Trailblazer Newsletter
Mrs. Keyes' First Grade Newsletter, 10/14/16, Issue 7
It's All About Learning!
St. Croix Preparatory Academy will develop each student's academic potential, personal character, and leadership qualities through an academically rigorous and content-rich educational program grounded the classical tradition.
Eliana Clark is our Student of the Week!
Character Every Day
Reading
Adjectives are making our writing more interesting. This week, we thought of many ways to describe our class monster. Then, we used those describing words to make an unusual adjective monster poem. Your child also began writing an adjective poem about the object they brought in.
Using Adjectives
Writing
Students put the finishing touches on their autobiographies this week. This was a big project, going from bubble diagram to draft to final copy. You'll see these at conferences.
Writing is a cognitively complex task. Students will work hard this year to go from writing single sentences with support to writing six sentences cohesively on one subject with a topic sentence and concluding statement (fourth quarter).
History
If your early education was anything like mine, learning history was a very different experience from that of your child. Our core knowledge plunges students deep into ancient history 5,000 years ago with the Ancient Mesopotamians. This rich experience of learning history often sparks a flame of interest in young learners. Please encourage your child to share what they’ve learned each day.
So far, we’ve learned that “ancient” is really, really old (thousands of years). We learned that Mesopotamia was the “cradle of civilization” and before that time, people were hunters and gatherers. Ask your child to name the two great rivers in Ancient Mesopotamia. Next week, we’ll be delving into the inventions and “firsts” of this great civilization. Our test will be on Friday, October 28. A bright orange study guide was sent home today to help you assist your child in preparing.
Thank You to Lucas' Mom
First Grade Core Knowledge Poem, "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod"
Math Homework
It is your child's responsibility to bring their homework home, complete it (with parent guidance as needed), bring it back to school, and turn it in. That's a big job, and so we have systems in place to help your child be successful.
If your child does not turn in their homework for any reason (other than absence), they will be asked to complete it in school, first thing in the morning. This will ensure they are prepared for the next lesson. They will also receive a SCPA Character Notice, a green half-sheet, informing you of the action. Mrs. Knippenberg, Miss Morrison, and I am consistently implementing this process.
How is your child's science fair project coming along?
Home Experiments
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/HOMEEXPTS.HTML
Kid Science
The Original Science Fair Blueprints
http://www.terimore.com/science-experiments.htm
Try science:
Mill City Museum Field Trip on Thursday, October 27
Your Registration & Payment form is due on Monday, October 17. Thanks to so many of you who have already registered.
Halloween
On Monday, October 31, lower school students may choose to wear costumes of a literary character, such as Cinderella or Harry Potter; or an historical figure, such as Abraham Lincoln or Betsy Ross. Costumes must be respectful. No blood, guts or gore. Dressing up is not required. Students who choose not to wear a costume should wear their uniform.
We will have a fun pumpkin party that afternoon with theme-based activities in small group rotations. Please let me know in advance if you would like your child to opt out of the party so I may make alternate plans for them. If you would like to volunteer for the party, please let me know.
Mark Your Calendar
Wed., Oct. 19 All School Marathon
No school on October 20, 21, 24 and 25
Wed., Oct. 26 First Grade Science Fair
Fri., Oct. 27 Mill City Museum Field Trip
Fri., Oct. 28 Prairie Planting Day
Nov. 10-11 Lower School Conferences
Tues., Nov. 15 Fall Music Concert (Grade 1, 6:00 p.m.)
Classroom Volunteers
Door Decorators
October Vivienne Rothschild - Thank you!
November Tiffany Billman
December available - please let me know!
Hint: our door must be less than 50% covered with paper for fire safety.