Hi everyone!

I can’t believe we’ve started the month of February!!  I think reality really hit when I had the chance to listen to all the students read from their book boxes last week- WOW! Our reading has really taken off!! They’re SO proud to share.  I love that we’ve got a class of students who love reading! Great job on keeping up with home reading as well! 

We’ve been learning about the OLYMPICS!!  Every day we learn about a new Olympic Sport, and we’re going to follow Canada’s progress when the Olympics begin. We’ve got quite the patriotic little group here, I must say!! Each time we watch a video clip of Canada there’s lots of cheers. 

On Monday, we are starting our spelling program! Spelling is a bit tricky in Grade 1, as it’s usually easy for students to remember to sound out words/ remember rules when they’re practising their spelling, but transferring that knowledge to their daily writing often takes time.  The spelling program we are beginning is a little different than the traditional spelling programs you may have seen in the past.  Students will be bringing home a spelling scribbler on MONDAYS, and it will be returned to the school on FRIDAYS.  Here is the letter that will be inside the scribbler:

 

February 3, 2014

Here is your brand new Spelling Program! This scribbler will travel home every Monday and stay with you for the week, then return to school each Friday. We will glue in the new spelling lists every Monday and your child will highlight the words that they are expected to practise each night. Some recommended activities for February are included on the pink sheet that has been glued in this book. At least three nights per week, please choose one of the listed activities to complete. (However, if you come up with other fun ideas please feel free to try those too!)

 

Each spelling night, please record the date and activity that you chose to do. If the chosen activity requires a pencil and paper, please feel free to use the scribbler; that’s what it is for! Other activities will not require work in the scribbler.

 

Every new list will include 10 words. I recommend that some children do only the first 4 words on the list (Level 1), others will want to do 8 (Level 2), some will want to do all 10 (challenge words). Remember, we want all kids to have fun and be successful with these words. The words that your child is working on will be highlighted on the list. If your child is asking to do more words, please feel free to bump up a level and by the same token, if they are feeling overwhelmed, allow them to take a step back to perhaps only 4 words rather than 8. We want students to find the place where they are thriving and learning, while also being rewarded with success! Spelling “check-ins/quizzes” will be on Fridays. Happy Spelling!

 

Keep an eye out for the scribblers being sent home on Monday!

 

SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOLS

We had such a blast with Scientist Sheryl on Wednesday! Thank you to all the parents who were able to come and help run a center!  Here are some pics of our morning:

 

We have also welcomed Mrs. Wevers in our class! She will be with our Grade 1 group for Monday and Wednesday mornings.  The kids got to meet her last week and are excited to spend some more time with her.

 

On Wednesday, we have our Family Assembly which is hosted by the Grade 4s.  We will gather in the gym at 12:30, and then spend some time with our MMH families.  Also on that day, at 2:05, we will be going on a Winter Walk around the neighbourhood! Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather on this day! 

I've made some changes to our 100 Day celebration- It will still be on Valentine's Day, but we need 2 more volunteers for that morning! Thank you to Kari Manser and Kriss Guenter who have already volunteered to help. If there's anyone out there who is able to come that morning we'd love to have your help!  Thanks!!

I think that’s it for now! Here are your important events for February:

 

Important dates for February:

Tuesday February 4^th- After School Skating begins!
Wednesday February 5^th- Family Assembly @ 12:30
Wednesday February 5^th- Winter Walk Day!
Tuesday February 11^th- After School Skate
Friday February 7^th- P.D day no school for students
Thursday February 13^th- Spirit Assembly @ 12:30
Friday February 14^th- Happy Valentine’s Day!
Friday February 14^th- 100^th day of school celebration
February 17^th- 21^st- Family Break No school
Tuesday February 25^th- After School Skate
Tuesday February 25^th-Hot Lunch Grades 1-3
Wednesday February 26^th- Hot Lunch Grades 4-5
Wednesday February 26^th- Pink Shirt Day!