Weekly Update

Hi Everyone!

I hope you've been enjoying the cooler weather.  The kids are talking about apple picking, the sun is setting earlier, and the stores are full of Fall decorations.  I love this cozy time of year!

Box Tops:

Our class is competing in the Box Tops challenge. Please save all your Box Tops for us. The class with the most Box Tops wins prizes and activities. I have my sister, brother, parents and neighbors saving theirs for us! Go room 3!

Please Sign Up for a Conference!

Parent / Teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first quarter.  I am using Sign Up Genius to schedule conferences.  If you are unable to attend a conference on one of the dates / times listed, please send me an email to make alternate arrangements. 

 

RAZ-Kids, Dreambox Learning, and Reflex Math:

RAZ-Kids, Dreambox Learning, and Reflex Math are web-based programs that allow your child to practice reading (RAZ-Kids), math skills (Dreambox Learning), and math fact fluency (Reflex Math).  I sent home your child's log-on information for these learning platforms yesterday. Please allow your child to explore these fun and valuable learning tools!

 

Important Information About School Pictures:
Fall pictures will be taken Friday, September 30th.  This will be a day for individual pictures only; a whole-class picture will be taken in the Spring.  Following are some guidelines to help facilitate your picture order / purchase:

• If possible, please order your child's pictures online.  It's the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to order your child's pictures.  If you order online, you do not need to send anything to school with your child on Picture Day!
• If you are not ordering online, please fill out the payment envelope, enclose your payment, and send it to school on picture day.  Your payment envelope must include your child's name, my name, your "look" (or background) selection, and your payment.

Next Week is a Hat Drive and Spirit Week:
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Pinebrook will host a hat drive next week to benefit Ellie's Hats Foundation, which distributes new hats to children who have lost their hair due to childhood cancer treatment.  Please consider donating a new hat during our hat drive.  We will also raise awareness through a school-wide Spirit Week.  Themes for each day are:

• Monday:  Pajama Day
• Tuesday: Twin (Buddy) Day
• Wednesday: Wear a Hat
• Thursday:  Mismatch Day
• Friday:  Wear Gold / Yellow 

First Grade Math Night:

Please mark your calendar for our First Grade Family Math Night on Wednesday, October 5th from 6-7 pm in the Pinebrook cafeteria.  Come to play some fun math games, and leave with instructions for how to play at home.  Siblings welcome!

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will talk about retelling stories and making connections when we read.  I will begin administering the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to determine your child's current independent reading level.
• Writing:  We will continue learning the routines and procedures of Writer's Workshop as we explore the idea that "writing is just telling on paper".
• Math:  We will continue learning the routines and procedures of Math Workshop as we explore number sense and counting.
• Science:  We will talk about our 5 senses, the 4 seasons, and the relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon.  

Please let me know if you have any questions!  I welcome your feedback.

Happy Friday!

Help Needed

Hi Parents,
I am looking for a volunteer is able to come in about once a week to help me with some clerical work I need to do. Please send me an email if you are free and what days/ times work. Since you will be doing jobs that may have you running back and forth from our room to the copy room, I can really work around your schedule.

If you can't come in,  I have a ton of sight words and numbers I have laminated that need to be cut out. This can be done at home. Any help you can give is appreciated.

I am trying to make some manipulatives for our math units and copy upcoming units. With the testing window open for DRA and Pals, I am finding it difficult to find time to get everything done.


Thank you!!!
Kristen

All About the DRA

Hi Everyone,

I've had many questions about reading, reading levels, and testing.  I touched on the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) at Back to School Night, but following is some information for you to reference regarding this assessment, which we administer to help determine your child's independent reading level.

We administer the DRA to all students in September and May, and to certain students in January, to measure their independent reading levels.  Our goal in September is for the students to come to us reading at a DRA Level 3.  Our goal in January is a Level 10.  Our goal for them to leave in May is a DRA Level 16 or higher. DRA levels go up by 1's from 1-4, and then by 2's from 4-20, and then by 4's from 20 on.  So, the levels are:  1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, 32, etc.  I don't know why the levels skip count in this way, but they do!  

The DRA tests primarily for 3 things:  decoding, comprehension, and fluency.  Decoding refers to whether the student accurately reads the words that are printed on the page, as opposed to saying words that aren't there. For example, if the word is "come" and the child reads it that way, he/she has correctly decoded the word because he/she said the word that is printed.  If he/she says "came", then he/she did not correctly decode the word.  Of course, the first step to reading is knowing the words on the page, therefore decoding is assessed.

Next, the DRA tests comprehension...does the student understand what the story is about, as demonstrated by the ability to make predictions about the text and orally retell the story without looking back at the book?  We look for the student to retell the story with little to (ideally) no prompting, by naming the major story events in sequence using characters' names, and by providing as much detail as possible.  Many people think that if their child correctly decodes the words in a book, the child can "read" the book, but of course we know that reading is not only decoding, but understanding what is read too! 

The DRA tests whether a child can make connections to the text.  Does the story remind the student of something that's happened in his/her life, something he/she has seen in the world, or of another book he/she has read?  Can the student identify the author's message or purpose for writing the story?

Finally, the DRA tests the child's fluency...his/her ability to orally read the story with appropriate phrasing and expression, and attention to punctuation.

If you would like to know the DRA level of a particular book, you can go to the following website:

http://www.scholastic.com/bookwizard/

This Scholastic Book Wizard will tell you the DRA level of almost any book out there.  Just be sure to click the circle next to "DRA" above the white box in which you type the title of the book, otherwise you will get the reading level for other leveling systems.  Scholastic has an app you can download that does this same thing.

Please know that none of this information is meant to overwhelm you; instead, I believe we can work together more effectively when we all know this information.  The skills we assess using the DRA are ALL the skills we already practice (or will be practicing) in school, and are the same skills you will practice (or may already be practicing) at home.  The DRA language in this e-mail is simply a more formal presentation of all the skills the students are already (or will be) practicing!  

So....how can you help?  READ, READ, READ,!!!!  READ EVERYDAY, NOT JUST ON SCHOOL DAYS!!!!!  Read to your child, read with your child, have your child read independently!  If you are in a time crunch and must choose between our paper homework packets and reading, PLEASE ALWAYS CHOOSE READING!!!  Have your child read out loud to you to practice fluency, and have your child retell the book to you using the characters' names and as many details as possible.  Talk about favorite parts, making connections, and what would happen if the story extended beyond the last page.  I can not overstate the importance of this, and you will most likely get plain old "sick and tired" of hearing me say it!  

Your child will take the DRA all the way through 5th grade.  Please keep this e-mail for future reference, and please let me know if you have any questions!  I have read and reread it, and hope it makes sense, but if not, please let me know!

Finally, and most importantly, please know that your kids are amazing, smart, wonderful 1st graders.  Thank you for all you do to support their individual learning, and our classroom as a whole!

Weekly Update

Hi Everyone!
Many thanks to those of you able to attend Back to School Night!  If you were unable to attend, please check your child's backpack today for the information I distributed.  The day after Back to School Night, I always feel like we have officially settled into our year.  All of our Back to School events are finished, the supplies are in, the paperwork is in...and it's time to look forward!  Here's to a year of growing readers!

Meantime, here's your weekly update:

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 Please Sign Up for a Conference!
Parent / Teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first quarter.  I am using Sign Up Genius to schedule conferences.  If you are unable to attend a conference on one of the dates / times listed, please send me an email to make alternate arrangements. 

RAZ-Kids and Dreambox Learning:
RAZ-Kids and Dreambox Learning are web-based programs that allow your child to practice reading (on RAZ-Kids) and math (on Dreambox Learning).  The programs are self-paced, can be done anywhere, and are designed to meet your child at his / her level of academic readiness.  The rosters for these programs must be updated every school year.  I am in the process of assembling my class roster, and verifying the students' user names and passwords for these programs.  Access to these programs may not be available for the next week to 10 days as I finish this process.  I will communicate the log-on information to you as soon as I finish.  ***Please note:  If your child used either RAZ-Kids or Dreambox Learning last year, I am transferring your child's account to my class.  He/she will NOT lose any progress made on either of these programs.  Your child's user name or password may change, but progress will NOT be lost.


 First Grade Math Night:
Please mark your calendar for our First Grade Family Math Night on Wednesday, October 5th from 6-7 pm in the Pinebrook cafeteria.  Come to play some fun math games, and leave with instructions for how to play at home.  Siblings welcome!




 Box Tops for Education:
Once again, our school will be collecting Box Tops for Education.  This year, any class that collects at least 1,000 Box Tops will earn a popsicle party!  Please help our class earn a popsicle party by clipping those Box Tops!  The first collection is Friday, September 23rd.




 Library Books:
Please help your child remember his/her Library books each Wednesday.  

 Wear Black Monday:
Sunday is Mr. Thiessen's birthday.  It's a big one.  We are having a little fun at school by wearing black on Monday.  Please help your child wear something black to school Monday. 
 
Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will talk about making predictions when we read.
• Writing:  We will continue learning the routines and procedures of Writer's Workshop as we explore the idea that "writing is just telling on paper".
• Math:  We will continue learning the routines and procedures of Math Workshop as we explore number sense and counting.
• Science:  We will answer the question:  What Is a Scientist?
• Social Studies:  We will learn about Johnny Appleseed.

I hope you have a relaxing weekend and can enjoy the cooler weather.  Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!  

Weekly Update

Hi Parents!

I cannot believe we are getting ready to begin our 3rd week of school already. We are finally getting into the swing of things. On the whole, I am quite pleased with how quickly they've picked up on classroom routines and procedures.  With those foundations in place, we are ready for a year of great learning!

Please ask your child about our Patriot Day ceremony at the flag pole Friday morning. We honored those who lost their lives on September 11th, and all service members and first responders who keep us safe.  It's never lost on me that for our kids, September 11th is part of history, but for those of us alive on that day...well, our hearts continue to weep at the memories.  Truly, we will never forget.

Here's your update for last week:

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If you were directed to this post by a link in an email, please take a moment to subscribe to my blog by entering your email address in the box to the right that says "follow by email".  You will receive a confirmation email to verify your subscription. Please clink the link in the email to verify your email address.  You will then receive an automatic notification each time I've published a message.  Please don't skip that important last step -- you MUST verify/confirm your email address to be subscribed. 

Back to School Night:
Back to School Night will be Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 pm at school.  Please come to ask questions, and to learn important information about our school and classroom procedures.  

Classroom Management:
I will begin implementing my classroom management plan tomorrow. I have already reviewed it with the students and they know it will begin tomorrow. I work on a yellow, red and Blue chip system. If a child is having difficulty following a rule I will quietly give them a reminder as to what they need to be doing. If they have to be reminded a second time to fix that behavior I will very discreetly place a yellow chip on their desk. This serves as a visual reminder for them that they need to make a better choice. If they begin to make a better choice, I will take the chip away. However, if they continue to make a wrong choice, I will flip the chip to red. If they end up with a red chip I will fill out a Think Sheet with the child and we will discuss what they need to do differently tomorrow. I ask that if your child receives a Think Sheet, that you discuss it with your child, sign it and return it to school the next day. 


On the other hand, if the students are doing a great job following the directions and going above and beyond, they can receive a blue chip. This chip means that they will receive a Happy Note home telling you what an outstanding day they had. I love giving out Happy Notes!!! Once again, if your child comes home with a Happy Note, I also ask that you take the time to discuss and praise your child's job well done. 

This system really only works, when both home and school work together.

Believe Kids Fundraiser:
Our PTA has kicked off its biggest fundraiser of the year.  I sent home the Believe Kids fundraising packet in yesterday's Thursday folder.  Please kindly consider participating in this fundraiser to help our PTA reach its financial goals this school year.

Breakfast:
Please be sure your child is eating breakfast each day.  Most of the kids start telling me they're hungry around 9 am, and our lunch isn't until 10:40.  Thank you! 

Class Directory:
I have prepared a class directory.  If you do NOT want your child's information (name, address, phone number, your name, and your email address) published in our class directory, please kindly send me an email today.  I will remove your child's information before I distribute the directory.

Specials Update:
Please remember to send your child with sneakers for P.E. We have P.E. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Library books are due back each Wednesday. 

Lunch:
Our lunch time is from 10:40 - 11:10.  You are welcome to eat lunch with your child any day, and you may bring your child lunch purchased from a restaurant (think places like Subway, Panera, or Chick-fil-A). If you'd like to eat lunch with your child, please sign in at the school office and meet us at the cafeteria at 10:40.  Please plan to say goodbye to your child in the cafeteria at the end of our lunch period as our instructional day resumes right after lunch.

Water Bottles:
First graders are a thirsty bunch.  Please feel free to send a water bottle to school with your child each day.  Please send a reusable bottle.  Please do NOT send water bottles with twist off tops for classroom use...the kids have a very difficult time getting the caps on straight and those bottles typically spill.

Volunteers needed!: 
I am in need of parent volunteers to help me with small groups and prepare materials. I have quite a bit of materials that need to be made both at school (using the copier and laminater) and at home. Please let me know if you are available to come in and help. I'm hoping to get a volunteer sign up out by this week.

Also, I want to send a HUGE thank you out to Mr. Norman who volunteered to be our room dad. He will be in touch throughout the year looking for help planning our class parties. 

Thank you Mr. Norman for stepping up! 

Supplies:

I also want to thank you all again for all of the donations you have sent in for our classroom. We have received so many extra supplies that are being put to good use! I have had several people ask recently if we still needed anything for our treasure box. I am always happy to take any little things you come across. Once we get into the full swing of our classroom management system, we will be having students visit it weekly. So as you can imagine it will need replenished rather frequently. I bought some cute things this weekend at 5 Below. I cannot wait to show the kids. I'm sure they will be a hit!!

Important Dates:
Please check the "Important Dates" section of this blog for upcoming events.  I will highlight some events in my weekly update, but you can find a complete list in the "Important Dates" section.

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will learn about the "5 Finger Rule" for choosing "just right" books.  We will begin Book Shopping, which is the process of choosing just right books for our Independent Reading Bags.
• Writing:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Writer's Workshop.
• Math:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Math Workshop.
• Social Studies:  We will talk about rules necessary to keep our classroom and school community happy, healthy, safe, and productive.

I welcome your feedback!  Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

I hope you had a relaxing weekend! I am looking forward to seeing the kids tomorrow!

Kristen 

Room 3 Needs A Room Mom (or Dad)!!!

Good Evening Parents,

 

First off I want to thank all of you who have donated so many supplies to our classroom. All the extra markers, art supplies and treasure box goodies will come in very handy. I'm blessed to have such a generous group of parents. THANK YOU!!

Secondly, I wanted to reach out once more and see if anyone was interested in becoming our room mom or dad? The room parent meeting is this Friday September 9th, and our room has yet to have any volunteers. I know this seems like a big task, but I would be happy to help you along the way. The room mom is in charge of planning the events for our three class parties. You are welcome to enlist a group of volunteers to help for each party so you would not be doing it alone by any means. Our class just needs a representative at the meeting. Please let me know if you are interested and able to help. I would be forever grateful!

Finally, I wanted to say it is so nice to see some of you at lunch. The kids love having their moms, dads, and grandparents at lunch. Please know you are always welcome to come in and have lunch with your child. We eat very early in first grade. If you want to join us, you are welcome to meet us at the cafeteria at 10:40am. Our lunch time is 10:40-11:10am. Just sign into the office and come on down!

I will be in touch again at some point during this busy week!
Have a wonderful night!
Kristen

Friday Lunch and Ice Cream

Hi Everyone,

A quick check in to let you know that our cafeteria offers ice cream for sale on Fridays only.  Tomorrow will be the first "Ice Cream Friday."  The kids can purchase ice cream with their school lunch, or they can purchase just ice cream to go along with their packed lunch from home.  (They can also purchase a school lunch only with no ice cream.)  Please be sure to let your child know if he/she has permission to purchase ice cream; I expect the kids to know this information when they come to school.  Students purchase ice cream the same way they purchase lunch...you may place money in your child's lunch account via www.myschoolbucks.com or by sending a check to school made out to "Loudoun County Public Schools."  Please place the check in a sealed envelope with your child's name and my name on the front.  Please be sure your child's student i.d. number is on the memo line of the check.  The cost of ice cream is deducted from your child's lunch account. 

A word of caution about Friday's lunch...lines tend to be very long in the beginning of the school year.  Many students buy lunch on Fridays. (It's pizza day!  And what parent wants to pack lunch on Friday?  Not me!)  The line moves slowly as the kids are still practicing how to select their food and how to put their student numbers into the cafeteria computers.  The 30-minute eating period tends to be closer to 10 or 15 minutes.  While I'm not trying to discourage you from having your kiddo purchase lunch, please understand he/she may not actually have time to eat everything purchased.  It may be to your child's benefit to wait a few weeks before buying lunch on Friday.  I've found that the extended lines don't seem to affect those students buying just ice cream to go along with their packed lunch from home - more so the kids buying a school lunch with or without ice cream.

Phew!  That's a lot of information about pizza and ice cream, isn't it?  Please let me know if you have any questions.  

I'll be back tomorrow with my (first) regular weekly update.  Until then....

....BUT A GREAT WEEK!  :)