Columbia Elementary School

Thursday, May 15th

Thank you to all the families who came to our End of Year Program today! The students enjoyed getting to perform for you and celebrate their year in Kindergarten!

Remember that Monday, May 19th is a Virtual Learning Day. Parents, please check your child’s blue folders and backpacks tomorrow. In your child’s backpack your child will be bringing home their Chromebook, log-in card, headphones, and charger. You will need these for the virtual learning day on Monday.  In your child’s folder you will find a paper choice board with the title “Kindergarten Learning at Home” and a color by number within 5 paper. These are also for Monday’s virtual learning day. On Tuesday, you will also send the choice board back in your child’s blue Daily Folder. You will keep your child’s chromebook and charger at home. These are checked out to your child. Please keep them in a safe place all summer. 

Class Party: This will be on Tuesday, May 20th. 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 (cash only). An order form was sent home in your child’s folder MONDAY. The money is due by tomorrow FRIDAY, MAY 16th.  Please consider volunteering to help at our party. Here is a link to volunteer: K Party Sign Up

Finally, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20th & 21st are half days. School will dismiss at 11:30.  The cafeteria will have sack lunches available for students who order them.  If I need to order lunch for your child for these 2 days, please email me and let me know.  Students will receive their final report card on May 21st. If your child will not be attending on this date, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope so I can mail the report card to you.

Monday, May 12th

Thank you for sending Practice Folders today. If you forgot to send your child’s practice folder today, please send it tomorrow. 

End of the Year Program – This will be on Thursday, 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. Here is a picture to show where our class will be standing during the performance: Stage Location Your child can bring a change of clothes and shoes to put on after the program. Please let me know if your child will need to change.

Reminder: The snack at our End of Year Party will be Kona Ice. This will cost $4 per student. You will have to pre-order and pre-pay for the party snack (cash only). A purple order form was sent home in your child’s folder TODAY. The money is due by FRIDAY, MAY 16th. 

• Thursday, May 8th

  Tomorrow is the Astro Bash. It is important for every family to follow the steps outlined in the checklist. I am sharing it again today just in case you misplaced the paper copy that was sent home on Monday. Click this link: Astro Bash Note

  I will continue to assess for the final Report Card next week. I need your child at school every day. I try to start working with children when they arrive in the classroom, so please allow your child to arrive at school on time each day next week. Thank you!

  Attention Moms: The children have enjoyed working on sweet gifts for you for Mother's Day. These came home in their blue folders today. Be on the lookout!

  Other Upcoming Events:

  May 15th - Kindergarten Program at 8:30 am

  May 19th - Virtual Day 

  May 20th - Kindergarten Party - Please sign up to donate items or volunteer: K Party Sign-up

  May 20th - Half Day - dismissal at 11:30 am

  May 21st - Last Day of School - Half Day - dismissal at 11:30 am

• Monday, May 5th

  The text messaging system that I use is called Remind. It stopped sending text messages last week and now only sends messages through their app. The Remind app is free. Please download the Remind app so you can receive my reminders during these last 3 weeks of school. Thank you!

  Thank you for sending Practice Folders today. You will see new passages and a new Practice Sheet. If you forgot to send your child’s practice folder today, please send it tomorrow. Thank you!  

  Today was the last day to check out library books. All books are due back to school on Wednesday, May 7th. 

  Kindergarten will take the DIBELS test on Thursday, May 8th. Please ensure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a healthy breakfast. I am sending home a packet to help you prepare your child for Thursday. Please check your child’s Daily Folder today for this packet.

  Now is the time to review sight words, addition facts, subtraction facts, and any standards that had a checkmark on the last progress report. I am assessing for the final Report Card tomorrow through next Friday.  

  Also coming home in folders today is a checklist to prepare for the Astro Bash. Just in case you misplace the note, it will be here for easy access: Astro Bash Note

  Check out this picture from practice today to see where our class will stand during the Kindergarten Program on May 15th: Class Locations on Stage

  Today was a great first day of Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you for the notes and emails expressing gratitude. Each one meant so much to me.

• Thursday, May 1st

  Click the link to read next week's newsletter:  May 5-9.  Please note the important information box.  As it states, our classes will be taking their DIBELS assessments on Thursday, May 8th. 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. I will be sending home a review packet on Monday to also use with your child to prepare for the test. 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. 

  Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:20. 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 of 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.

  Reminder: May 9th is 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. 

• Monday, April 28th

  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 and math diagnostic assessment 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.

    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.

  Field Day - This will be Friday, May 2nd. Coach Fields has planned our Field Day events.

  Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:20. 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 9th. 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. Please wear velcro or slip on tennis shoes. There will be inflatables at the bash, so velcro/slip-on shoes are a MUST! We will not have time to tie shoes before rotating stations.

  End of the Year Program – This will be on Thursday, 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, and 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 20th 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 21st. 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 21st, 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, email me, 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.

• Thursday, April 24th

  Here is next week's newsletter: April 28-May 2. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed with what we are learning in our classroom.

  Thank you to those who brought back the Report of Learning folders today. If you did not, please read it, sign it, and return to school tomorrow. Thank you!

  Several of the kindergarten classes will begin taking their Spring iReady reading and math diagnostic assessments next week. I, however, will be absent next week because I am going to a training session. When I return the following week, April 28th- May 2nd, my students will take the assessment during that 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.

  Field Day - Field Day will be Friday, May 2nd. Coach Fields has planned our Field Day events. Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:20. 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.

Monday, April 21st

This week we are previewing a first-grade skill. We are learning about a second sound that the letter u spells. We will practice reading sentences and short stories. We will also practice writing short sentences. Please click these links to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 24 of 95% Phonics 

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

The Report of Learning Folders will be coming home on Wednesday, April 23rd. Progress Reports will need to be signed and returned to school by Friday, April 25th. Take time to read through the Progress Reports, especially the Teacher Comment box labeled as the 4th Nine Weeks. Please work with your child on the areas that have not been mastered yet. Let's work together to help your child master the standards. We will reassess for the last Report Card in just a few weeks.

Due to the weather, Field Day will be on Friday, May 2nd. If your child will need a sack lunch from the school cafeteria, please email me by Friday to let me know. Thank you!

PTA is doing a Mother’s Day Jewelry Fundraiser on Thursday, May 8-9. 20% of the sales support the Columbia ES PTA. Mention CES when shopping at the Bridge Street Store. A flier is coming home today with more information.

Thursday, April 17th

Here is next week's newsletter: April 21-25. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed about what we are learning in our classroom.

I’ve recently observed an increase in rough play on the playground. Before heading outside, we always review our expectations, including the important reminder to “keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.” Despite this, I see behaviors such as wrestling, pushing, hitting, and overly aggressive tag. While I want students to enjoy their time outside and have the chance to release energy, it’s important that they do so in a way that keeps everyone safe. Please take a moment to talk with your child about how they play with others, and encourage them to use self-control during recess. Additionally, please remind your child that if someone is playing too roughly or making them uncomfortable, they should let a teacher know right away so we can help address the situation appropriately.

Important Information About Field Day

Field Day will be on Friday, April 25th. Coach Fields has planned a fun and active day for our students!

Kindergarten will participate from 9:00–11:20 AM. Classes will rotate through several stations, most of which will be outside. Please do the following to help your child have a great day:

1. Apply sunscreen at home before school.
2. Send a labeled water bottle filled with water and ice.
3. Send a towel.
4. Place the towel and water bottle in a plastic bag (like Target or Publix) or a small drawstring backpack to help your child keep up with their items.
5. Please have your child wear our BLUE class shirt to Field Day.
6. Please make sure your child eats a good breakfast that morning because we eat lunch much later than normal on Field Day.

Only parents who have signed up to volunteer may attend Field Day. If you are volunteering, please check in with Coach Fields for your assignment. If you would like to volunteer, please click the link below: http://bit.ly/cesfield25

The school will provide a sack lunch for those who order one. If your child will need a sack lunch from the school cafeteria, please email me to let me know. Thank you!

Madison City Schools is hosting a math family night.  Please see this flyer for details: Math Family Night. 

Monday, April 14th

This week and last week in 95% Phonics we have been reading words with long vowel sounds.  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).  This week we are learning about the long O and the long E sounds. Please click these links to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 22 of 95% Phonics & Week 23 of 95% Phonics.

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and with that comes some of our students (and parents!) favorite events! This includes our upcoming Field Day scheduled for April 25th. There are 2 different shifts available and those are 

Kindergarten - 2nd grade: 9am-11:20am

3rd grade - 5th grade: 12pm - 2:20pm

•  Click on the link to see the many different stations available for volunteering. bit.ly/cesfield25

• Due to limited parking, you must be a volunteer in order to attend field day. 

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the 4th nine weeks of the school year! Your children have grown in so many ways—academically, socially, and emotionally—and we are so proud of the progress they’ve made.  

As we enter this busy spring season, filled with sports, family events, and exciting activities, we know that routines can sometimes shift and students may come to school more tired than usual. We kindly ask for your continued support in helping your child come to school each day ready to learn.

Consistent rest, structure, and positive behavior are so important as we work through the final stretch of our year together. We still have valuable learning ahead, and every day matters!

Thank you for being amazing partners in your child’s education. Let’s finish strong together!

Reminder:  Please remember to send your child with a snack and a water bottle daily.  I understand that at times we rush to get out the door and forget, but I have had a few that are needing snacks from me on a regular basis. Thank you!

• Thursday, April 10th

  We had a wonderful time on the field trip today! Thank you to Ms. Garth and Mrs. Lorch for riding the bus with the class. Thank you to parents who joined us at Early Works.  I was so very proud of how well the students listened and participated in the activities. 

  Please click the link to read next week's newsletter: April 14-18 

  Please remember to wear purple tomorrow in support of military children.

• Tuesday, April 8th

  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. Please read the next section if a family member is meeting us at Early Works.

  Important Information for Parents Meeting us at Early Works: 

  1. Parents who pre-purchased admission to Early Works will receive a chaperone sticker in their child's folder on Wednesday afternoon. Be on the lookout for the sticker. You will need to wear the visitor sticker while on the field trip. 

  2. Parents should plan on meeting us at Early Works by 9:15. 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. 

  3. When you arrive at Early Works, you must sign-in at the front desk. Tell them your name and that your child is Mrs. Massengale’s class.

  4. If you want to check your child out from the field trip, please complete this form by 1:00 on Wednesday afternoon: Check Out from Field Trip Form

  Other Class Information:

  Please watch the video I shared yesterday from Mrs. Hester. You can watch it on your own anytime today. Your child does not need to be with you. After watching the full video, please follow the directions at the end. Thank you! Here is the link: Reading Practice Video

  When looking at tomorrow's lunch menu, you will see that your child has a choice of Conecuh Sausage Dog or Corn Dog. It would be helpful if you talk with your child about the choice tonight so they will be able to tell me which one they want when I do the lunch count in the morning. Thanks for your help!

• Thursday, April 3rd 

  Here is next week’s newsletter: April 7-11. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed with what we are learning in our classroom.

  We are celebrating Schwa Day on Monday April 7th by wearing pajamas. What is the schwa sound? It’s the most common vowel sound. Any vowel can make the schwa sound. The schwa is the week vowel sound in the unstressed syllable like sound vowel a is making at the end of zebra or the sound vowel o is making in the word bacon. Since the schwa is a lazy vowel we will honor it by wearing our pajamas.

  Purple Up Day is coming up on April 11! It’s a great opportunity to show support for military kids and the sacrifices they make. Wearing purple is a simple but meaningful way to recognize their strength and resilience.

  Please take time to listen to your child read the Reading Practice page in the green Practice Folder. We ask that you spend 5-10 minutes listening to your child read each day. (If they read the full 10 minutes every day, they will successfully complete the April challenge.) You can listen to your child read the words and sentences at the top one day. Then, the two passages the next day. Keep this rotation throughout the week. Make sure you ask your child the comprehension questions as well. Being able to read a passage smoothly, accurately and with expression will help your child comprehend what they are reading. This is a power standard on the Kindergarten Report Card. This reading practice page is meant to be read more than once per week. If you find your child struggling with reading the sentences and passages, please practice reading from the green folder daily and continue working on sight words using flashcards. 

• Monday, March 31st
  Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! If you forgot, please send it tomorrow. You will see new passages and Practice Sheet #23. 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!

  This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the short vowels. We will also be practicing reading sentences and short stories. We will also practice writing short sentences. Please click the link  to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 19 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 your family completes the March Challenge, please send a note tomorrow. Thank you! 

  March reading logs are due tomorrow!

Friday, March 28th 

Here is next week’s newsletter: March 31-April 4.  Thank you for taking the time to read it each week!

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.

Reminder: We are collecting items to make bags for patients at CCI in Huntsville. If you would like to contribute, you can order from the Amazon Wish List through Sunday or you can send travel-size lotion, travel tissues, lip balm, or a bag of peppermints with your child on Monday. This week, we've learned about Saving, Spending, and Sharing Money. This is a great way to put that learning to action - sharing your money by using it to purchase something to help others. 

Helpful weekend to-do list:

1. Wash your child's rest mat and return Monday morning.

2. Please check and empty your child's Blue Daily Folder.

3. Please complete and put Practice Sheet #22 in your child's green Practice Folder. Return the folder on Monday.

4. Enjoy the weekend!

Monday, March 24th 

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the short vowels. We will also be practicing reading sentences and short stories. We will also practice writing short sentences. Please click the link  to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 18 of 95% Phonics.

Reminder: Our field trip to EarlyWorks will be on April 10th. 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. Background Checks Link

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! You will see new passages and Practice Sheet #22. 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!

Thursday,  March 20th

Here is next week's newsletter: March 24-28 . Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed about what we are learning in our classroom.

Our field trip to EarlyWorks will be on April 10th. 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: Background Checks Link.  If you have not already filled out the background check, please do so today if you are planning to attend the field trip. Thank you! Also, please remember that the field trip money and forms are due tomorrow, March 21st. 

Reminders:

• Please pack a snack for your child daily. I have several students who have been forgetting snacks lately. 

• Blue Daily Folders should be checked and emptied every day.

• Please check your child's backpack and make sure that they have a change of clothes that is appropriate for the season.

• If you did not send in your child’s Progress of Learning Folder today with the report card signed, please send it back on Friday, March 21st.

Wednesday,  March 19th

Today, your child will be bringing home their report card, which reflects their progress using a standards-based grading system. This system measures how well students are meeting specific learning goals for their grade level.

You may notice that your child’s score on some standards has changed. For example, if a student previously earned a 2 but now has a 1, it means they have not yet met the rubric requirements for that standard at this time. Comments about a few of the report card power standards: 

• If your child has a 1 or 2 on "Read Kindergarten high frequency words accurately and automatically.” 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, stick, tack, lock, etc. 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.
  
  

After taking notes about which standards to practice at home, please sign in the address box on the first page and return it in the Report of Learning Folder by March 21st. Thank you! These scores are not meant to discourage your child but to guide their learning journey and highlight areas for continued growth. Your support at home can make a big difference! 

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 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 17th

I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break! It was nice to see everyone at school today.

Please check your child’s blue Daily Folder today for important information about our upcoming field trip to Early Works on April 10th.

Cost for Students: $20 (covers transportation and entry fees)

Cost for Parents Attending: $10 (must be prepaid; parents will meet us at Early Works). If you’re sending payment for both your child and yourself, please include a note on the envelope with your child’s name and a breakdown of the payment. All payments are due by March 21st. Thank you for your attention and support!

Reminder: This is the link to this week’s newsletter- March 17-21. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

This week in 95% Phonics we will be reviewing the short vowel sounds. We will also be continuing to read and write sentences. Please click the link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 17 of 95% Phonics.

As we discussed 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 sending Practice Folders today. You will see new passages and Practice Sheet #21. 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. Thank you! 

I’m reaching out to ask for your help with a concern that has come up in our classroom. Several students have been bringing small items from home—such as watches, rings, bracelets, and Pokémon cards—which have become distractions during our whole group instructional time. To help maintain focus and minimize interruptions, please have your child leave these items at home. Thank you so much for your support and understanding. I appreciate your help in keeping our classroom a productive learning space!

One of our teachers is sponsoring a drive to support patients at the Clearview Cancer Institute. As a school, we are collecting travel-sized lotions and tissues, fuzzy socks, and peppermints. We will be collecting items until Monday, March 31st. You can also order from Amazon. Please see the flyer here for the Amazon link.

3/21 is World Down Syndrome Day: wear BLUE and YELLOW on Friday!

Thursday, March 6th

This will be our newsletter for after Spring Break: March 17-21.

Kindergarten is excited about our upcoming field trip to the Early Works Museum on Thursday, April 10th. The cost of the trip is $20 per student, which will cover transportation and entry fees. Please start saving for this expense so that we can assure all students have the opportunity to attend. The cost for parents attending and meeting us at Early Works will be $10 and must be prepaid. We will provide more details after Spring Break! All field trip money will be due no later than March 21st.

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. Please be on the lookout for the new station work! 

Have a great, safe Spring Break!

• Monday, March 3rd

  Please refer to the newsletter to see what we are working on this week! It was posted on Friday.

  The March Reading Log came home in folders today. 

  You will notice that this week's practice sheet looks different from usual. Being able to write the alphabet in sequence from memory is an important skill. It is okay if your child cannot write the alphabet in under a minute by Wednesday. It is a goal we have for May.  Just set the timer for the specified time and see how far they get. You will be able to see which lowercase letters they know how to write with correct formation and which letters they need additional practice with. 

  If you forgot to send the green Practice Folders today, please send it tomorrow. 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!

  We will continue assessments for the 3rd 9 Weeks Report Cards this 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. If you plan for your child to be absent, please let me know, so I can plan accordingly to assure missed assessments are completed.

• Thursday, February 27th

  Click this link to view next week's newsletter: March 3-7. I appreciate you reading it every week, but I especially ask you to read each box this week because some might need to email me after reading the Important Information box. 

  Tomorrow is our field trip to see the drama club's performance of High School Musical Jr. Please send your child to school in their BLUE CLASS SHIRTS. Thank you!!

  On Monday, remember to send your child's February reading log, Dental Health log, Practice #19, and the Practice Folder. (Even if your child did not brush twice a day and floss daily for the entire month of February, send the log to school anyway so they can earn at least 1 Good Time Ticket.) 

• Monday, February 24th

  This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the letters taught in Unit 4 and taking the Unit 4 assessment.  Please click this link to read about more activities you can do with your child: 95% Lesson 16.

  This is Read Across America Week. Please have your student participate in the dress-up days. Tomorrow we are dressing nice for Spring Pictures. On Wednesday, all Kindergarten students and teachers wear red. On Thursday, we wear our favorite team jersey or team colors. On Friday, everyone should wear their class shirts. See last week's post for the flyer. 

  We go to recess at 1:35 in the afternoon. Please consider checking the weather app and sending a jacket that is appropriate for the weather at our recess time. Thank you!

  We go to the Book Fair on Thursday at 12:15 in the morning. If your child is going to purchase a book, please send money in a labeled envelope. The library is closed this week for checkouts because of the Book Fair.

  I would appreciate your support in talking to your child about their classroom behavior. We're experiencing an increase in interrupting instruction, touching others, arguing, tattling, fighting to be first, etc. I would like to encourage you to talk with your child about why they come to school and how they can achieve their goals. I remind them often that they come to school to learn and that they can do that best by listening and participating. 

• Friday, February 21st

  Here is next week’s newsletter: February 24-February 28. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

  Next week, Columbia will be celebrating Read Across America with Getcha’ Head In A Book and Read! Click here for information about the events and the fun dress up days we will have. Remember Friday we will be on a field trip to see High School Musical, Jr. Due to the unknown time of our class eating lunch, we will not be able to have visitors at lunch. Thank you for your understanding.

  Next week our class will be visiting the Book Fair.  Please see Tuesday’s post for our date and time to visit the book fair.

  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 18th

This week, in 95% Phonics, we are continuing to study Qq, Uu, and Xx from last week. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities Lesson 15.

I hope you enjoyed a restful long weekend!

The Book Fair will be open this coming Monday, February 24th. It will be open from 7:40-8:15 daily and will close on Thursday, February 27th, at 2:15 p.m.  Our class is scheduled to visit the Book Fair on Thursday, February 27th, 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!

Chromebooks, headphones, chargers, and QR codes were sent home with students today. All of those items should be returned when the students return to campus. Please make sure the chromebooks are charged and ready for instruction upon their return.