JANUARY 2-JANUARY 6

Greetings and Happy New Year. This is a wonderful time to thank God for all the things we have in our lives, especially our children. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and vacation. Thank you to all of you for the many gifts I received. I loved them all. It was very thoughtful of you and I appreciated them. Thank you to all who helped or sent food for the Christmas Party. The children had a great time.

The 2nd quarter has ended and we are now beginning the 3rd quarter beginning on Tuesday. Can you believe it? Report cards will go home on Friday. This again is a great time to remind your children to always do their best work. This quarter I will be giving effort grades randomly on written/coloring work completed in the classroom. I am hoping this will help with your child's neatness. Just a reminder: the Effort grade includes returning readers, returning homework and completing assignments.

We will have an all-school Mass on Friday at 8:15. Dismissal will be at 12:30.

In curriculum we have started the 4th Reading series. The reader is a hardback book. Please do not go ahead with your child to read more stories. When your child has read the story before I have introduced it the introduction to the story gets lost. Thank you for your cooperation. In Science we will be studying the weather. In Math we will start a new unit with math facts to 18. In Social Studies we will begin a unit on Our Changing World. In Religion we will be discussing what happened after the birth of Jesus. In Spelling we will be working on short u words and we will be starting dictation sentences instead of challenge words on the spelling tests. The students have been introduced to dictation. In P.E. we will be starting a bean bag unit. Timed tests will be combining subtraction and addition facts to 12. Some students are not showing much improvement. Please work on this daily at home. There should be progress if you are working at home on flashcards.

VOCABULARY WORDS

try
hard
rest
play
sing
please
thank
word
first
second
third

I hope you have a great week. Your child did not bring home their planner. I asked them to leave them at school. If I am not at school on Tuesday it is because I have jury duty. I am hoping they do not need me. GOD LOVES YOU!

DECEMBER 12-DECEMBER 16

We have been busy preparing for the Christmas Program. On Wednesday morning your children are to be dropped off at St. Patrick's Church by 8:00. Please do not take them to OLM School. I will be at the church by 7:30. We are having a dress rehearsal that morning. When we are done we will be going to Emeritus and The Hampshire for a prayer service. When we are finished we will be going back to school. All of the parents that have said they will drive will be used. I will write a note in the planner to let you know what time you need to be back at the church.

Your children should be at the church Wednesday evening by 6:15. They are to wear nice clothes. It would be nice if the girls were in dresses. I know that you will enjoy the Christmas Program. We have been working hard on it and most of the children know the words.

On Tuesday morning, December 13, the first grade will be participating in the morning Advent Prayer. You are all welcome to come. It will start at 8:00.

I have received many of the food items for the "Spirit of Christmas" dinner and many items for the D Street Shelter. Thank you to all. If you have not turned in anything please do so this week by Thursday, December 15. Thank you for all of your support.

Friday is a half day with dismissal at 12:30. Remember, there is NO extended care that day. The school closes down for Christmas vacation at 12:30.

VOCABULARY WORDS

return
should
old
pair
clothes
cook
knight
small
bring

Have a great week and a wonderful Christmas vacation. Remember the reason for the season. If you have read this blog have your child write down the color of the Advent candle that was lit this week on the Advent wreath. GOD LOVES YOU!

DECEMBER 5-DECEMBER 9

I am hoping to see lots of you at the Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon. Our float depicts the true meaning of Christmas. The OLM Lancer Band will also be performing.

Thank you to all that drove to The Nutcracker. The children really seemed to enjoy it. It was also fun to see 2 of their classmates perform. Our display of nutcrackers was awesome. We must have had about 15 different nutcrackers brought in. The children really enjoyed looking at all of them. Thank you for sharing them with the first grade.

We are very busy preparing for the Christmas Program. I hope your child is really working on learning the words. On Monday we will start practicing without the song sheets. Some of the children already have the words memorized. Please encourage your child to sing. This will be a big part of their music grade. Some children are not singing at all even with the words in front of them. Thank you for your support.

On Thursday, December 8, there will be an all school Mass. It begins at 8:15. We will be celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

On Tuesday, December 13, my first grade will be presenting the morning prayer for Advent. All of the children are involved. You are welcome to attend. It will begin at 8:00.

Thank you to those of you that have turned in sugar, salt or flour for the "Spirit of Christmas"

Because this is the Christmas season and the season of giving I would like students to bring in items for the D Street Shelter. Please turn items in by Thursday, December 15. Please be generous. Some suggestions: the dollar store has knitted caps, scarves, mittens, socks, small packages of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, lip balm, soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, combs, shampoo etc. These are just some thoughts. Thank you.

Curriculum remains the same. We will be finishing up Level 3 in Reading this week. We will then move into a hardback reader with many stories. Continue to work on vocabulary.

I have not received all of the Progress Reports. They were to be signed and returned by Friday. If you have it at home please sign it and return. Thank you.

VOCABULARY

king
queen
prince
visit
head
along
need
food
sky
shall

If you have read this blog have your child write in the planner what color the 4 candles in the Advent wreath are. Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 2

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and will enjoy the time off. When we come back we will be very busy practicing for the Christmas Program. Your child should have brought home a song sheet with songs that are to be memorized. Hopefully they are working on that as they will not be having sheets in front of them the night of the performance.

Advent begins on Sunday, November 27. Please talk to your child about the season of Advent. It is a time when we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We will be discussing this in our Religion class.

Progress Reports went home on Friday. Please review them and sign and return next week. This is also a good time to remind your children there are only 3 weeks left before the end of the second quarter, and that they should be putting forth their best effort.

Curriculum remains the same. In Language Arts we are in Level 3 and only have one more story before we enter Level 4. We will also be working on the short e sound. In Science we are discussing different kinds of animals. In Social Studies we are finishing up the Native American unit and will be talking about Christmas in other parts of the world. In Math we continue to work on place value and our numbers 1-100. In Religion we will be talking about Advent and Christmas. In P.E. we will start a unit with bean bags.

Plan on driving if you said you could drive to The Nutcracker. Also thank you to all the moms who helped out with the Indian Pow Wow. It was a great success and the children really loved it. Thank you to all the moms who sent in food or drink for the Pow Wow or the Thanksgiving Feast with Kindergarten. It was greatly appreciated.

VOCABULARY WORDS

FORGET
SHOW
SMART
PENCIL
BEST
READ
SCHOOL
TIME
BEING
PLACE
SOMETIMES

Dismissal will be at 12:30 on Friday. Have a wonderful vacation and I will see you all on Monday, November 28. GOD LOVES YOU!

NOVEMBER 14-NOVEMBER 18

We have one week before Thanksgiving vacation. Dismissal is at 12:30 on Friday.

Progress Reports will be going home on Friday. They need to be signed and returned after Thanksgiving vacation. This is a good time to remind your child to put forth their best effort. Some of the students have gotten careless and have become talkative. They are also leaving the classroom during instruction time, or a test to use the bathroom.

Please make sure you sign and return the permission slip for The Nutcracker.

Curriculum remains the same. There are no vocabulary words this week. Now is the time to really review them and to also work on math facts. We have started subtraction timed tests starting with numbers up to 12.

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write in the planner what holiday was on Friday. Thank you for all of your cooperation and help. It is greatly appreciated. GOD LOVES YOU!

NOVEMBER 7-NOVEMBER 11

Wednesday evening is the Thanksgiving Program and dinner in the OLM auditorium. The program begins at 6:30 with a Thanksgiving dinner following the program. Tickets are still available. The turkey centerpieces for the Thanksgiving dinner were made by the first grade. Thank you to the moms who came in and helped with that project. It was greatly appreciated.

Thursday there will be a Veteran's Day program at school. It will begin at 8:30 and all are invited to attend.

There will be no school on Friday, November 11, which is Veteran's Day. Enjoy the holiday and remember those who are or have been in the military serving our country.

Curriculum remains the same. Please continue to review vocabulary words and math facts. Please remember to sign the planners and if your child has homework it needs to be completed and returned the following day. If you have not sent in an old white t-shirt for your child please do so. We will be decorating the shirts on Wednesday. Thank you.

Progress Reports will be going home in another week. How the time flies.

VOCABULARY WORDS

pond
count
called
silly
morning
beautiful
put
tomorrow
today
book
belongs

Have a great weekend. If you have read this blog have your child write the name of an insect they saw in their backyard. Just write it in the planner along with the name of the book they read over the weekend. Thank you. GOD LOVES YOU!

OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4

It was great seeing you at the Halloween Carnival on Saturday evening. I have some great news. The first grade won the Halloween Booth Decoration contest. That means the first grade will be getting a pizza party. Way to go parents! Thank you to all of you that helped out in any way.

I also enjoyed meeting all of you at conferences. Continue to talk to your children about effort, doing their best, and reviewing their work. So many of the errors made are due to carelessness. I have also talked to the class about this. I also am encouraging you to have your child read aloud to you every night. 10-15 minutes is good. I usually send home a reader 2 nights a week. On the other nights read a book that your child has at home. Easy books are good. They help with reading fluency. When a book is too difficult, a child has difficulty with the comprehension.

There will be an all-school Mass on Tuesday, November 1, in honor of All Saints.

Dismissal on Friday is 12:30.

Curriculum remains the same. We have started Level 3 in Reading. We are working on contractions, compound words, endings of ing, ed and s, plurals, possession, cause and effect, sequencing, classification, short vowels a, i,o, vocabulary and comprehension. In Science we will start a new unit on different kinds of animals. In Social Studies we are learning about the Native American Indians, the pilgrims, and the United States. In Religion we have been making a saint book, and in P.E. we are finishing up jump ropes and will be working with rhythm sticks. In Math we are starting a new unit on place value. When the introduction page of the math unit goes home, please review the vocabulary words with your child. These terms will be introduced and used throughout the unit.

Some of you have asked if we are performing in the Thanksgiving Program. We are not. We will be performing in the Christmas Program and the Spring Program

Thank you to all of you that donated books or gift certificates to the classroom from the Book Fair. It was greatly appreciated. The response for the D Street Homeless was wonderful. We will be collecting again before we leave for Christmas vacation. I will give you a date next week.

VOCABULARY WORDS

any
animals
trouble
kind
gave
there
thing
nice
thought
answered
asked
belongs

Thank you again for all of your support. Continue signing those planners. You have done a wonderful job with that. And your children have gotten good at copying every morning what is on the board in their planner.

If you have read this blog just have a great day. The weather is gorgeous. GOD LOVES YOU!

OCTOBER 24-OCTOBER 28

Report cards went home on Friday. They are to be signed and returned by next Friday. You may return them when you meet me at conference time. I am looking forward to meeting with you this week. Dismissal is at 12:30 everyday this week because of conferences. Remember, conferences are only 15 minutes long.

Next week is Red Ribbon Week. A schedule of all activities went home with your child on Friday. Next week is also the Book Fair. Your child will preview on Monday and bring home a wish list. You are free to browse at the Book Fair all week long. You also received information about a reading log on Friday.

Thank you to all the drivers who went to the Pumpkin Patch. Thank you to the moms who brought the snacks. The children all had a great time.

A note also went home about my service project. Please have your items turned in by October 27.

On Saturday evening from 5-8pm is the Halloween Carnival. The first grade has two booths. Hope to see you there!

VOCABULARY WORDS

knows
warm
goes
brothers
sisters
about
together
ears
eyes
legs
body
nose

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence using the word Halloween in it. Just put it in the planner. GOD LOVES YOU!

OCTOBER 17-OCTOBER 21

The first quarter ended on Friday. Report cards will be going home on Friday. This is a good time to talk to your child and remind them what is expected of them. They are always to do their best work. They are to work quietly and when work is completed they should be reading and not bothering others.

Thursday we are off to the Pumpkin Patch. I have many drivers, so some parents are doubling up in cars. Some drivers do not have their driving information in the office. The office needs a copy of your driver's license, car registration and verification of insurance. Every year the information has to be resubmitted. Please have it in by Monday. Thank you. Another note: if you are an adult and you are going with us you must also pay the $3.00. Some of you have already sent in your $3.00. Thank you to those that have. Please be at the school by 12:25. We will try to leave by 12:40. Children are to wear their school uniform. It should be a fun afternoon for all.

On Thursday we say the rosary as a school. If you want to send a rosary with your child you may do so.

On Wednesday there will be free dress for $1.00. Everyone in free dress should be wearing pink. A prize will be awarded to the class wearing the most pink. Mrs. Blackburn is the judge. It is all for a good cause: breast cancer fund.

I finished the individual testing of all students on vocabulary. They did quite well. Please keep reviewing the words. We will be starting timed subtraction tests on Monday. In Religion we will begin a unit on saints.

VOCABULARY WORDS

then
never
many
always
soup
lunch
whose
was
baby
father
everything

Thank you for signing the planners and for making sure homework comes back the following day. If you have read this blog have your child write the names of 2 carnivores in their planner. Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

OCTOBER10-OCTOBER 14

Thank you to all that have turned in the Pumpkin Patch permission slip with the money. As of now I will be using all drivers for the Pumpkin Patch unless you do not have the needed paperwork. Those of you who said you could drive if I needed you, I do not need you as I have plenty of drivers. Thank you.

Our first grade service project will be to bring in items to be taken to the D Street Homeless Shelter. I will be sending home a note about the kinds of items that are needed.

We have started Level II in reading. In reading we are reviewing contractions, compound words, endings of s, ed, and ing, cause and effect, categories, predictions, short a and i, plurals, vocabulary, words in correct order for a sentence, rhyming, and comprehension. During the week I will be testing each child individually on reading vocabulary. In math we have started a new chapter on subtraction. Next week I will be giving subtraction timed tests. In science we are still working on the ecosystem. In social studies we are beginning to learn about the United States and symbols of our country. In religion we are talking about God's creation, Baptism, grace and the things we are thankful for that God gave us. In spelling we are working on short i words.

Friday is the end of the first quarter. Report cards will go out the following week.

Once again thank you for all of your support and for signing those planners. Your children have been very good about returning homework and returning the readers.

Please remember to mark your child's sweatshirts or sweaters. The weather has cooled off and it is difficult to know whose sweatshirt is whose if their is no name in it. I have tried to mark those that were unmarked.

Please remind your children to use the bathroom during recess and lunch hour recess. Recently some of the students are having to leave while I am giving a test or teaching.

VOCABULARY WORDS

some
may
more
mother
tell
when
again
long
he
she
surprise
was
grow

Have a great week. The fall weather is upon us. If you have read this blog have your child write the names of 2 herbivores in their planner. GOD LOVES YOU!

OCTOBER 3-OCTOBER 7

We will have an all-school Mass on Tuesday, October 4, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. It will begin at 1:15 and will be held outside. We will hold the blessing of the pets after the mass. If you are bringing a pet there will be a separate seating section for you and your pet. Hope to see you there.

October is the Month of the Rosary. We will be meeting once a week to say the rosary as a school family. Hopefully you will find the time to say a rosary at home.

The time period for wearing uniform shorts has been extended to October 28. Students will be allowed to wear uniform shorts on Tuesday for the mass because it is outdoors.

The Student Council will be selling pink shoelaces during the month of October. They are $5.00 a pair and may be worn during the month of October in support of fighting breast cancer.

Curriculum remains for the most part the same. We are starting a unit on the United States in Social Studies. In Math we will begin subtraction. In Language Arts we have started Level 2 with our little readers. The reading vocabulary test will be given the week of October 10. The words this week will be included. Mrs. Bliss and I have been switching for art and P.E. It has been working out very well. When I am with her class in P.E. she is in my room teaching art.

We had a great assortment of leaves. Thank you for sending them in.

Dismissal will be at 12:30 on Friday. Thank you again for signing those planners. A reminder: when a homework paper is sent home please do only the side that your child has been asked to do. The other side is one that I have planned at another time. Thank you.

VOCABULARY WORDS

your
where
make
fly
needs
be
tail
work
kite
day
by
that
down

Have a good week. If you have read this blog, have your child write in the planner 3 rhyming words. GOD BLESS YOU!

SEPTEMBER26-SEPTEMBER 30

ITBS testing is over with and I would like to thank all of the parents that supplied the daily snacks. They were thoroughly enjoyed by the children. It is hard to imagine that we are going into October already. Thank you to all that have returned the Progress Reports. I am still missing a few. Please make sure that you sign and return them.

We are moving along in Language Arts. We will be learning about contractions and adding the endings of (ed) and (ing) to a root word this week. We have started the last reader in Level 1. We continue to read from the supplemental reader, Bells. We will spend one more week on short a and will then learn about short i. A vocabulary test will be given in 2 weeks. Please continue to review them on a nightly basis. In math we will start timed tests whose sum will be up to 12. I have shortened the time to 2 minutes. Your children have gotten faster on the tests. In Science we are still working on the ecosystem. On Tuesday I want everyone to bring in a leaf. Your child needs to know what kind of leaf they have. I will be sending home an atlas for Social Studies. We are working on the reading of maps. I will be sending home a note to let you know what I would like you and your child to do with the atlas. I would like the atlas returned by Thursday. In Religion we are talking about Baptism and becoming members of the Church.

NEW VOCABULARY WORDS

boy
girl
how
with
very
much
I'm
can't
I'll
it's
they
bet
lift

A reminder: there is a Safe Environment meeting on September 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the school library. If you want to drive or help in the classroom you must have attended one of the meetings.

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write in the planner what day we celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day.
GOD LOVES YOU!

SEPTEMBER 19-SEPTEMBER 23

Progress Reports went out on Friday. I also included the Conduct Rubric which is used by the school. Once again, remind your child to always put forth their best effort. The progress reports must be signed and returned by Friday, September 23.

The first grade went to Mass with the 8th grade upstairs in the chapel. It was a beautiful Mass. Every month one class has mass in the chapel. If you have never been upstairs to visit it you should. It is a wonderful, quiet place for reflection.

ITBS testing begins on Monday. It will continue through Thursday. It is important that your child be at school for the test. Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a good breakfast. Once again just tell your child to do their best. Healthy snacks will be provided for the children during the testing. Thank you to the parents who are providing the snacks.

This week the spelling test will include 2 challenge words. The challenge words will be ones that your child should know how to spell. They will be short a words that will have 4-5 letters. Those 2 words will be included in the overall spelling grade. I will be cutting the time on the timed math tests. Beginning this week they will have 2 minutes to do the 25 math facts. Your children are doing well. Keep on using those flashcards. Please work on vocabulary words nightly. When we are doing workbook pages sometimes your child must do the reading independently. If they do not know their vocabulary words these pages can be very difficult. Your child is also required to read a short story on the board which uses vocabulary and short a words. They are then required to draw a picture that goes with the story. This will also be difficult if they do not know their words. In a couple of weeks they will be individually tested on the vocabulary words. So please keep working on them every night.

The catalog sale ends this week. Hopefully you have been selling. I have seen a lot of frogs in our classroom. That is a good sign.

The Basic Safe Environment Training will be offered Wednesday, September 28. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the OLM library. If you want to drive or help in the classroom you must have attended one of these meetings.

Remember SHOP$SMART for SCHOOLS. Bring in your original receipts from any MERCED MALL store to the Customer Service Counter or to the office at OLM School. We want to be the school that WINS at the end of the year. THANK YOU.

Friday, September 23, is early dismissal at 12:30.

VOCABULARY WORDS

clean
all
of
why
up
would
this
but
take
because
find
circle
animal
turtle

Thank you for all of our support and for signing the planners and seeing that your child completes homework and returns it. If you have read this blog, have your child write in their planner the name of the ocean that is next to California. Thank you and have a great weekend. GOD LOVES YOU!

SEPTEMBER 12-SEPTEMBER 16

It is hard to believe that Progress Reports will be going home on Friday. This is a reminder that a progress report is just that. It shows your child's progress and lets you know where your child is right now. The first 4-5 weeks have been review with some new skills added. This is a good time to remind your child to always do their best work and to try and finish their work in the allotted time. Neatness, both in handwriting and in coloring is a part of the Effort grade. This is also a good time to review behavior both inside and outside the classroom. A conduct rubric will be going home. Progress Reports are to be signed and returned by Friday, September 23.

The timed math tests have begun. Our goal is that your child is able to memorize the math facts and not have to rely on beads, fingers or number lines. We are still working on math facts whose sum is no higher than 10. We have started an addition unit in math which should reinforce what you have been doing at home. Again, flashcards are good to be using.

Continue to have your child study vocabulary words and to read aloud at home. If your child struggles on vocabulary words, the workbook pages and the fill in board work can be difficult for them.

Spelling starts this week. On Tuesday their spelling list will go home. Please read the note that is with the list. Students will have a practice test on Thursday and the final test will be given on Friday. The score received on Friday is the score entered for a grade. Backward letters and upper case letters will be marked incorrect on a test. Please work on spelling words nightly. After a week I will be giving challenge words that go with the short vowel skill that we are working on for the week.

On Thursday a decorated bag will come home for a St. Vincent De Paul lunch. Fill it and return it on Friday. These will be distributed to those in need of a meal.

VOCABULARY WORDS

walk
run
jump
play
from
my
friend
is
fun
think
home
like

You are doing a great job in signing the planners. Keep it up. If you have read this blog, have your child write in their planner in the Sept. 12 box what country we live in. Thank you to all of you that are reading the blog. Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

SEPTEMBER 5-SEPTEMBER 9

It was great to see you at Open House. I hope you enjoyed just browsing around the classroom and looking at the textbooks your child will be using in the First Grade. I hope you are enjoying your three day weekend.

Remember, there is no school on Monday. The OLM catalog sale kicked off on Friday. Your child should have brought home all of the information. Hopefully you have already started your sales.

Thursday, September 8, is the birthday of the Blessed Mother.

Thank you so much for the great job you are doing signing those planners. The students have really gotten into the groove about writing in them.

Curriculum remains the same. We are doing a lot of review in Language Arts. As you can see we have started the reading program. We will begin our third reader on Tuesday. Your children seem to be moving along with the vocabulary words. Please work on them every night. On Friday their first reading packet went home. There was a percentage printed up in the corner. That is to let you know what the letter grade was on those pages. There was also a note explaining the grading procedure.

We have started the Ecosystem in Science and we will start a unit on maps and where we live in Social Studies.

We will be starting the timed math tests on Tuesday. We will also be starting addition in our math books.

The ITBS testing will begin the week of September 19-23. Please make sure you do not schedule appointments during the school day, and make sure your child eats a good breakfast and gets a good night's sleep.

Just a note: Remind your children that their job in the classroom is to listen while I am teaching, follow directions and to complete their work in the allotted time. Some of the students are interrupting while I am teaching. Please remind them if they have a question they need to raise their hand. Thank you.

The Our Lady of Mercy Foundation is hosting their annual Wine and International Food Tasting on Saturday, September 10. It is always a fun event and is a great way to meet people. For tickets call the office: 722-7496.

VOCABULARY WORDS

found
going
am
for
under
across
bad
good
so
draw
are
look

Have a great weekend. If you have read this blog have your child write on a piece of paper the city and state he/she lives in. GOD LOVES YOU.

Remember SHOP$MART for SCHOOLS. Bring in your original receipts from any MERCED MALL store to the Customer Service Counter or to the office at OLM School. We want to be the school that WINS at the end of the year. THANK YOU.

AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 2

I hope to see you tomorrow at Open House. You will be able to see textbooks and some of your child's work. There will also be a delicious dinner served in the auditorium. Open House is 11:00-1:00. The dinner is over at 2:00.

The OLM catalog sale will kick off on Friday. Look for the information that your child will be bringing home.

There will be free dress on Tuesday for $1.00. The proceeds go to the SPCA.

There will be an all-school Mass on Friday. Remember shorts are not allowed on mass days. Dismissal is at 12:30.

Thank you so much for signing those planners. Your children have really gotten into the routine of filling them out as soon as they get settled in the classroom in the morning.

At the present we are reviewing the letters of the alphabet. We have started our reading program and are also using a supplemental reader. On Friday your child's first reading packet will go home. There will be a percentage in the corner. That is to let you know what the grade was on those workbook pages. I will be sending home a letter explaining the grading system on those pages. The workbook pages go right along with the story that we are reading.

In Math we are reviewing number order and number words. Your child should be able to read the number words zero to twelve. They do not have to spell them. The first timed test will be given on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Sums will be no higher than 10. There will be 25 problems and they will have 3 minutes to complete as many as they can. Eventually I will shorten the time.

In Social Studies we are studying about communities, rules, laws, and leaders. We will be finishing this week and will then start the Ecosystem in Science.

In Religion we are learning about Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Church community, parishes, the Bible, Bible stories and we will then begin God's creation.

VOCABULARY WORDS

over
out
said
and
little
copy
far
away
come
here
now
in
want
bear

A REMINDER: Please talk to your child about money and the snacks that they bring to school. The money and snack is for them. They are not to be giving away their money or snack. I know they all want to be generous but I want to stop any problems before they begin. I have talked to them and I would appreciate it if you would also review this with them.

No more news at this time. Once again, thank you for all of your support. It is greatly appreciated. If you have read this blog, have your child write on a piece of paper the name of the mayor of Merced. Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

AUGUST 22-AUGUST 26

We have all survived the first week of school. The first graders are doing well what with all the new routines and the planners. You, as parents, are doing great with signing the planners. Remember, Monday is the day that signatures on the planner are required.

We have been working on our first list of vocabulary words. Remember they are just that, vocabulary. They must be able to read them, NOT SPELL THEM. Your child should also be reading number words up to twelve and the color words. I have checked them on their color words and they did well. Another list of vocabulary words will be going home on Tuesday. Add those to the list you already have. The vocabulary words should not come back to school. We will be starting our first little reader this week.

Your child should also be working on math addition facts whose sum is any number up to 10. In several weeks we will be starting the timed tests. My suggestion is to buy flashcards.

Thank you for taking your child to the auditorium if you arrive before 7:50.

REMINDERS:

Raffle tickets will be sold for $.25 this week to win a chance to have lunch with Mercy and Mrs. Blackburn. The money will go to the SPCA. A note went home on Friday with all the information.

Dismissal on Friday at 12:30.

Make sure your child knows whether they are buying a hot lunch or have brought a lunch from home.

Make sure your child knows who is picking them up and where they are to go.

A homework paper must be returned the following day.

Children should use the bathroom before school, during recess and lunchtime. When they leave during class they are missing instruction.

Please send two 8 packs of crayons with your child if you have not done so. We have already started do color-coded worksheets.

OPEN HOUSE is Sunday, August 28 from 11-1. Please come by and look around your child's classroom. There is also a tri-tip dinner in the auditorium from 11-2.

VOCABULARY WORDS (words to read)

rain
sun
on
white
it
get
to
do
have
color

THANK YOU for all of your support and help during this first week. It has been greatly appreciated. Keep signing those planners. If you have read this blog have your child bring Mrs. Mills an apple. If you don't have an apple, have your child draw one and color it and bring it in. Have a great week and GOD BLESS YOU!

AUGUST 15-AUGUST 19

Welcome to Our Lady of Mercy School. I am looking forward to a great year with your children. It was good to see so many of you at Back To School Night. I realize I gave you a lot of information. Trust me, it will all fall into place. The first school bell rings at 7:50. School begins at 8:00. You are more than welcome to bring your child into the classroom and to help them find their desk and to get settled. My door will be open a little after 7:30. Mass will begin at 8:30. Because we are going to mass please make sure your child is in uniform. Boys should be in the long blue cords and the girls should be in jumpers. No shorts are allowed on mass days.

Dismissal is at 12:30. Please make sure your child knows where they are to go to be picked up. Feel free to pick them up at my door at 12:30.

Your child should have all of his/her supplies by Friday. All students should have the planner by Monday. They can be purchased from the office. The planner will be written in each day. It will go home and should be read by a parent and signed. It is to be returned the following day. I will be giving you a week to get into the swing of the planner. A note will go home later during the week with all of the information you need.

Your child will be bringing home vocabulary words to read on Wednesday. Please review them every night. Your child should be familiar with most of them as many of them were sight words they learned last year.

VOCABULARY WORDS TO READ

go
can
we
see
will
not
what
saw
the
went
you
help
did
looking
walking

Have a great week and I will see you on Monday. GOD LOVES YOU!

MAY 16-MAY 20

I hope you had a good weekend. I saw some of you at Relay For Life. We are down to the final two weeks of school. The school year has gone by so fast. Please continue to have your child review vocabulary and do some reading every night. Continue to work on addition and subtraction facts.

Friday is the 8th Grade Carnival. The 8th graders will be around on Friday to sell tickets. Your child does not need more than $5.00. That is enough to buy food and to play games. If that is too much then $3.00 is a good amount. Dismissal is at 12:30 and it is a free dress day.

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child give me a "high 5". GOD LOVES YOU!

MAY 9-MAY 13

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Thank you for sending the 7-Up and cookies for the First Communion reception. Thank you to the moms who transported everything to the church and to those who helped serve on Saturday. It was greatly appreciated.

The grandparents who came on Friday had a wonderful time. They enjoyed the May Crowning and the entertainment. The first graders did a great job with everything. The signing and singing of the Hail Mary, Gentle Woman, reminds us how lucky we are to have Mary as our Mother too.

Things were so hectic on Friday that I postponed the spelling test to Monday. Curriculum remains the same. Continue to have your child review vocabulary words and math facts. Your child should also be reading at home.

Monday is the First Communion all-school Mass. All students are to be in full uniform. No shorts are allowed.

Friday is the Talent Show. Mrs. Blackburn will be running a rehearsal on Tuesday. Make sure if your child is in the talent show that they bring everything they need on Tuesday. K-4th grades will perform on Friday at 8:30, and 5-8th will perform on Friday at 10:30. If you can, please come and enjoy.

This next weekend is Relay For Life. We are also having a penny war this week to raise even more money for this event. So send those pennies and if you have time come out to walk for an end to cancer.

No more news this week. If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence using a compound word. Have a good week. GOD LOVES YOU!

MAY 2-MAY 6

I hope you have been enjoying your Easter break. Friday, May 6, is Grandparent's Day. It is also a day when we honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The first grade along with the 8th grade will be participating in the May Crowning. The May Crowning will begin at 8:00 and you are all welcome to join us. During the rest of the morning, breakfast will be served, classes will be providing entertainment and grandparents will be visiting the classrooms. It will be a very busy morning but well worth it. Dismissal will be at 12:30.

We will be part of the entertainment for the grandparents. I need your child to bring in 2 metal spoons, which we will be using. The spoons need to be larger than a teaspoon. Soup spoons and tablespoons would be great. Please have your child bring them in as soon as possible.

Saturday, May 7, is First Communion for the second graders. The first grade is responsible for the reception following the First Communion Mass. A note will be going home to let you know what you are to send to school. I will need several parents to help serve on Saturday. I will also need several parents to take the food and sodas to the church on Thursday morning at 8:15. If you can help out please let me know. Thank you for your cooperation.

We only have 4 weeks left until the school year is over. Wow! It has gone by so fast. Please continue to work with your child on vocabulary, reading and math facts.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation. If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence about something they did over Easter vacation. GOD LOVES YOU!

APRIL 18-APRIL 22

Well the Follies are over and they were a great success. I am sure you enjoyed the show if you were able to go see it.

The first graders were so busy last week presenting the Stations of the Cross. They did a great job. Now we are preparing for the May Crowning that will be on Grandparent's Day on May 6. The 8th grade will once again be working with us. Please make sure that your child learns the words to the Hail Mary song. All first graders will be participating in the May Crowning.

The first grade is also responsible for the reception after the second grade's First Communion on May 7. I will be sending home a note to let you know what you are to bring. It will be either cookies or 7-Up. I will also need 2-3 parents to help out on that day and I will need 2 parents to take things over to the church on Thursday morning, May 5th. If you can help let me know. Thank you.

This is Holy Week and a good time to talk to your child about the events that occurred during that week. Hopefully you attended Mass on Palm Sunday. We have been discussing all of these events in class. The students have also made a Stations of the Cross booklet.

On Holy Thursday there will be a prayer service here at school at 8:00 in the morning in the auditorium. You are all invited to attend.

Curriculum remains the same. Continue to have your child review vocabulary words and read at home.

If you have read this blog have your child give Mrs. Mills' a "thumbs up". Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU. HIS SON, JESUS, DIED FOR US ON THE CROSS.

APRIL 11-APRIL 15

We have a very busy week this week. On Wednesday we will be going to Park Merced for a prayer service and Stations of the Cross. Then on Friday we go to Emeritus and the Hampshire for a prayer service and Stations of the Cross. On Friday morning at 8:00 the first grade and 8th grade will be presenting the Stations of the Cross for the school. I do hope you can all attend. I will be sending a note home to let you know about times for driving. Thank you for all of your support.

The Follies will be held on Friday evening at 7:30 at Golden Valley High. They will be presented again on Saturday at 2:00 and at 7:30 in the evening. The Pancake Breakfast will be held on Sunday morning at the Parish Hall. It begins at 7:00 and ends at noon. Hope to see you there.

In Language Arts we continue to work on vocabulary, cause and effect, sequencing, contractions, compound words, digraphs, short and vowel sounds, endings of s, ed, and ing, possessives, summarizing, blends, problem solving, following directions and comprehension. In Math we begin a unit on time. Our timed tests will be mixed addition and subtraction. In Science we are learning about matter. In Social Studies we are learning about map skills and the land around us. In P.E. we are working with bean bags. In Religion we are learning about the Stations of the Cross and Holy Week. This is our last vocabulary list. Can you believe it?


VOCABULARY

envelope
writing
special
inviting
stamp
wish
should
caught
blew
peering

If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence and tell about one thing they did over the weekend. Have a good week. GOD LOVES YOU!

APRIL 4-APRIL 8

The Mini Relay For Life went well and the students had a good time. We will not know how we did in the penny war until sometime this week.

I sent home permission slips for prayer services that we will be participating in during the week of April 11th. Please make sure they are signed and returned by Tuesday of this week. I will be using all of you that have said they could drive. On Friday, April 15th, the first graders will also be participating in the living Stations of the Cross at school for morning prayer. It is always a wonderful prayer service and reminds us truly of the meaning of Lent. I hope you can attend.

This Wednesday evening is the Spring Program. The first grade is not participating in this program but it is always entertaining to come and watch.

Curriculum remains the same. In another week I will be starting math timed tests with a mix of addition and subtraction. Please make sure your child is reviewing all math facts whether addition or subtraction. There will be no vocabulary words this week. Continue to review the old ones. Continue to work on counting out money using quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. One of the areas I am really working on with your children is listening and following directions. This also includes reading directions and following them correctly. You can also work on this at home.

A reminder: some planners are not being signed, homework is not being returned, and reading envelopes are coming back not signed, or the book is missing. These are all entered into my grade book and affects your child's grade. Please make sure you check their homework and their planner.

Thank you for all of your support. If you have read this blog have your child give me a "high five." Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

MARCH 28-APRIL 1

I enjoyed meeting with all of you for conferences. I saw some of you at the 50's Night. A fun time was had by all that attended.

Thursday will be free dress for $1.00 in honor of Mercy's birthday.

Friday will be the Mini Relay For Life. The first grade will be participating at 11:15-11:45. There will also be a penny war that day. The class with the most pennies wins. We can sabotage other classes with silver and paper money. The money collected will go to Relay For Life. Activities on nutrition, sun safety, anti-tobacco, and physical activity will be run by CJSF students. We are also collecting money during Lent for Relay For Life. If you have spare change and wish to donate, please send with your child. Thank you for your support.

Friday there will be an all school Mass at 8:15. Dismissal will be at 12:30.

Curriculum remains the same. Please work with your child on counting out money. I will be introducing the quarter on Wednesday.

VOCABULARY WORDS

sniff
rough
fur
apples
carrots
smooth
smell
chew
flew
store

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence using keep in a sentence. Once again thank you for all of your support and remember to sign the planners.

MARCH 21-MARCH 25

This is very early because I will be going to the L.A. Religion Congress. Report cards went out on Thursday. This is also a good time to remind your child we are entering the last quarter of the school year. There is always room for improvement.

The first graders are presenting the morning Lenten Prayer on Tuesday in the auditorium. It will be at 8:00 in the morning. I hope you can attend.

The eighth grade dinner show is on Thursday evening. And on Saturday evening there is a Family 50's Night. It all promises to be great fun. I hope to see you there.

Monday is a full day. The remainder of the week dismissal will be at 12:30 because of conferences. I am looking forward to meeting with you. You may bring your child's report with you on your conference date and return it then. Next week the school is also holding a book fair in the library. Feel free to stop by and browse.

Curriculum remains the same.

VOCABULARY WORDS

breakfast
decorate
birthday
party
basket
fruit
secret
collect
curl
sound

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child put the following six words in alphabetical order: rain, line, ball, pie, around, path. GOD LOVES YOU!

MARCH 13-MARCH 18

If you were at the Ash Wednesday mass I think you will agree that the first graders did a great job. The first grade will be presenting the morning Lenten Prayer on Tuesday, March 21. Please join us if you can. Morning prayer begins at 8:00 every morning. Hopefully you are still talking to your children about the meaning of Lent and the things they can do to become closer to Jesus.

We are now beginning the 4th quarter. How time flies. Report cards will go out on Thursday, March 17. You may keep them and return them when we meet at conferences.

In Language Arts we are now in the Level 5 Reader. We continue to review vocabulary, plurals, possessives, cause and effect, sequencing, inferences, word endings of s, ed, and ing, blends, digraphs, short vowel sounds, and long vowel a and i, word families, abc order, nouns, verbs, dictation, and comprehension. This week we will be beginning our money unit in math. In Social Studies we are learning about where people live and what we will find in an atlas. In Science we will begin a unit on matter. Students will learn about solids, liquids, and gases. In Religion we will be discussing Lent, Holy Week, and the Stations of the Cross. In P.E. we have begun a bean bag unit.

This week there will be a half day on Thursday, March 17. It is a free dress, green and white, day for St. Patrick's Day. Dismissal will be at 12:30. There will be NO school on Friday.

VOCABULARY WORDS

night
present
against
board
push
toward
happen
ground
gathered
crowd
favorite

Thank you again for all of your support and for signing the planners. It is appreciated. If you have read this blog, have your child write in their planner where St. Patrick was born. Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

MARCH 7-MARCH 11

This is late because I went to Bakersfield with the Decathlon Team. I am happy to report that the Our Lady of Mercy team placed first in the competition. That means they will go to state in May. We were all so excited for the students. They and their coaches have been working hard on this.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. We have been talking about Lent. Lent is a time to grow and change. It is also a time to do something extra for someone else. Please talk about this at home. The first grade is responsible for the mass on Wednesday. Your child will be either reading, singing, or bringing up the gifts. I hope you can attend as it is a great way to begin the season of Lent.

This week is the end of the 3rd quarter. Thank you for making sure all of the reading envelopes were returned. Hopefully you asked some of the questions that are on the back of the envelope. Curriculum remains the same.

VOCABULARY WORDS

package
bright
letter
string
another
everyone
right
shoes
inside
perhaps
grown
around
collected


If you have read this blog have your child use the words planted and spray in a sentence and write it down. Have a great week and remember: GOD LOVES YOU!

FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 4

I hope you are able to attend the Mardi Gras Auction. The first grade has a beautiful rosary stepping stone, a statue of Mary, a rose tree and a basket that will be up for bids. It should be a fun evening for all who attend. The students really got into the Mardi Gras free dress.

Friday there will be a minimum day. There is no mass as we will be having mass on Ash Wednesday of the following week. The first grade is in charge of that mass. Some of your children will be coming home with readings that they are to practice for the mass.

Starting this next week, every Monday and Tuesday a reading envelope will go home with a little book in it. Your child is to read the book to you. There is a list of questions on the back of the envelope. You do not have to ask all of them. But they are a good starting point. You will then initial the envelope and your child will return it the following day. This is homework. Some of the books are easier than others. Easy books are good reading as it increases fluency. Harder books challenge your child. If you have any questions about this jot it down in the planner.

In Social Studies we will begin a unit on Where People Live. It will include reading maps. We are starting the Level 5 reader in our reading program. In math we are learning about shapes and solid figures.

VOCABULARY

tasty
pulled
eaten
finally
guess
pictures
turned
crayons
spread
watch
listen
frankly
capture

I hope everyone is well and will be back in class on Monday. We have been hit hard with illness in the first grade. Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence using the words could and rain. GOD LOVES YOU!

FEBRUARY 21-FEBRUARY 25

I hope you are all enjoying your 3-day weekend. I want to thank all of the parents who helped with food and the booth on International Night. It was so appreciated. The fried banana cakes, watermelon and mangoes were a hit.

Thankfully most all of the students are back in school and well. Remember, there is no school on Monday.

Saturday, February 26, is the Parent's Club Mardi Gras Madness Auction. It begins at 5:00 at St. Patrick's Parish Hall. Your children have helped in making a rosary stepping stone. This item with a beautiful statue of Mary will be up for auction. It should be a fun evening and I hope to see you there.

In Language Arts we are reviewing cause and effect, sequencing, endings of s, ed and ing, short vowel sounds, long a sound, contractions, compound words, plurals, blends, digraphs, vocabulary and comprehension. In Math we are starting a new chapter on plane figures and solids. Our spelling words will be the ay word family. In Science we are learning about the water cycle and the 4 seasons. In Social Studies we are finishing up the United States. In P.E. we will be beginning a bean bag unit. In Religion we are learning about the Eucharist, the Golden Rule and forgiveness.

Please check the planners. Your child is going to have a reading assignment on Tuesday.

Please continue to have your child review math facts and vocabulary words. Please remember to read and sign the planners.

VOCABULARY WORDS

air
square
storm
remember
city
donkey
distant
before
mystery
closet
caused
tasted
leave

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your children write down who was the first president of the United States. GOD LOVES YOU!

FEBRUARY 14-FEBRUARY 18

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. Tomorrow, Monday, February 14, is Valentine's Day. We will be having a party in the afternoon. It is also "red and white" free dress. If your child is bringing valentines they are to bring one for each child in class. I have 26 students. Have your child sign their name to the back of the card. It is not necessary to address each card with a child's name. Thank you.

Progress Reports went out on Friday. They are to be signed and returned by Friday, February 18. This is a good time to talk to your child about effort and conduct. When your child is finished with their work they should be reading or writing in their journal. Some are not. Your children should be reviewing vocabulary, math facts and spelling on a nightly basis. Thank you for your help in this matter.

International Night will be held on Wednesday, February 16. It begins at 6:00 and ends at 8:00 Your children did a great job on their reports. Hopefully you will be able to come out and enjoy the evening by taking a trip around the world.

Hopefully money for the auction item has been turned in. Mrs. Abbate will be here this week to work on the stepping stone.

Many of my students were sick last week. As a result there will be no new vocabulary words this week.

There is no school on Monday, February 21.

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write down one fact they know about East Timor. GOD LOVES YOU!

FEBRUARY 7-FEBRUARY 11

I hope you have been enjoying your 3-day weekend. Catholic Schools Week was a huge success. The students had a great time with their buddies and they did a great job performing for the Cherish Luncheon. Thank you to all that brought in the 5 cans of food. The free dress day for those students is Thursday, February 10.

Progress Reports will go out on Friday and they are to be signed and returned the following Friday. This is a good time to remind your child to always due their best, to follow directions, and to read all of the answers before choosing one. It is also a good time to remind you that your child needs to be reviewing vocabulary words and spelling words on a nightly basis.

Curriculum remains the same. International Night will be the following week on Wednesday, February 16, at 6:00p.m. The reports that have come in are good and informative. Thank you for your help with this project.

A few reminders:
Please send in your donation for the 1st grade auction item if you have not already done so.
Some planners are not being signed. It is important that you read and sign the planners.
The class will have a Valentine's Party on Monday, February 14. Please make sure your child has a valentine for everyone. Do not have your child address their valentines. All that is needed is to sign the back with their name.


VOCABULARY WORDS

world
quiet
forever
family
attic
window
toys
climbed
empty
bored
million

Have a good week. If you have read this blog have your child write down who won the Super Bowl. GOD LOVES YOU!

JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 4

It was great to see so many of you at the 5:00 Saturday evening mass to kick off Catholic Schools Week. There are many activities planned so make sure you keep the list of them all where you can check on them daily.
Thank you to all that donated items for the D Street Shelter. It is greatly appreciated.

Activities for the week:

Tuesday ---BUDDY DAY. Bring a small snack or gift for your buddy. It should not cost more than $2.00. It is also BLUE AND WHITE FREE DRESS for SPIRIT DAY. There is a home basketball game at 4:00. Hope to see you there. (Your child will meet their buddy on Monday)

Wednesday-----Cherish Luncheon. The first grade will be part of the entertainment prior to the luncheon.

Thursday-----Food Drive for Catholic Charities. Anyone who brings in 5 canned food items will earn a FREE DRESS DAY on February 10. There is a Mother/Daughter and Father/Son basketball game at 6:00 in the evening at the OLM auditorium.

Friday----MASS AT ST. PATRICK'S. Students should arrive at St. Patrick's Church by 7:50 a.m. They will be driven from the church back to the school after mass. Make sure your permission slip is back in. I am still missing several of them. If you signed up to drive I will be needing you. There is a Teachers vs. 8th grade volleyball game at 11:30. Dismissal will be at 12:30.

As you can see it is a very busy week. There will be no new vocabulary words this week. I will begin giving the vocabulary test this week. Continue to work on math facts. Some of your children are doing very well. Some need to continue to study them every night.

Have a super week. If you have read this blog have your child write down the theme for Catholic Schools Week. Hint: it is written on the gold handout that went home with all students on Friday. GOD LOVES YOU!

JANUARY 24-JANUARY 28

The school year is half over and we are moving right along. The Saturday evening 5:00 mass will kick off Catholic Schools Week. Make sure your child wears their school uniform to mass. Next week begins Catholic Schools Week. More information will be in next week's blog about all the activities that will be occurring during the week.

Items for the D Street Shelter are due on Friday. I have only received items from 2 families this month. Please think about donating one or two items. Thank you.

This week the first grade will be receiving the pizza lunch that was the prize for the best decorated Halloween booth. It will be written in the planner as to the specific date.

Reminders:

Please remember to sign the planners.

Some of the students are not returning homework the following day and they are leaving their readers at home and not returning them the following day.

Please remind your children to use the bathroom when they are at recess and lunch hour. Some of the students are leaving on a daily basis and are missing instruction time.

Your children are going to be taking a vocabulary word test within the next 2 weeks. You should be working with vocabulary words on a nightly basis.

VOCABULARY WORDS

swim
farther
drink
expect
built
hawk
grit
vacumm
edge
enough
clutch
gizzard
afternoon
everywhere

Have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write down the names of the two teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl. GOD LOVES YOU!

JANUARY 17-JANUARY 21

I hope you all enjoyed your day off in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you to all of you that signed and returned the report cards so promptly. It was much appreciated.

Your child will be bringing home a note about their topic for the country of East Timor. The report will be due back on Wednesday, February 2. Your child will be receiving a Social Studies grade on this project.

Curriculum remains the same. In Language Arts we are working on short vowel sounds, endings of ed, s, and ing, contractions, compound words, cause and effect, categories, predictions, sequencing, blends, digraphs, punctuation, sentence structure, nouns, verbs, vocabulary, comprehension and reading with expression. I will be giving a 2nd vocabulary test within the next couple of weeks. In Math we are finishing up with place value and counting by 2's, 5's and10's. We will soon begin addition math facts whose sum will be up to 18. We will then begin subtraction facts that start with numbers up to 18. We will also be working on a mix of addition and subtraction facts. In Social Studies we are studying about symbols of the United States. In Science we are learning about the weather, the 4 seasons, and the water cycle. In Religion we are learning about God's love for us and God's Law, grace, and the Lord's Prayer. In P.E. we will hold off on the bean bag unit as we will be entertaining for the Cherish luncheon during Catholic Schools Week, so we will be doing dance.

D Street items need to be turned in by January 28. Thank you.

VOCABULARY WORDS

fourth
fifth
sixth
seventh
strange
whole
elephant
pillar
turn
agree
moral
great

Remind your children to let all students join in when they are playing a game. We have had some recent problems with children telling other children they cannot play with them. I have talked about this in Religion class and would appreciate you talking at home about it. I have also asked children not to share their money or snacks. When this occurs children get their feelings hurt. There is never enough money or snacks for everyone and someone is going to be left out. I have explained that the snack or money you send is for your child. If we all work together we can make these situations better. If you are aware of any other problems please let me know as I am not always aware of them. Thank you for your help in this matter.

If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence telling me one thing Martin Luther King, Jr. did to help others. Have a great week. GOD LOVES YOU!

JANUARY 10-JANUARY 14

Your children seem to be back in the swing of school. Report cards went home on Friday. They are to be signed and returned by Friday, January 14. On Tuesday, January 11, the first grade will have a free dress for having the most box tops turned in. A note also went home in the planner on Friday. There will be no school on Monday, January 17, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

International Night will be held on Wednesday, February 16, at 6:00 p.m. The first grade will be learning about the
country of East Timor. Next week your child will be assigned a topic for the country. They will have about 2 weeks to do their report. A note will go home as to what is expected. Their report will be part of their Social Studies grade.

You all should have seen the 4th level reader which your child brought home on Thursday evening. Hopefully your child did not go ahead and look or read any of the forthcoming stories.

I would like items for the D Street Shelter by January 28th. Thank you for all of you that have been so generous with blankets, hats, gloves and personal items. It has been greatly appreciated. A reminder: this is the first grade's service project for the year.

VOCABULARY WORDS

try
hard
nice
rest
play
sing
please
thank
word
first
second
third

Have a great week and stay warm! If you have read this blog have your child write a sentence about what the weather has been like this past week. GOD LOVES YOU!

JANUARY 3-JANUARY 7

Greetings and Happy New Year. This is a wonderful time to thank God for all the things we have in our lives, especially our children. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and vacation. Thank you to all of you for the many gifts I received. I loved them all. It was very thoughtful of you all and I appreciated them.

The 2nd quarter has ended and we are now beginning the 3rd quarter beginning on Monday. Can you believe it? Report cards will go home on Friday. This again is a great time to remind your children to always do their best work. This quarter I will be giving effort grades randomly on written/coloring work completed in the classroom. I am hoping this will help with your child's neatness. While I am talking about effort this is also a reminder that if a reader goes home for one night it needs to be returned. The same goes for homework. When these items are not returned it can affect your child's grade in Effort. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We will have an all-school Mass on Friday at 8:15. Dismissal will be at 12:30.

In curriculum we will be starting our 4th Reading series. The reader will be a hardback book. Please do not go ahead with your child to read more stories. When your child has read the story before I have introduced it the introduction to the story gets lost. In Science we will be studying the weather. In Math we are still working on place value and double digit numbers. In Religion we will be discussing what happened after the birth of Jesus. In Spelling we will be working on short u and we will be starting dictation sentences instead of challenge words. We will be practicing that during class. In P.E. we will be starting a bean bag unit. Subtraction timed tests starting with the number 10 and lower will begin on
Monday.

VOCABULARY WORDS

return
knight
cook
old
pair
should
clothes
small
bring
shall

I hope you have a great week. If you have read this blog have your child write on a piece of paper the date of the Feast of the Three Kings. GOD LOVES YOU!