Happy New Year!!

Well, we've made it to 2010 and boy did it come in with a bang! Snow day and a flood!!! Thanks must go out again to all of you who encourage, support, and appreciate all that is going on in our current situation! We couldn't do it all alone! Overall the girls (and boys) are doing great with the new "classroom" and are learning lots! Here are some important updates and news you will need to know!

Info to Know

• Our field trip to the Puppetry Arts Center has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 20. Please be sure to pack a lunch for your little darling on that day and have them wear their uniforms.
• Our class weekly progress report will come home next week due to the recent schedule of events.
• Scholastic Book order forms came home this week. Please look through them and place an order. You can place orders online or return them to school in an envelope in the clear folder. Don't forget the books for $1.00.
• Re-enrollment forms are due in the front office by January 22nd. If you have questions please check the school website or with the front office.
• Our class book is now being written by all of the girls!! We are so excited to have a "real" published book!! If you have not returned your order form to get your very own copy, please do so soon, you still have time!!
• Poetry notebooks came home today; please review this with your little darling, sign and return on Tuesday.
• Lunch menus also came home today. These must be return by the due date on the calendar for your little darling to receive lunch. Be sure your child's name is on the menu!

• THINGS TO NOTE DURING OUR TEMPORARY RELOCATION

1. I can't access email as readily as before. If there is a change in transportation or other important information, please send a note in the clear folder in the morning (best) or call the front office throughout the day (for an emergency). I will try to check my email at least once during the school day and in the afternoon/evening. For non-emergency information this is still the best form of communication.
2. For ease during snack time, we would like to request individually packaged snacks. Pre-packaged or packaging small (about 4oz) portions yourself, at home, is great! Also sending individual juice boxes or bottles of water, if you so choose, would also be appreciated. Also, please no snacks that require refrigeration.

Academic Update

• Last week we introduced our new IB unit, Going On a Bear Hunt! It is our unit on exploring various parts of the world and the various habitats. We studied polar/Arctic locations first; we moved onto rainforests; next we study deserts. Ask your little one if they can tell you about some of the animals that reside in each.
• We have introduced the letter Qq. What sound does it make? How is it written? What words can we find that begin with it? Next week: Zz
• In math, we have discussed measurement. We began measuring with non-standard units, our feet, and then moved onto the standard unit, the foot. We used calculators to subtract, counted by fives, and completed a 100s grid! Next week: pennies, nickels, & using clues to find a number or shape
• In reading, we focused on fact vs. fiction as well as prediction. What is a compound word? Ask your little one if she knows. Reading groups will resume next week.

Classroom News

• Snack schedule this week: T-Madeline, W-Gigi, Th-Meghan, F-Alexa
• We need a new listening center. If you have a small "walkman" cd or tape player, please let us know.