December 18th- Smorstad's Scoop

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

Wow!! It has been a fabulous first half of the year. I am so blessed to teach your children and to have such supportive parents. Thanks for making our Christmas party a huge success. They were so proud to have many of you as visitors in our classroom. I wish you all are great Christmas. Relax, have fun, and enjoy each other!! And as your teacher, I have to remind you to keep reading in between the festivities!!

What’s Up in 2010??

When we return from the break we have some exciting things planned!

· We will work on letter writing. Please send in 2 addressed and stamped envelopes that your child would like to write to!

· We will start pattern counting in January. Get a head start counting by 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s.

~UPCOMING EVENTS~

Dec. 19- Jan. 3 Christmas Break

Jan. 8 Progress Reports

SPECIALS SCHEDULE:

Monday: Gym/Music

Tuesday: Computer

Wednesday: Library

Thursday: Spanish

Friday: Art

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Homework Preview

Please enjoy and relax over the holidays!! When you return to from the break there will be a reading log and spelling packet as usual.

Spelling Words:

slip

sled

snake

snap

spill

spin

make

game

people

water

Bonus: January, snowflake, when

Smorstad's Scoop- December 11th

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

It is hard to believe that it is already Christmas time. This year has flown by and I have enjoyed each of your children this year. This next week we have a lot of special activities planned. I am excited for the party on Tuesday and am thankful for your willingness to help make things like that possible. They are so excited to present Twas the Night Before Christmas to you! The countdown to Christmas break is on! J

Holiday Week Schedule:

Monday: Book fair is open for 1^st grade before school from 7:30 to 7:55. Buy one book get one free! Reindeer Day in our classroom!

Tuesday: Christmas Party! 10:00am *If you are sending an item please do it by this day. Thanks!

Wednesday: Pajama Day! We will celebrate reading with Ronald McDonald, Tacky the Penguin, and a snowman! I would love parent volunteers to come read their favorite book. Please let me know if you are interested!

Thursday: Grinch Day in our classroom!

Friday: Christmas Activities!! J

Classroom Facts:

Homework Preview

There will be no homework or spelling words next week! However, please take note of the exciting things we have plans!

- We have been working hard to memorize Twas the Night Before Christmas and I think you will be quite impressed at our party!

- If you have not sent a small picture (or one that can be cut) please send that in on Monday.

- We are collecting $ to buy supply our sister school in Malawi with furniture! In the past few years we have collected money to build a school and fill it with books. I encouraged students to work at home or making sacrifices to earn money for the children in Africa.

~UPCOMING EVENTS~

Dec. 19- Jan. 4 Christmas Break

SPECIALS SCHEDULE:

Monday: Computer

Tuesday: Library

Wednesday: Spanish

Thursday: Art

Friday: Music/Gym

*Library check out!!

Smorstad's Scoop- December 4th

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

Well, this week has come and gone and I have barely step foot in my classroom. While I have been at home nursing my daughter back to good health, your children have been at school working hard! This week we started to get into the holiday spirit, by making a countdown to Christmas and writing letters to Santa. We also wrapped up our addition unit in math. Keep practicing simple math facts at home. Flashcards would be a great stocking stuffer (hint, hint… Santa!). I hope that next week we enjoy learning about holidays around the world!

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Getting Ready for Christmas!!!

· Please see the attached information to learn about our holiday party!!

· In the mean time I need each of you to send a wallet size picture (or one that can be cut) of your child! You will be getting this back in the form of a gift J Please send this in by next Wednesday!

· We will be having a book fair the week before Christmas break!! This is a great time to shop!

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~UPCOMING EVENTS~

December 15 Class Christmas Party~ See attached information!

December 16 Wilmore’s Celebrate Reading Day!! Pajama Day

Dec. 19-Jan. 3 CHRISTMAS VACATION

SPECIALS SCHEDULE:

Monday: Library
Tuesday: Spanish
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music/Gym
(Library Checkout)
Friday: Gym/Music

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Homework Preview

Please read with your child Monday through Thursday evening and fill out the reading log to turn in with the homework on Friday.

Next week we learning about the sneaky e that makes the long a say it’s name!

Spelling Words:

make

take

game

came

gate

late

black

flag

walk

all

BONUS WORDS: could, ornament, holidays

Smorstad's Scoop- November 20th

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

This week we have stepped into a time machine and traveled back to the day of the pilgrims. We have learned about the journey on the Mayflower, revisited life in a one room log cabin, used horn books in the classroom, and got a full body work out while we made butter. They learned a lot about the life of a pilgrim and are thankful for the amenities that they have today. Have a happy thanksgiving! I am thankful for the opportunity to teach your children.

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Homework Preview

** This week your child will have no homework or spelling words. We will spend the week doing activities to celebrate the holiday season!

The week of Nov. 30^th our homework schedule will return to normal- reading log and spelling words.

Spelling Words:

clip clock

flip flag

black block

fun nut

school today

BONUS Words: December, why, late

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~UPCOMING EVENTS~

Now-Nov. 30^th Canned goods for Holiday Food Drive

Nov. 25-28 Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 2 Picture Retakes

Now-January 25th Please contact Carolyn Wilkinson if you would like your child to participate in the Divorce Friendship Group. (Please see Nov. 13th Smorstad's Scoop to see the description of this group in detail.)

SPECIALS SCHEDULE:

Monday: Computer

Tuesday: Library

Monday: Spanish

Tuesday: Art

Wednesday: Music/Gym

**Library Checkout**

Thursday: Gym/Music

Friday: Computer

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Mommy Duties Called

I apologize for not having your traditional Smorstad's Scoop newsletter available via the blog. This afternoon as I had the document open and read to feed to blogger I received a phone call from my daughter's babysitter to inform me of her 102 degree fever. I quickly left my students with Mrs. Floyd, our assistant principal, and left to take Ivy to the doctor. She has her third ear infection in 6 weeks.... AHHH!! But we are thankful that it isn't the flu! So I will give you the small version of Smorstad's Scoop for the weekend and I will update with the newsletter on Monday!

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We learned all about the pilgrims this week! They learned about how the pilgrims arrived in America, the type of houses they lived in, the chores they did at home, the horn books used in school, and the way they made butter because a Walmart or Kroger wasn't available down the street. They finished up this unit with an open response on why they would or would not like to be a pilgrim!

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We will have no homework or reading log next week!! We will spend Monday having a first grade craft rotation and Tuesday catching up on last minute holiday fun. It is hard to believe that Turkey day is almost here!

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This is my best guess (I hope I am right!!!) for our specials schedule for our 2 day week:

Monday- Computer

Tuesday- Spanish

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Sorry again about the delay!!! We all know how it is when our mommy duties call :) This afternoon I had to quickly adjust from teacher to mommy, leaving a few things undone. Have a great weekend!!

Smorstad's Scoop- November 13th

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

I was so excited to see a class dressed in red, white, and blue for our Veteran’s Day Assembly. The students of WES learned many songs and some of the intermediate students recited poems. It was very special! We started learning about the pilgrims settling in America this week. We completed our geometry unit and ended with the unit test. In writing, we published our final how to pieces. Come view them in our hallway!

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What’s new at WES?

Wilmore Elementary has the opportunity to offer students to participate in a divorce group. At our twice weekly care sessions, kids make friends who understand how they feel and the things they are going through because of the divorce of their parents. This group is offered from Wilmore Elementary School’s guidance department during the children’s lunch program. The program is to help children of divorce heal in a group setting. It will take place starting January 25^th meeting. Please contact your child’s teacher or Carolyn Wilkinson if you are interested in your child participating in this program.

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Homework Preview Please read with your child Monday through Thursday evening and fill out the reading log to turn in with the homework on Friday. Your words will be: run rug fun thin cut shop nut under bug put BONUS: want, make, show _ _ _ _ _ ~UPCOMING EVENTS~ Now-Nov. 30th Canned goods for Holiday Food Drive Nov. 25-28 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 2 Picture Retakes SPECIALS SCHEDULE: Monday: Library Tuesday: Spanish Wednesday: Art Thursday: Music/Gym *LIBRARY CHECKOUT Friday: Gym/Music > > > > > > > CLASSROOM NEED: We are getting ready for all of our Thanksgiving activities. And I realized that I am down to only 2 baby food jars. We use them to make butter with whipping cream like the pilgrims. If you have ANY glass baby food jars, or know anyone who would like to donate baby food jars I would appreciate it! We are making it on Thursday! Sorry for the short notice. Thanks for any help!

Veteran's Day Celebrations

On Wednesday, November 11th, Wilmore Elementary will be having a Veteran's Day assembly. We want to invite Wilmore families to come and honor our veterans... if you know a veteran (or are one) we would be especially glad to have them join us!

WHAT: A Veteran's Day Celebration

WHEN: Wednesday, November 11th @ 1:15 in the gym

WHY: To honor all veterans

Please have your child dress in RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!

Thanks :)

Smorstad's Scoop- November 6th

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**
This week was full of exploration in our classroom as we studied all about magnets. It was exciting to learn about the poles and see the magnets push one another apart. We also started preparing for our how to writing pieces. We read The Little Red Hen and listened to how she made wheat bread. We practiced writing how to wash our hands and make a sandwich. This weekend help your child think of something that they could teach us how to do! Next week they are going to show their expertise in their own how to writing pieces.

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Classroom Facts:

*We completed our 10th SMART chart and we were able to eat lunch in the room to celebrate.
*Be sure to get plenty of rest and wash your hands!! The germies are finally out of our classroom!
*This week was Jonathan’s week to be the star student! We all enjoyed his favorite snack of chocolate chip cookies.

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Now If you have items for Gavin’s Goodies please send them to school!

Now-Nov. 30th Canned goods for Holiday Food Drive

Nov. 25-28 Thanksgiving Break

SPECIALS SCHEDULE:
Monday: Spanish
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music/Gym
*LIBRARY CHECKOUT
Thursday: Gym/Music
Friday: Computer

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Homework Preview

Please read with your child Monday through Thursday evening and fill out the reading log to turn in with the homework on Friday.

They will resume with normal spelling homework this week. Your words will be:
fish

thank
shop
ship

with

thin

beg

get

live

many

Bonus Words: turkey, geometry, out

Smorstad's Scoop- October 30th

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

I can’t believe that November is just around the corner! This week we had a busy week with the half-day and our Pumpkin Party. In math we started a Geometry unit, they have been so excited to study shapes. I have been encouraging them to find shapes all around. This weekend I hope that you can take time to go on a shape hunt around your house!

Classroom Facts:

· Thank you for making our Pumpkin Party a great success! I appreciate those of you that volunteered at the party and donated items.

· I have enjoyed meeting with most of you for parent teacher conferences!

· Our class enjoyed learning all about our star student, Kenzie, this week! She was a great helper!

Homework Preview

Please read with your child Monday through Thursday evening and fill out the reading log to turn in with the homework on Friday.

They will resume with normal spelling homework this week.

Your words will be:
leg

beg

men

hen

let

get

hop

hot

who

some

BONUS: leaves, November

~UPCOMING EVENTS~

Now If you have items for Gavin’s Goodies please send them to school!

Nov. 25-28 Thanksgiving Break


SPECIALS SCHEDULE:

Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music/Gym
(Library Checkout)
Wednesday: Gym/Music
Thursday: Computer
Friday: Library

Pumpkin Patch

We had an excellent time at the Bi-water Farms Pumpkin Patch last week. We could not have asked for better weather and I am so thankful for all of our adult volunteers. The kids had a great time picking pumpkins, strolling through the corn maze, and eating a picnic lunch. Everyone was exhausted when we returned but we were excited to write about our field trip memories the next morning!

Showing off our pumpkins- big and small!

Posing for a picture... smiles from all!

Sleepy students on the ride home :)

Smorstad's Scoop

**WEEKLY SCOOP!**

I hope that you all had a relaxing fall break. Our school is doing a service project… can you help? Please see below:

Our 4^th and 5^th grade Leadership groups are collecting store-bought, individually packaged treats for “Gavin’s Goodies.” Gavin Carr is a 6-year-old boy who has leukemia. He takes treats with him each week to the other children at UK Children’s Hospital. Our students at WES are collecting items to send with him for the children undergoing treatments. The items cannot be home-made; they have to be in individual packages. The items can be put in the boxes outside Mrs. Shouse’s room or outside the cafeteria doors. Thank you for your help!

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Classroom Facts:

· We completed our 9^th SMART chart and celebrated with having a shoes off day on Friday. I was so proud at the way our class returned from fall break ready to show SMART behavior.

· Our class enjoyed learning all about Elijah this week! He was our star student and did an excellent job.

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Homework Preview

Please read with your child Monday through Thursday evening and fill out the reading log to turn in with the homework on Friday.

They will resume with normal spelling homework this week. Your words will be:

hop, top, log, lot, hog, hot, one, they, sand, sink

BONUS: pumpkin, does

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~UPCOMING EVENTS~

Oct. 26^th Report Cards will come home on Monday!!!

Oct. 28^th Early Release Day

Oct. 30^th Dress Up Day and Pumpkin Party

SPECIALS SCHEDULE:

Monday: Gym/ Music

Tuesday: Computer

Wednesday: NO SPECIALS

(Early Release Day)

Thursday: Library

Friday: Spanish

Why... a classroom blog?

I have decided to create a classroom blog. And you ask WHY????

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I am going to use this blog as a way to better communicate with my parents and students. In being good stewards of our Earth many of us have started taking steps to recycle and reduce the footprint we leave on our planet. Teaching is a profession where we use a lot of paper and at times it is simply too much. Many of us are very tech savvy in this generation and keep up with relatives, news, and entertainment through the internet so I thought I would allow you have that same option through our classroom blog.

So if you choose to go paperless (other than student work) I will respect that by offering you this avenue of classroom information. Each week I will post the newsletter onto the blog- with a weekly review, upcoming dates, specials schedule, and a homework preview. I will also be sure to include mid-week reminders, cool links for your children to explore, and updates for you in case of school closings due to weather or sickness.

You will be able to access these documents at any time so even if you choose not to go paperless you can always have a place to look if you misplace important papers. If you are not familiar with blogging it is easiest to keep up with new posts by becoming a follower of this blog. If you have questions on how to do this please email me at sarah.smorstad@jessamine.kyschools.us

I hope that you find our classroom blog helpful throughout the rest of the school year!