December 19, 2008
Dear Families,
This week we worked on the letter Zz. We learned about zebras, made Zz booklets, and wrote the beginning and ending sounds on a zoo animal worksheet. The kindergartners journaled about their favorite zoo animals. We continued to work on evaluations for the report cards. The boys and girls need to know or be able to do the following for their report cards: addresses, birthdays, days of the week, phone numbers, count to 50 (100 would be even better!), identify a penny and its value, identify the letters we have learned so far Aa, Ff, Gg, Hh, Ii, Kk, Ll, Mm, Nn, Oo, Pp, Rr, Ss, Tt, Uu and Zz. The boys and girls need to be able to associate sounds to the consonant letters, identify the numbers 0 - 16, identify left and right, and count objects to numbers between 0 - 18.
After Christmas the kindergartners need to bring in new crayons if they haven’t done so already. They may bring in a box of 16 or a box of 24. Check with your child to see if he or she needs a new glue stick. We have been doing many gluing projects, and some glue sticks need replaced.
Next Monday we will be riding on a bus to the Traer nursing home to sing. We will go at approximately 12:55.
School parties will be on Tuesday, December 23rd! Don’t forget about the grab bag gift! School will be dismissed one hour early on Tuesday, December 23rd!
Christmas break will begin on Wednesday, December 24th and end on Sunday, January 4th. We will see the kindergartners again on Monday, January 5th! Notice the sharing list at the bottom of the sheet! When we return will will be learning about the letter Cc. Sharing for the week of January 5th should start with the letter Cc.!
This will be the last newsletter of 2008. We will NOT send a newsletter home next week
Have a great holiday season!
Ms. Howard
Mrs. Owens
Mrs. Herink
Mrs. Pokorny
Mr. Degner
Mr. Zabel
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January Sharing Schedule
January 5 - 9 : An item that begins with the letter Cc
January 12 - 16: Free choice (Ee week)
January 19 - 23: Free choice (Yy week)
January 26 - 30: Something that starts with the letter Dd
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 5, 2008
December 5, 2008
Dear Families,
This week we were busy learning about the letter Bb. The kindergartners talked about what they would like to do when they get bigger. We made Bb booklets. On Tuesday afternoon we went down to Farmers Savings Bank and learned about all of the different types of banking jobs. The boys and girls acted out the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears and learned about bats
Next week is Uu week. For sharing the boys and girls may bring a free choice item.
Please send the snowpants, hats, gloves/mittens, and boots everyday! Also, please put extra clothes in your child’s bag. We are running out of extra clothes. If your child has some kind of accident, and we do not have clothes to put them in, you will be called to bring some to school.
Don’t forget about the Elementary Christmas Program on December 17th starting at 1:30. The children will be singing some songs that they have been practicing with Mrs. Kent. For the program the boys and girls do not need any special costumes or outfits; they only need to be dressed nicely. After their part of the program the kindergartners may sit with their families, or they may sit with the teachers on the bleachers. It would be helpful to let us know if they will be sitting with the family or with the teachers.
As stated in the North Tama Elementary newsletter, there will be an opportunity for the elementary children to shop in a Christmas store. We have not signed up for our shopping time yet. IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO SHOP, PLEASE SEND MONEY IN AN ENVELOPE OR BAGGIE WHEN IT IS TIME TO SHOP. This is a good time to talk with your student about being a good consumer. If he/she does not see something that they want to buy, he/she does not have to buy anything! Items cost between 25¢ and $1. Families may also donate items for the store. Send your donations to school with your child, and we will put them in the correct place.
On Friday, December 19th, the kindergartners may participate in a Christmas party with the FCCLA group. This party is right after school. We help the boys and girls get to the party. More information and a permission slip should be coming home soon.
School will be dismissed early Tuesday, December 23rd. The town students will be dismissed at 2:20 and the bus students will be dismissed at 2:25. Please mark your calendars! Any leftover students will have to help pick up the classroom for the custodians!!!
We will have our classroom Christmas party on Tuesday, December 23rd. Please send the gift for the exchange sometime between December 16th and 23rd. In a recent newsletter we told about how we handle the student gift exchange. Girls may bring a gift for a girl, and boys may bring a gift for a boy. We do a “grab bag” type of gift exchange. Families may spend up to $2 on the gift.
Sometime during that last 2 days of school before vacation, we MAY be going to the Traer nursing home to sing our Christmas songs to the residents. The third grade classrooms normally join us. If it is a nice day, we will walk. If the weather is inclement, we will be taking a bus.
Have a delightful weekend!
Mrs. Pokorny, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Copies of the North Tama Kindergarten newsletters can be found online at www.ntknews08.blogspot.com.
Dear Families,
This week we were busy learning about the letter Bb. The kindergartners talked about what they would like to do when they get bigger. We made Bb booklets. On Tuesday afternoon we went down to Farmers Savings Bank and learned about all of the different types of banking jobs. The boys and girls acted out the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears and learned about bats
Next week is Uu week. For sharing the boys and girls may bring a free choice item.
Please send the snowpants, hats, gloves/mittens, and boots everyday! Also, please put extra clothes in your child’s bag. We are running out of extra clothes. If your child has some kind of accident, and we do not have clothes to put them in, you will be called to bring some to school.
Don’t forget about the Elementary Christmas Program on December 17th starting at 1:30. The children will be singing some songs that they have been practicing with Mrs. Kent. For the program the boys and girls do not need any special costumes or outfits; they only need to be dressed nicely. After their part of the program the kindergartners may sit with their families, or they may sit with the teachers on the bleachers. It would be helpful to let us know if they will be sitting with the family or with the teachers.
As stated in the North Tama Elementary newsletter, there will be an opportunity for the elementary children to shop in a Christmas store. We have not signed up for our shopping time yet. IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO SHOP, PLEASE SEND MONEY IN AN ENVELOPE OR BAGGIE WHEN IT IS TIME TO SHOP. This is a good time to talk with your student about being a good consumer. If he/she does not see something that they want to buy, he/she does not have to buy anything! Items cost between 25¢ and $1. Families may also donate items for the store. Send your donations to school with your child, and we will put them in the correct place.
On Friday, December 19th, the kindergartners may participate in a Christmas party with the FCCLA group. This party is right after school. We help the boys and girls get to the party. More information and a permission slip should be coming home soon.
School will be dismissed early Tuesday, December 23rd. The town students will be dismissed at 2:20 and the bus students will be dismissed at 2:25. Please mark your calendars! Any leftover students will have to help pick up the classroom for the custodians!!!
We will have our classroom Christmas party on Tuesday, December 23rd. Please send the gift for the exchange sometime between December 16th and 23rd. In a recent newsletter we told about how we handle the student gift exchange. Girls may bring a gift for a girl, and boys may bring a gift for a boy. We do a “grab bag” type of gift exchange. Families may spend up to $2 on the gift.
Sometime during that last 2 days of school before vacation, we MAY be going to the Traer nursing home to sing our Christmas songs to the residents. The third grade classrooms normally join us. If it is a nice day, we will walk. If the weather is inclement, we will be taking a bus.
Have a delightful weekend!
Mrs. Pokorny, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Copies of the North Tama Kindergarten newsletters can be found online at www.ntknews08.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 20, 2008
November 20, 2008
Dear Families,
This week we have been working with the letter Rr. We read some books with Native American characters, acting out one called Red Fox and His Canoe. The kindergartners started discussing Thanksgiving. We discussed rainbows and learned about rabbits. OnThursday we took a fall walk. (If the weather was inclement, the fall walk was cancelled.)
If you haven’t sent new crayons yet, please do so soon. Please send a box of 16 or a box of 24.
Next week we will be learning about the letter Kk. Since next week is so short, we will not have sharing.
Last week we wrote about Santa letters in the newsletter. The Traer Star Clipper needs these letters finished by early December. In order to get 37 letters finished without going crazy, we need your help. Please help your kindergartner think of ways they have been good or helpful at home. Also help your child brainstorm 3 or 4 items he/she really wants for Christmas. Fill out the bottom portion of this newsletter and send it back to school. We feel that this will be especially helpful to us when it is time to start writing these fun letters.
Many children have been complaining about chapped lips. Families may send some kind of lip product to school for their child. The lip product can be used during the day, BUT if it is a distraction, it will stay in the child’s backpack.
We hope that you have a fantastic weekend! Remember that we get out of school early on Wednesday, November 26th and have no school on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. . That is Thanksgiving vacation!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Pokorny
___________________’s Christmas List
1.
2.
3.
4.
Here are ways ________________ has been nice or helpful:
Dear Families,
This week we have been working with the letter Rr. We read some books with Native American characters, acting out one called Red Fox and His Canoe. The kindergartners started discussing Thanksgiving. We discussed rainbows and learned about rabbits. OnThursday we took a fall walk. (If the weather was inclement, the fall walk was cancelled.)
If you haven’t sent new crayons yet, please do so soon. Please send a box of 16 or a box of 24.
Next week we will be learning about the letter Kk. Since next week is so short, we will not have sharing.
Last week we wrote about Santa letters in the newsletter. The Traer Star Clipper needs these letters finished by early December. In order to get 37 letters finished without going crazy, we need your help. Please help your kindergartner think of ways they have been good or helpful at home. Also help your child brainstorm 3 or 4 items he/she really wants for Christmas. Fill out the bottom portion of this newsletter and send it back to school. We feel that this will be especially helpful to us when it is time to start writing these fun letters.
Many children have been complaining about chapped lips. Families may send some kind of lip product to school for their child. The lip product can be used during the day, BUT if it is a distraction, it will stay in the child’s backpack.
We hope that you have a fantastic weekend! Remember that we get out of school early on Wednesday, November 26th and have no school on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. . That is Thanksgiving vacation!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Pokorny
___________________’s Christmas List
1.
2.
3.
4.
Here are ways ________________ has been nice or helpful:
Friday, November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
Dear Families,
During Ff week we learned about fish and reviewed fall. Fall booklets were read in class, colored, and brought home. There are 2 pages of homework at the back of those booklets. If your child completes those pages, then a sticker can be earned. November necklaces were colored and put together. On Thursday we went to the UNI museum to visit their African display. It was very interesting, and the kids enjoyed the field trip.
Next week we will be studying the letter Rr. Sharing next week needs to be an item that begins with the letter Rr. Next week the teachers are hosting a bakesale. Each item will cost 25¢. The proceeds will go to the local CHAT organization. CHAT is an ecumenical community organization. It offers funding to families who need assistance with food, clothing, medical, gas, emergency expenses, medication, school supplies, etc.
This year families may sign up for early dismissal or late start alerts. These alerts may go to cell phones or computers. It is easy to sign up for this service. Go to the North Tama website, click on the Snowcap Weather/Emergency Alert Registration link and follow the directions. It would be great if families sign up. Then we don’t have to make so many phone calls when school is dismissed early due to weather!
Right after Thanksgiving the boys and girls will be writing letters to Santa. They will be dictating their ideas to a teacher to be typed on the computer. We would like them to have 3 or 4 ideas of gifts they would like to receive. These letters will be mailed to Santa, and they may appear in the Traer Star Clipper. Please discuss Christmas ideas with your child so that we can type these letters quickly and easily. In next week’s newsletter there will be a form for families to fill out that will help us get these letters done without going too crazy. Families also get to let Santa know how the boys and girls have been good/helpful at home.
Speaking of Christmas, many families are beginning to think about the elementary Christmas party and the gifts that the kids exchange. We ask that the boys buy a gift for a boy and the girls buy a gift for a girl. We will have a “grab bag” type of gift exchange. The amount that can be spent on the gift is $2. Boys and girls that want to donate any food or hygiene items to the local food pantry are welcome to bring those items into school, too.
Our kindergarten parents in the past have been very generous when remembering the teachers at Christmas time. An idea that we learned from Pied Piper is that instead of buying the teacher a gift, families could choose instead to purchase a gift for the room. We have a few ideas for items that we would like for the classroom: markers to be used in our writing center, glue sticks, stickers, disposable cameras, baby dolls, doll clothing, larger trucks and tractors, dry erase markers, monetary donation for elementary field trips, and games (see the teachers for ideas). If you need any ideas, just ask one of us. Of course, families may handle this matter however they desire.
Also in regards to Christmas, the date for the elementary Christmas program is Wednesday, December 17th. It usually begins at 1:30 in the gym. The fifth and sixth grade bands will play first, and the kindergartners will follow them. Following our songs, families will have a choice of whether to have their kindergartner sit with them for the remainder of the program or watch the rest of it with Mrs. Owens and Ms. Howard. Watch for more information about the program closer to December 19th.
Please remember that school will be dismissed at 2:20 on Wednesday, November 26th for Thanksgiving vacation. School will resume on Monday, December 1st at the normal time.
We know that the cold and flu season is upon us. Please remember that if your doctor prescribes a medication that has to be taken at school, THE DOCTOR and THE PARENT (yes both) need to write the directions down for the nurse. (This means 2 notes are required.) The prescription medication MUST be in the original container from the pharmacy. Families might want to ask for 2 containers when filling the prescription; one for school and one for home. The nurse cannot administer any medication without both notes. Cough syrup needs to have a doctor’s order to be given in school. (If your child is constantly coughing, he/she should really stay home.) DO NOT SEND COUGH DROPS TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR STUDENT! Parents are welcome to come to school and give medicines to their own children. Please contact the school nurse or us if you have any questions.
The North Tama football team plays on Saturday, November 15th at 10:30 in the Unidome in Cedar Falls. If they win, they will play for the state championship on Friday, November 21st.
Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Copies of the newsletter can be found at the following internet address:
http://ntknews08.blogspot.com or through the North Tama website.
Dear Families,
During Ff week we learned about fish and reviewed fall. Fall booklets were read in class, colored, and brought home. There are 2 pages of homework at the back of those booklets. If your child completes those pages, then a sticker can be earned. November necklaces were colored and put together. On Thursday we went to the UNI museum to visit their African display. It was very interesting, and the kids enjoyed the field trip.
Next week we will be studying the letter Rr. Sharing next week needs to be an item that begins with the letter Rr. Next week the teachers are hosting a bakesale. Each item will cost 25¢. The proceeds will go to the local CHAT organization. CHAT is an ecumenical community organization. It offers funding to families who need assistance with food, clothing, medical, gas, emergency expenses, medication, school supplies, etc.
This year families may sign up for early dismissal or late start alerts. These alerts may go to cell phones or computers. It is easy to sign up for this service. Go to the North Tama website, click on the Snowcap Weather/Emergency Alert Registration link and follow the directions. It would be great if families sign up. Then we don’t have to make so many phone calls when school is dismissed early due to weather!
Right after Thanksgiving the boys and girls will be writing letters to Santa. They will be dictating their ideas to a teacher to be typed on the computer. We would like them to have 3 or 4 ideas of gifts they would like to receive. These letters will be mailed to Santa, and they may appear in the Traer Star Clipper. Please discuss Christmas ideas with your child so that we can type these letters quickly and easily. In next week’s newsletter there will be a form for families to fill out that will help us get these letters done without going too crazy. Families also get to let Santa know how the boys and girls have been good/helpful at home.
Speaking of Christmas, many families are beginning to think about the elementary Christmas party and the gifts that the kids exchange. We ask that the boys buy a gift for a boy and the girls buy a gift for a girl. We will have a “grab bag” type of gift exchange. The amount that can be spent on the gift is $2. Boys and girls that want to donate any food or hygiene items to the local food pantry are welcome to bring those items into school, too.
Our kindergarten parents in the past have been very generous when remembering the teachers at Christmas time. An idea that we learned from Pied Piper is that instead of buying the teacher a gift, families could choose instead to purchase a gift for the room. We have a few ideas for items that we would like for the classroom: markers to be used in our writing center, glue sticks, stickers, disposable cameras, baby dolls, doll clothing, larger trucks and tractors, dry erase markers, monetary donation for elementary field trips, and games (see the teachers for ideas). If you need any ideas, just ask one of us. Of course, families may handle this matter however they desire.
Also in regards to Christmas, the date for the elementary Christmas program is Wednesday, December 17th. It usually begins at 1:30 in the gym. The fifth and sixth grade bands will play first, and the kindergartners will follow them. Following our songs, families will have a choice of whether to have their kindergartner sit with them for the remainder of the program or watch the rest of it with Mrs. Owens and Ms. Howard. Watch for more information about the program closer to December 19th.
Please remember that school will be dismissed at 2:20 on Wednesday, November 26th for Thanksgiving vacation. School will resume on Monday, December 1st at the normal time.
We know that the cold and flu season is upon us. Please remember that if your doctor prescribes a medication that has to be taken at school, THE DOCTOR and THE PARENT (yes both) need to write the directions down for the nurse. (This means 2 notes are required.) The prescription medication MUST be in the original container from the pharmacy. Families might want to ask for 2 containers when filling the prescription; one for school and one for home. The nurse cannot administer any medication without both notes. Cough syrup needs to have a doctor’s order to be given in school. (If your child is constantly coughing, he/she should really stay home.) DO NOT SEND COUGH DROPS TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR STUDENT! Parents are welcome to come to school and give medicines to their own children. Please contact the school nurse or us if you have any questions.
The North Tama football team plays on Saturday, November 15th at 10:30 in the Unidome in Cedar Falls. If they win, they will play for the state championship on Friday, November 21st.
Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Copies of the newsletter can be found at the following internet address:
http://ntknews08.blogspot.com or through the North Tama website.
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 6, 2008
November 6, 2008
Dear Families,
While studying the letter Ss we learned about spiders and sharks. The kindergartners pretended that some Super Socks gave them special powers. In their journals they told the teachers what super powers the Super socks gave them. The kindergartners learned the following blends this week: sl, st, sn, sp sm, and spl. Boys and girls have 5 new flashcards. These high frequency words can be sounded out, but reading is easier if they can remember it quickly without having to sound them out each time. Cut these flashcards apart and practice them OFTEN!
We enjoyed meeting with some of our kindergarten families at conferences this week. We look forward to meeting the rest on Monday! We will have another set of conferences, and they will be in February. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know!
School is dismissed at 12:20 on Monday, November 10th! Bus students are dismissed at 12:25. Please do not forget!
Next week we will be studying the letter Ff. For sharing please send something that starts with the letter Ff. Because of our special field trip on Thursday, the Thursday kids may bring their sharing any day BUT THURSDAY next week!
On Thursday the kindergartners will be going to the UNI museum. We will leave at about 8:30 in the morning so BE HERE ON TIME! We will return at about 12:00 noon, and we will be eating lunch in the classroom.
We have noticed that some of the boys and girls are still in need of new crayons. You may replace them with boxes of 16 or 24 crayons. Check with your kindergartner to see if the glue stick needs to be replaced also.
Thanksgiving is coming up! School will be dismissed early on Wednesday, November 26th. Students that walk home or are picked up are dismissed at 2:20. Bus students are dismissed at 2:25. There will be no school on Thursday, November 27th or Friday, November 28th.
Remember, there is no school on Friday, November 7th!
The Redhawk football team plays in the quarterfinal round of state playoffs on Friday, November 7th. The game is in Traer at 7:00 p.m. against HLV of Victor. Tickets cost $6 per person.
As the weather starts turning colder we must think about boots, snowpants, hats, mittens, and coats. Please make sure that your child is prepared for cold, wet weather. Please put your child’s name in every piece of outerwear brought to school.
Have a nice weekend!
Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Herink, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel,Mr. Degner
Dear Families,
While studying the letter Ss we learned about spiders and sharks. The kindergartners pretended that some Super Socks gave them special powers. In their journals they told the teachers what super powers the Super socks gave them. The kindergartners learned the following blends this week: sl, st, sn, sp sm, and spl. Boys and girls have 5 new flashcards. These high frequency words can be sounded out, but reading is easier if they can remember it quickly without having to sound them out each time. Cut these flashcards apart and practice them OFTEN!
We enjoyed meeting with some of our kindergarten families at conferences this week. We look forward to meeting the rest on Monday! We will have another set of conferences, and they will be in February. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know!
School is dismissed at 12:20 on Monday, November 10th! Bus students are dismissed at 12:25. Please do not forget!
Next week we will be studying the letter Ff. For sharing please send something that starts with the letter Ff. Because of our special field trip on Thursday, the Thursday kids may bring their sharing any day BUT THURSDAY next week!
On Thursday the kindergartners will be going to the UNI museum. We will leave at about 8:30 in the morning so BE HERE ON TIME! We will return at about 12:00 noon, and we will be eating lunch in the classroom.
We have noticed that some of the boys and girls are still in need of new crayons. You may replace them with boxes of 16 or 24 crayons. Check with your kindergartner to see if the glue stick needs to be replaced also.
Thanksgiving is coming up! School will be dismissed early on Wednesday, November 26th. Students that walk home or are picked up are dismissed at 2:20. Bus students are dismissed at 2:25. There will be no school on Thursday, November 27th or Friday, November 28th.
Remember, there is no school on Friday, November 7th!
The Redhawk football team plays in the quarterfinal round of state playoffs on Friday, November 7th. The game is in Traer at 7:00 p.m. against HLV of Victor. Tickets cost $6 per person.
As the weather starts turning colder we must think about boots, snowpants, hats, mittens, and coats. Please make sure that your child is prepared for cold, wet weather. Please put your child’s name in every piece of outerwear brought to school.
Have a nice weekend!
Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Herink, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel,Mr. Degner
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October 31, 2008
October 31, 2008
Dear Families,
This week the kindergartners worked with the letter Ii. We did many Halloween papers and projects. Please notice the colored flashcards that are included with this packet. The word to is a sight word that the students just need to memorize. The other words are high frequency words that the boys and girls can sound out. Practice reading the little booklets and reviewing flashcards often. That really helps kindergartners learn and remember, making reading easier and more fun.
We welcomed two new kindergartners to our classroom this week. Samuel Snyder is a part of the red team, and Cassity Havens is a new member of the blue team. We may be getting another new student on Monday. Lanika Eilander is scheduled to join us in kindergarten that day.
Next week we will be studying the letter Ss. Sharing next week is something that starts with the letter Ss in a secret sack. Please prepare clues for your child to say at school during sharing time. The clues can be written down if you desire. Friday sharing kids may bring their sharing item any day next week.
We have noticed that some of the boys and girls are still in need of new crayons. You may replace them with boxes of 16 or 24 crayons. Check with your kindergartner to see if the glue stick needs to be replaced also.
Monday, November 3rd is now a normal day of school. Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 6th and Monday, November 10th. On Monday, November 10th, the town students are dismissed at 12:20 so that teachers can attend more important meetings. Bus kids will be dismissed at 12:25. Conferences will be held on Monday evening. If you find that your conference time does not work for you, please contact us, and we will work out a new time. Ms. Howard will meet her families in the kindergarten room. Mrs. Owens will meet her families in an office down the hall located across from the drinking fountains and bathrooms. THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH.
The kindergarten newsletter can now be found on the web! Go to ntknews08.blogspot.com see any important information or copies of the newsletters.
Have a nice weekend!
Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Herink, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Degner, and
Mr. Zabel
Dear Families,
This week the kindergartners worked with the letter Ii. We did many Halloween papers and projects. Please notice the colored flashcards that are included with this packet. The word to is a sight word that the students just need to memorize. The other words are high frequency words that the boys and girls can sound out. Practice reading the little booklets and reviewing flashcards often. That really helps kindergartners learn and remember, making reading easier and more fun.
We welcomed two new kindergartners to our classroom this week. Samuel Snyder is a part of the red team, and Cassity Havens is a new member of the blue team. We may be getting another new student on Monday. Lanika Eilander is scheduled to join us in kindergarten that day.
Next week we will be studying the letter Ss. Sharing next week is something that starts with the letter Ss in a secret sack. Please prepare clues for your child to say at school during sharing time. The clues can be written down if you desire. Friday sharing kids may bring their sharing item any day next week.
We have noticed that some of the boys and girls are still in need of new crayons. You may replace them with boxes of 16 or 24 crayons. Check with your kindergartner to see if the glue stick needs to be replaced also.
Monday, November 3rd is now a normal day of school. Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 6th and Monday, November 10th. On Monday, November 10th, the town students are dismissed at 12:20 so that teachers can attend more important meetings. Bus kids will be dismissed at 12:25. Conferences will be held on Monday evening. If you find that your conference time does not work for you, please contact us, and we will work out a new time. Ms. Howard will meet her families in the kindergarten room. Mrs. Owens will meet her families in an office down the hall located across from the drinking fountains and bathrooms. THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH.
The kindergarten newsletter can now be found on the web! Go to ntknews08.blogspot.com see any important information or copies of the newsletters.
Have a nice weekend!
Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Herink, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Degner, and
Mr. Zabel
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 17, 2008
October 17, 2008
Dear Families,
During Nn week we practiced our numbers and made Number Booklets. Phone numbers were practiced. (Boys and girls will need to know their phone numbers for the second report card.) Some North Tama football players came in and talked about football. They brought in some of their cool equipment for the kindergartners to see and touch. We worked really hard on evaluations for the first quarter report card. The kindergartners reviewed fire prevention.
Next week we will be studying the letter Mm. Kindergartners need to bring something that begins with the letter Mm.
We will continue to evaluate the students for the report cards next week. We will be checking to see if they know the letters Aa, Gg, Hh, Ll, Nn,Oo, Pp, and Tt and the sounds for consonants. We will also check to see if they recognize the numbers 0-10. We will continue checking them on their addresses, colors, and shapes.
Please remember that our Halloween party is on Friday, October 31st. The kindergartners may BRING their costumes to school that day. After the big recess we get dressed up and then travel to the nursing home by bus. When we return we will do some Halloween activities in the room, parade through the classrooms, and enjoy Halloween snacks.
The weather is getting cooler outside, and we try to go outside at LEAST 1 time a day for recess if it is not raining. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather because he/she will go outside whether or not they have the necessary clothing. Remember that if there is measurable snow on the ground, the boys and girls need boots.
We are now warning our families that the school is keeping our thermostats at 68 degrees this winter. Some students may find this temperature a little chilly. We recommend that you send a sweatshirt or sweater to school with your child everyday. They can keep it in their backpacks or cubbies and wear it when they feel cold.
Please make sure that your child has an extra set of clothing in their school bag. Kindergartners have bathroom accidents, lunch tray spills, illnesses that soil clothing, and dirty recess catastrophes every now and then, and they feel more comfortable in their own clothing, especially underwear. We do have some extra clothing here, but it is a lot easier to get extra clothing out of school bags than it is to dig out clothing they will wear out of our supply.
Some children are beginning to arrive to school before 8:10. If the children are not eating breakfast, then they need to wait on the playground for the 8:10 bell unless your family has talked to the teachers. Teachers are not always in the classrooms because we are making final arrangements for the day, and we do not like to leave the kindergartners unsupervised. We realize that clocks at home are set at different times, and that occasionally children get here early. If you bring your kindergartner and you discover that you are a couple of minutes early, you can wait in our little entryway for the 8:10 bell.
Please remember that the students do not have school on Monday, October 27th. The teachers get to spend the day in important meetings.
Please note the attached note about the October 23rd elementary bakesale. The more items we have to sell, the more money we make! Bakesale items may be homemade or prepackaged.
We hope you have an absolutely great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Dear Families,
During Nn week we practiced our numbers and made Number Booklets. Phone numbers were practiced. (Boys and girls will need to know their phone numbers for the second report card.) Some North Tama football players came in and talked about football. They brought in some of their cool equipment for the kindergartners to see and touch. We worked really hard on evaluations for the first quarter report card. The kindergartners reviewed fire prevention.
Next week we will be studying the letter Mm. Kindergartners need to bring something that begins with the letter Mm.
We will continue to evaluate the students for the report cards next week. We will be checking to see if they know the letters Aa, Gg, Hh, Ll, Nn,Oo, Pp, and Tt and the sounds for consonants. We will also check to see if they recognize the numbers 0-10. We will continue checking them on their addresses, colors, and shapes.
Please remember that our Halloween party is on Friday, October 31st. The kindergartners may BRING their costumes to school that day. After the big recess we get dressed up and then travel to the nursing home by bus. When we return we will do some Halloween activities in the room, parade through the classrooms, and enjoy Halloween snacks.
The weather is getting cooler outside, and we try to go outside at LEAST 1 time a day for recess if it is not raining. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather because he/she will go outside whether or not they have the necessary clothing. Remember that if there is measurable snow on the ground, the boys and girls need boots.
We are now warning our families that the school is keeping our thermostats at 68 degrees this winter. Some students may find this temperature a little chilly. We recommend that you send a sweatshirt or sweater to school with your child everyday. They can keep it in their backpacks or cubbies and wear it when they feel cold.
Please make sure that your child has an extra set of clothing in their school bag. Kindergartners have bathroom accidents, lunch tray spills, illnesses that soil clothing, and dirty recess catastrophes every now and then, and they feel more comfortable in their own clothing, especially underwear. We do have some extra clothing here, but it is a lot easier to get extra clothing out of school bags than it is to dig out clothing they will wear out of our supply.
Some children are beginning to arrive to school before 8:10. If the children are not eating breakfast, then they need to wait on the playground for the 8:10 bell unless your family has talked to the teachers. Teachers are not always in the classrooms because we are making final arrangements for the day, and we do not like to leave the kindergartners unsupervised. We realize that clocks at home are set at different times, and that occasionally children get here early. If you bring your kindergartner and you discover that you are a couple of minutes early, you can wait in our little entryway for the 8:10 bell.
Please remember that the students do not have school on Monday, October 27th. The teachers get to spend the day in important meetings.
Please note the attached note about the October 23rd elementary bakesale. The more items we have to sell, the more money we make! Bakesale items may be homemade or prepackaged.
We hope you have an absolutely great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October 3, 2008
October 3, 2008
Dear Families,
During Pp week we acted out the story The Three Little Pigs. They liked hearing Mr. Foster read The Principal’s New Clothes and The Principal from the Black Lagoon. We learned about the Presidents. We graphed our favorite pet. The children could choose one of the following pets: dog, cat, fish, rabbit, or hamster/gerbil/guinea pig. On Wednesday the Strength Team visited North Tama and shared a drug free message with the students.
Next week we will be learning about the letter Aa. Next week’s sharing will be free choice since there aren’t many items that begin with the letter Aa.
Remember that picture day is Tuesday, October 14th. Kindergartners are normally scheduled to get their pictures taken at 8:20 SO PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD IS AT SCHOOL ON TIME! (Bus students will not have a problem with this.) If you have special instructions concerning hair or smiles, write us a note, and we will do our best to help your student take a great picture. Children are welcome to change out of special picture outfits when pictures are finished.
Around this time of year the weather gets cooler. We try to go outside for recess everyday, and the boys and girls need to be dressed appropriately. (Some of the children don’t want to wear their coats outside on a chilly day. On chilly days we make them wear coats or sweatshirts.) We have them wear whatever the family sends them in. By the way, one rule our school has is if there is any measurable snow on the ground, the students need to wear boots outside. We know that the thought of snow is depressing, but we wanted you to be aware and prepared.
The flu and cold season is coming soon (if it is not already here)! According to our elementary handbook, children need to stay home if they have the following: an earache, severe headache, a fever of 99.6 or above, an acute cold, a communicable disease, mattering or an inflammation of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or untreated head lice. In the handbook there are also guidelines that will help families determine if a child may return to school. Please refer to this so that children do not come back to school too early.
Remember that on Friday, October 31st, the boys and girls are currently scheduled to have the Halloween parties.
“Redhawks Reading” month began on Wednesday, October 1st. (This used to be called Read - A- Million- Minutes month.) Please make sure that you read the “Redhawks Reading” explanation note that you received! Please keep track of the minutes read at home! Fill out the record sheet and send the correct portion to school on the dates listed in the explanation letter.
The kindergartners are being asked to provide 12 individually wrapped bake sale items for a fundraiser on October 23rd. The lower elementary students are raising money to pay for their admission to a museum in November. We will be visiting the museum as a culminating activity for Redhawk Reading month. Kindergartners will be able to buy items from the bake sale, so please send quarters, too!
On Monday, October 6th the kindergartners will be attending a play in Waterloo. We get on the bus between 8:30 and 8:45 to go to the play. THE KINDERGARTNERS NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN LUNCHES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 6TH! MILK CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE COOKS WITH THE COST DELETED FROM HIS/HER LUNCH ACCOUNT.
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Zabel, and Mr. Degner
Keep for future reference!
October Sharing Schedule
October 6 - 10: Free choice (Aa week)
October 13 - 17: Something that begins with the letter Nn
October 20 - 24: Something that begins with Mm
October 27 - 31: Free choice (Ii week)
Dear Families,
During Pp week we acted out the story The Three Little Pigs. They liked hearing Mr. Foster read The Principal’s New Clothes and The Principal from the Black Lagoon. We learned about the Presidents. We graphed our favorite pet. The children could choose one of the following pets: dog, cat, fish, rabbit, or hamster/gerbil/guinea pig. On Wednesday the Strength Team visited North Tama and shared a drug free message with the students.
Next week we will be learning about the letter Aa. Next week’s sharing will be free choice since there aren’t many items that begin with the letter Aa.
Remember that picture day is Tuesday, October 14th. Kindergartners are normally scheduled to get their pictures taken at 8:20 SO PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD IS AT SCHOOL ON TIME! (Bus students will not have a problem with this.) If you have special instructions concerning hair or smiles, write us a note, and we will do our best to help your student take a great picture. Children are welcome to change out of special picture outfits when pictures are finished.
Around this time of year the weather gets cooler. We try to go outside for recess everyday, and the boys and girls need to be dressed appropriately. (Some of the children don’t want to wear their coats outside on a chilly day. On chilly days we make them wear coats or sweatshirts.) We have them wear whatever the family sends them in. By the way, one rule our school has is if there is any measurable snow on the ground, the students need to wear boots outside. We know that the thought of snow is depressing, but we wanted you to be aware and prepared.
The flu and cold season is coming soon (if it is not already here)! According to our elementary handbook, children need to stay home if they have the following: an earache, severe headache, a fever of 99.6 or above, an acute cold, a communicable disease, mattering or an inflammation of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or untreated head lice. In the handbook there are also guidelines that will help families determine if a child may return to school. Please refer to this so that children do not come back to school too early.
Remember that on Friday, October 31st, the boys and girls are currently scheduled to have the Halloween parties.
“Redhawks Reading” month began on Wednesday, October 1st. (This used to be called Read - A- Million- Minutes month.) Please make sure that you read the “Redhawks Reading” explanation note that you received! Please keep track of the minutes read at home! Fill out the record sheet and send the correct portion to school on the dates listed in the explanation letter.
The kindergartners are being asked to provide 12 individually wrapped bake sale items for a fundraiser on October 23rd. The lower elementary students are raising money to pay for their admission to a museum in November. We will be visiting the museum as a culminating activity for Redhawk Reading month. Kindergartners will be able to buy items from the bake sale, so please send quarters, too!
On Monday, October 6th the kindergartners will be attending a play in Waterloo. We get on the bus between 8:30 and 8:45 to go to the play. THE KINDERGARTNERS NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN LUNCHES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 6TH! MILK CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE COOKS WITH THE COST DELETED FROM HIS/HER LUNCH ACCOUNT.
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Zabel, and Mr. Degner
Keep for future reference!
October Sharing Schedule
October 6 - 10: Free choice (Aa week)
October 13 - 17: Something that begins with the letter Nn
October 20 - 24: Something that begins with Mm
October 27 - 31: Free choice (Ii week)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
September 26, 2008
September 26, 2008
Dear Families,
We began learning about the alphabet and enjoyed reading the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. We made a chart using the first letter of our names, to see what letters had the most first names and which letters had the fewest. We read a lot of alphabet books, too. We played an alphabet freeze game. The kindergartners danced and moved around around until the music stopped. Then they found a letter on the floor close to where they were frozen, picked it up, and told everyone the name of the letter. We learned about the letter Tt. Teeth and dental care was discussed. We know that adults are supposed to have 32 teeth and that brushing gets the “sugar bugs” off of the teeth. Healthy food is better for your teeth than sugary foods. Visiting the dentist is important for good dental health. Attached to the newsletter are 2 extra homework papers. One is a tooth brushing chart. Every child that brushes his/her teeth 2 times a day, fills out the chart with a check mark or smiley face or parent’s signature in each box, and returns it gets a special certificate from the Tooth Fairy. The other paper will need some parental guidance to help fill in the blanks.
This week we worked with counting coconuts. Each child was given a bag with one coconut tree and ten coconuts. The students learned to add more coconuts when they needed a larger number and take a way coconuts when they needed a smaller number. They can use these to practice counting at home.
This week we also began practicing writing names the kindergarten way. Next week we will continue practicing. We will expect them to write their name the kindergarten way on all their papers. Reinforcement at home is greatly appreciated. Remember, if your kindergartner practices writing at home, and they bring the paperwork in, they can earn a sticker.
Next week we will be studying the letter Pp. Sharing next week should be one item that begins with the letter Pp.
Halloween is fast approaching, and many families are beginning to think about their child’s costume. The elementary has a policy about costumes. We do not allow any blood or weapons with the costumes. Right now the Halloween parties are scheduled for October 31st.
Don’t forget about October 14th! We will be having our pictures taken on this day. You will receive the order forms soon. Please try to have these forms returned before picture day. On Tuesday, October 14th, the kindergartners need to be here by 8:20. We are usually the first class to have pictures taken, and they come for us at 8:20. If you want your child to change out of the picture clothing, please send another outfit. If you have special instructions concerning hair, jewelry, or outfits, please write us a note with the directions.
On Monday, October 6th the kindergartners will be attending a play in Waterloo. We leave the school at about 8:45 and return later in the morning. We will NOT return in time for lunch so each child will need to bring their own lunches. Families may not send any pop to drink. Other than that, families make the rules about what is put in the lunch box.
There is no school on Monday, September 29th. The teachers get to spend the day attending important meetings!
One last important date to note is the Christmas program. It will be on December 17th at 1:30 p.m.
Have a great fall weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Herink, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Degner, Mr. Zabel
Dear Families,
We began learning about the alphabet and enjoyed reading the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. We made a chart using the first letter of our names, to see what letters had the most first names and which letters had the fewest. We read a lot of alphabet books, too. We played an alphabet freeze game. The kindergartners danced and moved around around until the music stopped. Then they found a letter on the floor close to where they were frozen, picked it up, and told everyone the name of the letter. We learned about the letter Tt. Teeth and dental care was discussed. We know that adults are supposed to have 32 teeth and that brushing gets the “sugar bugs” off of the teeth. Healthy food is better for your teeth than sugary foods. Visiting the dentist is important for good dental health. Attached to the newsletter are 2 extra homework papers. One is a tooth brushing chart. Every child that brushes his/her teeth 2 times a day, fills out the chart with a check mark or smiley face or parent’s signature in each box, and returns it gets a special certificate from the Tooth Fairy. The other paper will need some parental guidance to help fill in the blanks.
This week we worked with counting coconuts. Each child was given a bag with one coconut tree and ten coconuts. The students learned to add more coconuts when they needed a larger number and take a way coconuts when they needed a smaller number. They can use these to practice counting at home.
This week we also began practicing writing names the kindergarten way. Next week we will continue practicing. We will expect them to write their name the kindergarten way on all their papers. Reinforcement at home is greatly appreciated. Remember, if your kindergartner practices writing at home, and they bring the paperwork in, they can earn a sticker.
Next week we will be studying the letter Pp. Sharing next week should be one item that begins with the letter Pp.
Halloween is fast approaching, and many families are beginning to think about their child’s costume. The elementary has a policy about costumes. We do not allow any blood or weapons with the costumes. Right now the Halloween parties are scheduled for October 31st.
Don’t forget about October 14th! We will be having our pictures taken on this day. You will receive the order forms soon. Please try to have these forms returned before picture day. On Tuesday, October 14th, the kindergartners need to be here by 8:20. We are usually the first class to have pictures taken, and they come for us at 8:20. If you want your child to change out of the picture clothing, please send another outfit. If you have special instructions concerning hair, jewelry, or outfits, please write us a note with the directions.
On Monday, October 6th the kindergartners will be attending a play in Waterloo. We leave the school at about 8:45 and return later in the morning. We will NOT return in time for lunch so each child will need to bring their own lunches. Families may not send any pop to drink. Other than that, families make the rules about what is put in the lunch box.
There is no school on Monday, September 29th. The teachers get to spend the day attending important meetings!
One last important date to note is the Christmas program. It will be on December 17th at 1:30 p.m.
Have a great fall weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Herink, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Degner, Mr. Zabel
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
September 19, 2008
September 19, 2008
Dear Families,
Seasons and weather were discussed this week. We made lists of summer words, fall words, winter words, and spring words. These lists were written on seasonal symbols and hung in the hallway. We took an “end of summer” walk to look at the trees, flowers, grass, etc. (If the weather didn’t cooperate, we didn’t go on the walk.) We talked about how the trees are still full of green leaves. We noticed that some of the leaves are already turning colors, and some have even fallen off the trees. The kindergartners talked about how the trees change for each season. They made trees to show the four different seasons. The kindergartners enjoyed painting the trunks brown. Have them tell you about how the trees change for each season.
Last week the kindergarten students participated in the DIBELS Benchmark Assessment. We had several different people working with our students on this evaluation. We will share these evaluations with you at your fall conference.
If your child practices writing numbers, their name, or the letters as we learn them at home, send that paper to school. We will give them a sticker for their work.
Next week we will be doing several alphabet activities. We will begin learning to write our first name the “kindergarten way.” We will also be reading and doing activities with the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. We will read other alphabet books and learn some alphabet songs. Next week’s sharing needs to be something that starts with the letter Tt.
An important date coming up is Tuesday, October 14th. We believe that this is school picture day. Watch for more information to be sent home soon!
Please remember that each Monday the kindergartners get a new library book. If your child forgets to return the book that day, the teachers will try to get them to the library for a new book as soon as they can. It may NOT be the very day theirs is returned due to our busy schedule.
We hope your child is enjoying kindergarten. Things are slowly improving! Have a great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Dear Families,
Seasons and weather were discussed this week. We made lists of summer words, fall words, winter words, and spring words. These lists were written on seasonal symbols and hung in the hallway. We took an “end of summer” walk to look at the trees, flowers, grass, etc. (If the weather didn’t cooperate, we didn’t go on the walk.) We talked about how the trees are still full of green leaves. We noticed that some of the leaves are already turning colors, and some have even fallen off the trees. The kindergartners talked about how the trees change for each season. They made trees to show the four different seasons. The kindergartners enjoyed painting the trunks brown. Have them tell you about how the trees change for each season.
Last week the kindergarten students participated in the DIBELS Benchmark Assessment. We had several different people working with our students on this evaluation. We will share these evaluations with you at your fall conference.
If your child practices writing numbers, their name, or the letters as we learn them at home, send that paper to school. We will give them a sticker for their work.
Next week we will be doing several alphabet activities. We will begin learning to write our first name the “kindergarten way.” We will also be reading and doing activities with the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. We will read other alphabet books and learn some alphabet songs. Next week’s sharing needs to be something that starts with the letter Tt.
An important date coming up is Tuesday, October 14th. We believe that this is school picture day. Watch for more information to be sent home soon!
Please remember that each Monday the kindergartners get a new library book. If your child forgets to return the book that day, the teachers will try to get them to the library for a new book as soon as they can. It may NOT be the very day theirs is returned due to our busy schedule.
We hope your child is enjoying kindergarten. Things are slowly improving! Have a great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 12, 2008
September 12, 2008
Dear Families,
Senses were discussed this week. Monday the five senses were introduced, and the students listened to a tape of different sounds and had to guess what each sound was. On Tuesday the sense of touch was discussed, and each child was able feel a mystery object in a special box and guess what the object was. On Wednesday the students learned about the sense of sight. They played a game that required them to look at a group of objects, remember what the objects are, and guess the object the teacher took away when their eyes were closed. Thursday was a “smelly” day, and the boys and girls guessed mystery smells. On Friday, the students finished the week, by learning about the sense of taste. They tasted something sweet (m and m’s), sour (dill pickles), salty (pretzels), and bitter (unsweetened baking chocolate). Also this week the kindergartners worked on sequencing, remembering the details of a story, the letter Gg. Lowercase g is harder to make so we made a practice homework paper and attached it to the newsletter. The kindergartners talked about ways to be safe at school, at home, on the farm, and in our community.
This week we began reading books about Curious George. The children really enjoy these books. We have discussed the meaning of the word curious, and the children have thought of a few things they are each curious about. You can read your child’s ideas on the windows outside our room.
Next week we will be learning about the 4 seasons. On Friday morning we hope to take an end of summer walk. Please dress your child appropriately.
Sharing for next week is an item in a “secret sack” from your child’s favorite season. Your kindergartner needs to be able to give clues about the mystery item. You are welcome to help your child with the clues. Families may also write the clues down on a piece of paper so that if your student forgets them, we can help him/her. For example, if your child’s favorite season is summer, the sharing item could be a swimming suit. The child puts the swimming suit into a sack (or the backpack). Clues could include: I wear this when it is hot. I like to get it wet. It is purple and green. The other students will then get to try and guess what is in the sack.
Again this year we are collecting Box Tops for Education box tops. Send in the box top that has that special logo on it. Each box top is worth 10¢. The school is also collecting Campbell's soup labels. Send any that you have to school with your child. The elementary school is also collecting Hy Vee slips. If you know anyone that shops at Hy Vee, ask them for their receipts. We think that the school gets $1 for every $200 turned in.
The weather has been cooler . We recommend that families send jackets or sweatshirts. It would be very helpful if the coats had names written in them. Many times they fall on the floor, and the teachers do not know who they belong to, and occasionally 2 children have identical coats. Having names written on the coats helps the children identify theirs.
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Degner, and Mr. Zabel
Dear Families,
Senses were discussed this week. Monday the five senses were introduced, and the students listened to a tape of different sounds and had to guess what each sound was. On Tuesday the sense of touch was discussed, and each child was able feel a mystery object in a special box and guess what the object was. On Wednesday the students learned about the sense of sight. They played a game that required them to look at a group of objects, remember what the objects are, and guess the object the teacher took away when their eyes were closed. Thursday was a “smelly” day, and the boys and girls guessed mystery smells. On Friday, the students finished the week, by learning about the sense of taste. They tasted something sweet (m and m’s), sour (dill pickles), salty (pretzels), and bitter (unsweetened baking chocolate). Also this week the kindergartners worked on sequencing, remembering the details of a story, the letter Gg. Lowercase g is harder to make so we made a practice homework paper and attached it to the newsletter. The kindergartners talked about ways to be safe at school, at home, on the farm, and in our community.
This week we began reading books about Curious George. The children really enjoy these books. We have discussed the meaning of the word curious, and the children have thought of a few things they are each curious about. You can read your child’s ideas on the windows outside our room.
Next week we will be learning about the 4 seasons. On Friday morning we hope to take an end of summer walk. Please dress your child appropriately.
Sharing for next week is an item in a “secret sack” from your child’s favorite season. Your kindergartner needs to be able to give clues about the mystery item. You are welcome to help your child with the clues. Families may also write the clues down on a piece of paper so that if your student forgets them, we can help him/her. For example, if your child’s favorite season is summer, the sharing item could be a swimming suit. The child puts the swimming suit into a sack (or the backpack). Clues could include: I wear this when it is hot. I like to get it wet. It is purple and green. The other students will then get to try and guess what is in the sack.
Again this year we are collecting Box Tops for Education box tops. Send in the box top that has that special logo on it. Each box top is worth 10¢. The school is also collecting Campbell's soup labels. Send any that you have to school with your child. The elementary school is also collecting Hy Vee slips. If you know anyone that shops at Hy Vee, ask them for their receipts. We think that the school gets $1 for every $200 turned in.
The weather has been cooler . We recommend that families send jackets or sweatshirts. It would be very helpful if the coats had names written in them. Many times they fall on the floor, and the teachers do not know who they belong to, and occasionally 2 children have identical coats. Having names written on the coats helps the children identify theirs.
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Degner, and Mr. Zabel
Thursday, September 4, 2008
September 5, 2008
September 5, 2008
Dear Families,
This week we continued to review the school and classroom rules and procedures. We also continued to read books about the beginning of school. We worked on colors with the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear. We hope your child will share their similar book with you. We read a big book called All About You, and we learned more about each other. We talked about families and body graphed how many people were in our families. Patterning with our bodies was a fun activity we tried this week. An example was standing, sitting, standing, sitting. The students were getting really good at figuring out the patterns. In reading we worked with the letter Oo.
It was nice seeing so many families at the Open House on Thursday. We now have faces to put with names as children tell us about their families. The pictures that were hanging in the hallway will be coming home in the near future.
Breakfast begins at 8:00. Children eating breakfast should not come into the school until 8:00. Other students may come in at 8:10. If your child arrives too early, we will send him/her out to the playground.
We will begin sharing next week with the topic “My favorite _____________.” This item can be a book, food, animal, toy, etc. Each week we will have a specific topic. A list of September topics will be at the end of the newsletter. (Please keep the sharing portion of the newsletter so that you can refer to the sharing list each week.) Your child needs to be able to tell about the sharing item in front of the class. Your child is assigned a sharing day. The kindergartners need to remember to bring their sharing on their assigned day. If a child forgets the sharing item, he/she may not bring it another day. If your kindergartner is gone on their sharing day, then he/she needs to bring their sharing item on the day they come back to school.
During the month of September the entire elementary is working on the characteristics self control and service. We will be demonstrating self control in different situations and praising those that show self control during the day. Perhaps you would like to work on self control at home!
We hope that your child is enjoying school! Have a super weekend!! Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
__________________________’s sharing day is __________________.
September Sharing
September 8 - 12: “My favorite _____________.” This could be a favorite book, food, animal, toy, etc.
September 15 - 19: Something in a “secret sack” from your favorite season that we have to guess using the child’s clues.
September 22 - 26: An item that begins with the letter Tt
September 29 - October 3: An item that begins with the letter Pp
Dear Families,
This week we continued to review the school and classroom rules and procedures. We also continued to read books about the beginning of school. We worked on colors with the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear. We hope your child will share their similar book with you. We read a big book called All About You, and we learned more about each other. We talked about families and body graphed how many people were in our families. Patterning with our bodies was a fun activity we tried this week. An example was standing, sitting, standing, sitting. The students were getting really good at figuring out the patterns. In reading we worked with the letter Oo.
It was nice seeing so many families at the Open House on Thursday. We now have faces to put with names as children tell us about their families. The pictures that were hanging in the hallway will be coming home in the near future.
Breakfast begins at 8:00. Children eating breakfast should not come into the school until 8:00. Other students may come in at 8:10. If your child arrives too early, we will send him/her out to the playground.
We will begin sharing next week with the topic “My favorite _____________.” This item can be a book, food, animal, toy, etc. Each week we will have a specific topic. A list of September topics will be at the end of the newsletter. (Please keep the sharing portion of the newsletter so that you can refer to the sharing list each week.) Your child needs to be able to tell about the sharing item in front of the class. Your child is assigned a sharing day. The kindergartners need to remember to bring their sharing on their assigned day. If a child forgets the sharing item, he/she may not bring it another day. If your kindergartner is gone on their sharing day, then he/she needs to bring their sharing item on the day they come back to school.
During the month of September the entire elementary is working on the characteristics self control and service. We will be demonstrating self control in different situations and praising those that show self control during the day. Perhaps you would like to work on self control at home!
We hope that your child is enjoying school! Have a super weekend!! Mrs. Owens, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Zabel, Mr. Degner, and Mrs. Herink
__________________________’s sharing day is __________________.
September Sharing
September 8 - 12: “My favorite _____________.” This could be a favorite book, food, animal, toy, etc.
September 15 - 19: Something in a “secret sack” from your favorite season that we have to guess using the child’s clues.
September 22 - 26: An item that begins with the letter Tt
September 29 - October 3: An item that begins with the letter Pp
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
August 29, 2008
August 29, 2008
Dear Families,
This has been a monumental week for kindergartners at North Tama! We’ve now experienced one full week of school! We are still working on classroom routines, classroom rules, and school rules. Things get better each day!
This newsletter is coming home one day early in order to inform parents that school gets out early tomorrow, August 29th. The town bell will ring at 2:20, and the bus bell will ring at 2:25. Please be on time if you pick up your student!!!!!
The breakfast bell rings at 8:00, and kids eating breakfast are allowed in the building then. Other students should not come in until 8:10. If your child does not ride the bus, and he/she arrives early, he/she should go to the playground.
Along with learning the many important school rules, we have worked on shapes, colors, and following directions. On Thursday we reviewed shapes by taking a “Shape Walk.” (If the weather was inclement, we had to skip the outside walk.) We looked at buildings, cars, and natural items and discussed the shapes found in them. We then returned to class and made our own shape creatures and items using colorful shapes, glue sticks, and crayons.
Most days we do some kind of math work. The boys and girls will bring home worksheets that have “homework” on one side. We want families to look at these math worksheets and work with your kindergartner on the homework side. Children that do their homework and return the paper to school get to pick out a sticker from the sticker box. Families may also send a note stating that their kindergartner has done their homework.
This year the kindergartners are using the Saxon Reading Program. We learn how to write each capital and lowercase letter of the alphabet. The children learn a keyword for each letter and the sound the letter makes. Worksheets go home most days to show families what we are working on. This week we started learning about the letter Ll. During the week we discussed living and nonliving things, and read the big book Lions and Gorillas. The boys and girls made their own Lions and Gorillas booklets. It is a repetitive story that has an animal in the jungle, then at the zoo, and then somewhere in their house.
Each week we learn about a new letter. Attached to the newsletter is a poem that goes with the letter Ll. As homework, parents should read the poem to the kindergartner. Then the student can circle all of the words that start with Ll. Kids that return this homework may pick out a sticker. Each week you will be getting a new poem.
The children had a chance to meet and work with Mr. Estes the gym teacher, Mrs. Betts the art teacher, Mrs. Kent the music teacher, Mrs. O’Meara the guidance counselor, and Mrs. Andvik the media teacher. Mrs. Andvik let the children check out books. Books need to be returned by the following Monday in order to get a new one.
Next Thursday, September 4th, the elementary school will have an Open House/Book Fair. The classrooms will be open for families to tour from 6:00 - 7:30. The Book Fair will be held in the multipurpose room from 6:00 - 7:30. There is a supper in the lunchroom beginning at 5:30. We hope to see many families at the Open House on Thursday, September 4th!
Lunch has gone well with the majority of students being willing to try new or unfamiliar foods. We will not make the children eat all of the food on their plate, but we will encourage them to try each food and then eat enough to get them through the afternoon. If your child needs to buy a milk to drink because they brought their own lunch, then 30 cents will be subtracted from your family’s hot lunch account.
During our full days of school we have rest time. We try to rest about 20 - 30 minutes each day. We feel rest time is important and necessary. We are playing soft, relaxing music and the lights are off.
Our classroom schedule was sent home last week. Look at this schedule carefully so that you can help your child dress appropriately for gym class day. Sharing is on this schedule. We will not start sharing next week. We will let you know when sharing will start. Don’t forget, we will not have school on Monday, September 1st.
This year Mrs. Howard is trying to keep copies of the newsletter on the internet! The address is http://ntknews08.blogspot.com. Families may add this address to the home computer’s bookmarks or favorites areas. You can also find a link to this blogspot by going to the North Tama web page. The North Tama web page can be found at www.n-tama.k12.ia.us.
We look forward to another week of school with this enjoyable group of children! We know that things will improve and run more smoothly each day!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Degner, Mr. Zabel, and Mrs. Herink
Dear Families,
This has been a monumental week for kindergartners at North Tama! We’ve now experienced one full week of school! We are still working on classroom routines, classroom rules, and school rules. Things get better each day!
This newsletter is coming home one day early in order to inform parents that school gets out early tomorrow, August 29th. The town bell will ring at 2:20, and the bus bell will ring at 2:25. Please be on time if you pick up your student!!!!!
The breakfast bell rings at 8:00, and kids eating breakfast are allowed in the building then. Other students should not come in until 8:10. If your child does not ride the bus, and he/she arrives early, he/she should go to the playground.
Along with learning the many important school rules, we have worked on shapes, colors, and following directions. On Thursday we reviewed shapes by taking a “Shape Walk.” (If the weather was inclement, we had to skip the outside walk.) We looked at buildings, cars, and natural items and discussed the shapes found in them. We then returned to class and made our own shape creatures and items using colorful shapes, glue sticks, and crayons.
Most days we do some kind of math work. The boys and girls will bring home worksheets that have “homework” on one side. We want families to look at these math worksheets and work with your kindergartner on the homework side. Children that do their homework and return the paper to school get to pick out a sticker from the sticker box. Families may also send a note stating that their kindergartner has done their homework.
This year the kindergartners are using the Saxon Reading Program. We learn how to write each capital and lowercase letter of the alphabet. The children learn a keyword for each letter and the sound the letter makes. Worksheets go home most days to show families what we are working on. This week we started learning about the letter Ll. During the week we discussed living and nonliving things, and read the big book Lions and Gorillas. The boys and girls made their own Lions and Gorillas booklets. It is a repetitive story that has an animal in the jungle, then at the zoo, and then somewhere in their house.
Each week we learn about a new letter. Attached to the newsletter is a poem that goes with the letter Ll. As homework, parents should read the poem to the kindergartner. Then the student can circle all of the words that start with Ll. Kids that return this homework may pick out a sticker. Each week you will be getting a new poem.
The children had a chance to meet and work with Mr. Estes the gym teacher, Mrs. Betts the art teacher, Mrs. Kent the music teacher, Mrs. O’Meara the guidance counselor, and Mrs. Andvik the media teacher. Mrs. Andvik let the children check out books. Books need to be returned by the following Monday in order to get a new one.
Next Thursday, September 4th, the elementary school will have an Open House/Book Fair. The classrooms will be open for families to tour from 6:00 - 7:30. The Book Fair will be held in the multipurpose room from 6:00 - 7:30. There is a supper in the lunchroom beginning at 5:30. We hope to see many families at the Open House on Thursday, September 4th!
Lunch has gone well with the majority of students being willing to try new or unfamiliar foods. We will not make the children eat all of the food on their plate, but we will encourage them to try each food and then eat enough to get them through the afternoon. If your child needs to buy a milk to drink because they brought their own lunch, then 30 cents will be subtracted from your family’s hot lunch account.
During our full days of school we have rest time. We try to rest about 20 - 30 minutes each day. We feel rest time is important and necessary. We are playing soft, relaxing music and the lights are off.
Our classroom schedule was sent home last week. Look at this schedule carefully so that you can help your child dress appropriately for gym class day. Sharing is on this schedule. We will not start sharing next week. We will let you know when sharing will start. Don’t forget, we will not have school on Monday, September 1st.
This year Mrs. Howard is trying to keep copies of the newsletter on the internet! The address is http://ntknews08.blogspot.com. Families may add this address to the home computer’s bookmarks or favorites areas. You can also find a link to this blogspot by going to the North Tama web page. The North Tama web page can be found at www.n-tama.k12.ia.us.
We look forward to another week of school with this enjoyable group of children! We know that things will improve and run more smoothly each day!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mr. Degner, Mr. Zabel, and Mrs. Herink
Thursday, August 21, 2008
August 22, 2008
August 22, 2008
Dear Families,
Every week we send home a newsletter telling you what we have done during the week. We also let you know of upcoming events so that you can plan accordingly. We normally send the newsletter home in the kindergartners’ folders on Fridays. Please check your child’s bag for these important papers every week.
We get to have four other teachers work with us in the kindergarten room part of each day. One of the teachers is Mrs. Tammy Herink. Mrs. Herink is a graduate of North Tama and has two children in the North Tama district. Anther teacher is Mrs. Ronda Pokorny. She is a graduate of North Tama and has two children in the North Tama district. Mr. Jamie Zabel is a graduate of Don Bosco in Gilbertville and attended Iowa. Mr. Zabel is now attending Upper Iowa and is working on his teaching certificate. Mr. Mike Degner is a graduate of North Tama and attended UNI.
We read the book called Timothy Goes to School. In this story Timothy was teased by Maude everyday about the outfits he wore to school. The boys and girls worked on a paper that put Timothy’s outfits in the order that he wore them to school. This week we began working with colors and shapes. We will continue to work on colors and shapes next week.
Next Thursday morning we hope to take a walk in Traer. We walk around a block close to the school, and we look for different shapes on our walk. If the weather does not cooperate, the walk will be cancelled.
Believe it or not, there are days that school is dismissed early because of heat or bad weather. We want to know each family’s plan of action for if/when this happens. If you haven’t already filled out the yellowish form given to you at registration, please do so immediately or fill out the bottom portion of this sheet and return it to school. The sooner that we get this information, the better. The phone numbers will help us in case we need to contact you when you are not home.
We hope to have a healthy school year. It is EXTREMELY important that you keep your child home when he/she is sick. It is also VERY important to call the school when your child is sick in order to let the nurse know about the illness that your child has. Please keep us informed!
We have given you our kindergarten schedule. Families like to know when the kindergartners have p.e. so that the students can be dressed appropriately. The volunteer sheet was also sent home. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this sheet and return it to school. Don’t feel that you HAVE to sign up for something if nothing fits into your schedule!
Normally we take a picture of each child on the first day of school. If we weren’t able to get that done on day one, we did it on day two. These pictures will be posted in the hallway for Open House.
By the way, NEXT FRIDAY THE KIDS GET OUT OF SCHOOL AT 2:20 FOR LABOR DAY! Have a great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Zabel, and Mr. Degner
Name ___________________
This is our plan for an early dismissal due to bad or hot weather:
(Examples: “John will ride the bus home as usual.” “Call Jill’s mother at work before sending Jill home on the bus.” “Suzy will go home with her big brother.” “Send Billy to his daycare provider”.)
Home phone number _______________________
Dad’s work number ________________________
Mom’s work number _______________________
Cell numbers _____________________________
Dear Families,
Every week we send home a newsletter telling you what we have done during the week. We also let you know of upcoming events so that you can plan accordingly. We normally send the newsletter home in the kindergartners’ folders on Fridays. Please check your child’s bag for these important papers every week.
We get to have four other teachers work with us in the kindergarten room part of each day. One of the teachers is Mrs. Tammy Herink. Mrs. Herink is a graduate of North Tama and has two children in the North Tama district. Anther teacher is Mrs. Ronda Pokorny. She is a graduate of North Tama and has two children in the North Tama district. Mr. Jamie Zabel is a graduate of Don Bosco in Gilbertville and attended Iowa. Mr. Zabel is now attending Upper Iowa and is working on his teaching certificate. Mr. Mike Degner is a graduate of North Tama and attended UNI.
We read the book called Timothy Goes to School. In this story Timothy was teased by Maude everyday about the outfits he wore to school. The boys and girls worked on a paper that put Timothy’s outfits in the order that he wore them to school. This week we began working with colors and shapes. We will continue to work on colors and shapes next week.
Next Thursday morning we hope to take a walk in Traer. We walk around a block close to the school, and we look for different shapes on our walk. If the weather does not cooperate, the walk will be cancelled.
Believe it or not, there are days that school is dismissed early because of heat or bad weather. We want to know each family’s plan of action for if/when this happens. If you haven’t already filled out the yellowish form given to you at registration, please do so immediately or fill out the bottom portion of this sheet and return it to school. The sooner that we get this information, the better. The phone numbers will help us in case we need to contact you when you are not home.
We hope to have a healthy school year. It is EXTREMELY important that you keep your child home when he/she is sick. It is also VERY important to call the school when your child is sick in order to let the nurse know about the illness that your child has. Please keep us informed!
We have given you our kindergarten schedule. Families like to know when the kindergartners have p.e. so that the students can be dressed appropriately. The volunteer sheet was also sent home. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this sheet and return it to school. Don’t feel that you HAVE to sign up for something if nothing fits into your schedule!
Normally we take a picture of each child on the first day of school. If we weren’t able to get that done on day one, we did it on day two. These pictures will be posted in the hallway for Open House.
By the way, NEXT FRIDAY THE KIDS GET OUT OF SCHOOL AT 2:20 FOR LABOR DAY! Have a great weekend!
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Pokorny, Mrs. Herink, Mr. Zabel, and Mr. Degner
Name ___________________
This is our plan for an early dismissal due to bad or hot weather:
(Examples: “John will ride the bus home as usual.” “Call Jill’s mother at work before sending Jill home on the bus.” “Suzy will go home with her big brother.” “Send Billy to his daycare provider”.)
Home phone number _______________________
Dad’s work number ________________________
Mom’s work number _______________________
Cell numbers _____________________________
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