Vol. 2 Issue 49

Mystery Reader:

Rebecca Wood

Hanna's mom read Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Little by Little.

Grandparents Day: 

Welcome Video

(For the grandparents who were unable to attend)

Vol. 2 Issue 41

Mystery Reader: Susan Taylor

Clark's mom read Little Polar Bear, Ahoy There, Little Polar Bear, Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones, and Splat the Cat: Funny Valentine.

February Birthday: JoAnna 

Thank you JoAnna and family for sharing your special day with us (and for the yummy cupcakes).

Important Dates:

Monday, February 11th: Chinese New Year Celebration Tuesday, February 12th: Mardi Gras Celebration

Thursday, February 14th: Valentine's Day 

Monday, February 18th: No School

Vol. 2 Issue 37

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: 

Monday, January 21

 

January 21, 2013 will mark the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. School is closed.

Mystery Reader: Heather Flint

Ferris' mom read Ponyella, A Walk in New York, and Birdie's Big Girl Dress. Ferris read Butterflies in my Stomach.

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. 2 Issue 32

Candy-Gram Sale

Mystery Reader: Joseph LeCompte

Matthew's dad read Swim Little Wombat, Wombat Stew, and Outback Odyssey.

 

Vol. 2 Issue 31

Holiday Outreach

Mystery Reader: Christine Thaiya

Mikaella's mom read There's No Place Like School, I Know It's Autumn, and You Think It's Easy Being Tooth Fairy.

 

Vol. 2 Issue 27

Weather All Around (Unit): Sandy 

After leaving a path of destruction in Caribbean, Superstorm Sandy hit the northeast on Monday, flooding homes, tunnels, parking lots, subways, and much more. Many lost power, and wind and falling trees further damaged property. Our class has been tracking Sandy for over a week (via weather.com - video, images, and forecasts). Students were affected by the visuals of devastation resulting from this superstorm. If you'd like to help, visit 7 Ways to Help Victims of Superstorm Sandy Online for ideas. The Red Cross is also accepting donations to those affected by Sandy through Apple’s iTunes store. 

Mystery Reader: Rita Werbel

Dani's mommy read I Lost My Bear, If You Give a Dog a Donut, & Yay You!

 

Vol 2. Issue 23

Mystery Reader: Marina Bradford 

Lara's Mommy read Chickens to the Rescue, Scruffy, and Widget.

Reflection's Art Competition: The Magic of a Moment 

Lara Bradford, 2nd Place: Visual Arts

Spirit Day: October 31 
 
Children may wear Halloween costumes to school- NO masks or weapons! Or you may wear orange and black! 

NO SCHOOL: November 6. 
Professional Learning Day for Teachers.

Vol. 2 Issue 21

Today in Pictures

Boosterthon Fun Run!!!

We had fun!!

Remember, all donations are due by next Friday.

Mystery Reader(s): Kara Hanley and Rita Werbel

Dani's mommy & friend read Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist and Pup Style: Trick or Treat.  

Vol. 2 Issue 20

Hispanic Heritage: Reminder

On Thursday, October 18, 2012 Sarah Smith Elementary will have their First Annual Hispanic Heritage Day. Please choose a Hispanic country and send your child dressed in their traditional attire. You may also bring in artifacts, food, or a creative display created by your child. Your child will have the opportunity to share this with their classmates. Thank you for helping us celebrate and bring cultural awareness to the Sarah Smith community. If you have any further questions, please contact Christina Rodriguez at 404-802-3850. 

El Jueves, 18 de octubre del 2012 Sarah Smith Elementary tendrá su primer Día Anual de la Herencia Hispana. Por favor, escoje un país hispano y envia a su hijo vestido con su traje tradicional. Usted también puede mandar artefactos, comida, o una visualización creativo de su país creado por su hijo. Su hijo tendrá la oportunidad de compartir esto con sus compañeros de clase. Gracias por ayudarnos a celebrar y hacer tomar conciencia cultural a la comunidad de Sarah Smith. Si tiene alguna duda, por favor póngase en contacto con Christina Rodriguez al 404-802-3850.

Mystery Reader: Cathy Hill 

Matthew's grandma read How I Became a Pirate, The Little Green Witch, Pumpkin Soup, The Lamb-a-Roo, and Captain Underpants.

October Birthdays: Eric, Andrew, and Jose 

Eric and Andrew: October 11th

Jose: October 15th

Wishlist: 
A set of headphones (6). We will use these with our class computers.

Vol. 2 Issue 16

Parent-Teacher Conferences:

I look forward to the opportunity to begin the conversation about your child’s progress in the 1st grade. This is also my opportunity to gain insights into my students’ home and community lives. Your perspectives on your child’s strengths and needs, learning styles, and nonschool learning opportunities can help me shape my instructional methods. The fall conferences window is Oct. 15-Nov. 2. Please click SignUpGenius to reserve a slot. You will receive an email reminder two days prior to your scheduled conference. Each report card parent-teacher conference will last for a period no longer than 20 minutes. You will receive your child's 1st-quarter report card during this meeting as we discuss his/her 1st nine weeks of progress. Both parents are encouraged to come, if possible. Please reserve a slot by Wednesday, October 3rd. 

Mystery Reader:  Mark Thaiya

Junior Great Books (JBG): 

With the powerful combination of outstanding literature and Shared Inquiry™ discussions, Junior Great Books programs help students become independent readers and thinkers ready for the diverse demands of the 21st century. Our first experience with JBG will take place this week (9/24 - 9/28). 

Scholastic Book fair: 

A Book Fair is powerful, guaranteeing students have amazing titles in reach. It offers kids a real reading motivator – choice in what they read. Access, choice, and reading practice – it’s what creates star readers. 

(Class-specific dates/times) 
Preview Day: Thursday, 9/27 @ 10:45 am (class will preview books and items for sale) 
Purchase Day: Wednesday, 10/3 @ 10:45 am (class will visit and make purchases during a 1/2 hour block) 

Wishlist: 
Class-set of clipboards (will be used for activities that require writing away from desks). As always, please send an email to the group to prevent duplicate sets.
 

Vol. 1 Issue 49

Springtime

Grandparents Day

Fun in the Sun

Mystery Reader

Henry's Mom read Duck for President and Tikki Tikki Tembo.

April Absences

Unfortunately, I'll be offsite a few days in April.

Great Books Chicago 2012

This year I have been invited to attend Great Books Chicago, April 27–29, 2012: A weekend of Great Books discussions and cultural events! This year's theme is Things Fall Apart. Great Books Chicago is the Great Books Foundation's annual event. Since 2000, the Foundation has been hosting this 3-day program of lively book discussions, performances by outstanding musical and theatrical companies, and visits to museums and other interesting sites in and around the city. But most of all, Great Books Chicago is an opportunity get to know the Great Books community firsthand. I look forward to this event.

My Daughter's Pre-K End-of-Year Field Trip

My wife and I will be traveling to Columbus, GA, with our daughter Zoë, this Friday, April 13, 2012. Her last field trip before joining the Sarah Smith family this fall.

Vol. 1 Issue 48

Our American Heroes: Parade

Mystery Reader: Robyn Vassar

Harrison's mom read How to Help the Earth (Lorax) and the Story of Babe Ruth.

Vol. 1 Issue 47

Scholastic Book Fair:

Grandparent's Day-March 23rd (school-wide)

Preview: March 21st (our class)

Purchase: March 27th (our class)

Mystery Reader: Rachel Thomas

Jack's mom read Sweet Land of Liberty, Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe, and Hooray for St. Patrick's Day.

Grandparent's Day: Friday, March 23, 2013

If your child's grandparent, aunt, uncle, or special friend will be in attendance next Friday, please reply to this post by listing your child's name, relative (or special friend's name), and relationship. Students will be working on something next week to present to their special guests and I wouldn't any guest to be omitted. If you did not receive the Grandparent's Day flyer earlier this week, please let me know and I will send you a copy.

Reading Logs: 4th Quarter

Thanks for submitting reading logs weekly as evidence that your child is reading at least 20 minutes at home every evening. Please continue to ensure your child is reading at home daily. During the 4th quarter, you will no longer need to submit evidence of your child's reading away from school. Thanks so much for consistently tracking your child's reading this year.