Welcome Back, Bell-Bannon Crew!

We are off to a wonderful start in First Grade!  It’s exciting to see how much everyone has grown and changed over the course of the summer.  We are working hard as a crew to reconnect to old friends and to forge new friendships as well.  Please use your family dinnertimes to discuss the SIERRA norm of “empathy” (putting yourself in someone else’s shoes) and how empathy and caring can help us be welcoming and inclusive.  

Our fall expedition– “I Love the Mountains!”– is under way.  Through this expedition, we will explore the concepts of adventure, goal-setting, geography and weather.  

Guiding Questions:  

  1. How do challenges make us stronger?  
  2. What is special about our Sierra Nevada Mountains?
Case Study #1:  Trailblazing! (September)
Long Term Learning Targets:
  • I can use the SIERRA norms to overcome challenges.
  • I can design a realistic goal for myself.
We have 3 fieldwork dates set for the month of September:
  • Tuesday, 9/11; 10-2pm–Angela Lake
  • Friday, 9/21; 10-3pm–Andesite Pass
  • Friday, 9/28; 9:30-3pm–Donner Peak

The outings will be both challenging and exciting!  We will be working with our P.E. teacher, Alexis, to enhance our fitness and teamwork skills in preparation for the fieldwork.  In addition, we will have some in-class presentations from local mountaineering experts in the weeks to come.  Thank you, in advance, for your enthusiasm and help with chaperoning on the upcoming hikes.  Details about what to wear and bring will be sent out via our fieldwork coordinator as we get closer to our dates.

 

Nuts and Bolts:

  • Homework: Blue folders went home yesterday and must be returned each Monday; homework will begin next Tuesday–9/11.
  • Book Bags: Book bags will be sent home daily.  Please have your child read the book 3 times to practice fluency (please use your discretion for longer books–just practice a section several times). Book bags MUST BE RETURNED THE FOLLOWING DAY!!!  Enjoy this time listening to your child read.  This should not be a teaching time–only supportive!  Feel free to let us know on the reading log in the book bag if the book seems to be too challenging for your child.  We do not want the home reading experience to be stressful AT ALL! 🙂
  • Specials/Enrichment: Special classes have already begun.  Please remember sneakers for P.E. on Tues/Wed.  Also, Please remind your children to practice the SIERRA norms during all special classes.  Our goal is to improve our crew behavior during all specials this year.  Thank you for your help with this!
  • Scholastic Book Orders: These are due next Monday, 9/10.  Please try to submit all orders via computer if possible.  This earns us free books and saves us a great deal of time.

Thank you so much for you involvement in your children’s education.  First Grade is an exciting year, and we love sharing it with you!
:)Elizabeth & Maura