March, 2011

Think Spring.  Although the temperature outside hasn't given much hint of spring, it can't be far off.  Report cards went home last week.  I hope you are all pleased with the reports of progress about your child.  March is a wonderful time to take a step back and recognize the growth that students have made over the course of the year.  This is typically the optimal time of year as students have adjusted to the routines and do not have any interfering vacation days/weeks to take them away from learning.
While we can appreciate how much we have watched the students grow and learn since September, we now need to start thinking about preparation for next year.  Teachers are already planning out what students need to know by the end of the school year and are starting to think about placements for next year.  If you have any preference about students that work well with your child or teaching styles that help him/her learn, please let us know by sending a letter to the principal, Mrs. Astone.  Generally she sends out a form for you to return, but it's never too early to begin putting your thoughts together.

Here is what we have been up to:

Kindergarten
Earlier in the month we celebrated Dr. Seuss Day by having Mr. Mason (our trusty custodian) as a guest reader in the classroom.

We are working on an Art unit in Kindergarten.  The kids have all been working very hard on creating peices of art modeled after famous artists throughout history- even the Egyptians!  The kindergarten will showcase the artwork at the "Kindergarten Museum" on Friday, April 1, 2011.  Parents are welcome to visit for the opening reception around 8:30 for a nominal entrance fee to be donated to "Pennies for Patients."

First Grade
Earlier in the month we celebrated Dr. Seuss Day by having newly appointed Chief Kent from the Burlington Police Department as a guest reader in the classroom.

We have been talking about the different kinds of penguins in science.  We are using some great technology in our class, too.  Mrs. Tortolini has been doing some fun interactive lessons on the Smartboard and we have been using the computer lab to label features of the penguin and begin blogging. 
We have an upcoming field trip to see "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" on April 8th.  We had a great time seeing the newly renovated planetarium at the Museum of Science last month at the conclusion of our unit about the solar system.

Take a look at Mrs. Tortolini's Blog to find more news about what is going on in the classroom.