With less than 7 weeks left in the school year, we are making a strong push toward the end of this year. The weather is growing warmer, the flowers are in bloom, and the kids are growing more and more eager to get outside and enjoy it. While I encourage all of you to spend as much time outside enjoying all of nature's gifts, please don't lose focus of the academic goals that still need to be met before we move on to the next grade.
This past week I tested all of my students in preparation for their Progress Reports, and I must admit that I am very proud of the growth being made by all. Most of the students are exceeding grade-level expectations and appear ready to move on to the next grade. While letters and sounds have been met by everyone, some of the students still need to work on basic reading and writing skills. Don't forget to read your book bags daily, and practice writing stories weekly (not just for homework). Have fun with writing. Keep a journal of thoughts or experiences, make up stories to share with friends and family, or simply write a book review telling what you liked or didn't like about each book you read. Try to find real-life applications to practice your writing, and finding a style of writing that you personally enjoy!! These skills are not meant just to be completed for a grade, they are intended to help you grow and develop in ways that will help you in all aspects of your life.
With this little bit of advice aside, I also want to remind everyone that the Coyote Howl will be coming up on the 20th of May. Our class has "Star Wars" for it's basket theme. Some of you have already begun bringing things in, and I thank you. Remember, if our class basket earns over $200 from the silent auction, then our class will win another class party. We are taking donations of $2 - $3 to help in purchasing the DVDs to include in the basket, but any other cool things you find will be greatly appreciated. I have also sent a letter to ILM requesting a donation (hopefully from their Prop Dept. or George Lucas) to include in the basket. I am confident that our basket will be a great success and one that many people will take interest in.
I will also be participating in the "PIE IN THE FACE" part of the Howl. The kids loved this particular event last year, so make sure you bring them by while you are at the Howl to put a pie in my face. If any other parents would like to volunteer at the Howl, I have a sign-up sheet on my door. I have highlighted the tables that K and 1st Grade are responsible for, and would love to have a couple parents from our class represent us at the Howl. This is one of the biggest fundraisers we have at the school each year, and with all the budget cuts we have seen (and felt) over the past few years, I can't begin to tell you how important it is to have us all come together to help support our school with this great evening of fun and games!!
I know this was a long message, but hopefully you have found it informative. Now that it is over, let's focus on having fun and enjoying the last few weeks together. I must admit that I was a little nervous at the start of this year in having to teach a K/1 combo with so many students, but now that we are almost over, I feel like it was a great experience for me professionally and will miss this class when the year is over. Thank you all for all the great fun we have had as a class. I am proud to say that I have the best class in the entire school!!
-Mr. Linnet
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