Jan. 22-25

Let It Snow!!!

Our letter of the week was "I". Our sight word was "will."  Students will be introduced to poetry when we read the poem "If I was One Inch Tall" by Shel Silverstein. All week we read poems and enjoyed their rhythmic flow. We also worked on the "turn that question around" strategy when answering writing prompts. Practicing this at home when reading/writing/speaking will help your child grasp this concept. For example.....if I ask my students-would you like to be a giant? They should reply...I would want to be a giant because....we want them to learn to recycle the words in the question.  We also enjoyed stories about snowman and  created writing and projects to decorate our room and halls for Open House.

In math we worked cooperatively to solve a problem about snowmen. Real life problem solving is a big part of common core. Most students are becoming fluent with the basic addition facts of 5 and 10 so we are beginning to build our understanding of subtraction. Remember our goal is get the answer correct but we also want them to truly understand the concept. When solving problems it is important to be able to explain what you did and why you did it.

100's Day is right around the corner (Tuesday, Feb. 5th). I will need 5-6 parents to come in and help with 100 day centers. These centers will have simple activities that celebrate the number 100. At this time I am not 100% sure of the time I will need volunteers, but I will send out an email next week with the information.

The following letter is from Mr. LeCrone in regards to Valentine's Day.

Dear Parents,

Valentine’s Day is not far off and prior to your shopping for this day, I am taking this opportunity to remind you of the guidelines in our Parent Handbook regarding Valentine’s and treats:

 “Please do not attach any treats on Valentine’s cards (i.e. candy bars, etc.), due to the possibility of a child with a deadly peanut/nut/food allergy receiving the items.  Valentine’s with candy attached will not be permitted in any classroom.”   We want this day to be special for all students by keeping everyone safe and we do not want to disappoint any child who may bring items to school to give out and then is not permitted to do so.

 The PTA will be providing the students with cupcakes and a Capri Sun during the party.  The cupcakes are from * Whole Foods Market in Naperville.  The ingredients are as follows for the cupcakes:    

 CAKE: SUGAR, FLOUR, CANOLA OIL, BAKING POWDER, TAPIOCA FOOD STARCH, DEXTROSE, SALT, SOY FLOUR, XANTHUM GUM, CELLULOSE GUM, BETA CAROTENE, VANILA EXTRACT, EGGS, CANOLA OIL, WATER, FROSTING: POWDERED SUGAR, BUTTER, PALM OIL, SALT, COLOR (BEET JUICE, MALTODEXTRIN, SUNFLOWER OIL). (CONTAINS: WHEAT, EGGS, SOY, MILK).  The pink buttercream frosting consists of powdered sugar, palm oil shortening, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt and annatto (natural plant based food color).    Please be aware the cupcakes may be made in an area where tree nuts are available. 

 If your child is unable to have the treat provided because of allergies, you should have already notified the school nurse of this situation.  You are asked to provide your child with a treat that he/she can have if they have allergies to the cupcakes being served. 

 Finally, alternative activities will be planned for children whose families choose not to participate in this event beginning at 2:30 p.m.  Please contact Mr. LeCrone through email in order that appropriate activities can be arranged.  His email is: brian_lecrone@ipsd.org.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

 Sincerely,

Brian LeCrone

In addition to the above information, it would be helpful for you to know that on the day of the Valentine party we will have 27 students in the class.  Please have your child either leave the envelope blank your simply write "To My Friend."  That will make passing out cards run more smoothly.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, January 30th at Open House.  You are encouraged to come during the suggested times:  A-L 6:30-7:30, M-Z 7:30-8:30.  You do not need to stay the entire time.  Enjoy the classroom and school and come and go as you please.  See you then!

Have a great weekend!