Friday, February 22, 2019

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!



Friday, February 15, 2019


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 

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Field Trip Reminder



Hello Families,

If there is a two hour delay tomorrow, our field trip will be rescheduled for another day.

Your child will have the option to eat a quick snack as soon as they arrive to school in the morning. We need to be on the road by 9 am. Please have your child at school on time. Chaperones, please arrive to the planetarium no later than 10:00.

We will be having lunch at the Discovery Center. Please make sure your child brings a lunch from home.

Thank you!

Friday, January 25, 2019

January 25th

Some things we did this week:
  • Learned about hiccups
  • Read about penguins
  • Worked on building our understand of the hundreds chart and started doing math with the Koalas
  • Started editing our work in writing
  • Made marble mazes 
  • Worked on some winter crafts
Some things to ask your child:
  • What did you make during centers this week?
  • Who is Shaun the Storyteller?
  • How did your marble maze go? 
Important dates: 
  • Field Trip February 1st 
  • 100th Day of School February 4th (assuming no snow days!) 
Heads up for Valentine's Day...We will exchange valentines and I will send home a list as we get closer. Due to allergies and school health initiatives I am requesting we avoid candy valentines. Thank you! 

Friday, January 18, 2019

January 18th

Some things we did this week:
  • Learned about lunar eclipses
  • Practiced using pictures to teach in our books
  • Learned about Martin Luther King Jr. 
  • Shared observations about the hundreds chart
  • Completed our midyear assessments
  • Practiced making our voice match the words in our book and reading with expression 
Some things to ask your child:
  • What did you do for STEAM?
  • What did you do with buddies this week? 
  • How can you make the world a better place? 
Important dates: 
  • NO SCHOOL January 21st-Civil Rights Day
  • Field Trip February 1st- Please send in permission slips ASAP! 

Friday, January 11, 2019

January 11th

Some things we did this week:
  • Learned about how glass is made
  • Practiced "reading the room"
  • Read The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig then did a STEAM challenge
  • Worked on thinking about our readers while writing
  • Practiced just right math
  • Took turns being the teacher
  • Finished another Magic Treehouse book
Some things to ask your child:
  • What did you do for STEAM?
  • What do you do if you miss the directions? How do you know what's going on if you come in late? 
  • What are you writing about? 
Important dates: 
  • NO SCHOOL January 21st-Civil Rights Day
  • Field Trip February 1st- Please send in permission slips ASAP! 

Friday, January 4, 2019

January 4th

No Weekly Check-Ins for the short week. It has been great having our Loons together again! 

Some things we did this week:
  • Reviewed adding three digits in math
  • Began a new writing unit on informational writing
  • Worked on our New Year's Resolutions
  • Practiced our good reading habits
  • Learned about nonfiction reading
Some things to ask your child:
  • What did you do for STEAM?
  • What is your New Year's Resolution? 
  • What are you writing about? 
Important dates: 
  • NO SCHOOL January 21st-Civil Rights Day
  • Field Trip February 1st- More info to come soon!
I sent out an email today regarding volunteer signups. If you are interested click the link below! 

Remote Learning Update

First of all give your loon a hug for me! I miss them all!!! Secondly, I wanted to reach out and encourage all of you to contact me with a...