Sunday, October 27, 2013

W Week - "W"acky Wednesday and "Warm As Wool"

Sound of the Week - W
Book of the Week - Warm as Wool
Moms of the Month - Pam Hamilton
Habit - Attention

As you know, temperatures are dropping.  We go outside around 10:00 a.m. each morning where it is still pretty chilly in the shade.    Please remember to send a sweatshirt or jacket with your child.  We will plan to play outside unless it is raining.  Thank you.  

Speaking of cold children, our book this week Warm as Wool, by Scott Russell Sanders, is a wonderful story set in 1803, and describes the pioneer life of  Betsy Ward and her three children.  After traveling by covered wagon to the woods of Ohio, she seizes a chance to buy eight sheep.  Raising sheep and children proves to be quite difficult.  This great story of a pioneer mom providing for her family spurs much great conversation with this age group.  Moms, prepared to be blessed by a page that the students will complete about the wonderful ways that your provide for them.  

Looking forward to a full four-day week of great activities with the sound "W".  Kindergartners commonly confuse the sound of  "W" so it will be "w"onderful to go ahead and hit this one head on.  

What a blessing it was to meet with most of you last week in our parent conferences.  It is evident that the hearts of your children are your priority.  

"W" Week includes WACKY WEDNESDAY (based on the Dr. Suess book of the same name) the children will arrive to a classroom turned upside down, the calendar numbers in the wrong order..just like the book.  Your child may dress "Wacky" for this day...mismatch socks, shirt on backwards, crazy hair.  No costumes or masks.  

At PCS, we don't mention the October 31st holiday as many families respectfully don't participate.  So, no costumes or extra treats.  

On Thursday, we will be having Waffles with Whipped Cream around 9:45 a.m.   Whew!  

You should have received information about Veteran's Day Service the first week of November.  Let us know if you need extra stars for Veterans.  


This is the last week of a very busy month and I want to say a huge "thank-you" to Rachel Brubaker.  You have gone above and beyond with many extras and it has been a joy to have you in the classroom.  Pam, I will send November Mom of the Month info out in the next couple of days.  

Thursday, October 17, 2013

"K" Week - The Great "K"apok Tree

Book of the Week - The Great Kapok Tree
Sound of the Week - K
Phonics - /k/ and /l/
Habit - Attention
Mom of the Month - Rachel Brubaker

Thank you for your grace the past two weeks with me being out with jury duty and helping with Carol's memorial service.  I am sorry that I didn't update the blog last Sunday night - but your kids didn't skip a beat and always fill my days with joy.  They really do.

As many of you have heard and read in emails, we lost a dear friend and fellow mom at PCS last week.  Carol Sylvester was my friend and neighbor (during the season of babies, PCS early days, etc.) - and the one who said 13 years ago...doesn't matter if you are not a Perimeter member - you should look into this great school. I was so blessed to be a part of this school body that really became the church and support to the Sylvester family during this past two weeks.  So grateful to be here and thankful that your children (who I have fallen in love with)...are a part of this awesome Body of Christ.  Needed to say this.

We had a quick but special week this past week with our Papa Piccolo book.  The children love this story and will recall it as one of their favorites.  Many thanks to Rachel Brubaker who has spent much time in our classroom the past two weeks.  This is a busy month to be MOM - we appreciate you.



THIS WEEK’S BOOK
The Kapok Tree by Lynn Cherry
 
The inside covers of this book have a gorgeous map of the world surrounded by rainforest animals. Don’t miss these! This week we will be discussing the amazing creativity of our infinite God as seen through the rainforest and its inhabitants.  (Genesis 1)  We will also discuss God’s charge to Adam, and to us, to care for His creation.  (Genesis 2)  Lynn Cherry writes from the secular perspective of “saving what we have.”  We will discuss this book from the Biblical perspective of “celebrating and caring for what He’s given.” We will also learn the names of the layers of the rainforest and the some of the plants and animals there.  
 
Looking forward to conferences next Thursday, October 25th. Will send reminder email with our final time schedule (nothing has changed since last time we sent out). 
Make plans to attend the PCS School Play - Peter Pan on October 25th and 26th.
The PCS plays are always wonderful!

I love your children!  Kay

Sunday, October 6, 2013

"E" week is "E"xciting!

Week of October 7th-10th
Books of the Week - Exodus and The Little Engine that Could
Sound of the Week - e
Phonics sounds - /e/ and /r/
Habit - Attention
Mom of the Month - Rachel Brubaker

I learned this afternoon (after being on standby) that my group was called for Fulton County jury duty.  I will unfortunately be out tomorrow.  Mrs. Peake will be my sub.  She is wonderful! (she is Mrs. William's daughter and is an experienced teacher and  was one of my  children's favorite babysitters when they were young so I know that I am leaving my students in good hands). 

Conference Sign Up coming tonight!  You will receive and email tonight asking you for your 1st and 2nd choice for conference times for Thursday, October 24th conferences.  Please respond ASAP.  I am sorry that I am just getting the sign up sheet out to you. 

Our books of the week are Exodus and The Little Engine that Could - I am sending the Exodus home book to be read with your student.  It is a beautiful book, but sometimes difficult to get through with your child.  I would recommend breaking into 2 reading times. 
I am sure that most of you have The Little Engine that Could at home - I feel strongly that this is a must read for Kindergartners (and it was a part of my Young 5 curriculum).  Feel free to have your child narrate either book this week.

Reminder that next Monday, October 14th is a Teacher Work day and all of PCS will be off this day.