Newsletter ~ May 2

Hello Rascal Families! 

 

The results of the 100,000 Minutes Reading Challenge are in!  The Underhill students read a total of 140,635 minutes.  They well exceeded their goal of reading 100,000 minutes….YAHOO!!!  We played a BIG part in these very fantastic results.  The Rascals in the morning class achieved the TOP ranking in their grade… a total of 6,232 minutes.  The PM Rascals were ranked THIRD among the kindergarten classes.  They read 4,827 minutes.  Kudos to you, Rascals!!!

Planting seeds has turned us onto Science.  Have you heard the news?  We have transformed the Sensory Table into a Science Center. 

We’re experts at sorting, illustrating and labeling Living/Non-Living things. Be on the look-out for these papers.

Yes, it is true!!!  Ladybug larvae will arrive at school next week.  We will be learning about the metamorphosis of a ladybug.  

Our study will focus on where the life of a ladybug begins and its development during the 4 stages of a ladybug’s life cycle.  

We’re on an egg-to-ladybug mission!  In the process, all of us will become entomologists!

Reading lessons are ongoing.  Next week, we will be introduced to the long vowel sound U and sight words, do – little .  As you know, we have set our goals high.  We’ve been practicing all 50 sight words during Literacy. 

Ask us about our favorite game, I have, Who has?

The Sight Word Assessment for units 1-8 will be administered at the beginning of next week. Please prepare your child. I’ll send the results home by the end of next week.

Memorizing addition facts to 5 is getting easier for us.  I can tell you’ve been helping your child at home.  Thank you!  Now we’re ready to practice subtraction facts from 5.  During whole group math instruction, I told subtraction stories while using unifix cubes.

Kinders are expected to master addition (to 5) and subtraction facts (from 5) by June.  

The Rascals have been playing games at school to reinforce these facts.

Let’s work together to help our Smarties reach this goal.

  

Fun games and learning are in the plans for the remaining school year.  The count is on!  There are only 37   kindergarten school days left!  Bringing closure to the school year is bitter-sweet.  Students will be completing academic assignments, assessments and participating in fun events.  As we approach year-end plans, my biggest challenge is to create a balance between work and play.  I can do this successfully with lots of parental support.  Since school is in session, adhering to a schedule and getting a good night’s rest is critical.  Daily punctuality and being prepared for each day sets your child up for high performance.  As always, “Thank You” for partnering with me…                                                                                           

Rich’s Rascals are looking forward to May projects.  We are in need of the following materials:  Expo Markers (round tip, assorted colors), highlighters (round tip, assorted colors), 10-12” balloons in a variety of colors and Clorox wipes.  Thanks much!

                                                                                   Merry May!

                                                       June A. Rich