February Updates
February 15th edition
Volunteers
Thank you to all of our volunteers that made our Friendship parties possible. The kids absolutely loved the games and the prizes. You are all amazing!
Math
Students are going to be learning a lot about money. By the end of first grade the expectation is that all students can count a group of coins up to 120 cents. We start by only introducing pennies and nickels. Then we add in dimes, and finally quarters. This can be very challenging for our students so the more you practice at home with them the better at money they will become.
Language Arts
Our first graders were just reevaluated on their reading level and many of them have been put into a different reading group based on this level. Please make sure to check your child's planner every night. Even if reading is not part of the assignment it is a great way to end the night and relax with them before going to bed. When you make it a routine it becomes something that they look forward to and enjoy. Any reading book that comes home must come back the very next day so that we can use them again in reading groups.
Social Studies
Wow. These kiddos are really enjoying reading biographies and also writing about famous people. Your child should be able to tell you about at least 5 famous people that we have learning about. You would be surprised at how hooked they get on these facts. You might even learn something new from your child and that will excite them even more.
Science
We are in the middle of an Engineering Unit. Talking about how engineers build walls and what kinds of materials and mortar they use. Students are very interested in designing their own walls and can't wait to actually build a real wall themselves.
Book Character Day
March 1, 2019 is our Book Character Day. A flyer went home explaining what that day is all about. Be creative and have your child dress up as a character IN A BOOK. Please no Halloween costumes unless it comes from a book. Thank you for making this such a fun experience for the kids (and teachers).
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, March 7th is our Annual OPEN HOUSE for the students at Mathews. This is a time that your child will be showing off the great work that they have been doing all year. They will lead a "conference" with you and explain some of the things they have made. This is not a time to conference with the teacher. It is a time to enjoy the accomplishments of the children from their eyes. We love seeing the joy on their faces when they talk about what they have done and what they have learned.
SPRING BREAK
YEAH!!!! Enjoy a week off. No school from March 9th - March 17th. School begins again on March 18th.
Spring School Pictures
Class and Individual pictures are on March 19th. Can't wait to see those great spring outfits!