Monday, January 23, 2012
Parents,
Yay! There is snow! I have to say, the snow on the mountains actually makes it feel like winter! Hopefully, this is just the beginning of our wintery weather!!
Things to note:
- The school-wide book fair is quickly approaching! Mrs. Pawliszyn (our librarian) is looking for parents willing to volunteer in the library during this time. She needs help with cash registers, organizing, helping students to buy books, etc. Please email her if you can donate some of your time! It helps so much!!!
- For the last few weeks, we have been taking our second series of MAPs tests in the computer room during our computer time. I am happy with the results because everyone has shown growth! Yeehaw! I have to say, however, that the consensus throughout first grade here at S.S.E.S. and throughout the district is that first graders scores are being bogged down by their lack of computer skills. The MAP test requires first graders to manipulate the mouse and move things around on the computer screen in ways they have never had to do before (at least in computer class at school).
o We are moving into a new era of testing…everything is being done on the computer! This is amazing and fabulous, while also challenging because these skills have to be learned! We have asked the district if we (all of first grade) can practice taking parts of the test to increase our ability to manipulate the mouse, get accustomed to the computer models, etc., however we have been given a BIG, FAT…NO!!! This means…we, as a first grade, are asking parents and families to sit with your child and work with them on their computer skills, mouse skills, listening to directions given by computer, etc.
o Some of you may have a computer and some of you may not. Some of you may have time to spend doing extra things like this at night/weekends and some of you may already feel crunched for time. It feels, however, like this is the direction that all testing is going. Please think about adding some computer games (educational hopefully!!!) to your repertoire of at home activities. Thanks sooo much!
o If you need educational websites, myself or our computer aide, Mrs. Mahlin, can help provide some options.
- Our music teacher, Mrs. McKinnon has scheduled our music program! Please put it on your calendar! Wednesday, February 29th, our class, along with Miss Graham’s class will be performing on the stage at 2:00. Come grab a seat in the lunch room. Your first grader has been practicing hard and they are extremely cute! Should be fun to watch!!!!!! As a request from Mrs. McKinnon, please encourage your child to wear nice clothes on the day of our performance.
- Please check my blog to see an online copy of our weekly notes while the school’s new website is under construction...
mrsjacobs1stgrade.blogspot.com
- Speaking of blogs…Ms. Walters also has created a blog for our school! Check it out! Add a comment! otterupdates.blogspot.com
Weekly/On-Going Reminders:
ü Math Facts test…daily
ü HFW test on Thursday
ü Spelling test on Friday
ü Please turn in “BoxTops for Education” labels.
Congratulations:
Q Looking for respectful cuties for the next Principal’s Lunch!
Upcoming birthdays:
Happy Birthday to the following friends…
} Cody – Feb. 10th
} Ava – Feb. 17th
} Wyatt – Mar. 4th
Dates to remember:
February 1, 2012 – Principal Lunch – Respect
February 2 – 8, 2012 – Book Fair
February 3, 2012 – Early Release at 1:10
Crazy Hair Day - $1.00
February 6 – 13, 2012 – Valentine Gram Sales
February 7, 2012 – Winterfest/Science Fair
February 14, 2012 – Valentine Gram Delivery
Valentine’s Day Party
3:30 P.T.O. Meeting
Family Valentine’s Dance
February 20, 2012 – Presidents’ Day – NO SCHOOL
February 24, 2012 – Report Cards come home
February 28, 2012 - Spring Pictures
February 29, 2012 – Principal’s Lunch – Safe
Music Program at 2:00 in Lunch Room
March 2, 2012 – Track Off Day
Early Release at 1:10
Sports Day - $1.00
April 2, 2012 – Track On Day!!!
April 9 -13, 2012 – Spring Break – NO SCHOOL
Mrs. Aimee Jacobs
ajacobs@washoe.k12.nv.us
