It is hard to believe it’s the end of the 2022/2023 school year in Lower Elementary Class 1. We had an incredible year of learning, friendships, fun, and field trips.
This week we finished up the last of our science collection presentations. We had a successful Field Day. Students enjoyed the board games, movie, class party, and picnic. It was the best end-of-the-year week that I can remember. Thank you to all who helped make it a success.
We hope each student immerses themselves in interesting, vocabulary-rich books that open a whole new world of reading. Have a wonderful summer. See you next year!
Each day this week we had an afternoon of presentations on the year-long science collection. The topics were unique to each student. A wealth of information was presented. Many excellent questions and comments were posed to the presenters. We all enjoyed each and every presentation. I hope your child had fun preparing and presenting the presentations.
We ended our science studies this week by dissecting an owl pellet and researching types of owls. Almost every group of students started the dissection by stating how disgusted they were with the look of the pellet. Within a few minutes, the comments changed to “Wow!”, “Amazing! ” and even “I am going to be a Paleontologist!” Many students wanted to dissect another pellet. I told them that Amazon sells owl pellet dissection kits for around $7.
Next week is going to be a busy week. We wanted to let you know the following: Monday is Field Day. Your child should dress appropriately. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Lunch will be provided so cancel your lunch if you purchased a school lunch. Also please send in a prewashed white T-shirt for us to use on Tuesday. If you purchased a field day T-shirt for your child you may use that T-shirt.
Tuesday is our tye dye day. Each student will bring home their tye-dyed T-shirt to be rinsed until the color does not run off. Then the T-shirt should be washed and dried so that your child can wear it on Wednesday if they like.
Wednesday is board game day and our class party. Lunch will be provided so cancel your school lunch order.
Thursday is our last day of school. We will be having a picnic. Your school lunch is fine for the picnic if you ordered one. Please have your child dress appropriately and don’t forget the sunscreen. Dismissal is at 1:00. There is no aftercare.
We are certainly feeling appreciated this week! Flowers, candy, cards, and gift cards bring a smile every time. Thank you all so much. The classroom is full of all the beautiful flowers you sent in for us.
This week I will be offering owl pellet dissection to small groups of Lower Elementary students. Students will observe all safety procedures during the dissection. The activity is not required so students will have other options besides the dissection. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
A few reminders for upcoming events:
Monday, May 15 is the day the science presentations are due.
It’s been another wonderfully productive week in our classroom. Students have an established routine. They are independent students who start each day planning their work and carrying out what they planned. In this way, students have taken ownership of their education. They are self-motivated and self-rewarded. It is truly a joy to witness the progress each student has made since August.
We were all happy to have the third year students back with us after their Camp McDowell trip. They enjoyed sharing the highlights of the trip. All of the first and second year students are looking forward to their time at the camp when it is their turn.
Students had fun writing their own poetry using poetry prompts from American poet, Joseph Fasano. In addition, students copied their original acrostic poems and displayed them in the hall for viewing.
Math lessons were given on four-digit dynamic subtraction, multiples, and calculating percentages from fractions. In geometry, we are continuing our study of angles by identifying the parts of an angle. We also looked at types of angles. Lessons were given on how to use a protractor to measure angles. In addition, each student is practicing completing as many addition or multiplication problems as they can in five minutes.
Cultural lessons this week included a lesson on cloud research, a close-up look at reptiles, a study on occupations in Alabama based on geographic location, and a look at local community citizenship.
Third year students began SAT testing this week. Testing will continue next week as well on the following dates: Wednesday, May 10, Thursday, May 11, and Friday, May 12. Please have your student at school early so that they can calmly prepare for their test. Also, make sure your child has a healthy breakfast to start the day.
Don’t forget the Art Show and Spring Musical is next Monday, May 8. Viewing of the art begins at 5. The musical begins at 6:30. We hope everyone can attend.
We sent home the final homework assignment for the year. Yay! We also uploaded it to the google classroom platform. Your child will take all of the collection forms done throughout the year and create a presentation with facts, examples, pictures and anything else of interest related to the topic. Your child may create a digital presentation, a poster board, or any other form that works for your child. We will have presentations beginning the week of May 15. As always feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
