Many thanks!

 Thank you!

I want to send a big thank you to all of the families who showed their appreciation to me and all of their children's teachers throughout the week!  While we most certainly don't go into this career for the treats and gifts, the thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated and we are so grateful. 

I also made sure the students thought of the specialists teachers as well.  They are amazing teachers, and although they may not have their own classroom, they impact many children's lives every day!  We made a special book for every specialist we see to let them know how thankful we are for them! Many said it brought tears to their eyes to see that they were thought of and read their kind words.  If you included the specialists in your giving this week, they also thank you and expressed how much it means to them! I let them know that I would pass on their thanks!

                                                    A look at our learning...

Fundations: the final parent packet of the year is in your child's Friday Folder.  While we want students to rest and relax over the summer, it is also important to work on things over the summer, at least a couple times a week.  Reading is SO important and should occur daily.  Reading to them and having them read to you.  Both are important.  Please continue to practice their spelling words and reinforce correct letter formation, sounding out words, etc. over the summer.  This will help them begin first grade with ease!  

Spelling Test: today was our last regular spelling test of the year.  We will have our end of year test over ALL 47 spelling words on Thursday.  Although this test will be long, it should not be difficult . They should already know how to read and write all 47 words learned throughout the school year. They are bringing home a complete list of word wall words, as they do every Friday, for you to use to practice. 

Writing Workshop: this week we worked on the special books I mentioned above for our specialists teachers.  We wrote about why we love that teacher and their class.  We made one for Coach C in P.E., Mr. Fears in Music, Mrs. Starbuck in art, Mrs. Imhoff in Media and Mrs. Fitch, Mrs. Canepa and Mrs. Groner in the library.  We also finished our second butterfly informational book and wrapped up that unit of study. 

Counselor: we had our last lesson with Mrs. Bergeson this week and it was so sweet!  They read the book The Invisible String and discussed how even though we may take different paths next year and in the future, we are all connected.  They also took the time to pass around an "invisible string" and say something kind about the person they passed it to.  This lesson and moment brought tears to me eyes.  This truly is a sweet class.  

Math: we are also wrapping up our final math units and you will see ways to extend their learning at home in their Friday Folder.  

Science: to continue our learning about butterflies, we did a fun life cycle activity with snacks! We also have caterpillars that we will watch as they make their chrysalis.  Once they turn into butterflies, we will release into the wild. 

A to Z Countdown: this week we enjoyed the newest Paw Patrol movie on movie day, had some cute and funny names on new name day, made the best of the poor weather and brought the outdoors inside on outdoor days, was comfy in pajamas on pajama day and enjoyed a somewhat peaceful day on quiet day, lol!  

Fancy Day: what a fabulous day we had today!  The students looked so beautiful and handsome as we begin our farewell to Mrs. Nickens.  Thanks to all who also sent flowers.  They also enjoyed a fancy lunch!  

Pie in the Face: on Monday, the top sellers during the Shakespeare's Pizza Fundraiser were able to pie a teacher of their choosing in the face!  I received a pie in the face from our sweet Easton, lol!  Mrs. .Frericks, Mrs. Cohen, Mrs. Pennington, Mrs. Watson, Coach C and Mr. Foulk were also chosen.. What a fun, and messy, way to start our week! Videos and more photos are on the class Facebook page.  

JMS Zoo:  we enjoyed our trip to the Jefferson Middle School zoo. CPS is so lucky to have this amazing opportunity.  The tours are led by middle schoolers who take care of the animals.  We saw birds, guinea pigs, gerbils, fish, snakes, lizards, bearded dragons and more!  Here are a few photos, even more are on the class Facebook page. 

Sneaky Reading: I would love to see pictures posted of kiddos reading outside on our class Facebook page.  That is this month's Sneaky Reading Challenge that was sent home with the May reading log the other week!  It's going to be a beautiful weekend to be outside! 

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Mother's Day!  I hope you all are spoiled all day (weekend) long! They are bringing home a special gift for you. Thank you for sharing your little ones with me! 

Fun at school