Important Information

I hope everyone was able to enjoy this gorgeous weekend.  I have some important information for you.

Math Facts:  On Friday, we took our first math fact test.  I know that it was short notice on which facts to study but I did not expect a lot of studying to need to be done since it was 0's and 1's and these facts should be automatic responses (for the most part).  The tests are not for a formal grade.  We grade them as a class for correctness but I will not record them in the grade book.  As a class, the children did okay... not horrible but not great.  I expected them to get at least 15 problems done in 1 minute (minimum) and more would be better.  The students are not used to memorizing things or taking time-sensitive tests.  I know as we continue to practice and take the tests each week the students' abilities should increase.  They only have 1 minute to complete as many problems correctly as possible.  The math facts should be straight memorized and no one should have to use their fingers or count on in their head, etc.  This will help them in their future math classes in first grade and on.  So please go over the facts with your children at home to the point that they are memorized to allow them to be more successful on these skills but also remember that they are 5 & 6 years old and it should be fun or done for a short amount of time each day.  This week we will be revisiting 0's and 1's but also 2's and 3's (facts through 25).  

Talent Show:  The talent show is coming up.  Auditions will take place during school hours in mid-May.  I need to know by May 9th via note or email if your child will be trying out.  I explained to the class today that it can be ANY talent (singing, dancing, karate, sports, jokes, facts, musical instrument, building things, etc) but they have to practice at home and have an act.  

Recycling Center:  We will be leaving for the Recycling Center at 12:15 tomorrow (immediately following lunch).  We will return at the end of the school day.

Library: We are scheduled to go to Imaginon on Thursday.  Please return your child's books or pay any fines prior to this trip.  

IMPORTANT!  Riverbanks Zoo Next Week:

I have several important reminders about the zoo.

• We will be leaving promptly at 7:25.  Students may arrive beginning at 7:15.  Please drop your child off at the back entrance of the school where normal drop-off occurs.  We will have one of the assistants at the door.   
• We will be returning between 4:00-4:15 depending on traffic (definitely aiming for 4:00).  We will release students from the back door as well.  
• The early arrival and late dismissal mean that your child cannot ride the Eagle Bus at all.  Please make other arrangements. 
• Please make sure your child is wearing tennis shoes (sneakers).  They may also bring a hat.  Please do not send anything else with your child to wear (jackets, sunglasses, sun shades, etc.) as they are easily lost.  
• If you would like your child to wear sunscreen you must put it on your child at home.  Mrs. Kang and I are not allowed to apply sunscreen to your children. 
• LUNCHES: Please make sure you pack your child's lunch in the blue container that goes home on Tuesday.  Please also pack 2 labeled snacks separately from lunch.  Morning snacks, afternoon snacks, and lunches will all be stored in different locations so they all need to be separate from one another.  
• Please DO NOT pack your child a water bottle.  I will provide one for your child on that day (along with a strap to carry is around their shoulder easily so it accessible throughout the day).
• You do not need to send backpacks, folders, etc. with your child on this day.    
• If a child is late to school and we have already left for the field trip they will attend school in another classroom and complete work with that class. 
• Please let me know if you have additional questions.  This is for our trip Wednesday, May 7th.   

Discovery Place Field Trip: Due to a conflict in scheduling we have had to change the date of the Discovery Place Field Trip.  It will be Thursday, May 29th not the 28th.  If you signed up to be a chaperone and this date change will not work with your schedule, please let me know ASAP.  We will change the library trip TBD. 

Spelling Words:

*together

*numbers

*mother

*usually

*remember

*important

Phonics Rule: ou

Word Family: -ight

Also, if you haven't done so, please submit your intent to enroll letters for next year.