Hello Kindergarten Families,

I’ve graduated to the web!  Please bear with me as I master this form of communication.  There will be photos posted with this article within the next 48 hours.  If you do not see them, please check back in a few days.  I am working out the kinks to publishing our news in this format. smiley

Kindergarten is rolling along beautifully!  We are still knee-deep in learning about friendship and the meaning of “crew.”  “Crew” in Expeditionary language stands for our class; the term is meant to inspire teamwork, interdependence and belonging.  Ask your kindergartener to chant one of our new signals for you…”All aboard…Bell Crew!”  Your children drew delightful self-portraits and collaboratively designed and created a boat (in the style of Amos’s boat, “The Rodent”–from Amos and Boris) to illustrate that we are CREW–working together.  Come see if you can find your child’s picture on our wall if you haven’t already!  

Another wonderful accomplishment is that your children have graduated to having snack independently during Choice Time.  Thank you for continuning to provide them with a healthy “simple and separate” snack that they can manage by themselves.  It has made all the difference!  When planning snacks and lunches, please remember, we only drink water in the classroom–juice and yogurt will only be enjoyed at lunch time.  Thank you!  smiley

I have begun the enjoyable task of administering fall assessments.  I love this opportunity to work individually with your children to learn where each of them is on the journey to becoming a reader, writer and mathematician.  I am learning so much about each of them and look forward to using this new information in the weeks and months ahead to inform my instruction.  At the end of October, we will have conferences; I will be happy to share your child’s progress with you at that time. 

Important Bits of News:
* I will be absent from school on Friday, Sept. 23rd.  We will have a substitute teacher, named Maura Bannon, whom the children will meet on Wednesday (tomorrow).  Maura will also join our crew during Choice Time on Thursday, so she and the children can get accustomed to one another.  Maura will dismiss the children on Thursday and greet them on Friday morning.  I told the children that they would have a substitute, and I know a few are a little nervous.  I will make sure they have several chances to interact with Maura before Friday.  I’m sure it will be a wonderful day!  Please let me know of any specific concerns that you may have.  Thank you!

*Forms: I am still waiting for several students’ forms and manila folders to be returned.  Please do so as soon as possible so we can start getting out into the community on adventures and field work.  Thanks!

*Volunteering will begin on Monday, October 3rd.  Please come see me if you are having a difficult time fitting into the volunteer schedule.  I will find a way for you to fit in!  Our classroom is your classroom!smiley

New Poems/Songs to Sing at Home:

“Two Little Friends”

Two little friends are better than one.
And three are better than two.
And four are much better still.
Just think what four little friends can do!

“Helping Hand”

Reach down a little deeper.
Reach up a little higher.
Reach out a little wider
And give someone a helping hand.
Let’s work together now!

Give someone a helping hand.
Are your hands ready?  Yes! Yes!
Are your fingers ready? Yes! Yes!
Are your arms ready? Yes! Yes!
Well then give someone a helping hand.