March 22nd

Some things we did this week:

• Worked on two-digit addition
• Started some Spring crafts
• Learned about rainbows
• Practiced writing reviews on books, characters, activities and more
• Practiced making predictions
• Learned about earthquakes 
• Visited the Koalas for song fluency

Some things to ask your child:

• What did you do with your Wolf Pack this week? 
• What did you learn in math? 
• What was your STEAM challenge this week? 

Important dates: 

• EARLY RELEASE DAYS April 4th and April 11th 
• Field Trip to Portsmouth Music Hall - Tuesday, April 2nd
• Mad Scientist visits First Grade on April 12th
• First Grade presents...
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD HELPERS on Thursday, May 9th at 6:30 pm. Stay tuned more details next month.

WOW THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING US RAISE $2,310.67 FOR THE GEORGIE BADIEL FOUNDATION! She is so impressed and grateful for our efforts! 

MARKET REMINDER

Tomorrow we will host our 2nd First Grade Market! Please come at 8:05 with your child to support your little philanthropist as we raise money to repair and maintain a well at a school in Burkina Faso. Your first grader has worked hard to produce items to be sold for $1 each. Donations are also welcome.

Park in the main lot and enter through our main entrance. If  you are unable to attend please send your child to school like normal and he/she can sell their goods to the staff and students when they arrive.  We are looking forward to helping do our part to help the water crisis. See you tomorrow!!!

Here's a sneak peek at some of the things that are for sale:
          

We are all getting so excited for the market. Your first grader has been working hard on creating things they are proud to sell. What has been most impressive is their motivation and independence in producing some unique and creative items. Although the items may not be Amazon worthy, they are 100% kid produced and they are so proud of their work. To us as teachers the process is so much more valuable than the product! 

Some things we did this week:

• Began our new writing unit about opinion writing
• Started our series reading unit
• Worked on more creations for the market
• Practiced subtraction 
• Continued working on our number scrolls
• Learned how plastic is made
• Learned more about kids in Africa

Some things to ask your child:

• What have you made for the market?
• What did you learn in math this week? 
• What new books are in your book box? 

Important dates: 

• NO SCHOOL- March 12th 
• Water Princess Market- March 15th 8:05-8:25 Please park in the main parking lot and enter through the office. 

PE TOMORROW!

Mrs. Batchelder is planning on taking the Loons out for an adventure. Please remember to send the following into school tomorrow:  

•     Boots
•     Snow Pants
•     Warm Jacket
•     Hat
•     Mittens or gloves

Some things we did this week:

• Started our number scrolls
• Finished our nonfiction writing
• Researched an animal for an upcoming project
• Learned why cats purr 
• Enjoyed spirit week
• Met in our Wolf Pack groups
• Completed a president craft

Some things to ask your child:

• What is Wolf Pack? Do you have a group name?
• What book did you share with the Koalas?
• What animal are you researching for your project?

Important dates: 

• NO SCHOOL- March 12th 
• Water Princess Market- March 15th 

Water Princess volunteers and supplies wanted!

As we prepare for our market we are looking for any miscellaneous craft supplies for us to work on products. Additionally if you are interested in coming in to teach our class how to make a small craft (bracelet, origami, pipe cleaner craft, etc.) please let me know! I am hoping to have a few volunteers come in and teach kids interested in learning a new crafts so they can make a few for the market.

No check-ins this week!

Dear Koala and Loon Families,

I have some exciting news to share! You’re invited to the 2nd annual First Grade Market will be the morning of Friday, March 15th. This market began with the inspiration of last year’s Loon class and Ms. Rowley’s teaching experience in Africa. After reading the children’s book, The Water Princess The Loons became passionate about the water crisis and with Miss Rowley guidance they convinced the others first grade classrooms to raise money to help make a difference. The book was read again this year and the Loons and Koalas want to continue this tradition.  

Our little philanthropists spent time thinking about ways they could help. Our brainstorm came up with ideas like delivering water bottles to them via planes, sending bricks to build a well and even taking a field trip to Burkina Faso to help with well construction. We ultimately landed on fundraising and then thought of ways we could do this. The kids have decided to sell their own “goods” to raise money for this important cause. We will work this in class but they are welcome to create at home too!

In the meantime we have be learning a lot about how this water crisis affects children in other countries. The empathy the Loons and Koalas have shown has been really inspiring! They are so passionate about helping others in every way they can. Not only have the decided to make a difference but they have also been quick to get started. The first graders have been responsible for everything from the idea to the planning. We are excited to continue this process with them and we will soon be able to Skype with Princess Gie Gie herself.

Last year’s efforts raised over $2,000 and was a very rewarding experience for us all. The Georgie Badiel Foundation has reported to us that our efforts are unprecedented. We look forward to this process with our current Loon and Koala Families. We feel this is an invaluable experience for them all!

Thank you for your support,

Jessie Caldwell and Lindsay Rowley

Celebrating Read Across America Next Week
Spirit Week themes chosen by our Student Council begins 

• Monday: with Sports Genre Day - dress up in your favorite sports gear. 
• Tuesday: Fairy tale Day 
• Wednesday: Wacky Glasses Day 
• Thursday: Book Character Day 
• Friday: PJ Day

Some things we did this week:

• How planes fly
• How wells are built
• Had a blast exchanging valentines! 
• Practiced proofreading
• Made paper airplanes and tested our designs