Weekly News Sept 23-27

I am very proud of how well the students handled all of the safety drills we practiced last week.  They were very understanding when they were explained and brave when they practiced.  Of course, we hope we will only ever have to practice these things, but if a situation of any type (weather, fire, intruder) comes up we will be prepared.

Homecoming Week Dress Up Days:
9/23: Hat or Crazy Hair
9/24: Crazy Sock
9/25: Wear NDLC wear or purple
Homecoming Parade: Begin Staging at 5:15 at Holy Cross. Please see the attached flyer for the route information. Students are welcome to walk in the parade with an adult. NDLC will have a banner and will walk as a group in the parade. 
9/26: Super Hero or Disney
9/27: Wear Orange and Black
Important Dates and Reminders:
September 24: Family Night 5:30-7:00
October 2: Picture day-- you can send envelopes to school on or before this day!
October 4: NO SCHOOL for students
October 11:  Field Trip to Fire Station and Heckrodt

Math: In math this week our focus will shift from showing number quantity to comparing number quantity.  We will learn about a new math tool called a comparing mat that will help us to distinguish numbers as greater than and less than.  We will also be exploring and classifying shapes.  We will also revisit and practice addition and subtraction and begin working with number formation.  Also, please watch your child's folder this week for a packet of math games to play at home that will reinforce seeing numbers as quantities and taking numbers apart and putting them together.


Reading: It was very exciting to move into "reading" old favorite storybooks last week.  We were so excited to be able to open these new "gifts" of reading!  One way to support this work at home is by reading stories that are familiar to your child over and over and over again until it becomes a story they can 'read' on their own.

We are continuing our work in storybooks in the classroom as well, trying to say even more on every page to make our words match the text and connecting pages to make our reading sound even more grown up by using phrases like "and then" and "after that."  We will even be looking for and reading words we know and see again and again.  Check out the chart we made together to use at home:

Writing: This week we will focus on making sure each page of our teaching book fits with one topic.  We will also go back to books we have already written and revise by adding letters and words to make labels for our pictures.  Near the end of the week, we will use a check list to edit our writing and will "bring it to life" by adding color in the same way grown up illustrators do!  We will end the week by sharing and celebrating our progress as writers!

Researcher's Workshop (aka Social Studies): Check out our rules!!  

These were written by ALL of us!  If #2 doesn't melt your heart....