Donna Hunter

We had a special visitor today. Donna Hunter, a local artist, came to visit our classroom. She talked to kids about the importance of school and education and working hard. She also talked about finding something you love to do, and learning everything you can about it so that you can be great at it! She even painted a picture for us while she was here! The kids asked some great questions and hopefully learned some interesting things about education, painting, and eagles (that's what Donna painted for us!). I know the kids had a good time, because at recess, they were playing "art class!"

And the finished products. . . .. . . . . .

Thanksgiving

We visited the 4th graders in Mrs. Greenfield's classroom today so that they could perform a Thanksgiving skit for us. It was about cooperation and how all of the foods that we think of at Thanksgiving work together to make a great feast. The 4th graders did a great job. Then we got to buddy up and listen to them read a Thanksgiving book to us. When we were finished, we worked on a Thanksgiving word search.

We also had an ICN session today that was about hibernation and migration and what different type of animals do in the winter. We've learned all about the different types of animals : mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and fish. We will talk more in depth in the coming weeks about their habitats, tracks, skin coverings, and what they eat. We are also working on some writing projects about animals!

Shuffleboard

We visited the Newell Good Samaratin Center last week to play shuffleboard. We enjoyed watching Diane and Deb teach us how to play, and then we broke up into 2 different teams to play. We had a great time playing! We also got a cookie treat and took a minute to visit with the residents! We are looking forward to making some door decorations for the residents as well as another visit next month!

Veteran's Day

Many thanks to all of the veteran's who have served our country. We have been rehearsing a readers theatre this past week and a half in order to perform at the 4th annual Veteran's Day program. We did a FANTASTIC job!!! We received many compliments!

After the program, we were fortunate enough to have Sam's dad come in for a visit. Sam's dad serves with the Army National Guard. He has been deployed several times during his service. We got to ask him many questions about his uniform, his living conditions while deployed, and his service. We had another special visitor on Friday afternoon, as well. Sarah's dad came into our classroom dressed in World War 1 uniform. The kids asked many great questions about his uniform and the accessories he brought along too.

I've been pleasantly surprised at the questions the kids have asked this week. They've asked some very genuine questions that show that truly understand the sacrifice that our Veteran's have made.

Welcome November

Do we scare you? Monday was our celebration for Halloween. The kids got to change into their costumes and parade through the gym showing off! We then got to go back to the classroom for our party - complete with treats, games, and toys!

With Monday being the last day of October, we finished our look at the weather for the month. We graphed the number of sunny, partly sunny, and cloudy days for the month of October. There were 19 sunny days, 8 partly sunny days, and 4 cloudy days. We also did some different math problems discussing the difference in the number of days. We will also be looking at the weather later on this year and then comparing that with the October data we have collected.

Tuesday brought the first day of November. We have a busy month planned with lots of "extra" events scheduled. We have another fun day with Mrs. Devereaux's 8th graders planned. We will also be performing at the local Veteran's Day program on Friday, November 11th. The public is welcome to attend at 8:30 am. We will be going to the Newell Good Samaritan Center this month to play some games with the residents. We have Thanksgiving break this month and an early dismissal later on this month too. Happy Birthday to Kade, Alexis M., and Laney this month!

In preparation for the Veteran's Day program, Ms. Watters brought some students to our classroom to prepare some patriotic table decorations for the veterans. The high schoolers did a great job mingling with the kids and encouraging their creative ideas! We are looking forward to performing 2 readers theatres at the assembly on Friday!

Katie, the BV County Naturalist visited us this past week to discuss the different types of animals. We got to see and touch a box turtle, a salamander, an otter coat, and even a snake! Needless to say, Mrs. DeMey stayed as far away from the presentation as possible! The kids were very brave and we not shy about petting the animals! This was a great introduction to the different types of animals we will be discussing in the next month and a half.

Good Samaritan Visit

We made it through 1st quarter and conferences. Thank you for taking time to visit with me and to see your child's progress so far. First grade is a HUGE year - shaping reading and writing as well as forming mathematical problem solving skills!

We got to visit the Good Samaritan Center on Thursday for the first time. We got a great tour from Diane. We got to trick or treat at various spots in the center too. We visited the offices, the living room areas, the dining room, the game rooms, the salon, the spas, the laundry area, and the bedrooms. Here are a few pictures of our visit!