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