Newsletters

April Newsletter -Kindergarten

Well, in two short months your child will be moving on to first grade. These are crucial months as they now have the “tools” they need to get there. They know their letters and sounds for most of the letters and should be able to put them together to form words. They have a beginning awareness of the differences between a statement sentence and a question sentence. They also know the correct punctuation to use at the end of each of these. We will be concentrating a lot more on reading and writing and less on the worksheets. Most of the writing will be done in their journals and in association of class projects and activities.

In Math we are moving on with addition and subtraction. We will also do some review work to make sure everyone is up-to-date. At home practice place value, addition up to 10, number recognition to 100, and counting by 10’s and 5’s.

In Social Studies we are going to begin talking about how income, trade, goods and services are important to people and communities.

Religion will be about the parts of the church and Jesus’ teachings.

Science will continue to be about weather and solar system. Afterwards we will do some exploring of insects and plants.

As always dress for the worst weather and send a school sweater or sweatshirt every day. Students will not be allowed to go outside if they do not have the proper attire. Please keep up the uniform code as was stated in the Blue Note from Mr. Lungaro. I am seeing a lot of footie socks. Socks are to be calf high at least and either blue, black, or white. Practice words and reading every night. This is one of the most important processes for first grade.

March Newsletter  Language arts will see us in our reading books and working on our writing skills. Students should be on raz-kids at least twice a week. They should be reading something every night and practicing the word list. The more a student sees a word the faster he/she will read it. We will continue to work in literacy groups as we hone our reading skills. Please read and discuss books with your child. This makes them better readers and better students. Talk about your favorite part and ask their favorite and why it is their favorite. Talk about the characters and what they are like. Do they know anyone like that? Did anyone learn a lesson in the story? What was it, how did they learn it, and what did they do after that? In **__Math__** we will continue to practice our addition facts. We are also counting by 5’s. Please note that the students need to be able to count to 100 and recognize all numbers to 25. We do this daily in class along with counting by 5’s and 10’s. In **__religion__** we will be observing Lent and the Stations of the Cross. We will finish up with Easter and its true meaning. We will be learning about people in other countries that are receiving help from Catholic Relief Services through the Rice Bowl Program. This will also start us off on map directions. Notes: The school collects empty printer ink cartridges as well as Boxtops for Education and Campbell’s soup labels. Please feel free to send food items for the food drive and Rice Bowls up until Holy Thursday. Homework: Please make sure that homework is returned every day. Students complain that their parents are removing the homework from their folders. If you are in doubt about something leave it in the folder. It should have a check, star, stamp or other mark by me on it. Exceptions to this are 3C work, Let’s Find Out magazines, and artwork. Also the monthly calendars should have 2 items per week done and be turned in on the first school day of the new month. Sorry for any misunderstanding regarding them. Another area of concern is the reading logs. They need to be in on Monday or Tuesday of the new week. I have been letting this slide but will not continue to do so as this teaches the students that it is okay not to turn in work on time. There is always homework! A paper in the folder, Raz-kids, book reading and word practice are your child’s work every night. These things will ensure your child’s success in later grades. Please remember that the students will go out if the temperature is above 32 degrees. They need to have an appropriate coat, hats and gloves. Also they need a school sweater or sweatshirt every day! I have noticed that the students are slipping in their uniform dress. The things that have come to my attention are:
 * __Science __** will continue to be about weather and we will begin our unit on Sun, Moon, and Stars.
 * __Social studies __** will focus on citizenship. We will also start talking about trade, money, and products.
 * Socks-they need to be above the ankle and white or navy. The same goes for tights.
 * Gym uniforms-school gym uniforms are to be worn for gym along with regular gym shoes. NO lights or sparkles!
 * Belts-boys and girls are to wear belts with the uniform pants. Belts should be plain black.
 * Shirts-shirts need to be tucked in. Please teach your child how to tuck in his/her shirt.
 * Undershirts- should be white or gray.

Thank you for your continued support and have a blessed spring vacation. Mrs. Hummel

Remember: Snacks should be healthy! Girls need to wear shorts under their skirts. Dress for the weather! Contact me at the school number or my email address with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Additional info: Some of you needed the school web site. Here it is [] My teacher site: http://mrshummelsgarden.wikispaces.com/  every night. This is one of the most important processes for first grade.