January 24th, 2010

Dear Parents,
January is almost over! Report cards are in today’s folder. Everyone is working hard and using the talents God has given them. Keep encouraging them at home to practice their new skills! If you have any questions feel free to call! There will be conferences in February where we can talk more too. We’ll have two parties next month; one for the 100th day of school and one for Valentine’s Day. We don’t need help on the 100th day, but our room mothers will help for the Valentine’s party.

We’re working with “Uu” and “Vv” this week. Let’s see what you can find beginning with those sounds!

There will be only a half day of school on Friday, February 18th, because of parent teacher conferences in the afternoon, from 1 to 4PM. I do not need to meet with everyone this time, but will ask a few to visit. If you wish to visit please send the note back this week. Thank you! On Monday, February 21st there is no school for President’s Day.

The 100th Day of School will be celebrated on February 7th. We’ll be doing many things related to the number 100. Have your child bring 100 of something to eat in a baggie. Anything little is great, such as candies, cereal, marshmallows, etc. Be creative! You don’t need to send it until next week; I just wanted you to know how excited they are about this! In math we’re now doing many counting and recording activities with quantities up to 20. The teen numbers are difficult to master, but keep working with them.

This week our class will lead chapel on January 26th, at 2:15 PM. We’d love to have you join us if you can that day! Our Bible lessons this week are on Jesus Blesses the Children. This is one of my favorite Bible lessons as it reminds us to have faith like a child and that Jesus listens to everyone. Matthew 19:14 “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Keep up the good work helping learn these at home. This week we will be collecting Coins for the Pennies for Patients project.

We’re still having fun with water, enjoying sinking and floating things today. They are learning to make predictions and hypotheses before actually doing experiments. In February we will learn about caring for our teeth. We’ll make a tooth brushing chart soon to use in February. It has a space to mark for each day, morning and evening, for the next four weeks. Return it at the end of the month for a prize!

If you want to send Valentines you can begin next week. We’re making bags to put them in later this week! On the back of this note you will find a sheet with all the children’s names on it. Have your child use the list to write their own Valentines. We’ll soon be making Valentines for our elderly friends, for nursing home people as part of a KSLT project and for you! I guess this is a good time to work with the letter “v!”

Please send back any Student Treasure Book Orders by this Friday. We are finishing the illustrations now and they are doing a fine job. I can show you your child’s section if you’d like to see it before you order.

God’s blessings on your week!
Natalie Graumann