Winter Break

HAPPY WINTER BREAK!!

  

I hope you enjoy your time off!  Winter break is from December  24th- January 4th.  Remember, you are allowed to work in your courses over break, but you are not required to.  But, this is a good time to catch up if you are behind!  

Happy Holidays!  

Reading Workshop TODAY!

Today, at 2:00 P.M., we are offering a Literacy Workshop for parents.  I really suggest that you come!  It will be a very helpful workshop!  You can find the link to the session under your child's Class Connect Sessions.  If you have any questions, please let me know!

Hope to see you there! 

New Study Island Pathways

Kindergarteners will now be working on Pathways in Study Island.  When you log into Study Island, there will be a box on the main page that says Kindergarten.  Click on the plus sign in that box, and the box will expand.  It will show the Math and ELA Pathways that your child needs to complete for that month. 

For December, there are 3 Math and 4 ELA Pathways.  These pathways need to be completed by December 31st. 

Since we have Winter Break coming up, December 24th-January 7th, it would be wise to work in those Pathways now and get them completed.  Just so you don't forget! 

Once your child has completed the Pathways for that month, then he/she can go back and work on the Common Core or Mastery Skills ribbons.  But, the Pathways are the Most Important ribbons to earn!  These should be completed first before working on other ribbons. 

If you have any questions about the new Study Island Pathways, please let me know!

Have fun and go earn your Pathways for this month!

studyisland.com

No School on Tuesday!

Just a reminder that we don't have school on Tuesday, December 4th!  All of the MVCA teachers will be at a Professional Development Day.  You can still work in your courses that day if you would like, or you can take the day off!

Enjoy!

Also, Congratulations to our Rockin Rewards winners for this month:
Courtney and Matthew!  YAY!  
 

Wonderful Turkeys!

Take a look at the creative turkeys the Kindergarteners made!  You did such a great job!  They look great!

Braydon's Turkey:

Courtney with her turkey:

 Jaydan's Turkey:

Karter's Turkey (sorry I couldn't turn it):

Asher's Thankful Turkey:

Alyssa and her turkey:

Elizabeth's Turkey (sorry I couldn't turn it):

Will's Turkey:

 Skyler's Turkey:

It's Conference Time!!

 Please remember to sign up for a conference time in November or December!  Since December is a short month, we are combining the two months.  You can copy and paste the link below to sign up for a time:

<a href="http://vols.pt/eZSNae"><img src="http:/

1. Enter your email address. (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot.)


2. Sign Up!  Choose your spots. VolunteerSpot will send you automated confirmation and reminder messages.  Easy!

 Thank you!!

 

Blandford Nature Center Outing!

I got to meet Micah and Asher today at our nature outing!  We had a great time walking through the woods and looking at the changing trees.  We got to see owls, hawks, vultures, turtles, snakes, and a bobcat!  We hope that you can join us this Friday for our outing to the cider mill at Robinettes in Grand Rapids!  Here are some pictures from our outing today:

   

Hooray For One Month of School!

YAY!  Your child has completed ONE month of school!  Thank you all for working so hard and helping your child succeed academically! 

Please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and tell me one positive thing about the last month of school!  You can tell me something your child has been working hard one.  You can say something your child used to struggle with but it now able to do.  Tell me if you have finally figured out a schedule that works for you.  I want to hear how you are doing and tell me something that makes you proud about your child! 

Free Museum Admission in Grand Rapids

Enjoy a free Sunday at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 October 21

Entrance to the museum is first come, first served.

Check out the museum's website:

http://www.grcm.org/

Helpful Writing Links and Ideas

Here is a link for free printable paper (all different kinds):
http://www.printablepaper.net/

Here is a link to a site where you can type in your child's name (or anything else you want them to practice writing) and it becomes a custom-made handwriting sheet:
http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/

Here is another site where you can type something and have your child practice writing it:
http://www.theschoolsupplyaddict.com/handwriting.html

Here is a poster that you can save and print to help your child know the difference between a B and a D or you can use the concept and explain it to them:

More Birthdays This Week!

Happy Birthday to the following AWESOME Kindergarteners:

Today: Eli

Thursday: Kaytlyn

Happy Birthday!  I hope your day is very special!  Hope you get to have some fun!

No School!

Just a reminder that we don't have school on Monday, October 1st.  The teachers will be attending a professional development day.  Even though it is not officially a school day, you are still allowed to work in your courses that day, if you would like.  Or, you can take the day off and relax!  See you on Tuesday!

Happy Birthday!!

We have a few birthdays to celebrate this week!

Happy Birthday to:

Today: Kate

Thursday:  Mariana

Saturday: Joshua

I hope you have a very special day!  Happy Birthday!!

School Outings

Remember to check the online calendar periodically at http://www.localendar.com/public/MichiganVirtual for the most up-to-date information on MVCA outings!  All grades can attend any of the outings, unless it is specifically noted. 

Upcoming outings (Please view the calendar for detailed information)
September 26, 2012- Westview Orchards in Washington Township (Mrs. Lasky)
September 27, 2012- Art Prize Tour (Parent Led: Heather Jurmu)
Treasure Hunt for outing attached; please contact Heather at heatherjurmu@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
September 28, 2012- Howell Nature Center Outing in Howell, MI (Mrs. Swan)
October 6, 2012- Anderson and Girls Orchard in Stanton, MI (Mrs. Wright)
October 11, 2012- PJ Hoffmaster Nature Walk in Muskegon, MI (Mrs. Kuipers)
October 13, 2012- LegoFest in Detroit (Ms. Dunn)
October 13, 2012- Applefest 2012 in Niagara, WI (Mrs. Occhietti)
October 24, 2012- Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids (Mrs. Stevens)
October 26, 2012- Museum at VanHoosen Farm in Rochester (Mrs. Lasky)
October 29, 2012- Spicer’s Orchard in Fenton (Mrs. Swan)
November 2, 2012- Night at the Museum in Marquette (Mrs. Occhietti)

Art Prize begins!

Art Prize is an art competition in Grand Rapids, and it starts this week, the 19th!!  It is such an exciting and wonderful event!  There is art located around the entire city!  If your family is wanting to get out, come to Grand Rapids to walk around the city and check out the art!  Here is the link to the Art Prize website:  http://www.artprize.org/

Dr. Seuss Says It All!

Check Out These Cool Apps!

I came across an app for the iPad today.  It is made by Handwriting Without Tears.  It is called Handwriting Without Tears:  Wet-Dry-Try Capital Letters & Numbers.  This is a virtual version of the HWT slate chalkboard activity where students can practice writing their letters and numbers.  Some parents have asked if they will receive the slate chalkboard with their materials.  Unfortunately, we don't provide those materials, but now you can get it on your iPad for $4.99. 

K12 also has some really good apps!  You can find them at:
http://www.k12.com/mobile-apps/k-8

K12 has Read Aloud Classics, Timed Reading Practice, XGerms Counting, Counting Coins, Counting Bills and Coins, and more!  You can get these on your iPod or iPhone, or iPad!

Make learning fun!

Mrs. Stevens

Welcome to Kindergarten!

YAY!!  The school year has officially started and YOU are officially a ROCKIN kindergartener!

 I am so excited to have you in my class and work with you this year!  This blog will be updated throughout the year with important information for the kindergarten families.  It's going to be a great year!  

If you ever have any questions, please send me a kmail or give me a call!  I am always here to help you!

**Right now, I need you to sign up for a time for your child's DIBELS assessment, which will begin next week.  Please follow the directions below and go to the link to sign up for a day and time that works best for you!

·  Copy and paste this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot:

http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/1131324862027

·  Enter your email address. (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot.)

·  Sign Up!  Choose your spots. VolunteerSpot will send you automated confirmation and reminder messages.  Easy!

Enjoy your day!  Let me know if you need anything! 

Mrs. Stevens