September 15, 2024

Hi 1A families,

Last week was our first full week and we packed a lot of learning into our 5 days together. Here's a quick look at some of the things that we accomplished:

• Fundations: We continued to work on letter-sound correspondence, as well as letter formation (handwriting). The letters we covered were: c, o, a, g, d, s, e, and r. Ask the kids about the Ms. Odd and Mr. Ed puppets that visited out class. We also discussed how vowels are the hardest working letters in the alphabet because there is a vowel in every word. Additionally, the first grade students learned how to "tap out" the sounds in words. This is a strategy that helps them read unfamiliar words. I encourage them to use it whenever possible, rather than just asking someone to read the word for them. Here's a video if you'd like to see "tapping out and blending" in action.
• Wit and Wisdom: In this part of our ELA (English Language Arts) curriculum, the students are diving into Module 1 titled "A World of Books". We are focusing on a the first story, Tomas and the Library Lady, so that the students can learn to identify story elements including characters, setting, the problem, and the resolution. While working with this material, I introduced the following vocabulary words: storyteller, borrow, eager, character, setting, problem, resolution, reveal, imagination, and migrant.
• Eureka Math: The students are starting the year with some review to build their number sense. They have been working with number sequencing up to 100. (Including a really fun 120 chart floor mat that was donated from our wishlist!) The students are also learning about strategies for organizing numbers such as ten frames, five groups, and number bonds. We worked with whole-parts relationship. For example, 2 and 3 are parts of five (the whole). Also, the kids worked with their third grade reading buddies in Ms. Pecci's class to log in to the Chromebooks and play ST Math.
• Literacy Centers: One of the best parts of the day is when they kids engage in literacy centers. They break up into smaller groups to participate in different activities. This gives all of the kids an opportunity to meet with me in their group and work on literacy skills. This structure can be a little challenging for first graders because there is independent work, but it's going really well so far. Ask your kiddo what their favorite center is!
• Science - Apples: At the end of each day, we have some time set aside for Science and Social Studies.
• Read Aloud - Ramona the Pest: Each day I've been reading a little bit of the story Ramona the Pest, by Beverly Cleary. If you've never read the story, Ramona is a kindergarten student who is great kid, but does't make the best choices. Our class loves this story. They keep asking me to read more. :)

Reminder: Library on Monday

Please pack your child's Kittredge library books in their backpacks on Mondays so that they can exchange it for a new one if they would like.

Open House: This Wednesday, September 18, 6:00-7:00pm

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at open house on Wednesday evening. This is an event primarily for adults so you can learn about the ins and outs of our class and curriculum. Grades 1, 2, and 3 will hold presentations from 6:00-6:30 in the classrooms, and grades 4 and 5 will hold presentations from 6:30-7:00. If you have any questions about the evening, please let me know!

Sign Ups (also available during Open House)

I will talk about these volunteer opportunities at Open House, but here are the sign up links if you would like to be a Mystery Reader and for your child's Star of the Week week. Any volunteers in the school must have a valid CORI form on file with the district. (CORI checks last for 3 years.)

Mystery Reader

Star of the Week

Additionally, I put together a sign up sheet for Caregiver-Teacher conferences. This is a time when we can talk about your students progress at school. Most conferences take place on Tuesday, November 5, however, I added some times outside of that date if that works better for your schedule. You will have the option to have the meeting in-person or virtually. (Please note your preference when you sign up.) If none of the listed times work for you, just let me know and we can make other arrangements. 

Caregiver-Teacher Conferences

Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, September 18: OPEN HOUSE 6:00-7:00pm
• Wednesday, September 25: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Monday, October 14: No school (Indigenous People/Columbus Day)
• Wednesday, October 23: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Tuesday, November 5: No school for students - Election Day/Caregiver-Teacher Conferences
• Monday, November 11: No school - Veterans Day

This class is doing a phenomenal job for this early in the school year. I can't wait to see what we will accomplish this year! As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks for all that you do!

Katie Barnett

September 8, 2024

Hi 1A families,

I hope that the kids (and you) are having a nice, relaxing weekend. Just a quick update after a busy week. :)

CORI forms: If you would like to chaperone events, be a Mystery Reader, or help in the school, you must have a valid CORI check on file with the school district. They are valid for 3 years, so if you completed one for Kindergarten, you should still be all set. (If you'd like me to check for you, just send me an email.) If you know that you need a CORI check, please complete the form and bring it (in person) to the front office with your valid ID. CORI Form

Home/school folders: Every student received a blue folder for home/school communication. Please check and empty the folder each evening and return it to school with your student. If you have any paperwork or notes to send to school, pop it in there so the I receive it. Thanks!

Water bottles: Please send a water bottle to school with your child every day. They can keep them on their desks so that they stay hydrated. It's a good idea to label the water bottle with your child's name. 

Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, September 11: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Wednesday, September 18: OPEN HOUSE 6:00-7:00pm
• Wednesday, September 25: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Wednesday, October 9: Safe Routes walk-to-school event and early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Monday, October 14: No school (Indigenous People/Columbus Day)
• Wednesday, October 23: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)

Please let me know if you have any questions at all; I am happy to help! :)

Thanks so much.

Katie Barnett

September 3, 2024

Hi 1A families,

What a great first few days we've had! I hope that everyone had a wonderful long weekend. Just about every week, I will add an update to the class blog to let you know what we've been working on in class and fill you in on any other important information. 

Here's what we've been up to in 1A since the start of school:

• The most important task has been to help the kids get to know one another and to teach them to routines of the classroom. They have done a fabulous job so far! I'm actually a little shocked by how quickly they have learned what to do when they arrive in the morning, unpacking their backpacks, starting their morning work, giving me any notes they may have in their folders, etc. We are only 3 days in and they need very few reminders. That's pretty impressive for a group of 20 six and seven year olds!
• Many of the kids have brought in and presented their "all about me" bags. This gives them a chance to let us know a little bit about them and their classmates have a chance ask questions and give compliments. It's been the highlight of our day! If your first grader has not brought in their "me" bag they can do it any day this week. 
• We have been getting back into the swing of phonics by reviewing letter names and sounds. Starting today, we will begin a review of the Fundations approach to letter formation.
• In math, we have been working on number sense. Yesterday, the students created a number line craft. Today we will dig into ST Math, our online math program, as well as working on number sequences up to 100 (which is Kindergarten review).
• I also started the beginning module of the Wit and Wisdom literacy program. We read a story titled Wild About Books and discussed how books can change lives. I introduced the following vocabulary terms: echo, notice, wonder, bookmobile, and wild. 
• Sprinkled into our days, we have done a number of fun brain breaks (ask your first grader about the This or That activity that we did yesterday) and a lot of back-to-school read aloud books.

Supplies and Wish List Items - Thank You!!

Thank you for all of the supplies that you sent in. We will put everything to good use!

I received a few items off of the classroom wish list - I am so excited! We are able to refresh out worn out indoor recess games and add to the classroom supplies. I REALLY appreciate it! Thank you! Here's the link in case anyone else was looking for it: 1A Class Wishlist

Special Schedule

Monday: Library

Tuesday: PE

Wednesday: Art

Thursday: PE

Friday: Music

Thank you for everything you do to support your child's learning at home! I am thrilled with this group of kids and I have a feeling that we will accomplish a lot this year. 

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please reach out to me. I am happy to help!

Katie Barnett