November Newsletter

 

Dear Parents,

        The month of November is already upon us.  The children are settling in nicely to the routines of first grade.  We appreciate that the Baggie Books are coming in daily.                                                                       
        This month our focus will be Thanksgiving with a close look at the Pilgrims.  We will learn about their voyage and their first feast.  We will compare traditions of that time with those of today.

     Both first grades will also be taking a field trip to see Backstage at  the Nutcracker. This special program is designed to give the students exposure to the ballet and to gain an understanding of all the different roles that are needed to create a production.  We will enjoy activities using this ballet at the end of this month.  The date of this field trip will be Tuesday, November 28, 2006.    We plan to leave at approximately 8:30 a.m. and return around 11:30.    We will not be here for the hot lunch program.  All children will need to bring their own lunch and a drink as we will eat in our classroom when we get back.  The cost for this trip is $4.00--please see attached slip.

        In Math, we have starting chapter 3.  We will be learning about patterns.  Please keep an eye out for the Parent letter that comes home at the beginning of a new chapter.  It is always on cherry colored paper.  We are still working on number formation.  We also have been practicing counting by 2s, 5’s, and 10’s.  We are also practicing telling time by the hour.  Any extra practicing at home would be greatly appreciated!!!  Make it fun by using household items like dried pasta, dry cereal or pennies.

        During Writing Workshop, we are at the beginning stages of the writing process.  We are learning to leave spaces between words, putting our thoughts down on paper, and using capital letters at the beginning of sentences.

   Grade 1 will be administering the new report card that is linked to the Maine Learning Results and your child's work.  This report card was introduced 2 years and has gone through a few revisions. We are on a trimester schedule.  Report cards will go home on at the beginning of December. Conference Day is December 8th, however it is not possible to accommodate everyone on one day.  We will be doing conferences starting November 20.  We will have times before and after school.  You may call the office during the week of November 13 to schedule a conference. During conferences we will go through your child's portfolio and any of the assessments that we have done thus far.

    Cooking class has started. We will be having it every  Friday  afternoon.  If you are available to help out- just let me or Jeni Kingston know.  The more the better!!  We are asking for a $8.00 donation to cover ingredients and supplies.  Thanks for you help with this!!

   

        We hope you all have a great  Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!

                                                  Sincerely,
                                                  The First Grade Team

 

Important Dates to Remember
 

Early Release Wednesday--November 8
No school on November 10th

November 22 will be a 1/2 day

No school on November 23-24

Book orders are due on November 15th
Please make the check out to the book club

Field trip to the Merrill Auditorium to see Backstage at the Nutcracker on November 28

Fee of $4.00 due ASAP  If writing a check, please make it payable to MSAD 71--Thanks