The Tillis Tribune
August 22, 2008

I hope everyone managed to stay safe & dry this weekend and that everyone enjoyed a three-day weekend. This newsletter will be posted each week on our classroom blog. You will receive email reminders that the news has been posted. It is very important that emails and posts be read as most of them require action on your part (ie homework, etc). Newsletters will also contain an overview of skills taught for the week, homework directions, specials rotations, as well as important dates.

Our First Week
We spent the majority of the week getting to know each other and learning many of the procedures and patterns followed in first grade. I can tell already that our class is a bright, inquisitive & fun bunch of children. This week will be a review and introduction of new procedures including literacy stations, math tubs, reading & writing workshop. While we spend a great deal of time focusing on how to get around in the classroom, using resources, and working together as a team, please know that I am assessing and gathering information about your child that will help me most effectively meet them at their strengths and challenge them to grow. More information about daily classroom life will be detailed during Open House on Sept. 4. Please make plans to be here that evening.

Spelling
This week our lightening words are: is, in, I, a, can, and. We will review these words together an independently and practice using them in our reading and writing. Please encourage your child's attempts to read and write these words.

Math
Our first homelink will go home on Monday. It will include a family letter with Homelink 1.1 attached at the end. Homelinks will be sent home most days, be sure to check the orange daily folder in your child's backpack & return it daily. This week we practiced many of our daily math routines. Next week we will spend a great deal of time review numbers, sets & number words.

Lunch
Our lunch time is 11-11:30. Please sign in at the front office.

Specials
Our rotation this week: (M) PE, (T) Music, (Th) Art, (F) PE

Important Dates
Code of Conduct booklets are coming home Monday. After reviewing, please sign & return the forms enclosed. The booklet should be kept at home.
Sept 1 - Labor Day
Sept 4 - Open House

Our Class Pets!

Calling All Experts!

Dear Families:

This year's science standards open up a world of adventure & exploration for your first grader. As always, first grade teachers are on the lookout for "experts" on anything.

In this case, we are hoping that if you or your child have a special interest or knowledge relevant to our science curriculum that you will feel free to share with us.

This year's science includes:

The Practice of Science
Earth in Space and Time
Earth Structures
Properties of Matter
Force & Motion
Organization and Development of Living Organisms
Interdependence

Experts (children or parents) are always welcome and do be sure to give advance notice when you want to share!

First Grade Science

First Graders are the luckiest kids at PKY!

Since a large part of first grade life science is the study of living organisms, specifically including plants, I would like for each student to choose a type of plant to contribute to our classroom. Please encourage them to choose plants that need low-light and can thrive indoors.

To make it simple, I have a list available at Garden Gate Nursery (just ask them). I chose Garden Gate because their plants are not sprayed with pesticides and since the children will be handling plants extensively, I felt this was an appropriate choice. Of course you are welcome to bring in any plant you like. Succelents are also welcome, as we will study desert habitats & plants.

See more details about first grade science in the "Calling All Experts" section of this blog.

Please bring your plant to Meet the Teacher on Aug 15th between 11-1pm.