5-18-12
1. Pinky and Ava are looking for places to stay the next couple of weekends. Please let me know if you are interested!
2. Our Ghana play and celebration will take place this Wednesday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. in the library and then the classroom. Please make sure your child practices the play this weekend.
3. Zoo permission slips and money due this Wednesday, May 23!
4. Please return the hardcover math books.
Have a great weekend!
1. Pinky and Ava are looking for places to stay the next couple of weekends. Please let me know if you are interested!
2. Our Ghana play and celebration will take place this Wednesday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. in the library and then the classroom. Please make sure your child practices the play this weekend.
3. Zoo permission slips and money due this Wednesday, May 23!
4. Please return the hardcover math books.
Have a great weekend!
| 1-dg_update_5-18-12.pdf |
| zoo_permission_slip-12.pdf |
5-12-12
1. Please return the hardcover math books by June 8.
2. Please have your first grader read through the Anansi play many times! Thanks!
3. Please send in $12 and the permission slip for the zoo field trip.
4. Please read the newsletter for this week.
Happy Mother's Day!
1. Please return the hardcover math books by June 8.
2. Please have your first grader read through the Anansi play many times! Thanks!
3. Please send in $12 and the permission slip for the zoo field trip.
4. Please read the newsletter for this week.
Happy Mother's Day!
5-6-12
1. I am looking for some parent volunteers to help me on Wednesday, May 9 at noon. If you are able to help, please send me an email and bring your iron and a pillowcase and meet me in my classroom at dismissal. We will have a little ironing party and get the Ghana t-shirts made!
2. The following people have volunteered to be chaperones for our zoo field trip on June 1: Elizabeth Carroll, Demetria Gigliotti, Nandita Kapoor, Todd Lehmann and Weiwei Zhuang. I need one or two more volunteers. Please email me if you would like to join us. The permission slip is on the website. Please return the permission slip and $12.00 per child (chaperones are covered) by Wednesday, May 23. Thanks!
3. The Sadasiv family is taking the birds next weekend (May 12 and 13). Is anyone willing to take them the following weekends?
1. I am looking for some parent volunteers to help me on Wednesday, May 9 at noon. If you are able to help, please send me an email and bring your iron and a pillowcase and meet me in my classroom at dismissal. We will have a little ironing party and get the Ghana t-shirts made!
2. The following people have volunteered to be chaperones for our zoo field trip on June 1: Elizabeth Carroll, Demetria Gigliotti, Nandita Kapoor, Todd Lehmann and Weiwei Zhuang. I need one or two more volunteers. Please email me if you would like to join us. The permission slip is on the website. Please return the permission slip and $12.00 per child (chaperones are covered) by Wednesday, May 23. Thanks!
3. The Sadasiv family is taking the birds next weekend (May 12 and 13). Is anyone willing to take them the following weekends?
| zoo_permission_slip-12.pdf |
5-1-12
Important Information
1. Pinky and Ava need a place to stay this weekend (May 5 and 6). Please let me know if you would like to volunteer!
2. Pinky and Ava are out of perch covers. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!
3. We will be performing a small play on May 23 at 8:45 a.m. as part of our Ghana celebration. Families are invited to join us!
4. I need six or seven parent volunteers to chaperone our field trip to the Roger Williams Zoo on June 1. We will be taking buses to Rhode Island. This is a full day commitment. If you are interested in joining us, please send me an email. If we have more volunteers than spots, I will give preference to parents who did not go to Blue Hills with us in the fall. A permission slip will be coming home soon.
5. Families are invited to join us on June 12 at 2:20 p.m. in the Sprague School library for a viewing of a special slideshow highlighting our year. We will have popcorn and the first graders are encouraged to wear fancy outfits (sunglasses, boas, etc.). Please let me know if you can help clean up after our slideshow and celebration.
Important Information
1. Pinky and Ava need a place to stay this weekend (May 5 and 6). Please let me know if you would like to volunteer!
2. Pinky and Ava are out of perch covers. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!
3. We will be performing a small play on May 23 at 8:45 a.m. as part of our Ghana celebration. Families are invited to join us!
4. I need six or seven parent volunteers to chaperone our field trip to the Roger Williams Zoo on June 1. We will be taking buses to Rhode Island. This is a full day commitment. If you are interested in joining us, please send me an email. If we have more volunteers than spots, I will give preference to parents who did not go to Blue Hills with us in the fall. A permission slip will be coming home soon.
5. Families are invited to join us on June 12 at 2:20 p.m. in the Sprague School library for a viewing of a special slideshow highlighting our year. We will have popcorn and the first graders are encouraged to wear fancy outfits (sunglasses, boas, etc.). Please let me know if you can help clean up after our slideshow and celebration.
4-13-12
Happy Vacation!
1. Thank you to the Green Family for taking care of Pinky and Ava over vacation! The Sanvilles will be taking them April 28 and 29. Please let me know if your family would like to take them any of the remaining weekends this year.
2. Please make sure your child finishes his or her weaving project! Thanks!
3. We could use some more baby wipe refills if anyone would like to send in a donation.
Happy Vacation!
1. Thank you to the Green Family for taking care of Pinky and Ava over vacation! The Sanvilles will be taking them April 28 and 29. Please let me know if your family would like to take them any of the remaining weekends this year.
2. Please make sure your child finishes his or her weaving project! Thanks!
3. We could use some more baby wipe refills if anyone would like to send in a donation.
4-5-12
Couple of quick reminders!
1. We are starting our weaving project on Monday. Please see the top of my newsletter for volunteer times if you would like to help out!
2. Please send in any yellow plastic eggs and cardboard egg cartons for a chick project we will be working on soon.
Thanks and have a wonderful three day weekend!!!
Couple of quick reminders!
1. We are starting our weaving project on Monday. Please see the top of my newsletter for volunteer times if you would like to help out!
2. Please send in any yellow plastic eggs and cardboard egg cartons for a chick project we will be working on soon.
Thanks and have a wonderful three day weekend!!!
3-30-12
Pinky and Ava will be staying at the Green's house for April vacation. Is anyone willing to take them next weekend April 6-8? If so, please let me know! Thanks and have a great weekend!
Pinky and Ava will be staying at the Green's house for April vacation. Is anyone willing to take them next weekend April 6-8? If so, please let me know! Thanks and have a great weekend!
3-23-12
1. It would be helpful if your child brought in a water bottle he or she could drink from throughout the day. This will cut down on the long line at the fountain. Please make sure your child's name is clearly labeled on the bottle. Thanks! I also recommend sending your child to school with a hat and some sunscreen (already applied, please).
2. Pinky and Ava need a place to stay for the next several weekends and April vacation. Please let me know if your family is interested.
3. Next week's conferences. . .
Wednesday, March 28
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Lehmann
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sadasiv
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Chatham
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Meyers
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Green
1. It would be helpful if your child brought in a water bottle he or she could drink from throughout the day. This will cut down on the long line at the fountain. Please make sure your child's name is clearly labeled on the bottle. Thanks! I also recommend sending your child to school with a hat and some sunscreen (already applied, please).
2. Pinky and Ava need a place to stay for the next several weekends and April vacation. Please let me know if your family is interested.
3. Next week's conferences. . .
Wednesday, March 28
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Lehmann
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sadasiv
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Chatham
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Meyers
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Green
3-16-12
Hello! Some stuff . . .
1. Please send in any tennis balls you are willing to donate.
2. If you would like to order a copy of the Penguin Yearbook, an order form went home in your child's folder today. Please send order forms and checks in by Wednesday, March 21.
3. The final spring conference schedule is attached below. Please check it to make sure the date and time works for your schedule.
4. Our classroom needs some Clorox wipes and Baby wipes. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!
Have a great weekend!
Hello! Some stuff . . .
1. Please send in any tennis balls you are willing to donate.
2. If you would like to order a copy of the Penguin Yearbook, an order form went home in your child's folder today. Please send order forms and checks in by Wednesday, March 21.
3. The final spring conference schedule is attached below. Please check it to make sure the date and time works for your schedule.
4. Our classroom needs some Clorox wipes and Baby wipes. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!
Have a great weekend!
| spring_conference_schedule.pdf |
3-11-12
I hope everyone remembered to turn their clocks back! An updated copy of the spring conference schedule is under the "Newsletters" section. I have listed some volunteer opportunities on this week's newsletter.
I hope everyone remembered to turn their clocks back! An updated copy of the spring conference schedule is under the "Newsletters" section. I have listed some volunteer opportunities on this week's newsletter.
To watch penguins online, go to: www.calacademy.org/webcams/penguins
3-4-12
-First Graders are encouraged to wear black and white for our Open House/Penguin Party on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. (please by in the gym by 6:20 p.m. for the all school performance part of the night).
-Pinky and Ava need a place to stay next weekend. Please let me know if your family is available.
-Book orders are due by Friday, March 9. Please make one check payable to: Scholastic Books. Thank you!
-Please fill out and return the "First Grade Reflection” sheet (attached to last week’s newsletter) by Friday, March 9. I appreciate your taking the time to write down your comments as it will help prepare both of us to discuss your child’s growth and goals during the spring conference. Thank you!
-Please let me know if you are planning to attend the Math Morning at 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on April 11. This is a wonderful opportunity to come into our classroom to play some math games with your child.
-First Graders are encouraged to wear black and white for our Open House/Penguin Party on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. (please by in the gym by 6:20 p.m. for the all school performance part of the night).
-Pinky and Ava need a place to stay next weekend. Please let me know if your family is available.
-Book orders are due by Friday, March 9. Please make one check payable to: Scholastic Books. Thank you!
-Please fill out and return the "First Grade Reflection” sheet (attached to last week’s newsletter) by Friday, March 9. I appreciate your taking the time to write down your comments as it will help prepare both of us to discuss your child’s growth and goals during the spring conference. Thank you!
-Please let me know if you are planning to attend the Math Morning at 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on April 11. This is a wonderful opportunity to come into our classroom to play some math games with your child.
| spring_conference_schedule.pdf |
2-23-12
I hope everyone is enjoying vacation! Couple of things . . .
1. I have attached a sign-up sheet for Spring Conferences to my newsletter. As in the fall, please write in three
times that work for you and return the sheet in your child’s Home/School folder
by Friday, March 2. Please do not put all three of your
choices on the first day of conferences. If you have a scheduling conflict, please write down times
that would work for you and return the sheet. I will contact parents with a final schedule during the week
of March 5. Please also fill out
the First Grade Reflection sheet and return it by Friday, March 9.
Thanks!
2. Open House is Wednesday, March 7. We will meet in the gym at 6:20 p.m. for the all school dance portion of the night and then head down to the 1-DG classroom for our Penguin Party. Black and white attire is optional, but suggested for the 1-DG students.
3. Pinky and Ava are looking for weekend plans. Please let me know if you would like to take them home in the coming weeks. Thanks!
2. Open House is Wednesday, March 7. We will meet in the gym at 6:20 p.m. for the all school dance portion of the night and then head down to the 1-DG classroom for our Penguin Party. Black and white attire is optional, but suggested for the 1-DG students.
3. Pinky and Ava are looking for weekend plans. Please let me know if you would like to take them home in the coming weeks. Thanks!
2-5-12
Note: Progress Reports went home on Friday with a folder of your child’s finished work for you to keep. Please write any comments on the enclosed form (the signed and returned form acknowledges that you received your child’s progress report) and return the envelope to school. I will use the envelopes again this spring. Thank you!
Below I have pasted information about a special math event coming up in April.
You’re Invited!
Grades K-2 Math Game Morning
Wednesday, April 11th
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Please join us for a morning of math games!
8:30 – 8:45 In the Sprague Atrium – “Math Warm-Up” with Dr. Goodwin and Chelsea Bailow, Elementary Math Specialist
8:45 – 9:30 In Your Child’s K-2 Classroom(s)
· Rotate through a variety of math games with your child
· Learn more about the math ideas embedded in each activity
· Get ideas for fun math you can do at home
RSVP
Please let your child’s classroom teacher know by Wed., March 28if you will be able to join us for the K-2 Math Game Morning!
Note: Progress Reports went home on Friday with a folder of your child’s finished work for you to keep. Please write any comments on the enclosed form (the signed and returned form acknowledges that you received your child’s progress report) and return the envelope to school. I will use the envelopes again this spring. Thank you!
Below I have pasted information about a special math event coming up in April.
You’re Invited!
Grades K-2 Math Game Morning
Wednesday, April 11th
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Please join us for a morning of math games!
8:30 – 8:45 In the Sprague Atrium – “Math Warm-Up” with Dr. Goodwin and Chelsea Bailow, Elementary Math Specialist
8:45 – 9:30 In Your Child’s K-2 Classroom(s)
· Rotate through a variety of math games with your child
· Learn more about the math ideas embedded in each activity
· Get ideas for fun math you can do at home
RSVP
Please let your child’s classroom teacher know by Wed., March 28if you will be able to join us for the K-2 Math Game Morning!
1-29-12
A class list (to help with making valentines) will be in your child's Home/School folder this week.
Pinky and Ava need a place to stay this coming weekend. Please let me know if you are interested.
A class list (to help with making valentines) will be in your child's Home/School folder this week.
Pinky and Ava need a place to stay this coming weekend. Please let me know if you are interested.
1-20-12
I have been busy scoring assessments and writing progress reports. The first graders have worked so hard and made progress this fall/winter. Please be sure to congratulate them for their effort!
Pinky and Ava are looking for a place to stay this weekend. Please let me know if your family is available. Thanks!
I have been busy scoring assessments and writing progress reports. The first graders have worked so hard and made progress this fall/winter. Please be sure to congratulate them for their effort!
Pinky and Ava are looking for a place to stay this weekend. Please let me know if your family is available. Thanks!
1-15-12
1. This week we learned about Whole Body Listening (please see newsletter and image below for more details). Please remind your first grader that it is important to be a good listener at school.
2. Donations Needed:
-We need some supplies for a penguin craft coming up soon. Please let me know if you are able to donate any of these supplies. Thanks!
-22 Child size solid black socks (preferably tube socks, but we can make other styles work)
-1 bag of small colorful buttons (for penguin eyes)
-A couple of bags of colorful feathers
-Black, white, yellow and orange felt (enough for wings, bellies, feet and details)
-Several bags of polyester fiberfill stuffing.
-A couple of bags of small dried beans or peas to put in the base of the penguins to help them stand up.
3. Please let me know if your family would like to take Pinky and Ava home for a weekend or vacation. Thanks!
1. This week we learned about Whole Body Listening (please see newsletter and image below for more details). Please remind your first grader that it is important to be a good listener at school.
2. Donations Needed:
-We need some supplies for a penguin craft coming up soon. Please let me know if you are able to donate any of these supplies. Thanks!
-22 Child size solid black socks (preferably tube socks, but we can make other styles work)
-1 bag of small colorful buttons (for penguin eyes)
-A couple of bags of colorful feathers
-Black, white, yellow and orange felt (enough for wings, bellies, feet and details)
-Several bags of polyester fiberfill stuffing.
-A couple of bags of small dried beans or peas to put in the base of the penguins to help them stand up.
3. Please let me know if your family would like to take Pinky and Ava home for a weekend or vacation. Thanks!
1-6-12
I forgot to mention before winter vacation that 1-DG got a nice "shout out" from Superintendent Bella Wong in her weekly newsletter. If you would like to read it go to http://www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/, scroll over "District Information," then click on "Superintendent's Bulletins," then click on "Download the Bulletin" for December 16, 2011. Note: I have actually been doing stretching and yoga with first graders for ten years, not just this year . . . but it was still wonderful to be recognized!
Below I have listed the families that will be taking Pinky and Ava home for the next couple of weekends. If your family would like to take them over a weekend or vacation, please let me know! Thanks!
January 13- 16: Giesser
January 20 - 22: Temple
I forgot to mention before winter vacation that 1-DG got a nice "shout out" from Superintendent Bella Wong in her weekly newsletter. If you would like to read it go to http://www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/, scroll over "District Information," then click on "Superintendent's Bulletins," then click on "Download the Bulletin" for December 16, 2011. Note: I have actually been doing stretching and yoga with first graders for ten years, not just this year . . . but it was still wonderful to be recognized!
Below I have listed the families that will be taking Pinky and Ava home for the next couple of weekends. If your family would like to take them over a weekend or vacation, please let me know! Thanks!
January 13- 16: Giesser
January 20 - 22: Temple
1-2-12
I hope everyone had a wonderful vacation! The weather is supposed to be very cold this week . . . please make sure your first grader is dressed warmly. Get ready to learn about penguins!
I hope everyone had a wonderful vacation! The weather is supposed to be very cold this week . . . please make sure your first grader is dressed warmly. Get ready to learn about penguins!
12-17-11
The first graders enjoyed making holiday crafts this week (see pictures below). Thanks so much to the parent volunteers who helped out and to our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson and Lynn Sanville) for organizing volunteers and supplies. Kirsten and Lynn also deserve a huge thank you for their work sponsoring the two children being helped by Project Just Because. Kirsten and Lynn drove to Hopkinton on Tuesday to deliver our donations. They were very impressed with how organized and well managed the Project Just Because center is (it started out in the founder's basement and has grown considerably). Please see the pictures below (the first one shows our donations under their tree, the second shows their collection room, and the third shows a child's package left to be filled--this picture strikes an emotional chord for me). In talking with Lynn, I felt that this experience was very powerful and inspirational for her. I am hopeful that this is just the beginning of Sprague School's relationship with Project Just Because. On Monday we will be looking at these pictures and talking as a class about the importance of caring about and helping others. Thank you to all of the 1-DG families who generously contributed to this very meaningful learning experience.
The first graders enjoyed making holiday crafts this week (see pictures below). Thanks so much to the parent volunteers who helped out and to our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson and Lynn Sanville) for organizing volunteers and supplies. Kirsten and Lynn also deserve a huge thank you for their work sponsoring the two children being helped by Project Just Because. Kirsten and Lynn drove to Hopkinton on Tuesday to deliver our donations. They were very impressed with how organized and well managed the Project Just Because center is (it started out in the founder's basement and has grown considerably). Please see the pictures below (the first one shows our donations under their tree, the second shows their collection room, and the third shows a child's package left to be filled--this picture strikes an emotional chord for me). In talking with Lynn, I felt that this experience was very powerful and inspirational for her. I am hopeful that this is just the beginning of Sprague School's relationship with Project Just Because. On Monday we will be looking at these pictures and talking as a class about the importance of caring about and helping others. Thank you to all of the 1-DG families who generously contributed to this very meaningful learning experience.
Please let me know if your child will be missing any school this week! Thanks!
Pinky and Ava wish everyone happy holidays!
Pinky and Ava wish everyone happy holidays!
12-11-11
Please let me know if your child will be missing school for vacation plans as we get closer to the holidays. Thanks!
Note: I attended a training about the DreamBox online math program on Wednesday and was interested to learn that the program calculates the number of mouse clicks and how long each activity takes your child to complete and uses this information to help present your child with problems that are the best fit to move your child’s skills forward. Consequently, please do not help your child (or babysitters, siblings, etc.) when they are working on DreamBox. But please do make sure he or she is using the program during his or her regular homework routine. If your child is struggling or you have any other questions, please email me. Thanks!
Please let me know if your child will be missing school for vacation plans as we get closer to the holidays. Thanks!
Note: I attended a training about the DreamBox online math program on Wednesday and was interested to learn that the program calculates the number of mouse clicks and how long each activity takes your child to complete and uses this information to help present your child with problems that are the best fit to move your child’s skills forward. Consequently, please do not help your child (or babysitters, siblings, etc.) when they are working on DreamBox. But please do make sure he or she is using the program during his or her regular homework routine. If your child is struggling or you have any other questions, please email me. Thanks!
12-4-11
Thanks so much to the families that have already donated items from the wish lists of the two children we are sponsoring through the Project Just Because organization. I am so glad that the first graders and their families are helping these children. When we talked about this project on Thursday, the first graders were shocked to think that there were children nearby that didn’t have basic items like blankets and coats. They were excited to hear that the little boy and girl we are sponsoring also like Legos and arts and crafts. I am hoping this will be a meaningful project for the first graders and that as they grow older they will continue to care about and give to others.
Donations Needed:
-Non-perishable snacks
-Mittens for K1L’s mitten collection for Project Just Because.
Notes:
-Pinky and Ava need a place to stay for all weekends in December and winter break. Please let me know if your family is available to take care of them. Thanks!
-Sprague's Cookie Walk is December 8. The first graders are determined to win the Golden Cookie award for the class who donates the most cookies . . . :)
Thanks so much to the families that have already donated items from the wish lists of the two children we are sponsoring through the Project Just Because organization. I am so glad that the first graders and their families are helping these children. When we talked about this project on Thursday, the first graders were shocked to think that there were children nearby that didn’t have basic items like blankets and coats. They were excited to hear that the little boy and girl we are sponsoring also like Legos and arts and crafts. I am hoping this will be a meaningful project for the first graders and that as they grow older they will continue to care about and give to others.
Donations Needed:
-Non-perishable snacks
-Mittens for K1L’s mitten collection for Project Just Because.
Notes:
-Pinky and Ava need a place to stay for all weekends in December and winter break. Please let me know if your family is available to take care of them. Thanks!
-Sprague's Cookie Walk is December 8. The first graders are determined to win the Golden Cookie award for the class who donates the most cookies . . . :)
11-26-11
I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving break! Remember there is no school for students on Monday. Book Orders are due on Tuesday, November 29. Other reminders are listed below.
Volunteer Opportunities
-Please let me know ASAP if you would like to read a holiday book to the class.
-Please contact our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson and Lynn Sanville) if you would like to help out with the holiday craft party on December 15 or the sock snowmen craft with our fourth grade reading buddies on December 16. Thanks!
-The Carroll family is taking the finches home the weekend of December 3 and 4. All other weekends and winter break are available. Please let me know if your family is willing to help me out by taking the birds home.
Donations Needed:
-Non-perishable snacks for when children forget theirs.
-Extra pairs of child sized mittens or gloves to put in a basket for days when a first grader has either forgotten or lost theirs, or theirs are too wet from the snow.
I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving break! Remember there is no school for students on Monday. Book Orders are due on Tuesday, November 29. Other reminders are listed below.
Volunteer Opportunities
-Please let me know ASAP if you would like to read a holiday book to the class.
-Please contact our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson and Lynn Sanville) if you would like to help out with the holiday craft party on December 15 or the sock snowmen craft with our fourth grade reading buddies on December 16. Thanks!
-The Carroll family is taking the finches home the weekend of December 3 and 4. All other weekends and winter break are available. Please let me know if your family is willing to help me out by taking the birds home.
Donations Needed:
-Non-perishable snacks for when children forget theirs.
-Extra pairs of child sized mittens or gloves to put in a basket for days when a first grader has either forgotten or lost theirs, or theirs are too wet from the snow.
11-20-11
Last week was an exciting bird week in 1-DG! We dissected owl pellets (thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped us!), we saw live birds of prey during a Wingmasters presentation (see pictures below) and we explored the eggs our class finches (Pinky and Ava) laid! Mrs. Ohanian came in and showed us the eggs and explained that birds lay eggs, that is what they do, but to have chicks there needs to be a male finch. Since Pinky and Ava are sisters, these eggs will never become chicks. We were scientists as we carefully opened one of the eggs, observed what was inside (tiny yolk!) and had an opportunity to touch the eggs (see pictures below). Mrs. Ohanian then showed us a slide show with pictures and video of Pinky and Ava when they hatched at her house. The first graders were amazed to see how pink and featherless our little finches were when they first came out of their eggs! Pinky and Ava may decide to lay eggs again in late December. We will have to be careful observers and see if they change their behavior as we get close to winter break. We have found that when the finches spend a lot of time in their nest, it is a pretty good indicator that there are eggs in there! Please let me know if your family would like to take the finches home for a weekend or vacation. So far the Greene family is taking them home over Thanksgiving break and the Carroll family is taking them home on December 2. All other weekends are available! We are also in need of a cuttle bone. Pinky and Ava went through the last two very quickly after they laid their eggs.
Please make sure your child is using the DreamBox website each week. Please let me know if you are having any trouble with it.
Last week was an exciting bird week in 1-DG! We dissected owl pellets (thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped us!), we saw live birds of prey during a Wingmasters presentation (see pictures below) and we explored the eggs our class finches (Pinky and Ava) laid! Mrs. Ohanian came in and showed us the eggs and explained that birds lay eggs, that is what they do, but to have chicks there needs to be a male finch. Since Pinky and Ava are sisters, these eggs will never become chicks. We were scientists as we carefully opened one of the eggs, observed what was inside (tiny yolk!) and had an opportunity to touch the eggs (see pictures below). Mrs. Ohanian then showed us a slide show with pictures and video of Pinky and Ava when they hatched at her house. The first graders were amazed to see how pink and featherless our little finches were when they first came out of their eggs! Pinky and Ava may decide to lay eggs again in late December. We will have to be careful observers and see if they change their behavior as we get close to winter break. We have found that when the finches spend a lot of time in their nest, it is a pretty good indicator that there are eggs in there! Please let me know if your family would like to take the finches home for a weekend or vacation. So far the Greene family is taking them home over Thanksgiving break and the Carroll family is taking them home on December 2. All other weekends are available! We are also in need of a cuttle bone. Pinky and Ava went through the last two very quickly after they laid their eggs.
Please make sure your child is using the DreamBox website each week. Please let me know if you are having any trouble with it.
11-13-11
We will be dissecting owl pellets this week!
November 17: Owl Pellet Dissection Part 1 (2:15 – 3:00)
November 18: Owl Pellet Dissection Part 2 (10:30 – 11:30)
I would still love some more owl pellet dissection volunteers if anyone is available. Please let me know soon!
It was great meeting with all of you during conferences. I have attached an extra copy of the “Frequently Used Words” chart next to the newsletter (it is labeled "Word List"). Please keep this chart posted in the area where your child does homework. Your child is responsible for spelling these words correctly in his or her writing and at this time should be using the chart as a resource. Thanks!
As the December holidays quickly approach, I would like to extend an invitation to parents to come in as special guest readers to read a picture book relating to their family’s holiday traditions or celebrations. Please write me an e-mail or send a note in your child’s Home/School folder letting me know times that are good for you and what story you would like to share.
We will be having a holiday craft party on Thursday, December 15 from 2:15 - 3:00. Please contact our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson or Lynn Sanville) if you would like to volunteer. Thank you!
We will be dissecting owl pellets this week!
November 17: Owl Pellet Dissection Part 1 (2:15 – 3:00)
November 18: Owl Pellet Dissection Part 2 (10:30 – 11:30)
I would still love some more owl pellet dissection volunteers if anyone is available. Please let me know soon!
It was great meeting with all of you during conferences. I have attached an extra copy of the “Frequently Used Words” chart next to the newsletter (it is labeled "Word List"). Please keep this chart posted in the area where your child does homework. Your child is responsible for spelling these words correctly in his or her writing and at this time should be using the chart as a resource. Thanks!
As the December holidays quickly approach, I would like to extend an invitation to parents to come in as special guest readers to read a picture book relating to their family’s holiday traditions or celebrations. Please write me an e-mail or send a note in your child’s Home/School folder letting me know times that are good for you and what story you would like to share.
We will be having a holiday craft party on Thursday, December 15 from 2:15 - 3:00. Please contact our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson or Lynn Sanville) if you would like to volunteer. Thank you!
11-6-11
Please let me know if your family would like to take the finches home on Thursday for the three day weekend. The Green family has offered to take them home over Thanksgiving break. All other weekends and vacations are still available. Just send me an email if you would like to take them home. I have given up on the Google calendar.
Volunteer Opportunity:
As part of our bird unit, we will be dissecting owl pellets on November 17 (2:15 – 3:00) and November 18 (10:30 – 11:30). At Open House, two parents expressed interest in helping out with this activity (Kirsten Stevenson and Nita Kundu), but I need many more volunteers for this to work! Parents can help out on either the 17th or the 18th or both dates! This is a very amazing and memorable science experiment for the first graders and I hope some of you will be able to join us. Please send me an email if you can help out. Thanks!
Note: As the December holidays quickly approach, I would like to extend an invitation to parents to come in as special guest readers to read a picture book relating to their family’s holiday traditions or celebrations. Please write me an e-mail or send a note in your child’s Home/School folder letting me know times that are good for you and what story you would like to share.
Next week’s conferences . . .
Tuesday, November 9
8:00 – 8:30 Lehmann
Wednesday, November 9
8:00 – 8:30 Giesser
1:00 – 1:30 Sadasiv
1:30 – 2:00 Meyers
2:30 – 3:00 Scanlon
3:00 – 3:30 Johnson
Thursday, November 10
8:00 – 8:30 Weston
Please let me know if your family would like to take the finches home on Thursday for the three day weekend. The Green family has offered to take them home over Thanksgiving break. All other weekends and vacations are still available. Just send me an email if you would like to take them home. I have given up on the Google calendar.
Volunteer Opportunity:
As part of our bird unit, we will be dissecting owl pellets on November 17 (2:15 – 3:00) and November 18 (10:30 – 11:30). At Open House, two parents expressed interest in helping out with this activity (Kirsten Stevenson and Nita Kundu), but I need many more volunteers for this to work! Parents can help out on either the 17th or the 18th or both dates! This is a very amazing and memorable science experiment for the first graders and I hope some of you will be able to join us. Please send me an email if you can help out. Thanks!
Note: As the December holidays quickly approach, I would like to extend an invitation to parents to come in as special guest readers to read a picture book relating to their family’s holiday traditions or celebrations. Please write me an e-mail or send a note in your child’s Home/School folder letting me know times that are good for you and what story you would like to share.
Next week’s conferences . . .
Tuesday, November 9
8:00 – 8:30 Lehmann
Wednesday, November 9
8:00 – 8:30 Giesser
1:00 – 1:30 Sadasiv
1:30 – 2:00 Meyers
2:30 – 3:00 Scanlon
3:00 – 3:30 Johnson
Thursday, November 10
8:00 – 8:30 Weston
10-23-11
Halloween Reminder:
Sprague’s Annual Halloween Parade will take place on Monday, October 31 at around 8:45 a.m. First graders should come to school at 8:30 a.m. dressed in whatever they plan to wear in the parade (costumes are optional). If your child does not want to march in the parade, an alternate activity will be offered here at school. On the day of the parade, please send in a large bag clearly marked with your child’s name. The bag must be big enough to hold your child’s costume. We will be changing out of the costumes right after the parade. If you are planning to attend the parade, feel free to come in and help your child out of his or her costume when it is over. It would also be helpful if you could take your child’s costume home after the parade (especially to ensure that costume pieces don’t get lost). We will be having a pumpkin decorating activity right after the parade.
Blue Hills:
I am still waiting to hear from several parents who signed up at Open House to chaperone the Blue Hills field trip. If you signed up, please let me know ASAP if you are planning to attend. Please send the permission slip (you can find a copy on the "Newsletters" section of this webpage) and $5.00 in your child's Home/School folder. Thanks!
Conferences:
The fifth graders have asked me to remind you that they are offering babysitting services for fall conferences on Tuesday, November 1, 12:30 - 3:30. There is a $5 fee per child for a 30 minute time slot. If you are interested, contact Laurie Diamond (Diamondlaurie@yahoo.com) with your requested time and name(s) of your child(ren).
Halloween Reminder:
Sprague’s Annual Halloween Parade will take place on Monday, October 31 at around 8:45 a.m. First graders should come to school at 8:30 a.m. dressed in whatever they plan to wear in the parade (costumes are optional). If your child does not want to march in the parade, an alternate activity will be offered here at school. On the day of the parade, please send in a large bag clearly marked with your child’s name. The bag must be big enough to hold your child’s costume. We will be changing out of the costumes right after the parade. If you are planning to attend the parade, feel free to come in and help your child out of his or her costume when it is over. It would also be helpful if you could take your child’s costume home after the parade (especially to ensure that costume pieces don’t get lost). We will be having a pumpkin decorating activity right after the parade.
Blue Hills:
I am still waiting to hear from several parents who signed up at Open House to chaperone the Blue Hills field trip. If you signed up, please let me know ASAP if you are planning to attend. Please send the permission slip (you can find a copy on the "Newsletters" section of this webpage) and $5.00 in your child's Home/School folder. Thanks!
Conferences:
The fifth graders have asked me to remind you that they are offering babysitting services for fall conferences on Tuesday, November 1, 12:30 - 3:30. There is a $5 fee per child for a 30 minute time slot. If you are interested, contact Laurie Diamond (Diamondlaurie@yahoo.com) with your requested time and name(s) of your child(ren).
10-18-11
Reminders . . .
1. We are going on a Nature Walk around Sprague School on Thursday afternoon. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for this activity (sneakers or boots).
2. If you signed up to chaperone our field trip to Blue Hills (I have listed the volunteer names in my newsletter) please email me to confirm that you will be joining us on Friday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
3. Please return the signed permission slip and $5.00 cash ASAP. A copy of the permission slip can be found (and printed out) on the "Newsletters" section of this webpage.
4. There is a flyer on the "Newsletters" page advertising a free event in Wellesley featuring birds of prey. This could be a fun activity for your family.
5. I need more volunteers to help with the pumpkin decorating craft party right after the Halloween parade on Monday, October 31. Please contact our room parents (Kirsten Stevenson and/or Lynn Sanville) if you can help out.
6. Conferences begin next Wednesday, October 26.
8:00 - 8:30 Temple
1:00 - 1:30 Gigliotti
1:30 - 2:00 Guthrie
2:00 - 2:30 Chatham
3:00 - 3:30 Green
10-11-11
Halloween Information and Volunteer Opportunities:
-Sprague’s Annual Halloween Parade will take place on Monday, October 31 around 8:45 a.m. First graders should come to school at 8:30 a.m. (for attendance and lunch count) dressed in whatever they plan to wear in the parade (costumes are optional). If your child does not want to march in the parade, an alternative activity will be offered here at school. On the day of the parade, please send in a large bag clearly marked with your child’s name. The bag must be big enough to hold your child’s costume. We will be changing out of the costumes right after the parade. If you are planning to attend the parade, feel free to come in and help your child out of his or her costume when it is over. It would also be helpful if you could take your child’s costume home after the parade (especially to ensure that costume pieces don’t get lost). We will be having a pumpkin decorating activity right after the parade.
There are several ways to help out with the pumpkin decorating party if you are interested:
1. You could donate pumpkin decorating supplies (such as big googly eyes, “jewels,” fake spiders and spider webs, doll hair, small tiaras or funny hats, fake mustaches, etc.). The first graders will have a chance to “buy” these materials at the party and then use them to decorate their pumpkins.
2. You could donate napkins, juice boxes or a treat (I’d like to have one sweet treat and one healthy snack at the party).
3. You could volunteer at the party and either run a “store” selling pumpkin decorating items or a glue gun station helping the students attach their decorations to their pumpkins. I need A LOT of volunteers for this activity. These volunteers will also be needed to help me get all of the first graders out of their costumes.
If you are interested in helping out, please contact our room parents, either Kirsten Stevenson or Lynn Sanville. Thanks!
-Dara
Halloween Information and Volunteer Opportunities:
-Sprague’s Annual Halloween Parade will take place on Monday, October 31 around 8:45 a.m. First graders should come to school at 8:30 a.m. (for attendance and lunch count) dressed in whatever they plan to wear in the parade (costumes are optional). If your child does not want to march in the parade, an alternative activity will be offered here at school. On the day of the parade, please send in a large bag clearly marked with your child’s name. The bag must be big enough to hold your child’s costume. We will be changing out of the costumes right after the parade. If you are planning to attend the parade, feel free to come in and help your child out of his or her costume when it is over. It would also be helpful if you could take your child’s costume home after the parade (especially to ensure that costume pieces don’t get lost). We will be having a pumpkin decorating activity right after the parade.
There are several ways to help out with the pumpkin decorating party if you are interested:
1. You could donate pumpkin decorating supplies (such as big googly eyes, “jewels,” fake spiders and spider webs, doll hair, small tiaras or funny hats, fake mustaches, etc.). The first graders will have a chance to “buy” these materials at the party and then use them to decorate their pumpkins.
2. You could donate napkins, juice boxes or a treat (I’d like to have one sweet treat and one healthy snack at the party).
3. You could volunteer at the party and either run a “store” selling pumpkin decorating items or a glue gun station helping the students attach their decorations to their pumpkins. I need A LOT of volunteers for this activity. These volunteers will also be needed to help me get all of the first graders out of their costumes.
If you are interested in helping out, please contact our room parents, either Kirsten Stevenson or Lynn Sanville. Thanks!
-Dara
10-2-11
Hello 1-DG Families,
A few reminders . . .
1. A family homework assignment focusing on helping your child brainstorm and record some topic ideas for writing workshop was sent home in your child's folder on Friday. This topic sheet is due by Friday, October 7.
2. Weekly homework begins this week. I will be sending some assignments home in your child's folder on Monday.
3. School Picture day is on Thursday, October 6. We have the first slot at 9:00 a.m., so please make sure your child arrives at school on time that day. Thanks!
4. No School next Monday (Columbus Day).
-Dara
Hello 1-DG Families,
I hope you are enjoying this warm and sunny day! This week I need my regular Tuesday center volunteers at 10:30, but please note that there is no school on Thursday. If any parents happen to be near a pet store this week . . . we could really use some more spray millet, small perch covers and latex free dishwashing gloves. Thanks!
-Dara
I hope you are enjoying this warm and sunny day! This week I need my regular Tuesday center volunteers at 10:30, but please note that there is no school on Thursday. If any parents happen to be near a pet store this week . . . we could really use some more spray millet, small perch covers and latex free dishwashing gloves. Thanks!
-Dara
Please note: Volunteering for centers on Tuesdays and Thursdays will start the week of September 19! I will contact the parents who signed up at Open House with more information soon.
If your family would like to sign up for a weekend or vacation week to take the finches home and care for them, please sign up on the Google calendar below. All weekends are available (I think they will benefit from attention over the weekend). Thanks!
Introducing our new Zebra Finches!!!
Dear 1-DG Families,
This year in science we will be exploring the features of a variety of different birds. To help us learn more about birds we have two beautiful Zebra finches that will be living in our classroom. The birds are sisters that were born at the home of Sprague teacher, Mrs. Ohanian! The birds will be class pets and the subjects of several science investigations involving skills such as making careful observations, creating scientific drawings, and recording data. Taking care of the birds will be a daily job and the first graders will be responsible for helping to feed, water, and change the liners (to catch spills and droppings) in the cages. As part of a green initiative, we will be making bird cage liners out of large paper bags. If you have any paper bags at home you could donate, please send them into school with your child. We will trace and cut out the liners to fit into the bottom of the cages. Throughout the year there will be opportunities for first graders to take the birds home over vacations or long weekends. If your family is interested in taking the birds home, I will have a sign up sheet with dates available at Back to School night. That night I will also put out a “Wish List” of items we need donated for the birds, such as food, toys, cuttle bones, etc.
Friday we will be voting on names for each bird. Below I have included a picture the birds (please remind your child that they are both female). Please download the attached form (Bird Names) and have your child write in his or her suggestions and return the sheet to school in the Home/School folder by Friday morning for the suggestions to be included in the class vote. Thank you!
This year in science we will be exploring the features of a variety of different birds. To help us learn more about birds we have two beautiful Zebra finches that will be living in our classroom. The birds are sisters that were born at the home of Sprague teacher, Mrs. Ohanian! The birds will be class pets and the subjects of several science investigations involving skills such as making careful observations, creating scientific drawings, and recording data. Taking care of the birds will be a daily job and the first graders will be responsible for helping to feed, water, and change the liners (to catch spills and droppings) in the cages. As part of a green initiative, we will be making bird cage liners out of large paper bags. If you have any paper bags at home you could donate, please send them into school with your child. We will trace and cut out the liners to fit into the bottom of the cages. Throughout the year there will be opportunities for first graders to take the birds home over vacations or long weekends. If your family is interested in taking the birds home, I will have a sign up sheet with dates available at Back to School night. That night I will also put out a “Wish List” of items we need donated for the birds, such as food, toys, cuttle bones, etc.
Friday we will be voting on names for each bird. Below I have included a picture the birds (please remind your child that they are both female). Please download the attached form (Bird Names) and have your child write in his or her suggestions and return the sheet to school in the Home/School folder by Friday morning for the suggestions to be included in the class vote. Thank you!
| bird_names.pdf |
