1G Weekly News
May 15th, 2016
Notes and Updates
Dear Parents,
Don't forget tomorrow students will start swimming this week. Please read the information below to find out what you need to bring.
Last week students had a great time performing the writer's cafe. Thank you to all the parents who came. We then continued writing personal narratives and made stronger introductions and conclusions. Students have come a long way since the beginning of the year. It has been great fun during readers workshop. We have been using facial and body expressions to act out the story and visualizing the story to help us become the character. In math students are beginning to really grasp the concept of tens and ones and try and solve equations using multiple strategies. Finally in Social Studies students are developing their understanding of goods and services.
Scroll down to read about what we will be learning next week and important dates and information for next week.
Cheers,
Shannon Keane
Special Announcements
Swimming
1G will be starting their aquatics unit during regular PE lessons starting this week May 15th. This unit will go for 4 weeks finishing on June 9th.
We are fortunate to have excellent instructor/student ratios so you can expect your child to be in a small group with students of similar ability. The pool is well heated/cooled to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Students need to have the following equipment:
·Swimming suit (girls-one piece)
· Swim cap
· Towel
· Goggles (optional) - We do not have goggles for students to use.
· Plastic bag (for wet gear)
It is very helpful if students know how to tie their own laces or have Velcro straps. Students are not allowed to wear flip-flops or Crocs to school. If students will bring goggles please adjust them at home and have students practice putting them on and taking them off.
Children who forget their swimwear, cap and towel will be required to use a laundered school set. This is so they do not miss learning opportunities. Children should continue to wear their PE uniform on PE days during the swim unit. Please ensure their T-shirts and shorts are labeled with names or initials to prevent loss or mix up.
If you have any questions or concerns please email me at mpratley@asd.edu.qa
Mike Pratley
Lower Elementary Physical Education Teacher
Homework
Regular homework has now ended. On Sunday, students will bring home a sheet that will be good for the rest of the year. During these last weeks of school, students should read daily, either books from home, or from Raz-Kids or Myon. You can choose a game from the math game book or select a skill to practice on IXL. On the back of the homework sheet you will find List D of 1st grade high frequency words. Select 5 words to practice using the Word Study tic-tac-toe board that was sent home earlier in the year. This is a good practice to continue throughout the summer, as well.
Returning Books from School
Please make an effort to return all books that belong to school on or before May 26. Library, Book Room and Classroom Library books are all due on that day. Classes that return all books will earn a popcorn party!
End of Year Assessments
Over the next few weeks, 1st grade teachers will also be completing end of year text reading level assessments, high frequency word reading, writing prompts and developmental spelling assessments. Students have grown by leaps and bounds this year and I am excited to see that demonstrated on these end of year assessments. Be make sure students are getting to bed early, having a good breakfast and are at school daily for these last 19 days of school! Attendance is critical these last weeks of school for these assessment purposes. Please ensure that you child is at school, unless they are truly ill. Thank you in advance!
3rd Grade Toy Sale
Our 3rd grade Toy/Book Sale will be taking place this week (Sunday through Thursday), from 9:30-10:00 in LES and UES hallways. Come buy cheap toys or to donate some to our cause. You can bring donations to any 3rd grade classroom. The children voted to support Syrian Refugees via Doctors Without Borders.
-3rd grade team
Second Grade - Shukran Committee
Did you know about the annual Shukran Dinner on Monday May 30, 2016?
This dinner celebrates all of our community workers at ASD (cleaners, guards, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and monitors, etc.). As part of the second grade service learning project, we are asking for help to support the Shukran committee's donation drive. The money raised helps provide a buffet for all of the dinner attendees. You will be receiving a flyer this week. Simply fill it out and bring it back with your donation to your homeroom teacher by Monday, May 23, 2016.
End of ASAs
Trimester 3 ASAs are now finished. Those students who participated this trimester will now be dismissed at 3:00.
A-Z Countdown
Sunday - H is for Hats (wear a favorite hat)
Monday - I is for Illustration (illustrate books and other illustrating activity)
Tuesday - J is for Joke (learn a joke to share with the class)
Wednesday - K is for Kick of Your Shoes (go barefoot or bring your slippers!)
Thursday - L is for Letter Writing (we will write a letter to a future 1st grader)
Red Flag Days
We are entering the time of year with potential red flag recesses. Red flag occurs when the heat index (temperature + humidity) is above 38 degrees C. The nurses monitor this and place the red flag in the hallways, when appropriate, approximately 30 minutes prior to recess time. Students have the option of going to the library, signing up for indoor recess options (movement, MPR, building, quiet classroom for drawing/reading/puzzles) or go out to a covered play area. For the students who choose to be outside during recess, we remind them to stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and to not be running around.
Upcoming Dates:
May 17 KG Music Concert
May 22 PD – No Students
May 24 Principals Coffee 8-9am in ESPR
May 24 Full Day of School – Tuesday Morning Schedule
A Peek at the Week Ahead
Reading
Drawing our Mental Images (visualizing)
using 5 senses to help with visualizing
Reader's Theater
Writing
- Punctuation
- Verbs
- common writing prompt (2 40-minute periods)
Math
Add a pair of two digit numbers when the ones digits have a sum less than or equal to 10
Add a pair of two-digit numbers when the ones digits have a sum greater than 10 using decomposition
Comparing recording methods of adding two-digit numbers
Share YOUR recording method for adding two-digit numbers
Social Studies
- Specialized Jobs
- Good and Services
- Tools and Techniques
Word Study
down, under, much, love
Decoding 2 syllable words
Whole Child
No School-PD Day
Sunday, May 22, 2016, 07:45 AM
American School of Doha, Al Bustan Street, Doha, Qatar
Shannon Keane
Email: skeane@asd.edu.qa