Vol. 2 Issue 36

Emperor Penguin: 

Animal Survival Unit Weekend Homework 

This week we began our Animal Survival unit by learning about polar regions and animals. Please read the assignment in your child's red folder today. Usually we don't give weekend assignments, but students must prepare for Monday's task with your help. Students will assume the role of an Emperor Penguin parent. Monday they will receive and egg (from me - don't send eggs). They must prepare (at home) and bring a container (to school)that will help them care for the egg without breaking it. If successful, they will come home Monday without cracked eggs. 

Mystery Reader: Marina Bradford

Lara's mommy read Knuffle Bunny, Pigeon Finds a Hotdog, and a chapter of one of Lara's favorite books, Rainbow Magic.

Vol. 1 Issue 14

Call and ask questions!

You are encouraged to call and ask questions about your homework problems. Homework Hotline teachers give one-on-one assistance and easy-to-understand explanations. These teachers have access to current textbooks and school curricula when helping students understand and solve homework problems. They won't do your work, but they will guide you through a learning process.

Available on most school nights

Homework Hotline is available Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., except during holiday and semester breaks. The hotline telephone number is 678-553-3029.

There is no charge!

The Homework Hotline service is FREE. Support for the Homework Hotline has been made possible by local school districts and corporate and foundation contributions.

Before you call...

Before calling, you should have the following items:

• Textbook (if available)
• Homework assignment
• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Calculator (if needed)

Information you'll need...

You will be asked to give your first name, grade level and name of school. Also give the textbook title, and description of homework problem or assignment.

Vol. 1 Issue 6

It's no fun being sick. Glad to be back in action!!!

• Look for the following items in today's red Homework Folder (aka Wednesday Folder):
• Graded Student Work
• Accident Insurance Letter/Form
• The Gym @ Peachtree Fall 2011 Catalogue
• APS Student Guidebook (featuring your favorite teacher on page 19)
• Tonight's Math Homework (Skip Counting Review)
• Review our Essential Agreements. Have a discussion with your child about origin, meaning, and examples.
• We have Number Talks every morning to start our day (morning meeting). Today, our investigation focused on the number  18. I asked students to generate number sentences ( + tally marks) that = 18. This is not a competitive activity. The differentiation is built-in. They generate sentences based on their comfort level/level of understanding. As students share and learn new strategies, they challenge themselves during future Number Talks. Here is the result of today's investigation:

Vol. 1 Issue 1

This is the 1st post of the 2011-2012 school year. This blog will primarily serve as a source for homework assignments and projects, but we will also use this as a communication tool and a source for useful information and class updates. Click here for our class schedule. 

Although students will not receive homework assignments this week (an agreement of the entire 1st grade team), I would like you to complete the following activity (What's in a Name) with your child tonight. We will share your responses tomorrow. Additionally, check your child's homework folder (red) daily for any forms that may need to be completed and returned.

What's In a Name

• What's your full name?
• Were you named after someone?
• What does your name mean?
• What names did your parents consider before deciding on the one you have?
• Why did they choose your name?
• What is your name's country of origin? (ex. "Ivan" has Russian origins)
• What is your nick-name? How did you get that nick-name?
• If you could change your name, what would you name yourself?
• Now.... on a seperate piece of paper, please write your name in a creative way. Can you use color? Fancy writing? Swirls? Block letters? A pattern? Design something as special as YOU are!