00-7:30!

Tomorrow night is the Out of this World School Dance at 6:00.

Monday, February 26th

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing previously taught consonants and short vowels. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 19 of 95% Phonics

Read Across America is this week! Our Spring Book Fair is also this week in our media center. Our class went to the Book Fair today. You may shop at the book fair on Thursday night during our Lights, Camera, Read family night from 5-7. We hope you can attend Family Reading Night. There will be guest readers and special family activities.

Here are the dress-up days for the rest of the week:

Tuesday - Read My Shirt Day - Wear a shirt with a positive message.

Wednesday - Red Carpet Readers - Wear red and take a picture of you reading at home.

Thursday - Leap into Reading - Wear athletic clothing

Friday - Bedtime Stories - Wear your pajamas to school

We have our Vision Screening tomorrow morning. If you haven't already, please complete the form and return in your child's folder tomorrow.

Assessment Reminders: The third nine week assessments have started. Please use these flashcards to help your child practice at home. All the following are links to click:

Sight Word Flashcards  Addition Flashcards  Subtraction Flashcards    Subtraction Video

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:

Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #17, the Reading Practice sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards.

Friday, February 23

Here is next week’s newsletter: February 26-March 1. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Next week, Columbia will be celebrating Read Across America with Lights, Camera, Read! Click here for information about the family night events, and the fun dress up days we will have.

The Book Fair will be open this coming Monday, February 26th. It will be open from 7:40-8:15 daily and will close on Friday, March 1st at 10:45 a.m. In addition, if you wish to come and shop with your child the Book Fair will be open during the Lights, Camera, READ! event on Thursday night. The Book Fair will be open from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and the family activities will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Our class is scheduled to visit the Book Fair on MONDAY from 12:15 - 12:45. If you would like for your child to purchase books you can send money in a marked envelope or Ziplock bag inside your child’s daily folder.

Next Friday, March 1st, our PTA is holding the Out of this World Dance. Click here to purchase family tickets.

We will begin assessments for the 3rd 9 Weeks Report Cards next week. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep each night, eats breakfast each morning, and arrives at school on time each day. This is important for your child’s success!

Tuesday, February 20th

I hope you enjoyed a restful long weekend!

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing previously taught consonants at the beginning of words, and short vowels. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activitie

The Book Fair will be open this coming Monday, February 26th. It will be open from 7:40-8:15 daily and will close on Friday, March 1st at 10:45 a.m. In addition, if you wish to come and shop with your child the Book Fair will be open during the Lights, Camera, READ! event on Thursday night. The Book Fair will be open from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and the family activities will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Our class is scheduled to visit the Book Fair on MONDAY from 12:15 - 12:45. If you would like for your child to purchase books you can send money in a marked envelope or Ziplock bag inside your child’s daily folder.

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! I hope you are enjoying listening to your child read the sentences and passages each day. We become better readers by reading. The time you spend each evening with your child reading will make a meaningful difference!

Friday, February 16th

Please click this link to read next week’s newsletter: February 19-23 Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week!

Please send the green practice folder on Tuesday. Thank you!

Thank you for returning your child’s signed progress report.

You may have noticed that your child’s second 95% Phonics workbook came home in their backpack this week. As we discussed at Parent Night, this is a great resource for extra practice at home! I encourage you to look through this book and have your child practice reading the sentences, passages, and stories. I would also encourage you to look at their letter practice for any errors, and have them practice writing those letters neatly with correct formation and orientation to the line.

On Thursday, February 29th, Columbia will be celebrating Family Reading Night! The theme is “Lights, Camera, READ!” If you would like to order shirts for this event, click this link: Shirts If you would like to donate supplies for this event, sign up at this link: Family Reading Night Supplies

We've had a great week! I really enjoyed our study of American Symbols. We learned about the U.S. Flag, the bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. My students listened so well as we read several nonfiction texts and watched a few short videos throughout the week. They picked two facts they learned from our reading of each symbol to write in their book. You will want to make sure to put it in your box of Kindergarten treasures because they've worked so hard on it this week. I think everyone's favorite was the bald eagle!

Thank you for being such supportive parents. I love being with your children each day. Have a great long weekend!

Monday, February 12th

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing short vowels. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities As we decided at Parent Night, we are also learning what to do when they hear /k/ at the end of a word. When we hear /k/ immediately after a short vowel sound, we spell it -ck. Examples of these words include: duck, rock, kick, neck, sock, lick. This is a skill the students need to show that they understand while they are reading and even in their writing. Thanks for supporting this learning at home!

Thank you for returning your child’s Green Practice Folder today. Remember, this folder should be returned every Monday to be updated. If you forgot it today, please send it tomorrow!

Progress Reports will be coming home this Wednesday, February 14th in the Report of Learning Folders. Please read over it, sign it and return it to school by Friday, February 16th.

We will have our annual Family Reading Night on Thursday, February 29th from 6:30-7:30. If you would like your child to have a shirt for this event, here is the link to order: Shirts I ordered mine!

Reminders:

Please send your child’s completed Valentines to school tomorrow morning. We will do our exchange on Wednesday. We are looking forward to a fun day in the classroom!

Wednesday, February 14th is a half-day. School will dismiss at 11:30. Extended Day will be closed. The link to the Half Day Google Form was in Friday's post. I need 8 more families to complete the form. Here is the link again: Half Day Google Form

On Monday, February 19th, school will be closed in honor of President's Day.

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:

Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #15, the reading sheet, sight word flashcards, addition flashcards, and subtraction flashcards. If you haven't taken time to watch the subtraction video yet, please do so soon. It will help you work with your child on the subtraction facts. Here is the link again: subtraction video. A great way to help your child read smoothly, accurately, and with expression is to give them your undivided attention and listen to them read the passages in the Green Practice Folder. The more your child practices his/her reading skills, the better reader he/she will become.

Friday, February 9th

Thank you for attending 2nd Semester Parent Night! If you missed the meeting, please take time to read through the slides: 2nd Semester Parent Night

Mrs. Hester made this video to share tips for understanding the 21 subtraction facts. You can use this video two ways. You can watch the video and use the information while helping your child with subtraction facts, or you can have your child watch the video. Subtraction Video

Here is next week’s newsletter: February 12-16. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Next Wednesday is a half day for students. Please click this link: Half Day Form - February 14th to fill out your child's transportation and lunch preference. Please complete by Monday, February 12th. Thank you!

If you are a grandparent and want to become more involved at Columbia, please attend the interest meeting that will be held on February 23rd at 8:30 AM. Here is a flyer with more information.

Please remember to return the green Practice Folders on Monday. The completed Practice Sheet can be sent back to me in the green folder. Thank you!

Monday, February 5th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are reviewing the letters Ee, Zz, Kk, Yy, V,v Uu, Qq, and Xx, Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities

Thank you for sending the green Practice Folders today! If you did not send it back to school today, please send it tomorrow. When returning the green Practice Folder each Monday, please put the practice sheet back in the front pocket of the folder.

Please continue working on writing names for the valentines. You will send in the valentines in a Ziploc bag on Tuesday, February 13th. Each student will pass out their valentines. That means your child will also need to be able to read and match the name he/she wrote to that child’s name on their valentine bag.

PTA is having a Valentine's jewelry fundraising sale at Kendra Scott from February 5-9. 20% of the sales support Columbia Elementary School PTA. A flyer is coming home in your child's daily folder with more information.

Reminders:

- Class Picture Day is Wednesday, February 7th

-2nd Semester Parent Night is Thursday, February 8th at 5:30 p.m.

- Progress Reports will go home on Wednesday, February 14th

Thursday, February 1st

Please click this link to read next week's newsletter: February 5-9

When reading the newsletter, please notice February's challenge. A recording sheet for this challenge came home yesterday in your child's blue Daily Folder.

Special note about this week's practice sheet: On the back side of Practice Sheet 13, the students need to first count the total number of dinosaurs, then subtract the number of dinosaurs walking away in order to do the subtraction sentence correctly.

Kids Heart Challenge is back!! Kids Heart Challenge is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. We are dedicating the month of February to raising money and discussing the different heart conditions for the American Heart Association. The Kids Heart Challenge will start today and ends Feb 29! Forms were sent home with your child in their blue Daily Folder today.

Don’t forget that we will be taking our class pictures on Wednesday, February 7th.

2nd Semester Parent Night is one week from today. Please plan on sending the parent that works with your Kindergartner on their Practice Folder. We will begin in the library at 5:30. Click this link to read all the information: Parent Night Invitation

Also, we will be decorating our Valentine's bag next week for our Valentine’s Day exchange. If you can donate stickers for this project, please send them in your child’s blue Daily Folder. Thank you!

Monday, January 29th

**Attention! Attention! Practice Folders Are Coming Home Today!** The children are bringing home their new Practice Folders today. These are the green folders you provided at the start of school. Everything you need to know about the Practice folder is written on a note inside the folder. Please be on the lookout for the Practice Folder.

This week in 95% Phonics we are focusing on the letters Uu, Qq, and Xx. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child. 95% Phonics Lesson 15

Remember the 100th Day of School is Wednesday, January 31st. The students can dress up on the 100th Day of School as if they were 100 years old. Ideas for the girls: hair in a bun, glasses, dress or sweater, pearls/bead necklace, wrinkles, etc. Ideas for the boys: suspenders, tie, cardigan sweater, glasses, wrinkles, etc. You can probably find most of these items around your house or in your dress-up box. I also thought I would share that they have 100th Day dress up items at Party City. It will be a fun day!

Please keep working on the Valentine's Exchange Home Project. I sent an updated class list home last week. As your family works on writing valentine's, please have your child do the writing, not mom or dad. When your child has finished writing the names on the cards, please let your child practice reading the names. Your child will need to be able to read the name in order to drop the valentine in the correct bag. I sent this home early so the children have plenty of time to work on this project.

Heads Up: Coming home in your child's blue Daily Folder is an order form to purchase a class group picture. Class group pictures will be taken on Wednesday, February 7th. Order forms will be due on or before this date.

Reminder: Our Multicultural Night is scheduled for Friday, February 2nd in the Gym and Cafeteria starting at 6PM. Multicultural Night is a very special event at CES. There will be live performances from around the world. This is a fun opportunity for your child to learn more about the various cultures around us.

Thursday, January 25

Here is next week’s newsletter: January 29 - February 2. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Tomorrow is our big field trip to James Clemens to see our classmates sing and dance in Finding Nemo. Please wear your BLUE kindergarten class shirt. You may want to wear a long sleeve shirt underneath. The auditorium can be chilly. We will not bring jackets with us. The buses will start loading early in the morning. Please be on time to school. We will have a much later lunch than normal. Please make sure your child eats a big breakfast. Since the exact time we will be returning is unknown, visitors will not be allowed to join us. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please keep Tuesday’s note about Valentine’s Day in a safe location to refer to as your child works on writing their name and the names of their classmates.

If your family completes the January challenge on Wednesday, please send a note or an email on Thursday and your child will receive 2 Good Time tickets. I hope you have enjoyed spending extra family time together by playing board games and reading with your child!

Tuesday, January 23rd

It was so great seeing your child at school today!

This week in 95% Phonics we are focusing on Yy and Vv. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child. 95% Phonics Lesson 14

In your child’s folder today there are important things coming home.

- Practice #12 - this is due 1/29

- A picture of a flag - Talk to your family about your cultural background and decorate the flag to represent your heritage. These will be displayed in the main hallway for Multicultural Night. Please send these back to school by Monday, January 29th. This event will take place Friday, February 2nd in the Gym and Cafeteria starting at 6PM. Multicultural Night is a very special event at CES. We need your help to make it a great success. This is your opportunity to share your unique culture and heritage with all of us and help enrich our children's lives.

- Purple Valentines Exchange Project slip of paper - This has all the information you need to know about our Valentine’s Day exchange.

Select a box of Valentine cards.

Please have your child write his/her name on each card and the names of his/her peers on their Valentine cards. Please don’t write the names for your child, your child needs to do the writing.

We will make special Valentine bags at school for each child to use to receive their Valentines. If you would like to send in Valentine stickers to use for decorating the bags, please send them to school by the end of January. Thank you.

Help your child practice reading the names on their cards so they will be able to drop each one into the correct bag.

Please send the Valentines to school on February 13th inside a Ziploc bag.

We will now be celebrating the 100th day on Wednesday, January 31st. Please help us by sending in snack items (no nuts) that we can use to help make a 100th day of school trail mix. Please sign up HERE to donate a snack. Thank you for all of your help and support. Thank you to everyone who sent in snack items today! The students can dress up on the 100th Day of School as if they were 100 years old. Ideas for the girls: hair in a bun, glasses, dress or sweater, pearls/bead necklace, wrinkles, etc. Ideas for the boys: suspenders, tie, cardigan sweater, glasses, wrinkles, etc. You can probably find most of these items around your house or in your dress-up box. It will be a fun day! (If your child dressed up as a 100 year old today for the Great Kindness Challenge, they can wear the same costume next Wednesday.)

Finding Nemo field trip is on Friday, January 26th. Use this link if you want to purchase tickets for one of the evening shows.

Please note that our second semester Parent Night is scheduled for Thursday, February 8th at 5:30.

Thursday, January 18th

I hope you and your family are staying dry and warm! I have missed seeing my students this week!

Here is next week’s newsletter: January 22-26. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week!

We are so excited that Columbia will be participating in the Great Kindness Challenge next week (January 22nd-26th)!! Please see the flyer HERE with more details and dress up days!

Practice #11 is now due on Monday, January 22nd. Please take this time to put in some extra practice with your child.

Our field trip to see Finding Nemo will be Friday, January 26th. Your child will need to wear their class t-shirt for this field trip.

Mark your calendar for Second Semester Parent Night on Thursday, February 8th at 5:30 pm. Please plan for the parent who works with your child on the practice sheets to attend this event.

Thursday, January 11th

Here is next week’s newsletter: January 16-19. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

The 100th day of school is on Tuesday, January 23rd. The 100th day of school is such a magical day! The 100th day of school activities make celebrating this milestone a blast! I have so much planned! Please help us by sending in snack items (no nuts) that we can use to help make a 100th day of school trail mix. Please sign up HERE to donate a snack. Thank you for all of your help and support.

Please take note of these reminders over the three day weekend:

- No school on Monday, January 15 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

- Practice #11 is now due on Tuesday, January 16th. Please take this time to put in some extra practice with your child.

- Our field trip to see Finding Nemo will be Friday, January 26th. Your child will need to wear their class t-shirt for this field trip.

- Mark your calendar for Second Semester Parent Night on Thursday, February 8th at 5:30 pm. Please plan for the parent who works with your child on the practice sheets to attend this event.

Monday January 8th

Report of Learning Folders came home today with your child’s 2nd Nine weeks Report Card, Middle of the year DIBELS and iReady reports. Please read the YELLOW 2nd Nine Weeks Report Card note in the front of your child’s folder. Please review the information, sign in the address box, and return the folder to school by Wednesday.

Please note that our second semester Parent Night is scheduled for Thursday, February 8th at 5:30. A flyer with more information is included in the report of learning folder.

Help from home: We are now writing our first and last names on our papers. Your child will be assessed on this and is expected to be able to write their name with correct letter formation and orientation to the line. Please work on this with your child. Learning your last name, how to spell it, and writing it can be difficult and can take longer to master.

This week in 95% Phonics we are focusing on the short vowel e, k, and z. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child. 95% Phonics Lesson 13

Reminders:

- Please consider dining at Zaxby's tomorrow night for CES Spirit Night! FLYER

- No school on Monday, January 15th in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

- Finding Nemo field trip is on Friday, January 26th. Use this link if you want to purchase tickets for one of the evening shows.

Thursday, January 4th

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful and relaxing break.

The 3rd Nine Weeks of school is packed full of essential learning in Kindergarten. If your child is healthy, it is important for him/her to be at school on time each day, ready to learn. If your child is a car rider, we recommend going through the car line before 7:20. This will give your child plenty of time to walk to the classroom, unpack, zip their coat to their chair, and complete their morning work. If there is anything you need from me in order to make that happen, please reach out. I am here to help.

Here is next week's newsletter: January 8-12. Please take time to read the newsletter. Thank you!

Help at home: We are now writing our first and last names on our papers. Your child is expected to be able to write their name with correct letter formation and orientation to the line. Please work on this with your child. Learning your last name, how to spell it, and writing it can be difficult and take longer to master.

If your family completed the December challenge, please send a note or an email and your child will receive 2 Good Time tickets. The January challenge is a good one! Please consider doing it with your family!

Tuesday, December 19th

We had a wonderful Christmas party yesterday! The students had lots of fun! A big thank you to Mrs. Sowers for planning and organizing the party! Thank you to all who sent in items to make the party a success and to those who were able to come and help during the party. I also want to say how much I appreciate the class gift! Thank you all!

Wow, it is hard to believe we have finished the first semester of our school year! As I said at Parent Night back in August, this year will fly by, it truly goes by so fast. Thank you for all your support this semester. Thank you for sharing your children with me each day! I have enjoyed watching the kids learn and grow this semester. I know we have big things ahead for next semester!

I hope you all have a very blessed holiday, enjoying time with family and friends! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

After Winter Break, students will return to school on Thursday, January 4th. I look forward to seeing my students in 2024! If you find that you get to school at the close of carline each day, please consider making it a goal for your child to arrive at school before 7:20 am in 2024.

Thursday, December 14th

Please remember that next Monday and Tuesday, December 18-19, are half days of school. We will be dismissed at 11:30 on these days. Rest mats will not be needed for these days. If you have not filled out the half day Google form, please do so today. Here is the link: Half Day Google Form

Our class party will be on Monday, December 18th, at 8:15 in our classroom. This will also be a pajama day for our grade level fundraiser reward. Parents are welcome to join us for the party, no siblings please. Please remember that you will need to sign in at the front office.

The deadline for field trip forms and payment for the Finding Nemo Jr. trip is tomorrow, December 15th. Please send your child’s form and $3 exact cash in their folder tomorrow.

Monday, December 11th

Please check your child's folder for a Practice Packet. Be sure to read the directions before beginning the packet. I hope you enjoy listening to your child read these sentences to you.

This week in 95% Phonics we are focusing on the following uppercase letters O, L, R, C, F, J, and W. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child. 95% Phonics Lesson 12

The half-day Google Form needs to be completed this week. Go ahead and click this link to complete now. Here is the link again: Google Form for Half Days

The Field Trip forms to see our CES Drama Club are due this week along with $3.00 cash. If I have not received your child's permission slip, I sent an extra copy home today. Please send it to school as soon as possible. Thank you!

Our party is next Monday at 8:15. It will be in the classroom. It is for my Kindergarten students and their parents. It is also our Kindergarten pajama day, so if your child has Christmas pajamas that would be perfect to wear to the party. No worries if you don't, any two piece pajamas will do. Please make sure you have received all party information from Mrs. Sowers.

Thursday, December 7th

Click this link to read next week’s newsletter: December 11-15. Thank you for taking a moment to read the newsletter each week and stay informed.

Our class holiday party will be on Monday, December 18th from 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mrs. Sowers sent out an email with all the details. If you did not receive the email, please let me know and I can pass along her email address.

High Frequency Words - This note provides a list of the high frequency words that are taught during 1st semester: High Frequency Word Note Please review the words at home to help your child read them automatically. Thank you for your support. We will start assessing the students on these words on Tuesday.

Monday, December 18th and Tuesday, December 19th are half-days. Elementary students are dismissed at 11:30 on both of these days. I need each family to complete this form, so I know about lunch and your child's transportation. Please complete the form by Friday, December 15th. Thank you! Here is the link: Google Form for Half Days

Tomorrow your child can dress up like an elf, reindeer, snowman, etc. Please remember the school dress code on dress-up days. This means no one-pieces or boots. Your child must wear tennis shoes. Thank you!

Tomorrow is the last day to send in money for our custodians, CNP staff, and our plant manager. If you would like to be part of this school-wide gift, please send any donations in the form of cash only in a sealed envelope labeled: CES Holiday Donations. Please send it in no later than Dec 8th.

Monday, December 4th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters Jj and Ww. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Now that we've finished our DIBELS benchmark assessment and the iReady assessments, we've started our assessments for our 2nd Nine Week Report Cards. Please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. If you plan for your child to be absent, please let me know, so I can plan accordingly to assure missed assessments are completed.

Tomorrow is Tree Topper Tuesday. Your child may wear their favorite festive hat or headwear.

We are so excited to go on our school-wide field trip to James Clemens to see our drama club present Finding Nemo Jr. next month! Field trip forms have been sent home. The cost of the field trip is $3. Please send in field trip forms and money back to school by Friday, December 15th. Thank you!

Mrs. Sowers sent an email on Sunday afternoon regarding our class party. If you did not receive the email, please let me know and I can pass along the information to Mrs. Sowers. This is very important! Thank you!

I wanted to give a few reminders about jackets-

1. We go outside for recess as long as the “feels like” temperature is above 32 degrees. Please pay attention to the weather and send an appropriate jacket.

2. Keep working with your child on zipping his/her jacket until it is mastered. Thank you! Many of them have it down pat now, which is very helpful as we transition to and from recess.

November 30, 2023

Here is next week’s newsletter: December 4-8. Thank you for taking a moment to read the newsletter each week and stay informed.

I am proud of the students and their hard work today on the iReady assessments. We will take the DIBELS assessments tomorrow, December 1st.

If your child's headphones come home in their backpack, they do not work at school. Please send in a new pair as soon as possible. Thank you!

We will begin assessments for the Second Nine Weeks Report Card next week. These assessments are completed one on one and take quite a bit of time. If your child has a planned absence between now and the end of the semester, please let me know so I can adjust my assessment plan. Thank you for supporting classroom learning at home! Your time makes a difference!

As you know Columbia Elementary is a special place. Our custodians, CNP staff, and our plant manager work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our school a wonderful learning environment. As a school, we want to bless our custodial staff, CNP, and plant manager with something extra for Christmas and the holidays. If you would like to be part of this school-wide gift, please send any donations in the form of cash only in a sealed envelope labeled: CES Holiday Donations. Please send in no later than Dec 8th.

Our class holiday party will be on Monday, December 18th from 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. Please mark your calendar for this fun event. Please be on the lookout for an email from Mrs. Sowers by the end of next week. There will be a sign-up genius available soon.

Tomorrow will be our first dress-up day for December. Students are allowed to wear pajamas, but no one-piece pajamas are allowed. This makes restroom time for your child difficult. Also, please remember that students are only allowed to wear tennis shoes to school. This is for the safety of your child while playing in the gym and on the playground equipment.

November 27, 2023

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters Cc and Ff. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Semester Assessments - Tomorrow we will start taking our iReady Math assessments. After that, we will take our iReady Reading assessment. On Friday, the students will take their DIBELS benchmark assessment. Please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. Thank you for your support.

Coming home today in your child’s Blue Daily Folder is a permission slip for our field trip to see our CES Drama Club’s performance of Finding Nemo, Jr. The field trip will be Friday, January 26th and cost $3 for the bus fee. All forms and money are due by Friday, December 15th.

For the month of December we will have several dress-up days for the students and staff. These dress-up days will be on Tuesdays and Fridays, beginning with this Friday, December 1st. Click the link to see how students can dress up and the dates: “CES Happy Holidaze”.

In our school cafeteria we have a holiday tree on display. Mrs. Bolden announced today that any student who would like to send in an inexpensive ornament that represents their family, we will add it to the tree. Please make sure that it is labeled somewhere with your child's name. It is not guaranteed that the ornaments will be returned.

Sunday, November 26th

I hope everyone had a restful break and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Here is this weeks newsletter. November 27th - December 1st. Thank you for taking the time to read this each week.

Please send Practice Sheet #8 tomorrow. Practice Sheet #10 will come home in your child's folder tomorrow. Thank you for spending time each day on the Practice Sheet.

As Winter is approaching, I wanted to give out a few reminders about jackets-

We go outside for recess as long as the “feels like” temperature is above 32 degrees. Please pay attention to the weather and send an appropriate jacket.

The children zip their jackets to their chairs twice a day, when they arrive and when we come back inside from recess. They also zip their jacket on their body when we go outside to recess and when we leave to go home in the afternoon. Please teach your child how to zip a jacket and allow practice time until your child is comfortable doing it. Thank you!

Monday, November 13th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters l, r, and short o. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities. You will also notice your child’s second paper pencil test on the skills taught in 95% phonics in your child’s folder. We will take unit tests throughout the school year to monitor phonological awareness skills and phonics skills.

Today we began our unit on sorting. We are learning how to 1) sort by attributes, 2) count the amount in each group, 3) sort the groups by amount. We practiced these skills using M &M’s! The children sorted them by color, then they counted how many of each color they had. Finally, they sorted the color groups by amount. We will sort various objects the rest of this week. By the end of this unit, the children should be able to do our 3 step sort for multiple attributes of the same group of objects.

Mrs. Hester made a quick video about your child’s 95 Phonics workbook coming home today. It is a little over 2 minutes: Click here to watch the video. Thank you for your support!

Thank you to all who returned Practice Sheet #7 today. Practice Sheet #8 is coming home in your child's folder today. Thank you for spending a little time each day on the Practice Sheet.

Progress Reports will be coming home in the Report of Learning Folders on Wednesday, November 15th. Please read over it, sign it and return it to school Friday, November 17th.

As the cold winter weather arrives, please dress your child to go outside for recess. We will go outside as long as the “feels like” temperature is 32 or greater. Winter boots are not allowed at school. Please put your child’s name in their coat or jacket.

Sunday, November 12th

Here is this week’s newsletter: November 13-17. Thank you for taking a moment to read the newsletter each week to stay informed.

The #1 question of the week last week, "Ms. Duvall, when are we going to do the lesson with the M&Ms?!?" They were happy to hear that we are going to use them tomorrow. Thank you for sending so many to school. If there are any extra packs after we finish the lesson, I plan to put them inside the prize box that we use for our weekly drawings. If you are out shopping and see small trinkets for the prize box, we'd love to have them for the class.

Our class really enjoyed learning about veterans and going to the Veterans parade Thursday. They also illustrated a Veterans song and poem for their Poetry Notebook. You'll want to check those out with your child.

If you haven't already done so, please watch the video that I shared on Monday. Click this link: Sentences on Practice Sheet

Monday, November 6th

Mrs. Hester made a quick video about this week's Practice Sheet. It is less than 2 minutes: Click here to watch the video. Thank you for your support!

Reminder: Our school’s Veterans Parade is scheduled for Thursday morning from 9:00-9:30. Please have your child wear red, white and blue. Also, if your child would like to make a sign to hold during the parade, please make it at home and send it to school with your child on Thursday morning. Send me an email if you or a family member is driving in the parade so we know to look for you.

Thursday, November 2nd

Click this link to view next week’s newsletter: November 6-9

Columbia will be hosting our first STEM Day on November 8th. Please click this link for more information: STEM Day

Columbia Elementary School will be hosting the following events on November 9th in order to honor Veterans Day! Have your child wear red, white, and blue. You are welcome to make a sign for your child to hold during the parade. Please send it on Thursday morning. We'd love to see any veterans from your family drive thru our parade. Let me know if we should expect to see you.

The eS2S Astro Ambassadors will be handing out thank you cards to families with Veterans during the morning car line! Cars will put their flashers on to signal that they have a Veteran in their family.

There will be a drive-thru parade at CES for our students to honor Veterans from 9:00a.m.-9:30a.m. in the back car line area. Please see the flyer for more information.

Students are encouraged to invite a veteran friend or family member to eat lunch with them on the CES stage on November 9th. Veterans can purchase a lunch at the school for $4.75 or bring their own lunch! Please see the flyer for more information.

Reminder - No School on Friday, November 10th in honor of Veteran's Day.

Flu and Illness Reminders:

If your child has a fever he/she must be fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) before returning to school.

Students must also be free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

Do not be tempted to send your child back to school too soon. Children with the flu need time for their body to recover.

Please label your child's jacket with their first and last name. If the jacket is labeled, it will be easier to find it in the lost and found and return it to you.

Monday, October 30th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters Hh and Bb. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities. You will also notice your child’s first paper pencil test on the skills taught in 95% phonics in your child’s folder. We will take unit tests throughout the school year to monitor phonological awareness skills and phonics skills.

Thank you for turning in Practice Sheet #5 today. Practice Sheet #6 is in your child's Daily folder. Please review the video from last week if you need help with the phoneme segmentation section. If you didn’t send in your child’s Practice Sheet today, please send it tomorrow in their blue Daily Folder.

We will resume checking out books from the library tomorrow now that the book fair is over.

Request: When looking through your child's Halloween candy, please send 1- 2 packages of the FunSize plain M&Ms in your child's folder for us to use later in November for a math lesson. Thank you!!

Thank you to everyone who has completed the Impact Aid survey. If you have not completed this very important form please do so immediately. The link to the form was on last week’s post.

The weather has gotten colder. We will go outside at 1:35 each day if the “feels like” temperature is 32 or above. That means you must send your child to school in weather appropriate clothing. As a reminder, please practice putting on and taking off jackets along with zipping the zippers. It takes time for me to zip 16 zippers or pull out the sleeves so that your child can put their coat/jacket on before playing outside. Please write your child’s name on the inside of their jacket. As a reminder, we wear velcro or slip on tennis shoes every day. No rain boots or fuzzy boots at school.

Friendly reminders:

Please empty your child’s Daily Folder every day.

Please send your child to school with a snack and a bottle of water.

Please make sure your child has a change of clothes in their backpack that is appropriate for the season.

Thursday, October 26th

Click this link to read next week’s newsletter: October 30-November 3 .  Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Tomorrow is Pajama Day. Pajamas must be school appropriate. Your child should be able to use the bathroom independently in the pajamas, so no onesie pajamas. We will wear tennis shoes with our pajamas. No slippers, please.

I am looking forward to seeing my students at the Trail of Treats tomorrow! It begins at 6:00 pm. If you plan on coming, it is not too late to donate a bag of candy.

Here is the 2nd Nine Weeks STEM Newsletter from Mrs. Vandiver. Click this link to read: STEM Newsletter

Wall of Honor - Do you have a Veteran in your family that you'd like to honor? Fill out this certificate of gratitude and print a picture to attach to it. Send the certificate with a picture attached in your child's Daily Folder. We will laminate it and hang it on the Wall of Honor. Click here to print the Certificate of Gratitude

If you haven't completed the Impact Aid form in the Power School Parent Portal, please do so today. If you have questions contact the office. Here is the link with directions: How to Complete Impact Aid

Monday, October 23rd

Thank you for turning in Practice Sheet #4 today. I loved listening to my students do a wonderful job reading the words! Practice Sheet #5 is in folders today. Please click this link to see a quick guide on how to help your child with phoneme segmentation: Understand Phoneme Segmentation (Please watch all of this video. It is less than 2 minutes. Thank you!)

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning how to write the letters Ss and Ii with correct formation and we're learning to read words with these sounds. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Thank you for sending the balls today! We had a great time exploring with our balls outside this afternoon!

Red Ribbon Week is this week. Wear a team jersey or shirt tomorrow as we Team Up Against Drugs.

We go to the Book Fair Wednesday at 12:45. If you want your child to purchase books, you can send money in a labeled envelope or plan on joining us in the library. The library is closed for checkouts during Book Fair week. This means students will not be able to check out a library book again until October 31st.

I have finished uploading all of our farm pictures into our Google Drive. Please click the following link to view our pictures. Ms. Duvall's Kindergarten 2023/2024

Please make sure the change of clothes in your child's backpack is appropriate for the season. Double check for underwear, pants, shirt, socks, and a bag to use with the soiled clothes. Thank you!

Friday, October 20th

Click this link to view next week’s newsletter: October 23-27 Please take a few minutes to read the newsletter each week. On Monday, we will begin our Science unit on Balls and Ramps. There is a special item that we'd like all students to bring on Monday. Please read the important information box in the newsletter for details. I also hope that you and your child are enjoying spending time together as you do the October Challenge. The monthly challenge can be found in the upper right-hand corner of our newsletter.

The Book Fair will be open this coming Tuesday, October 24th. It will be open from 7:40-2:15 daily and will close on Monday, October 30th. Our class is scheduled to visit the Book Fair on Wednesday from 12:45-1:15. If you would like for your child to purchase books, you can send money in a marked envelope or Ziploc bag inside your child’s daily folder. In addition, if you wish to come and shop with your child the Book Fair will be open during the Trail of Treats on Friday, October 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Next week, we will be collecting items for Veterans in local nursing homes. Please click this flyer to learn more about the items we are collecting. There will be a box at the front entrance of the school to place donated items.

October 23-27th is also Red Ribbon Week. The following are dress-up days for next week:

Monday- CES is RED-y for Red Ribbon Week (Wear Red and/ or CES Spiritwear)

Tuesday- Team Up Against Drugs (Wear Your Favorite Sports Jersey or Team Gear)

Wednesday- Work Out Your Choices Wednesday (Wear Workout Clothes)

Thursday- Your Future is Magical (Dress as Your Favorite Disney Character)

Friday- Follow Your Dreams (Wear Pajamas)

On Monday, I forgot to share the weekly family note from our phonics program. Sorry this is late, but I hope you still find it helpful. Here is the link: 95% Phonics Activities for Families

Last week, I shared a link to a Google Form. If you haven't completed the form yet, please do so: Click this link to complete the form.

Thursday, October 19th

Wow! What an awesome Field Trip we had to Gullion Farms yesterday! The children really enjoyed petting the animals, milking the cow, the pony ride, gathering eggs, the picnic lunch, picking a pumpkin, the giant slide, the zipline, the horse drawn carriage, and the corn crib! I was very proud of the children as they were all so well behaved. We really had a great day! Thank you to our chaperones, our pumpkin parent, and to all of the parents who joined us at the farm! It wouldn’t have been successful without all of your help! I will add pictures to the drive soon!

Next Friday night will be our Trail of Treats at 6:00. If your family is attending, please send in anunopened bag of candy for each child participating. Thank you!

We are running low on items for our Prize Box for our Good Time Ticket weekly drawing. The prizes can be any trinket items you find at the store or on my Amazon Wishlist. I would appreciate any donations for the prize box throughout the school year. Thank you! Amazon Wishlist

Monday, October 16th

Today, the students learned about fire safety from Madison City Firefighters. The students learned all about firefighters, ways to stay safe during a fire, and they even got to walk inside the fire truck! I added pictures to the drive I shared with you a few weeks ago. I renamed it Ms. Duvall's Kindergarten 2023/2024.

I checked Practice Sheet #3 today and have sent home Practice Sheet #4. If you didn’t send in your child’s Practice Sheet today, please send it tomorrow in their blue Daily Folder. Thank you.

If an adult from your family is meeting our class at Gullion Farms on October 18th, please email me if you plan to take your child with you at the end of the field trip. You'll need to check them out from me. Please email me by 2:00 on Tuesday to let me know. Thank you! If you misplaced the important field trip notes that were in folders on Friday, you can read it by clicking this link: Important Field Trip Note

Our class shirts were delivered to school today. I will keep your child’s shirt at school to put on the morning of the field trip. All other shirts ordered for other family members are coming home in your child’s backpack today.

Please remember that winter boots are not acceptable school shoes. Students need to wear velcro or slip on tennis shoes with socks. Thank you!

Also, as the weather is changing and children are wearing jackets to school, I have a request that will really help us in class. Please have your child practice buttoning/zipping their jacket until they can do this independently. The students button/zip their jacket to their chair every morning when we arrive and then they zip it on themselves when we go out for recess, and again at the end of the day. You can see it is important for students to be able to complete this life skill independently. Thank you for your support at home.

Friday, October 13th

Click this link to read next week’s newsletter: October 16-20. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Please take the time to read the ORANGE note in your child's folder. This has very important information regarding our field trip next week! I am looking forward to a great trip to the farm. Please let me know if you have any additional questions after reading the note.

Report of Learning Folders are coming home today with your child’s 1st Nine weeks Report Card. As discussed at Parent Night our grading scale is 4, 3, 2, 1. Your child will not receive a 4 until the standard has been taught to the full depth of the Kindergarten expectations AND your child has shown consistent mastery of the standard. At this time of the year 2s and 3s are extremely common. Another thing we discussed at Parent Night was that Kindergarten teachers system wide have a rubric to follow when assigning a 4, 3, 2 or 1 for a standard. After reading the Report Card, please do two things. First, sign the report card in the address box on the first page. Second, I would like one parent from each family to complete this Google Form.

We have completed the 1st 9 weeks individual reading plan. I am proud to announce that our class met the necessary goal!

We had a wonderful teacher appreciation lunch today provided by PTA. If you contributed to this luncheon, thank you so much! We all enjoyed this delicious meal!

Have a great weekend!

Monday, October 9th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are reviewing the letters Tt, Pp, Nn and Aa. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities

Coming home today in Daily Folders: Practice #3. If you didn’t send in your child’s Practice Sheet #2 today, please send it tomorrow in their blue Daily Folder. These practice sheets are a valuable resource to help support your child’s learning at home. Please take the time to do these with your child. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

If an adult from your family is meeting our class at Gullion Farms on October 18th, please email me with the number of adults and the names of the adults. (Siblings are not allowed to join us on field trips.) Please remember to email me after reading today’s post. Thank you!

Friendly reminder: Wednesday is a half day of school. We will dismiss at 11:30. If you haven’t already filled out the Google Form that I included in yesterday’s post, please do so now. (I have fixed it!) Thank you!

Trail of Treats will be October 27th from 6:00-7:30. If your family plans to attend, please send a bag of candy per each child participating. They are accepting candy donations through October 20th. They are also accepting online donations to purchase candy. If you would like to make an online donation, please use link: https://columbia.memberhub.com/store/items/929169 .

Sunday, October 8th

I hope you had a relaxing Fall Break with your family!

Here is this week's newsletter: October 9-13 Please take a moment to read the newsletter each week. I didn't receive a note from any family about completing the September Challenge. The September Challenge is my favorite because it is so important for children. If your family did the September Challenge and forgot to send a note on Friday, you can still send it tomorrow. If your family didn't give it a try, I encourage you to do so in October.

Wednesday is a half day of school. We dismiss at 11:30. I need each family to complete this form so I know about lunch and your child's transportation: Half Day Form. Please complete the form by Monday. Thank you!

Please return your child's rest mat, poetry notebook, and Practice #2 in your child's blue folder tomorrow. Thank you!

Monday, September 25th

Thank you to all who returned Practice Sheet #1 today. If you forgot to return it today, please send it in your child’s Daily Folder tomorrow. Practice Sheet #2 is coming home in folders today. Please remember that your child needs to complete this in pencil.

You will also see your child’s work from last week’s Literacy Stations coming home in folders today. The students did well last week with our first week of Literacy Stations. Literacy Stations is an important time in our day for students to complete group/partner work reinforcing our reading skills, while I teach differentiated small group lessons. I look forward to seeing the students grow with independence, cooperatively working with others and producing quality work while working in stations.

Today, we began our third week of our 95% phonics program. We are focusing on the letters Nn and Aa this week. Here is some more information about this phonics program.

We reached three goals with the school No Hassle fundraiser. YAY! We will celebrate this by having a pajama day, glow party, and a popsicle party! We will keep you informed of when the reward days will be! Thank you all so much for your support during this fundraiser!

We started our unit on Community Helpers today. It is not too late to submit your picture and sentence to share with the class. Please see last week’s post for more details.

Thank you to everyone who has turned in the permission slips and money for our farm field trip in October. The forms and money are due September 29th. I am still missing money and forms from several families.

Please read this informational note about Rock Your School on Friday, September 29th. If you are available to help decorate the hallway and prepare items for the Rock Your School event, please use this link to sign up. We need volunteers that can come without children at 4:00 on Thursday, September 28th. You will need to bring a ladder that can reach the ceiling tiles. Thank you for your willingness to help!

Friday, September 22nd

Here is next week’s newsletter: September 25-29

Thank you to everyone who has turned in the field trip forms and payment. Both forms and payment are due no later than September 29th.

Next week is the last week of the first quarter. I am continuing to collect data and complete one on one assessments with the students for their first nine weeks report card throughout next week. If you know in advance that your child will be out of school for any day next week, please let me know so that I may adjust my assessment schedule to ensure your child’s first nine weeks assessments are completed.

Community Helper Project:

We will be studying Community Helpers next week. I need every parent to email me with two things:

1. A picture of you at work. Whatever your job, whether you are an engineer, accountant, fireman, sales clerk, stay at home mom, or a doctor, I’d like you to send me a picture.

2. A sentence about how your job helps others. Please explain it in a way that 5 and 6-year-olds can understand.

Please email me these two things as soon as possible. My email address is rcduvall@madisoncity.k12.al.us I will share your picture and read your sentence to the class during Community Helper Week. Your child will be so proud to have your picture shared with the class. Thank you for participating!

Please read this informational note about Rock Your School on Friday, September 29th. If you are available to help decorate the hallway and prepare items for the Rock Your School event, please use this link to sign up. We need volunteers that can come without children at 4:00 on Thursday, September 28th. You will need to bring a ladder that can reach the ceiling tiles. Thank you for your willingness to help!

Monday, September 18th
Our first Practice Sheet is coming home in folder's today. As you read on the newsletter, please don't do it all at once - a little each day will benefit your child. This is a picture of what to look for in the folder: Practice Sheet Picture. Also, refer back to the letter naming video I shared last week for guidance.

Today, we began our second week of our 95% phonics program. We are focusing on the letters Tt and Pp this week. Here is some more information about this phonics program.

The students were so excited about our first day of Literacy Stations. It went well for the first day!

Please continue to practice the lunch numbers at home with your child. This makes checking out a new library book easy and speeds up the long line of children buying a school lunch.

No Hassle Fundraiser - The No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 22nd. Please consider giving a donation to our school. Send it in the envelope that was provided. Or, you can give online by clicking this link: No Hassle Fundraiser.

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their Community Helper picture and sentence. See last Thursday's post for more information.

Thursday, September 14th

Here is next week's newsletter: September 18-22

Your child's progress report is in their backpack. It is not too late to watch the videos that were posted on Monday. Watch to the end of both videos and you'll know what to do. Thank you for keeping yourself informed.

Tomorrow is Dot Day. We made shirts earlier this week and I sent them home today. Please have your child wear the Dot Day shirt tomorrow!

Community Helper Project - We will be studying Community Helpers the last week of September. I need every parent to email me with two things:

1. A picture of you at work. Whatever your job, whether you are an engineer, accountant, fireman, sales clerk, stay at home mom, or a doctor, I’d like you to send me a picture.

2. A sentence about how your job helps others. Please explain it in a way that 5 and 6-year-olds can understand.

Please email me these two things by September 21st. My email address is rcduvall@madisoncity.k12.al.us I will share your picture and read your sentence to the class during Community Helper Week. Your child will be so proud to have your picture shared with the class. Thank you for participating!

Kindergarten Field Trip - Our first field trip is October 18th. The informational note and permission slip were sent home today. Please send the completed forms and payment at the same time. The forms and payment are due on September 29th.

No Hassle Fundraiser - The No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 22nd. Please consider giving a donation to our school. Send it in the envelope that was provided. Or, you can give online by clicking this link: No Hassle Fundraiser.

Please make sure you have completed the classroom directory form here: Classroom Directory

Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, September 11th

Mrs. Hester made 2 quick videos that I would like you to watch today:

The First Nine Weeks Progress Report will be in your child’s backpack on Thursday. Please watch this video to know what to expect and what I need you to do. It should answer any questions you have about the Report of Learning Folder: Progress Report Video

Mrs. Hester also made this video about the activities we’ve been doing in class to help with letter identification. Please watch this video to the end. It is only 5 minutes. Letter Identification Video

Thank you for watching both videos!!

Columbia's No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 22nd. Our PTA raises money to support students and teachers. The annual fundraiser is hassle-free! Funds are used to enhance the school, purchase classroom supplies, host school events, and spruce up spaces at the school. You can use the envelope that was sent home last week to make a donation or you can donate online. Here is the link: Donate to the Fundraiser

Friday, September 8th

Here is next week’s newsletter: September 11-15. Please take a few minutes to read the newsletter each week. I appreciate you doing your part to keep yourself informed about classroom learning.

As you know the last several weeks we have been going over the letters of the alphabet with our letter experts. During this time we talk about what the letter looks like, the sound it makes, how to write it on the lines with correct letter formation, and how to recognize its sound at the beginning of words. If your child still does not know all of their letters automatically, a great way you can help them is by using flashcards with the letters not in alphabetical order. Another great tool to use with your child is the website Starfall. Here is the link to the website with the letter blocks that helps your child with the sound the letters make.

We are doing our best to learn how to use our bodies with all of these new spaces and friends! This means that sometimes we need reminders about personal space and keeping our hands to ourselves. Kindergarten is all about learning how to communicate with our words and our bodies - with our families, teachers, and peers! Please encourage your child to use their words to express themselves, and remind them that if they need help, they should tell a grown-up right away!

As you will read in our newsletter, another way that you can help your child is by learning to open items that are sent in the lunchbox independently. We have a very short time in the lunchroom, our schedule for lunch is from 10:20-10:50. While this may seem to be enough time by the time we go through the lunch line, get settled at the table, then open containers, about 10 minutes has passed. Then we lose another 5 minutes for cleaning up. If your child still struggles with opening the container then consider changing what you send the lunch item in or open the container enough that your child can finish the process successfully. I appreciate your help with this!

Please make sure you have completed the classroom directory form here: Classroom Directory

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, August 31st

Here is next week’s newsletter: September 4-8. Please take a few minutes to read the newsletter each week. I appreciate you doing your part to keep yourself informed about classroom learning.

Yearbook order forms came home today, in your child's daily folder. The cost is $35. If you would like to order a yearbook, the form and payment are due by December 15th.

No Hassle Fundraiser - The No Hassle Fundraiser is happening September 8th through September 22nd. An information page was sent home in your child's folder today. Please consider giving a donation to our school. Send money in the envelope that PTA provided. Or, you can give online by clicking this link: Member Hub.

Please make sure you have completed the classroom directory form here: Classroom Directory

When your child comes to school each day, please make sure your child:

Has a water bottle filled with water and ice

Has the blue Daily Folder inside his/her backpack

Has their library book

Is wearing velcro or slip-on shoes

Thank you!!!

Weekend To Do List:

Practice your lunch number! This is used to check out new library books.

Remove papers from the daily folder.

Let your child practice rolling up their rest mat.

Send rest mats back on Tuesday.

Enjoy the LONG weekend!

Monday, August 28th

Tomorrow is School Picture Day. This is the picture that will be used in the yearbook.

This week our writing focus is on writing our names. This includes making only the first letter uppercase. The rest of the letters should be lowercase. We are also working on writing our letters with correct formation and orientation to the line. That means tall letters are tall, small letters are small, and letters that fall should fall below the bottom line. All letters should touch the bottom line. Currently, our focus is on writing our first name, but you are welcome to start practicing writing your last name at home.

We are also working on using scissors correctly. We talk about how our elbow is by our side, scissors are pointing away from your belly, the thumb is up and we use a straight wrist while cutting. We tell students scissors go open and shut while the other hand is holding the paper firmly while turning the paper. These fine motor skills are very important. By developing their fine motor control, children are able to access so many more things, and become confident and able students. It would be very beneficial to practice these scissor skills at home as well.

Remember to send one snack and a water bottle daily. We prefer the water bottle that has a straw or mouthpiece. The water bottled with an open top create a lot of water spills in the classroom. Also, remember that it should only be filled with plain water. Thank you!

Please check and empty the BLUE Daily Folder everyday.

Friday, August 25th

Thank you for attending Parent Night!! I appreciate you giving your time to get on the same page with me for this school year. If you missed it, I sent the handouts home in your child’s folder today and here are the slides from the presentation. This in no way encompasses everything I shared in the two hour meeting, but it provides you the main topics: Kindergarten Parent Night slides.

Rest mats are coming home today. After washing the rest mat, let your child practice rolling it up independently. Please return the rest mat on Monday.

Poetry notebooks are in backpacks today. I hope you enjoy cozying up and reading these with your child. Leave the poems in the notebook and send the notebook back to school on Monday.

Monday, August 21st

Throughout the past few weeks we have focused on getting to know each other and learning our rules and procedures. We go over our rules each day to help us continue to learn procedures and expectations. We have made numerous posters that will serve as reminders for our expectations and goals. Having structure and organization in a classroom is essential for a positive, productive learning environment. We have also discussed the importance of doing our best with all our work. You can help your child by encouraging him/her to follow our classroom rules and by giving simple directions to follow independently at home.

Last week, our kindergarten students had an orientation lesson. We learned our way around the library. Today, we returned to the library and had a lesson on how to take care of library books. Your child’s first school library book will come home today! Please read their book tonight and return it tomorrow!

Important: I’m looking forward to meeting with all of you on Thursday at 5:30 in Columbia’s Media Center. Here you will hear from all of the kindergarten teachers for about an hour. Then, parents will be dismissed to go to their child’s classroom. It is important that each child have one parent present for the meeting, preferably the parent who works with the child on school work and will be communicating with me.

Class Shirts: Remember to order our class shirt using this link: Class Shirts Our class is ordering the LIGHT BLUE shirt.

Lunchroom Food: The lunch menu is available on Columbia’s website so you can talk to your child about what is being served daily. If you know the food options are something your child does not like, please consider sending a lunchbox.

Friday, August 18th

Thank you for continuing to participate in our Color Weeks daily colors! We are enjoying learning about colors. We have had fun painting primary and secondary colors this week. Ask your child about mixing colors to make purple, green and orange paint. The kids were excited watching the colors change as we mixed!

Remember you can order your child a class shirt at this link: Class Shirt Orders. You will want to be sure to order a shirt for your child because we will wear them often throughout the school year. Please reach out to me if purchasing this shirt is a hardship for your family. Thank you!

Please remember to send a snack and a refillable water bottle every day with your child. Also, for safety reasons, please do not send glass water bottles or containers to school. I also ask that you empty your child’s blue Daily Folder every day and look over the papers that are in the folder. It helps you to see what your child is learning at school, as well as see important papers that I send home providing information that you need.

Mrs. Bolden sent an email earlier this week with the procedures for submitting an absence excuse. The following are additional notes about this process from Dana Herwig:

* Please do NOT submit check in or check out excuses through your portal. This new system is ONLY for all day absences. Once you have checked your student in or out using the iPad in the front office, that is all that is needed.

* Please be patient as we work with this new system. You may receive automated emails, voicemails, or texts saying your student has an unexcused absence. If you know that you have submitted a daily excuse via your parent portal or signed your student in/out at the front office using the iPad, please know that we are working to update attendance records. Updating may take up to 72 hours.

* If you do not have a parent portal or if you need your password reset, please email: dkherwig@madisoncity.k12.al.us

A glance at next week:

Reading - identifying beginning sounds, Letter Experts for L, M, N, O and P. We are continuing to learn about rhyming words.

Math - comparing groups of objects as equal, greater than, or less than, comparing groups of objects to five, and comparing numerals 0-5

Helpful weekend to do list:

1. Cozy up and enjoy reading your child’s poetry notebook.

2. Wash your child’s rest mat.

3. Have your child practice rolling up and securing their rest mat until they can do it independently 3 times in a row.

4. Please have your child practice their lunch number on the paper I sent home at Open House.

5. Have a GREAT weekend!!

Monday, August 14th, 2023

There was a sea of RED at recess today! The kids looked great! We are looking forward to continuing our colors for the next two weeks. Please see the flyer Kindergarten Color Weeks.

One of the “specials" classes that your child receives each week is a STEM class. Each nine weeks our STEM teacher, Mrs. Vandiver provides us with a newsletter of the activities the students are working on. You can read this newsletter at the link: STEM Newsletter.

Scholastic News money is due. If you have not already sent in your money, please send $8.00 in an envelope labeled with your child’s name, my name and “Scholastic News.” Please remember to send in your child’s All About Me Google Slide if you have not already done so.

We have had a week and a half of practicing our school and classroom rules. We have begun our good time ticket system. The children love earning these tickets! Also, if your child has had a behavior that interferes with classroom learning or is not keeping self to self, there will be a behavior calendar in his/her folder that will be marked with what behavior needs to be addressed. Please initial the box and leave it in your child’s folder. Small initials in the corner of the box is perfect, please do not make additional markings (smiles/frowns,etc.). We discuss with your child the choices they are making and discuss solutions for changing the behavior. If your child has a marked calendar then your child should be able to explain the choices he/she made. Please encourage your child to follow directions and make good choices. Thank you for your support of good classroom behavior.

Thank you to all who practiced rolling rest mats this weekend. I can tell the students who practiced and they were proud to show me how they could do it! If your child did not practice, please have them practice when mats come home this Friday. Several students need assistance rolling and securing their rest mat.

Thursday, August 10th

We will have Color week for the next two weeks in Kindergarten!! We want to encourage your child to wear the specified color. Click on the link to read the note with all of the details: Kindergarten Color Weeks Thank you for participating!

It is time to order our Kindergarten Class Shirt!! Our class will have light blue shirts. The cost is $8.00. Here is the link: Class Shirt Orders If you are not able to pay online, you can send cash in an envelope labeled with your child's name and "class shirts." Let me know if you have any questions.

Rest mats will be sent home on Friday. After washing the rest mat, let your child practice rolling it up independently. Please return the rest mat on Monday.

Poetry notebooks will be in backpacks tomorrow. I hope you enjoy cozying up and reading these with your child. Leave the poems in the notebook and send the notebook back to school on Monday.

Fine Motor Skills - Please give your child opportunities to write/draw with pencil, color with crayons, and cut with kid scissors. These activities, along with playing with playdough, lacing beads, and picking up small objects will help build the muscles in their fingers which leads to improved handwriting.

Any student in Kindergarten - 5th grade is welcome to sign-up to be apart of our Drama Club Chorus. Here is the link to sign-up: Finding Nemo Chorus The deadline for sign ups is August 18th.

Finally, if you haven’t done any of the following, please go ahead and do so:

1. Send $8.00 for the Scholastic News

2. Write a note to me about your child (directions were sent home at Open House).

3. Finish All About... slide of your child

4. Sign up for text messages: Text @msduvall2 to 81010

5. Put a complete change of clothes in your child’s backpack.

Tuesday, August 8th

Please be on the lookout for a Google slide I will be sharing soon. This will be for you and your child to use when making the All About slide. The directions will be provided in an email. I have access to the slide, so you just need to email me once you are finished adding the pictures, captions, and Fun Favorites. Remember to practice let your child practice presenting with you so they know what to say to the class. Thank you!

If you haven’t paid the $8.00 for Scholastic News, you can send it in your child’s Daily Folder.

Class Shirts are available for purchase. Please visit this link to order your child's class shirt. This is the shirt we will wear on field trips and to field day. Of course, your child can wear it on any regular school day too. When ordering please make sure you order the correct color. The light blue shirts are for Ms. Duvall's class.

I’m looking forward to meeting with all of you on Thursday, August 24th at 5:30 for Kindergarten Parent Night. It is important that each child have one parent present for the meeting, preferably the parent who works with the child on school work and who will be communicating with me. The meeting is for adults only. Thank you for making your attendance a priority.

Thank you for taking the time to write a letter to help me get to know your child. I am enjoying reading each of them. You can feel free to send your letter by email or in your child's daily folder.

If your child is bringing a lunch box from home, the packed lunch needs to have a drink included. The snack water bottles are not brought to the lunchroom. If you want to send a water bottle for lunch and there is not room inside the lunchbox, your child needs to know that it is for lunch so he/she can put it on the lunchbox shelf.

Friendly Reminders ~

Your child should have a reusable water bottle containing water and one snack for our afternoon snack time. If you want your child to have a choice, please let them make that choice at home before packing it in the backpack.

Your child needs to wear tennis shoes without laces. This means they need to have velcro or slip on.

Please check your child's blue Daily Folder each afternoon and send it to school every day.

If your child is missing any of the school supplies, please send them to school as you get them. Be sure to tell your child to take it out of his/her backpack and give it to me.

Open House Information

Our Open House is Monday, July 31st at 4:00 pm. We will begin with Kindergarten 101 in the cafeteria. Please bring your school supplies with you to Open House.

School Supply List for Kindergarten:

1 pack 8 count classic color crayons (skinny)

1 pack 16 count classic color crayons (skinny)

2 packs 24 count classic color crayons (skinny)

6 large glue sticks

24 #2 pre-sharpened pencils

1 supply box (about 6x9x2)

2 solid colored heavy duty plastic folders with pockets & prongs - blue & green

1 one-inch three-ring binder with plastic sleeve on front

1 Primary composition notebook (3-lined paper with blank space at top)

1 8-pack watercolor set (please only 8, not 16)

1 pair of scissors (blunt tip)

1 pack of Post-it Notes

1 pair of headphones in a labeled plastic bag – No ear buds

1 cloth rest mat – No sleeping bags, exercise mats or beach towels

1 backpack large enough to hold the folders and binder

First Week of School -

Madison City Schools implements an A/B schedule for Kindergarten students during the first week of school. On Thursday, August 3rd only the girl students will come to school. On Friday, August 4th, only the boy students will come to school. On Monday, August 7th, all Kindergarten students will attend together.