A long interesting day (and a much needed update)

Today was utilized for filling in the beloved report cards and IEP updates. That was interesting to say the least as I had some interesting conversations regarding the boys and some of the teachers who have them outside of my class. Essentially, everyone has different expectations of them and therefore, different grades resulted. I'd like to think that I'm now on the same page with everyone and that no longer will I get grades from them that I don't know already are coming. Basically, if I'm not expecting something other than an "S" or "S+", we should have already had a conversation, at least once, and I explained that they would be responsible for also informing the parents of this. Gone are the days of the homeroom teacher having to field all the questions, especially for classes that I don't attend!

On a sadder note, they stopped funding the book program that we've been utilizing at Weems. All those fun paper books that come home will most likely stop since there's no more funding of it. I'm still trying to find someone who has a working login or otherwise, I've been contemplating just paying the 85 dollar subscription fee. We'll see what happens.

We are tentatively all set up for our field trips. March, April and May. The pool, house of bounce and bowling (those are out of order). More information will come home as soon as I know that they are all sorts of approved.

We've finished our mid-year testing of PALs/DRA and I am happy to announce that ALL of our boys improved!!! I was really excited with their progress and know that we'll see even more come spring.

Other than that, nothing new and exciting has been happening.

Don't forget to wear your pjs inside out for some S-N-O-W!!! :-)

Spring Field Trips

I'm in the process of setting up our Spring Field Trips.


So far, I've set up House of Bounce.

Other places that are in consideration:
Freedom Center for the pool again
Skate N Fun Zone
Bowling
Movies (although, I think there is nothing appropriate playing so this is most likely out)
Police Station (we went to the fire station last year and it was awesome!)


Do YOU have any other suggestions?!?! (Requirements: Relatively inexpensive and within Manassas or five miles surrounding)

Happy New Year!

Welcome back from what sounds to be a great break (at least according to the boys!)

Things are going well. Everyone for the most part is back into the swing of things and we are off and running to a great start!

We are currently going into PALs testing for mid-year. So far, these new scores are looking great!

In terms of curriculum, we are currently learning about ordinal numbers in math. We are also practicing touch math to help make addition and subtraction easier. I will send home a sheet soon so that you can see what touch math looks like.

We are chugging away at reading. Some of our friends are working on the "silent e" in their writing while others are obsessing over reading chunks and blends.

Today, we are celebrating having the most compliments for first grade with a cookie party thrown by Mrs. Cassarino in addition to having the best behavior at lunch with a fine dining experience! It's going to be a great day!