Mrs. Wright's Class

We are nearing the end of kindergarten. I cannot believe my time is almost up with your kiddos. It has been such a great year and I hope my students will all come back to read to my new class of kinders and stop by to say "hello" when they are in first grade next year. We are working these last couple of weeks with the idea that we are almost first graders, so much of the work/activities are done independently and without as much socialization with peers as we normally have. I want to make sure in every aspect that the kids are ready. Academically they are set. I am so proud of the progress each of them has made this year. You as parents have done a wonderful job with supporting them at home...Thank you!

In addition to prepping the students for first grade we are doing our last round of DIBELS testing this week and next and will be doing our end of the year assessments on the kids. We have also started our INSECT unit and will be working on addition and subtraction for the remainder of the year in math. I hope that you will keep up with academic based activities over the summer. Summertime calls for a break, but two months off without working on necessary skills will mean regression and that is not what we want for our kids. I encourage you to visit the library weekly and to be working on math facts, writing and reading. With the support over the summer I know each of the kids will have an easy transition to first grade.

It was wonderful to see you all at the Kindergarten Program! I hope you enjoyed the night full of songs and sweet memories. The kids worked very hard preparing and I think it was a super turnout! Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered their time to help make our program a success. We could have not done it without you. We also had a wonderful time learning about animals with our PHX ZOO on-site field trip. It was wonderful to have the animals all to ourselves and a great way for the kids to get an up close and personal look at each of them. I hope to post some pictures of the animals we saw soon. As you all are witnessing...these last few weeks will be busy. Our days in class will be filled with fun events, end of the year celebrations and wrapping up the remainder of the year in kindergarten. More information will be going home soon about our end of the year class party. so please keep a look out for that and plan to attend if you are able. Thank you so much for your support and help this year. It has been a blessing to have each one of your kids and I will cherish these last few weeks that I have with each of them.

Ms. Trowbridge's Class

Happy April! First grade is quickly approaching. We started our bug unit today. The students are so excited to get to learn all about bugs, their life cycles, what they look like, and where they live. We will be doing lots of fun bug projects for three weeks!

In math, we are still working on those math facts. We have started taking timed tests - students get five minutes to answer 25 math fact questions. Everyone is doing an awesome job. If you are seeing the math fact pages come hope with some answers missing, please work with your child on this at home since it was work not finished.

In reading, we are getting ready for our dibels test. We are reading nonsense words, sounding out words, and racing to see who can say the most letters in a minute. We are also working on fluency - reading sentences and having them make sense! Everyone is doing a super good job of reading!

We are in the middle of making our bug journals in writing. Each day students will be writing a fact about the bug of the day. When we are done with our bug unit - everyone will have an awesome bug journal to bring home and share all the cool bug facts that they learned!

Everyone should have received a blue invitation home today - this is inviting you and your families to the kindergarten music program on April 28th at 6:30. Please let me know if yours didn't make it home!

Keep up the great work at home - if you have any questions, please email me!

Mrs. Wright's Class

This week we have started a school-wide attendance challenge. Each day every classroom that has perfect attendance earns a star on the "Stallion Star" board. On Friday Mr. G will be picking a square on the board and whatever class occupies that spot wins a pizza party. We have had PERFECT attendance in the am and pm classes so far this week so I am encouraging the kids to keep it up. We want to WIN!! The challenge will be this week and next to promote good attendance for AIMS testing. While our kids do not take the test, school-wide attendance plays a huge roll in the final results/label our school will receive. Please help us out and make sure your child is at school every day!

In class we are learning about spring. The kids are having a great time studying plant life-cycles, parts of a plant and what a plant needs to grow. They are very knowledgeable about this science topic so ask them to tell you some "plant facts". We are continuing our journal writing and addition practice as well. The kids are doing great and I know all of this "prep" will help them to be successful in first grade. On Friday we will also have our first spelling test. This will be good practice for what to expect in first grade. No formal grades will be taken and they will not be included in the report card grades, however, please practice the words with them and work on the nightly homework to help them test well on Friday.

An invitation was sent home with each of the students today notifying you of the Kindergarten Program. Please save the date, April 28th, to come and celebrate your child's accomplishments this year in kindergarten. It will be a program you will not want to miss! We are busy preparing in class for the BIG night and I know you will all enjoy what is to come.

Thanks so much for your continued support...it is greatly appreciated!

Mrs. Wright's Class

Wow...it has been far too long since I have written a post. My apologies! Since the last time I posted we have had conferences, a week off and have started preparing for an on-site field trip and our kindergarten program. Our days are busy! Thank you to each of you for making it to conferences. This is the first time in my 7 years of teaching I had ALL parents show up. It was great to talk with you about your child's progress and the things expected for first grade. All of the kids are excited for the forthcoming transition. In our daily routines we talk about first grade expectations and are busy preparing for the move. It will be here before we know it. Talking about time flying...here are some upcoming events you will want to put on your calendar and plan ahead for:

March 29th- Gardening Presentation
March 31st- Scholastic Book Order Due (this will be the last one for the year)
April 15th- On-site Zoo Trip
April 15th- Daddy/Daughter Dance
April 20th- PTO Meeting
April 28th- Kindergarten Program 6pm

We are asking for a $4.00 donation per child for our zoo trip. Since they are bringing live animals from the PHX Zoo there is a cost tied to the presentation. If you have not donated please do so by March 31st. If you are not able to donate, please let me know so we can work out covering the cost. Thanks!

In class we have been busy doing "first grade" work that consists of weekly journal writing, decoding/blending words, DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Time and number sentences with addition. Your kids are on track and doing well! We have also been busy practicing songs to sing for our kindergarten program. You will not want to miss it! There will be an invitation going home soon, but please tell family and friends to join us. Well, as we approach the end of the year things will continue to be busy and full of fun. Thanks for your support with all that is going on!

Mrs. King's Class

It's been a long time since I have actually put anything on the blog so I am turning over a new leaf and going to try to get back to posting at least every two weeks or so. We have been very busy in class since we came back from Spring Break. I am sure your children have talked about the Magician that came to do a show for us. Mr. Webb was fantastic!! A big thank-you to Monty, his mom and Grandpa (Mr. Webb) for setting that up for us!!! We are working on blending words together, reading our little books, beginning addition and writing number sentences and lots of fun games and activities to go help us learn.

Important things coming up. Tuesday will be our "Gardening Field Trip" that comes to us. It will be a fun day so make sure that your child is here that day. Also coming up in April will be our Zoo Experience-don't forget money is due by next week. I have had very few students bring in their money in either class. Please do that soon. I understand if times are difficult and if your family can't afford it I need to know so we can plan accordingly. Please send the paper back to me so that I am aware of your situation. The Zoo date is April 15th and we have to send payment two weeks prior to them coming.

AIMs testing week is also coming up and although we as kindergartners don't take the test, it is super important for students to be here. Attendance during the testing time frame is figured on the whole school so please make sure your students are attending unless they are ill.

Also put April 28th on your calendar as the "Kindergarten Program" is coming. It will be a fun evening for your students to show you what we have been learning this year. It is a lot of fun and the children enjoy performing for their parents. We are having a planning meeting on Wednesday March 30th right after dismissal-1:45 in Mrs. Wright's room for anyone who is willing to help us with that night. We have sent home a flyer but if you didn't get it come to the meeting and we will definitely put you to work on refreshments, decorations and stage backgrounds and props, programs and other areas where we need parent help.

I enjoyed meeting with all of you during conference time. If you missed your time for some reason please call or e-mail me so we can get that rescheduled quickly.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. See you all on Monday.

Mrs. King

Mrs. Wright's Class

This week we have been involved in Read Across America and have done our fair share of reading. We have celebrated Dr. Seuss and his famous birthday with several of his most popular children's books. The kids love the repetition, rhyming and silliness of his stories...so do I! This week we have also done quite a bit of assessments to see how the kids are progressing. I will have lots of data and work to share with you at conferences. In saying that you should have all received your conference day and time. I have heard back from almost everyone confirming your appointment, but if something changes or you need to reschedule let me know ASAP. Next week will also be the spring book fair. You are invited to attend all week but on Thursday, March 10th the book fair will be open from 7:30 am until 7:00 pm to shop for some great books. Thursday morning is also "Doughnuts with Dad" so bring dad to shop and have a doughnut to share!

In class we are spending 1/2 of the week doing center rotations. The kids love the change of pace and have done great with working independently in their groups. Ask them which center is their favorite. In math we are finishing up our graphing unit and will soon begin readiness for addition and subtraction. The kids are ready for this and have done several addition activities in class and within the homework. Look for some new math to be coming home soon! Next week is going to be busy with conferences, short days and awards assemblies. Please email or call if you have questions in regards to any of the above mentioned items. Thanks for your support...I look forward to meeting with all of you next week!

Ms. Trowbridge's Class

We are busy working hard in kindergarten! I cannot believe how quickly everyone is catching on. We have started doing simple addition and subtraction and everyone is doing awesome. We are learning how to use touch point math to add them up as well as counting on. See if your child can explain this to you.

In reading, we have been reading short stories and answering questions about what we have read. Everyone is doing a great job of reading and pretty soon we will be moving to short stories with no pictures.

In writing, we have been writing stories each day. Students have to write about an animal, what they would name it, what it would eat, and what color it would be. They have been coming up with some very creative stories.

Conferences are right around the corner. I can't wait to meet with everyone and tell you how awesome your child is doing. Conferences are the week of March 7-11th. I am hoping to get everyone done on Thursday, March 10th with a few conferences being on Wednesday, March 9th. If you know now that you are unavailable on Thursday or need a later time on Thursday, please email me ASAP and let me know your preferred time. Remember, PM kindergarten comes on Thursday from 8:15-11:15am. There is no school on Friday for PM kindergarten. Kinder express kids will have school on Friday from 8:15-11:15am.

Next week is reading week. We will be learning and writing about Australia! Ask your student to tell you an interesting fact next week.

Keep practicing those sight word flashcards! If you need another set emailed to you, please let me know.

I hope everyone has a great week. If you have any questions please contact me.

Mrs. Wright's Class

Well, February has almost come and gone. The time is going so fast and your kids are on track to mastering all kinder goals. In saying that, conference time is approaching and I will be meeting with each of you to discuss your child's progress and things to look forward to for first grade. Conferences will be held Wednesday, March 9th - Friday, March 11th. A specific time and date will be assigned to you, if you are unable to attend notify me ASAP so I can reschedule your conference. Those slips are to be sent home this Friday so keep an eye out for them.

In class we are wrapping up our February units about love, friendship and African American history. The Valentine Party was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the crafts, card giving and cookie decorating. Thank you for the donations that made the party possible as well as the many parents who were in class to help! We continue to work on ending sounds, rhyming words and reading skills/strategies. Most of the kids are bringing their little books on a weekly basis...keep up the good work. Those students who have had a book for a week or more please try your best to practice the book nightly and return on a weekly/daily basis. I don't always get to read every day with the kids so it is important to return the book as soon as your child can read it fluently. In math we are finishing up our work with patterns and will begin our graphing chapter this week. We have talked about graphing in class and the kids really enjoy working with this skill in math. In writing we are working with sentence starters and writing prompts in our journals. Most of the kids are doing great with sounding out words and remembering capitals and end marks. Please have your child do the assigned writing activities by themselves in the homework...any practice helps!

Next week is Read Across America and Dr. Seuss' birthday. We will be doing several activities in class as well as school wide to celebrate these special occasions. On Tuesday, March 1st we will have our reading curriculum night so plan to join us from 6-7 pm. There is a lot going on in the next few weeks, see the blog's sidebar to be up to date with all of the fun activities going on.

Ms. Trowbridge's Class

Valentine's Day is almost here! Is everyone ready? We are having lots of fun in kindergarten by doing lots of Valentine's writing and crafts. Everyone is super excited to exchange their Valentine's.

Remember, all Valentine's need to be brought to school by Monday. Donations for the party were due today. Please send them by Monday so we can have them for our party!

We are working really hard on our writing skills and are writing 2 sentences now! We are also continuing to work rhyming and ending sounds. Most of the students understand rhyming, check and make sure your child is one for them!

In math we have started our touch math. Ask your child to show you what this means. Everyone is catching on really quickly to our math facts.

Supplies - We are in desperate need of disinfecting wipes in order to keep the germs away! If you are able to donate we would appreciate it!

I will not be here tomorrow, February 11th. The sub will be Mrs. Jones. The students have had her before and love her.

Homework is due tomorrow as well. A new packet will go home tomorrow or Monday as well.

I hope everyone has a great Valentine's weekend. If you have any questions. Please email me!

Mrs. Wright's Class

We are one week into February and "love" is in the air. In class last week we wrote about people and things we love. The kids did a great job! Their writing and details in pictures have come a long way since the beginning of kindergarten. It is so fun to see their progression. This week we will be making love bugs and our Valentine Party is just one week away. If you have not sent in your donation for the party, please do so by Friday. Thanks! In math we are working with patterns and graphs. The kids are enjoying all of the fun activities that go along with this math chapter. Ask your child about sound and movement patterns or have them show you a color pattern. They have got the patterns down!

Progress Reports and our Middle Benchmark DIBELS scores will be going home on Friday. I am so impressed with the progress that each of the kids made this time on the DIBELS test. I am sure you will be delighted with the scores as well. If you have questions about the testing or your child's grades, please contact me so we can chat. Yearbooks are on sale for $17.00. If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, please send a check payable to Simonton PTO for $17.00. This is a great way to remember classmates and friends.

Looking ahead here are a couple of dates to remember:
-Monday, February 14th V-Day Party
-Tuesday, February 15th Spring Pictures
-Wednesday, February 16th PTO Meeting
-Monday, February 21st NO SCHOOL President's Day
-Feb. 28-March 4th Read Across America

Have a great week!

Ms. Trowbridge's Class

Happy February! Can you believe January is already gone? I can't believe how fast time is flying. We have lots of fun things coming up in the month of February including Valentine's day! Each student is asked to bring a Valentine for each of their friends. I will be sending home a note about this next week. I like to have the students write each other's names on the valentines because it is great writing practice and they love learning how to spell their friend's name.

We will not be having a Valentine's "party", instead we will have a day full of fun Valentine themed activities. Parents are welcome as always to come and help but it will not be the normal party atmosphere.

Today we are learning about Groundhog's day! We are going to learn all about what this holiday is about and why we celebrate it.

In math, we have started our storyboards. Students have to tell a story about two numbers. "There are 3 pigs in the mud and 2 pigs out of the mud making 5 pigs all together". We are on our way to understanding addition. A lot of students already are getting their math facts down, 3+2=5 but are confused on what that means. This will help merge the gap between doing addition and understanding what they are doing.

In writing, we are working on our journals every day. The students have now started to write the date everyday so they can always remember what date they wrote what. They are also working on using the word wall to form their own sentences.

In reading, we are working reading sentences and picking out the words we hear in a sentence. We are also working on writing CVC words and sounding them out. Everyone is doing a great job on their reading skills!

Sight words - please make sure you are practicing your sight words each time it says flashcards on the homework. If you need a new set of flashcards emailed to you, please let me know!

I hope everyone has a great week. Please email me with questions.

Mrs. Wright's Class

It is almost February...I can't believe it. The time is going quickly and soon your child will be in first grade. We have started "training" them for the first grade classroom and our day consists of journals, sight word practice, writing numbers through 20 and readiness for addition and subtraction. They have also been doing a great job with the little books and their reading! Thank you so much for your support at home. The kids would not be where they are without it!

February will bring LOVELY things. We will be writing about those we love, celebrating friends and family and will learn about famous African Americans since it is Black History Month. Plan to join in the festivities on Monday, February 14th. In class we will pass out valentine cards to friends, play letter bingo and will have several fun projects and treats to enjoy. A note will go home next week with more details and a requested donation for the party. Stay tuned for lots of fun...

Mrs. Wright's Class

Happy 100 Week! Your kids are 100 days smarter and have successfully made it through 100 days of kindergarten. We will have a great time celebrating that this week in class. If you have not signed up to read, please do so! All of the kinder classes have set a goal of reading 100 books this week and we NEED your help. We will also be doing a 100 snack on Friday. If you have not brought in your donation for that, please do so ASAP or contact me if you have questions or concerns. In addition to celebrating 100 days of kindergarten this week we will be reading winter stories, learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and will be working with initial sounds and rhyming words. We will be busy!

Second quarter report cards went home in early January. The kids are doing super and I am sure that was reflected on the grades that you saw. Should you have questions about your child's grades or would like to chat about their progress, I am always available to do so. Scholastic Book Orders went home last week and will be due tomorrow. If you are interested in picking up some Valentine stories or leveled readers for your child, go to www.scholastic.com and order today!

Looking ahead we have our monthly PTO meeting tomorrow, class picture day on Thursday and a Valentine Party in the works. More information about the Valentine celebration will be going home soon. We will have a party in class on Monday, February 14th so if you are available to come...Save the Date!

Thanks for your continued support. I hope to see all of you in class this week to read!

100 Week

The week of January 18-21st all kindergarten students will be exploring the number 100. Each day will consist of various activities regarding the number 100. We will be counting to 100, enjoying a 100 piece snack and will try to read 100 books throughout the week. We need your help to make this a success! Each day of our 100 week, the first and last 30 minutes of class will be designated for parent readers. We would love to have all families make it in to read to help us reach our goal of reading 100 books. Grandparents, older siblings and other family members are welcome to read as well. Thanks in advance for your participation with this!

Mrs. Wright's Class

Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a great break and is excited to return to school. We are spending the week getting back into the groove of things with some letter and number review. We did many assessments on the alphabet and numbers 0-20 before break and some of us still do not have these skills mastered. It is so important your child knows ALL letters and sounds to be successful in reading as well as be able to recognize and write numbers 0-20. If you know your child may be struggling in these areas, please work extra hard at home. Next week we will add some more words to our classroom WORD WALL and begin to decode CVC words. We will also be doing journal writing and will work on patterns in math. Report cards will go home this Friday and our Student of the Month assembly is on January 14th. If your child was selected for Student of the Month a note will go home in their folder inviting you to attend the assembly. Lastly, we have a "100 Week" approaching soon, look for more info in how to be involved in that. As always should you have questions or concerns regarding report cards, your child's progress or anything else please contact me: twright@jocombs.k12.az.us.

Ms. Trowbridge's Class

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great break. I can't believe it is already 2011. Before we know it, it will be spring break and then May!

This week we are working on ending sounds. Everyone seems to be picking them up very quickly. We are also working on recognizing our sight words and how to spell them. Make sure you are doing your part at home with your sight word flashcards. If you need another set of flashcards emailed to you, let me know.

We are also working on reading and building simple words, real ones and fake ones! Students are building, sounding them out, and then seeing if they are real or fake.

In math we are working on making different combinations of numbers. Figuring out that 4 and 1 make five as well as 3 and 2. We are on our way to addition! We will also be working on creating and extending patterns.

Homework was due yesterday. Please make sure you turn in your packet as soon as you can if you haven't already. Another packet went home yesterday. Please let me know if you did not receive one.

New little orange books went home today. Sorry it has been a while since sending these home. I will be better from now on! I am so proud to see so many students reading!

I hope everyone has a great week. Please email me if you have any questions.