Important dates to remember: Thursday, April 27, 5:30-7:00- STEAM Innovation Showcase at Fern Bluff (Mrs. Roche and I will be in her classroom sharing ChatterPix) Saturday, April 29, 9:00 RRISD Marathon Kids Finisher Mile at Dragon Stadium* (see Mr. Thompson's note at end of this email) Friday, May 5- Violet Rainbow Sight Words Test ~bonus words: summer, vacation, swimming Tuesday, May 16, 8:00-9:00- Volunteer Tea in library Wednesday, May 17, 5:30-6:30- Student Led End of Year Conferences in classroom Thursday, May 25, 8:15-8:45- End of Year Awards in cafeteria and Poetry Tea following in classroom Thursday, June 1, 9:30-10:45- End of Year Party
We had a wonderful time on our field trip to the Nature Center. Hopefully, your child told you all about it! This was in conjunction with our science unit on pond habitats and animal life cycles. In social studies we have had fun with the Project Lead the Way Unit on structure and function, exploring design. This week we tested the student designed models of safe houses for the Three Little Pigs with a leaf blower. We then evaluated our designs and our teamwork! All of the students did a super job! In math we are working on vertical addition and subtraction with tens and ones (no regrouping). In language arts students are revising and refining their writing. We will begin focusing on writing poetry.
I hope to see you next Thursday! Lisa Walton
4-11-17 Dear parents,
Our Spring Holiday is Friday, April 14. The field trip to Austin Nature and Science Center is Thursday, April 20. Field trip permission slips and $4.00 admission is due tomorrow.
The students took photos of each other with their desert animal projects on iPads and air dropped them to me. They also worked with a partner to make a Chatterpix movie of one their animal's special features. I put them together into an iMovie, which I hope you enjoy!
In math we are spending our second week on fractions and will test on Thursday. In writing we are finishing up our nonfiction writing about our desert animals. We are continuing to explore being engineers in science using our Project Lead The Way curriculum. In language arts we are learning about the characteristics of fairy tales, tall tales, fables, and folk tales. Our author visit is tomorrow!
Enjoy your long weekend with family! 4-4-2017 Hello parents,
Here are some important dates to remember: Early Release- tomorrow at 12:00; Indigo Rainbow sight word test- Friday, April 7; Tuesday folders with report cards go home- Friday, April 7; Bobcat Bash- Friday, April 7 from 5-8; Spring Holiday- Friday, April 14; field trip to Austin Nature and Science Center- Thursday, April 20 (more info to come soon)
The students did a fantastic job on their Desert Animal Research projects! Their presentations went really well also. I have photos that I will share with you. I think they have all enjoyed this unit and have learned a lot. Thanks for all of your time invested at home!
This week in science we are beginning a unit on Structure and Function- Exploring Design using our school's Project Lead the Way resources to learn about being an engineer. In social studies we are continuing to learn about geography and culture by sharing our Flat Stanley adventures. I will be introducing fractions in math. We are still reviewing how addition and subtractions are related. In language arts the students are planning and writing nonfiction pieces.
Thanks again, 3-27-2017 Dear Parents,
Please wait to send your child's desert animal project until this Wednesday,March 29. The upper grades will be testing for STAAR, so we will not be able to display them in the halls until all of the students are finished testing. I'm very excited to see what you and your child have created to share! Thanks for your help at home!
Library day this week will be Friday, due to STAAR. Lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday will be from 10:50-11:20. Parents will have to eat in the foyer or on the front porch. Tuesday folders will go home on Friday.
With the math homework you will find a math review sheet your child completed today. The 9 week math assessment covering these concepts will be tomorrow. We will then learn about fact families and addition combinations.
In language arts we are differentiating between fiction and nonfiction. Students are finishing their narratives and will begin writing nonfiction. We are still learning the phonics rules regarding vowel teams and r-controlled vowels.
From Mrs. Hill, our librarian - Emma Virjan is coming on Wednesday, April 12th to talk to Kinder and 1st grade. We'll be offering her books for sale through Barnes and Noble. The order forms will be sent home tomorrow. They are due THIS FRIDAY, March 31st. I have also attached a copy for you.
Thanks! 3-21-2017 Good afternoon parents,
I hope you all had some extra family time over Spring Break like I did! We are back in full swing this week.
The Desert Animal Research reports and projects are due March 29. We are continuing to learn about the desert, landforms, and the effects of erosion on desert landforms in science. In social studies we have begun sharing our Flat Stanley adventures! It's not too late to send your child's Stanley back. In language arts we are reading and writing stories with a focus on a problem and a solution. We are also practicing writing with voice and quotation marks. We are reading and writing contractions as we review words with vowel teams (ea, ow, ay, etc.)
The only homework this week is the research project and the spelling/phonics word sort. These are sent for your child to cut out, read, and sort. Please take the time to do this at home. This is RRISD's research-backed spelling curriculum, Words Their Way, individualized for your child's level after middle-of-the-year testing! Vowel teams are difficult to master, and most students need practice at home to reinforce these phonics rules! A quote from Words Their Way~ With continuing reading experiences and guided exploration of word structure, Within Word Pattern learners move beyond this linear, sequential expectation and develop insight into spelling-to-sound patterns in the spelling system—how groups of letters work together to represent sounds. By Dr. Shane Templeton
Finally,the Indigo Rainbow Sight Word test is on Friday, April 7. Bonus words are adapt, desert, animal.
Thanks again for your partnership!
3-7-2017 Dear parents,
Today each student gave me their top five choices for desert animal research, and I used these to assign animals. I have attached one document listing students' names and assigned animals and another explaining the research project and expectations. The report and project are due March 29. We will begin researching in the library on Thursday afternoon from 12:00-1:00. Thanks to those of you who have signed up to help us! I will send a hard copy of the parent letter and your child's research notes home Thursday afternoon. Walton Library Research Volunteers I hope to see you on Thursday, March 9, from 5:30-7:00 at Art Gallery Night. First graders will perform a music program at 5:30.
In math this week I am introducing solid figures, 3D shapes. In the Tuesday folder you will find a 2D shapes chart for your child to review if needed. In language arts we are learning about the nonfiction genre and text features. Students are taking their original narratives through the writing process.
Thanks 2-28-2017 Dear parents,
We are learning all about desert plants, animals, and their adaptations in science and are building some background knowledge in anticipation of the desert animal project. We will begin researching in the library next week on Thursday from 12:00-1:00. Please sign up if you would like to help in the library. Tomorrow is library day this week, but next week we will not be going on Wednesday, March 8th. Your child may return their books and check out new ones any day next week.
In language arts we are writing narratives. Students are writing stories about themselves with a problem and a solution. In today's Tuesday folders I have included a Writer's Eye Checklist that your child may reference at home when practicing writing. The writing expectations for first grade are as follows: *plan ideas for writing (3 part.B, M, E picture or written plan) *write a rough draft with sequenced sentences *revise by adding or deleting words *edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling *publish a final copy and share
In math we will be reviewing money. We have begun our unit on 2D and 3D shapes also.
Thursday, March 9, from 5:30-7:00 is Art Gallery Night. First graders will perform a music program at 5:30. I hope to see you there! Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to share in the education of your child!
2-13-2017 Our Valentine's Day party is tomorrow from 11:45-12:45. It will be very similar to the Winter Holiday party. We will pass out valentines in the morning BEFORE the party, so please send those and a box/sack with your child's name in the morning.
This is Kindness week. Tuesday is wear your favorite or bright colors day. Wednesday is pajama day. Thursday is wear your clothes backwards day. Friday is dress like a friend day.
No school on President's Day, Monday, February 20!
This week in math we are learning to count money. In language arts we are writing fictional narratives. We are using the writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish. We are also learning about how authors hook their readers. In science we are beginning a unit on biomes. In social studies we are continuing to learn about presidents.
Please be sure your child does their spelling word sort for homework this week! After sorting your child should read each column aloud to you. Many students had difficulty with these sorts last week.
Thanks and have a nice evening! 2-2-2017 Good afternoon parents,
The PTA's Science Night is tonight from 6-8! I have sent home a science experiment with your child to do over the weekend. Please return the containers on Monday.
Picture Day is Thursday, February 9.
Our Blue Rainbow Sight Word test will be on Friday, February 24. The bonus words are president, valentine, and teacher.
Monday is our 100th day of school! We will celebrate with the 100th Day Olympics. We will have some fun activities to do as a class in the afternoon.
This week the district testing window opened to assess each student's reading levels, instructional and independent. I will be assessing students individually instead of having reading groups. I will send books tomorrow for you to read with your child at home. This is the time of the year when each student has to progress from an F (10) to an I (16). That is one level each month! Please continue to read at home! Their reading levels are measured by accuracy (words read correctly), their ability to self correct miscues, fluency (reading smoothly in meaningful phrases), and comprehension (understanding).
Our academic areas of focus in LA next week include narratives and how they are organized, using voice and quotation marks in our writing, and building words with vowel teams. In math we are using doubles and making ten strategies to add three numerals, In social studies we are learning about presidents. In science we are continuing our unit on the moon and stars and seasons.
Have a nice evening! 1-27-2017 Dear parents,
We had a wonderful week celebrating the Chinese New Year. John and his mom, Grace, shared an engaging presentation on Wednesday that even included traditional red envelopes with candy and money inside! She also led them in a science experiment to learn more about air. Our dragon and parade turned out to be a very fun experience too!
Next week libraryday will be on Thursday. Our individual and class springpicture day is on Thursday, February 9. Our Valentine's Day party will be on February 14. President's Day, February 20, is a student holiday.
We have had several cases of strep throat, and I wanted you to be aware. We have had only one recent case of head lice, but I am watching for that also.
Next week we will be reviewing doubles facts and doubles plus one in math. In language arts we will be adding quotation marks and conversation to our writing. We are continuing to explore character development and voice as well. In science we are learning more about day and night and seasons.
Thanks again for all you are doing at home.
1-20-2017 Good evening parents,
We had a great time yesterday following our maps and finding the treasure boxes along the way on our walking field trip! Next week we will be going on a virtual field trip to celebrate the Year of the Rooster. We will view artwork and artifacts from China.
Next week we will also be celebrating the Chinese New Year by decorating a construction paper dragon and playing instruments. The first grade classes will parade down the halls on Friday at 2:15 to culminate our social studies unit on China.
In science we are learning about clouds, the water cycle, the sun, moon and stars, and seasons. In language arts we are practicing reading and writing sentences with fluency and identifying character traits in stories. In math we are building number sense by ordering numbers to 120 and by reviewing different ways to make 10.
I have attached an online resource document recommending websites for continued practice with reading, writing, and math. Please try to read every night with or to your child or let them read on RAZ-kids. The Green Rainbow sight word test is on Friday!
Happy Friday!
1-4-2017 Dear parents,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a nice winter break! I have had a sick son for some time now, so I'm sorry to not have emailed you sooner.
Polar Express Day and our holiday party were so much fun. You truly are a wonderful, supportive, and generous group of parents. I had help from each family either in donations or time, and I am so grateful! I hope your child will remember Polar Express Day for years to come. I have attached several photos. Jill Farris and family made the decorations, and I had many helpers for both decorating and party day! Thank you.
Our class' Giving Tree donation was over $50! This went directly to needy families in our neighborhood and district, some of whom are homeless. Nurse Brandy was thrilled to share the love!
Academically speaking, the next Rainbow Sight Words test will be on January 27th. The Green words can be found on my website. The bonus words are winter, weather, and snowman. The daily math warm-ups coming home this week were completed by your child independently. Afterwards students took turns sharing their strategies with the class using the projector. I have used these as well as assessments and daily assignments for semester report cards. Report cards will go home on January 13th.
This week in math we are learning to tell time to the hour and half-hour. In language arts we are learning about similes and writing using descriptive words. In science we are continuing our unit on magnets. In social studies we are having fun learning about maps.
Thanks again for all of your support! 12-8-16 Dear parents,
We are having a fun week learning about other cultures and their celebrations! Of course, Polar Express day on Wednesday and our class party on Thursday from 11:45-12:45 will be great fun!
Tomorrow we will take our yellow sight word test. First grade is also giving a math assessment on expanded form (34=30+4), tens and ones, subtraction, patterns, and skip counting. This 9 week grading period ends on the 15th. Report cards will go home in January.
In math we have been learning our doubles facts. We have been reviewing numbers in sequence, expanded form, comparing to subtract, and using a number line to subtract. We practice skip counting or counting backwards and counting tens and ones each day. In language arts we are writing with adjectives and WOW words. Students are enjoying publishing their own creative stories! In science we are learning about force, motion, and magnets. Finally, in social studies students have been rotating through the first grade classrooms learning about holiday customs around the world.
I am still collecting donations for a class gift from the school Giving Tree for Fern Bluff families in need if you wish to donate. Thank you for giving to those of you who have already! Thanks also for sharing your resources and time for the Polar Express day and party.
All in it for the children, Lisa Walton
Good evening parents,
I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving break! Here are a few dates to remember. Dec. 9 - Yellow rainbow sight words test Dec. 12 - PTA meeting Dec. 14 - Polar Express day Dec. 15 - Winter party, 11:45-12:45
We will continue to practice subtraction strategies in math. In language arts we are learning to use adjectives and vivid verbs to create imagery. In science we are observing and experimenting with force and motion. In social studies we are learning about various cultures and their importance. We are also creating historical timelines.
Please be sure to complete the Family Tradition page with your child. Your child may either draw a picture of your tradition or you may attach a photograph. These will be used for a class book and will not be returned. Your child will have the opportunity to share this with the class!
Thanks and have a nice week, Lisa Walton 11-14-16 Dear parents,
The office just sent an email with the lunch times for Thursday's Thanksgiving lunch. 10:30 - 11:00 Milstead/Whitehead Same 10:35 - 11:05 Williams/Harris
10:55 - 11:25 Shepherd/Schrott 1st has a change. 11:00 - 11:30 Walton/Roche
11:20 - 11:50 Derrick/Russell 11:22 - 11:52 Gossett/Cohen 5th has a change 11:25 - 11:55 Harden/McAlpine
2nd no change 4th no change 3rd no change
I will be sending the Orange Rainbow Word tests home in Tuesday folders tomorrow. The Orange Rainbow Words retest is scheduled for next Wednesday, Nov. 16th. The Yellow Rainbow Word test will be on Friday, December 9th. The new bonus words are turkey, brother, sister.
Thanks!
11-13-16 Good afternoon parents,
We had a great week full of learning last week! In reading we are learning decoding strategies and how to read and spell words with initial blends. As for comprehension, we are learning about how an author creates imagery and how to "paint a picture in our minds" as we read. The students have continued to write using adjectives and successfully revise and edit their own work. This week we will practice replacing hum-drum words with wow words. They have grown so much in this area!
We have been busy in math reviewing place value and identifying patterns in numbers. In conjunction with place value the students began working with expanded form, for example the number 36 is in standard form; expanded form is 30+6. We will continue practicing this skill. I will also be introducing subtraction.
In science we have been learning about natural resources. The students enjoyed examining various types of soil. We will continue to learn about rocks, soil, and water this week as well.
As for social studies the students have been rotating to all of the first grade teachers and learning about different Native American groups. This week we will focus on the story of Thanksgiving and the pilgrims.
Thank you for returning the Family Turkey Project!They look fabulous! If your child hasn't finished theirs yet, please turn it in as soon as you can. We will have a fun "judging" for awards, and I don't want your child to be left out.
This year is Fern Bluff ’s 25th Anniversary as an Elementary School and we want to CELEBRATE!!! Our campus photo will be this Thursday, November 17th, at 8:00 am. All students are asked to please wear any shade of blue on November 17th.
Thank you for partnering with me for your child's success!
Dear parents,
I want to give a big thank you to those of you who helped with Field Day! It went very smoothly, and the kids had a lot of fun! Thank you, Molly Lucas and Grace Kuang, for organizing our refreshments and picnic. Thank you to those of you who donated snacks and water as well!
I was out at a training this afternoon, and my substitute accidentally sent Tuesday folders home. You will see these again on Friday with your child's report card. There will be a note with the report card explaining the rubric. At this point in the year there are many skills on the report card that we have only just introduced (based on the ARRC, Aligned Round Rock Curriculum, https://fernbluff.roundrockisd.org/about/). As a result many of the skills will have a "1" which means there is still a great deal of support being given in this area. The end of the year goal is a "3" to give you perspective.
In reading and writing we are continuing to use transition words. We will be learning about adjectives as well. In math we are finishing number patterns and introducing place value to the 100s place. In science we are closing out our unit on energy and beginning to learn about natural resources, such as rocks, soil, and water. In social studies we are creating timelines of events from the past, present, and future. These subjects are being reinforced with various computer games. We have learned about digital citizenship and safety this week also.
Upcoming events:
The PTA Reflections theme this year is “What’s Your Story?” Thursday, Nov. 3rd is the last day for Reflections entries!Remember to please READ the RULES before submitting your reflections entries. Two copies of the form are required, along with specific submission guidelines for each category.Rules can be found here:http://www.fernbluffpta.org/content.asp?PageID=8&NavigationID=3&Sequence=0&Directive=Navigate
TAG Referral Parent Information Meetings: Mark Your Calendars11/3/16 at 6:00 PM in the library11/4/16at 8:00 AM in the libraryThese meetings are designed to provide information for any parents interested in the TAG program.Fern Bluff TAG Teachers: Mrs. Wooldridge and Mrs. Denkler
Our goal for this year’sBUCKS FOR THE BLUFFdirect donation drive is $16,000 and we are currently about HALFWAY to meeting our goal! Friday, November 4, is the last day of the drive. Additional Bucks for the Bluff forms and/or information to process your donation can be found online: http://www.fernbluffpta.org/content.asp?PageID=24
Our Buckaneer BookFair will be next week (November 8-11), and the librarian is in need of volunteers to help us set up and work the registers. Here's the link to sign up: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0C4BAAAE2CA02-fern4
Thanks for partnering with me this year for your child's success, Lisa Walton
10-25-2016 Dear parents,
Tonight is Spooky Stories Lit Night from 6:00-7:30! Your child may wear their costume. They will receive a treat bag and a treat from each storyteller they visit.
Tomorrow is an Early Release Day! The school day will end at 12:00. We will still go to the library, so remind your child to return their books!Friday, October 28th, is Olympic Field Day. First grade will play their games from 9:15-11:30. You will be receiving an email soon from one of our homeroom parents, Molly Lucas (Ford's mom) or Xiaoping Kuang (John's mom). Please send your child in our blue class shirt on Friday! Our Field Day lunch will be at 12:20. If you ordered a visitor's lunch you will pay that day.As for academics, in math we are continuing to work with patterns and skip counting. Some children have this, but others are still struggling. For the homework you could have your child draw their own pattern on the back of the worksheet. Some of the students wanted to draw a fall pattern or a Halloween pattern, which would be great! They can make it as difficult as they would like, but remind them that it has to have a core that repeats.In reading and writing we are focusing on transition words. We are also editing our writing for proper use of upper and lower case letters and punctuation. We are practicing listening and understanding characters to improve reading comprehension. Our orange rainbow sight words test will be next Friday, November 4th. Please help your child read and spell these words at home.In social studies we are continuing our unit on historical U.S. inventors and developers. These lessons tie in with our science lessons on forms of energy, such as light and sound.I am in need of gallon Ziploc bags and sandwich bags if you feel so inclined to donate to the cause! Thanks in advance!Please remember to send a snack with your child each day. Thank you again!Finally, a big thanks to those of you who joined us on our field trip on Thursday! I really appreciated your help. Have a nice evening,Lisa Walton
10-16-16 Good afternoon parents,
I enjoyed seeing many of you again at Academic Night now that I know the children so much better! I am still sending the Conference Summary forms home to those of you whom I did not see. Please sign and return one copy of the Conference form and the pink half sheet as well as soon as possible. Thank you!
Our fall field trip is on Thursday. Please send your child in their light blue class t-shirt and tennis shoes. They will need a sack lunch and a bottle of water in labeled disposable containers. For those of you meeting us at Rabb Park for lunch before the play, we expect to be there from 10:00-11:30.
Career Day was just great! The children did a wonderful job sharing about their career choice and answering questions. I could tell you spent a great deal of time helping your child prepare. They were very proud of themselves and their accomplishment! Thank you.
Field day lunch orders for guests (not including your child at school) are due to the cafeteria manager by Friday, October 21. I will have a sub that day, so you might want to return your order sooner.
I am no longer going to allow the students to trade Pokemon cards before the 2:50 bell. This has caused many arguments and problems at the end of our school day. Please remind your child that the cards may not come out of their backpacks until they are seated on the front porch. They may still trade on the front porch after school like all of the other students do.
We are on track with academics. We are beginning a math unit on patterns while we continue to review addition strategies learned. In writing we are learning to use transition words and about informational texts. Students are editing their own writing for punctuation. Students are in different places with their phonics, reading, and spelling lessons but I am also reviewing words with long vowels and silent e. We are continuing our science lessons on light and energy and our social studies unit on inventors.
Thanks for the privilege of teaching your child. Each one is gifted in their own special way!
Have a nice week, Lisa Walton
10-11-16 Good afternoon!
Remember tonight is Academic/Conference Night from 5:30-6:30. I will be giving a brief overview of first grade academics. You will also receive a Fall Conference Summary for your child. You will leave a signed copy with me and have one to keep.
Tomorrow is Career Day. Please help your child practice telling about his/her career choice using the homework page from last week. He/she may wear special clothes and bring props if desired. You may pack a change of clothes for recess if you wish. Tomorrow is also library day. Remember to return books!
In our guided reading groups I am now sending books home. Please return these by the date written on the form with your signature and any feedback you wish to share. The picture/word sorts are for extra practice and do not have to be returned. Your child will have read the same books and done the same sorts in class.
This week we are continuing our unit on non-standard measurement. They have enjoyed this very much! For enrichment on the homework you could help your child make reasonable estimates about how many steps they think they will take to measure each item BEFORE they measure.
In reading and writing we are reviewing digraphs, learning about and using punctuation, and retelling the beginning, middle, and end of stories. The students are editing their writing and moving towards publishing. They have grown a great deal in this area!
In science we have had fun experimenting with how heating and freezing materials causes changes. We will begin talking about light and sound this week. In social studies we will be finishing careers and why people work. Our next unit is about inventors.
We are still waiting our first grade t-shirts to arrive. If you turned in your form to chaperone but haven't turned in your money for the play, tonight would be a great time. Thank you!
10-3-16 Dear parents,
This week there is no math page for homework to give you time to research and prepare for Career Day with your child. The vowel sort is a review of what we have been learning in reading. Hopefully after you help them identify each picture they can do this independently. Please provide help as needed. This is just for practice, so there is no need to return it.
The students are very excited about Career Day! I told them to try to use words that they can read on their Presentation paper. Feel free to add picture support if they need it. Please email me if you have any questions.
Career Day is the culmination of our citizenship units in social studies. In science we are continuing to talk about changing matter and the effect of heating and cooling. You can continue these conversations at home while you cook supper, dry the laundry, and dry their hair! In reading and writing we are focusing on the beginning, middle, and end of stories, nouns and verbs, punctuation, and complete sentences. We continue to practice handwriting. We have been doing some addition enrichment activities in math, and now we are starting a unit on measuring length with nonstandard units (such as blocks or paper clips instead of a ruler).
Library day is Wednesday this week. Due to the Flu Clinic we will go to the computer lab on Wednesday as well. We will work on Chromebooks in the room also.
I look forward to seeing you all NEXT Tuesday evening! Thanks again for your support at home!
SIncerely, Lisa Walton
9-26-16 Here is a list of important upcoming dates: 9-28 Early Release 12:00 9-28 Vision and hearing screening 9-29 Picture Day 10-7 Red Rainbow Words test (reading and spelling) 10-10 Student holiday 10-11 Parent Academic Night 5:30-6:30 (parents only please) 10-12 Career Day 10-20 Field trip to the theater 10-28 Field Day
We are learning about sequencing events in reading. In writing we are still planning and writing stories with a beginning, middle, and end. For word study we are still reviewing short and long vowel sounds. The short and long sounds of e can be difficult for many students. Please practice this with your child at home this week. Some ideas for practicing are on the letter in the front of your student's homework folder. They may glue the pictures under the correct headings when you feel like they can do this independently. This word work doesn't have to be returned, but please return the baggie!
In math we are continuing to practice strategies for addition. Your child learned to do "frog hops" on a number line to add last week. Please help them with this if they are still unsure. For math enrichment students had to show all the combinations of two numbers possible to add up to seven. We are also practicing addition with word problems and computer games on ABCya.
In social studies we are finishing up state and national symbols. We will then be learning about careers, needs and wants, and goods and services. I will be sending more info on Career Day soon!
In science we are continuing to explore matter and how its properties may change when heated or cooled.
Please remember to return folders and signed Think Sheets! These are all important steps towards helping your child be accountable and self disciplined. Many students earned prizes last week, and I continue to give Shout Outs and recognition to students demonstrating leadership and good choices!
Thanks for your support, Lisa Walton
9-16-16 Dear parents,
In spite of a difficult time for Fern Bluff our class ended the week on a positive note. the children enjoyed learning to "count on" to add using cubes and dominoes. We added vivid verbs to our writing and wrote about our own schema. We are now tracking and graphing the weather each day. While learning about Texas and US symbols the students were thrilled to see a photograph of an astronaut standing next to a US flag on the moon!
This week we will continue to use various strategies to add and write number sentences. In reading we are learning to sequence events from a text, and in writing we are identifying the naming and the telling parts of sentences. In science we will be experimenting with materials that change when they are heated or cooled.
The blue Poetry folder that came home today is filled with poems and songs your child has learned. Please read some of these again over the weekend if you have the chance. The blue Poetry folder should be returned on Mondays.
The office personnel requested that I remind you that all volunteers who want to help in the classroom or chaperone must apply and be approved. It takes 7-10 days to be processed.
I wanted to mention that Dr. Wilson gave our entire class a Leadership Shout Out card for our excellent behavior in the hallway! We will stand up and be recognized in next Friday's assembly.
Please assist your child in typing in fernbluff.roundrockisd.org to get to the school website if they wish to use my Fun Links. This will protect them from pulling up recent news reports. I assured the children today that they are safe and our school is a safe place for them to be!
Thanks and have a lovely weekend, Lisa Walton
9-9-16 Dear parents,
We had a fast and fun week! I enjoyed meeting many caring grandparents today! Please tell them thank you for coming.
The children were very successful in math, grouping and counting by tens and ones to 20. In reading we learned how to "pick a good fit book". I will be sending a bookmark home in the homework folders on Monday as a reminder of this lesson for your child. It is his/hers to keep at home. We are continuing to review vowel sounds. The science and social studies lessons were a continuation of last week's concepts. Students also successfully logged on the computers and played games to reinforce what they are learning.
This week the students will be learning what schema is and how to draw upon it for reading and writing. We will also be learning about verbs. We will be practicing reading and spelling theRED Rainbow Wordsin class and at home for homework. These words are listed on my website, http://waltonswizkids.weebly.com. The link is now active from the Directory on the Fern Bluff website.
In social studies we will be learning about Texas and U.S. symbols. In science we will continue to observe and classify properties of matter and even use the microscopes!
Important Dates: Monday - Red homework folder goes home (math worksheet, daily reading, and Red Rainbow Word practice only - no word sorts yet) Tuesday - Tuesday folder goes home (sign and return Wednesday - t-shirt order is due) Wednesday - return library books! Friday - return Red homework folders (write daily minutes read and initial)
Friday, October 7 - Red Rainbow Words spelling test (bonus words are family, friend, school) Tuesday, October 11, 5:30-6:30 - Parent Night (no children please). I will give a brief presentation, and then you will be able to look over your child's initial assessments and their work in their journals.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. I saw glimpses of great leaders this week. This truly is a wonderful group of children who are eager to learn and grow!
Thanks again for your support, Lisa Walton 9-2-16 Dear parents,
We have had another good week of learning and getting acquainted! All of the students are beginning to read and write diligently. We practiced D.E.A.R. (drop everything and read) time and are up to about 10 minutes of focused independent reading without the wiggles. The students chose 1 easy and 1 more difficult book from our class library to put in their book boxes. I will be assessing each child's reading level as soon as the district window opens in mid September. We will then be forming reading groups and having center rotations to reinforce what we are learning.
Our ITS, Sara Coons, will be sharing our computer safety lesson Tuesday morning. We will then be integrating computer time into our lessons.
This week students enjoyed creating and interpreting graphs. Ask your child what color eyes most of our class has! For enrichment some students were able to interpret the data with number sentences. Now we will be building numbers to 20. We have begun reviewing vowel sounds in reading. This coming week we will discuss beginning reading strategies also. We will be identifying nouns and focusing on planning in writing. In science we will begin observing and investigating properties of materials. As for social studies we will continue to discuss citizenship and leaders in our community.
Thank you for helping your child complete the homework this week. If you still haven't sent it back, please do so on Tuesday. I know we are all getting back into school routines! I will be sending the red folders out again on Tuesday.Because it is a short week, the only homework is to read each night for at least 15 minutes. Record the minutes read on the tracker log in the folder for Monday-Thursday.
I have added some details for clarification regarding behavior. We are respectful, responsible, and ready (RRR). Students can earn brag tags, tickets, and RRR cards to celebrate good behavior. Brag tags are First Grade wide and are earned on an individual basis. These are to display on their backpacks for fun. The tickets are a classroom incentive I have in place. Tickets are earned for following classroom expectations. Once a student has 10 tickets he/she may trade them in for a prize on Fridays. Students who earn RRR Leadership cards will receive a shout out in the school-wide assemblies in the cafeterias on Fridays. After a verbal reminder and a warning (yellow) for disruptive behavior a student will receive a Think Sheet (red) to be signed and returned the following day. For serious offenses or if further action needs to be taken the child will receive an office referral (blue) and a parent will be contacted.
Thanks again for your support! Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, Lisa Walton
8-26-16 Dear Parents,
We had a fun and busy first week of school! The students and I all enjoyed getting acquainted with our All About Me bags. It's not too late to send your child with one on Monday!
We have focused on learning today and leading today and practice routines and discussed expectations. We are respectful, responsible, and ready (RRR). Students can earn brag tags, tickets, and RRR cards to celebrated good behavior. After a verbal reminder and a warning for disruptive behavior a student will receive a Think Sheet to be signed and returned the following day.
This year at Fern Bluff we will have school wide assemblies on Friday mornings in the cafeteria that begin at 7:40 sharp. Birthdays and RRR awards will be celebrated!
Starting Monday your child will bring home a RED HOMEWORK folder. The 2 assignments will be used in our reading and writing workshops. Homework should be completed and returned on FRIDAYS.
I enjoyed meeting your families on Back to School Night! Thanks for your help with contact info. If you would like to have an email address added (or deleted) to receive weekly updates please reply to this email. Thank you for volunteering to help with the classroom! You will be contacted soon by the PTA.
This coming week we will continue to create graphs in math. In social studies we are learning about what makes a good citizen. We will be assembling our science notebooks and will introduce properties of matter. In reading we will continue to discuss what good readers do and how to pick a just right book.
Wednesday morning we will go to the library to check out 2 books! Please remember to return books each week.
It was so exciting starting off on our adventures in First Grade! I am thrilled to share in the journey with you and your precious child. We learned this week that each of us is an expert, or a whiz, at something. My class website is http://waltonswizkids.weebly.com
. The link should appear on the school website this week.