Yurack, Rebekah / Announcements

Thursday, May 8th

Tomorrow is the Astro Bash. It is important for every family to follow the steps outlined in the checklist. I am sharing it again today just in case you misplaced the paper copy that was sent home on Monday. Click this link: Astro Bash Note

Someone will continue to assess for the final Report Card next week. We need your child at school every day. Someone tries to start working with children when they arrive in the classroom, so please allow your child to arrive at school on time each day next week. Thank you!

Attention Moms: The children have enjoyed working on sweet gifts for you for Mother's Day. Your gifts will be in your child's blue folder by Friday. Be on the lookout.

Other Upcoming Events:

May 15th - Kindergarten Program at 8:30 am

May 19th - Virtual Day

May 20th - Kindergarten Party - Please sign up to donate items or volunteer: K Party Sign-up

May 20th - Half Day - dismissal at 11:30 am

May 21st - Last Day of School - Half Day - dismissal at 11:30 am

Monday, May 5th

Thank you for sending Practice Folders today. You will see new passages and a new Practice Sheet. If you forgot to send your child’s practice folder today, please send it tomorrow. Thank you!

Today was the last day to check out library books. All books are due back to school on Wednesday, May 7th.

Kindergarten will take the DIBELS test on Thursday, May 8th. Please ensure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a healthy breakfast. I am sending home a packet to help you prepare your child for Thursday. Please check your child’s Daily Folder today for this packet.

Now is the time to review sight words, addition facts, subtraction facts, and any standards that had a checkmark on the last progress report. I am assessing for the final Report Card tomorrow through next Friday.

Also coming home in folders today is a checklist to prepare for the Astro Bash. Just in case you misplace the note, it will be here for easy access: Astro Bash Note

Check out this picture from practice today to see where our class will stand during the Kindergarten Program on May 15th: Class Locations on Stage

Thursday, May 1st

Click the link to read next week's newsletter: May 5-9. Please note the important information box. As it states, our classes will be taking their DIBELS assessments on Thursday, May 8th. A great way to help them prepare for this is to have your child read the words and sentences on the reading practice page in your child’s green Practice Folder. We will be sending home a review packet on Monday to also use with your child to prepare for the test. The more they practice the better readers they become. Thank you for your continued support this year. The children have grown so much, and I know they will all do their best on these assessments.

Tomorrow is Field Day! Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:20. The classes will rotate through several stations.The majority of the stations are held outside, so please apply sunblock on your child before sending your child to school. Please have your child’s water bottle labeled with their name and have it filled with water and ice. Please send a towel. It would help your child if you sent the water bottle and towel inside of a plastic bag (Target, Publix, etc.) or a small drawstring backpack so they can easily keep up with their items. The only parents that are allowed to attend Field Day are the parents who sign up to volunteer. If you are a volunteer, see Coach Fields for your assignment. We will eat lunch much later on Field Day than normal, so please make sure your child eats breakfast. Please have your child wear our PURPLE class shirts to Field Day.

Reminder: May 9th is the Astro Bash. The students will be outside the majority of the day, so please apply sunblock before sending them to school. We encourage them to wear crocs or athletic sandals. Please send a FULL change of clothes, including underwear. The students may need to change after they go to the water station.

Tuesday, April 29th

This week we are reading and writing words with the digraphs /ch/ and /sh/. We will also be reviewing our sight words.

We are taking our Spring iReady reading and math diagnostic assessment this week. You will want to make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. We will take our End of Year DIBELS assessment on May 8th. Thank you for your continued support this year. The children have grown so much and I know they will all do their best on these assessments.

*End of Year Activities*

I know several of you are experiencing the end of the year activities for the first time. It is important for each parent to read this information and follow directions about class shirts, water bottles, and towels.

Field Day - This will be Friday, May 2nd. Coach Fields has planned our Field Day events. Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:20. The classes will rotate through several stations. The majority of the stations are held outside, so please apply sunblock on your child before sending your child to school. Please have your child’s water bottle labeled with their name and have it filled with water and ice. Please send a towel. It would help your child if you sent the water bottle and towel inside a plastic bag (Target, Publix, etc.) or a small drawstring backpack so they can easily keep up with their items. The only parents that are allowed to attend Field Day are the parents who sign up to volunteer. If you are a volunteer, see Coach Fields for your assignment. We will eat lunch much later on Field Day than normal, so please make sure your child eats breakfast. School lunches must be pre-ordered. If your child needs a sack lunch and you haven't ordered one yet, email me today. Please have your child wear our PURPLE class shirts to Field Day.

Astro Bash - This will be on Friday, May 9th. Please have your child wear our PURPLE class shirts to Field Day. We will spend most of the day outside. Please apply sunscreen before school and bring a refillable water bottle labeled with your child’s name. We will have a picnic lunch outside, so please send your child with a towel for the picnic. Please wear velcro or slip on tennis shoes. There will be inflatables at the bash so velcro/slip-on shoes are a MUST!

End of the Year Program – This will be on Thursday, May 15th in our cafeteria. This is an opportunity for our students to perform for you. They will sing songs and recite poems. All parents, grandparents, younger siblings are welcome to come to our End of the Year program. We will begin promptly at 8:30, so please arrive around 8:15 to have time to sign in and find a seat. Please be in your seat by 8:30. The performance should only last about 30 minutes. This is a special performance, so the children are encouraged to dress nicely. You should have an opportunity after the show to say hello and take pictures. Please let me know if your child will not be here, so I do not save them a spot on the stage. I will take a picture of our class during one of the practices so you can see where we will be standing on the stage. Your child can bring a change of clothes and shoes to put on after the program. *I plan to attend the program!

Class Party – Our End of the Year Party will be Tuesday, May 20th at 8:30. Details for this will be communicated with you soon. Students will need to wear our PURPLE class shirts.

Last Day of School – The last day of school is Wednesday, May 21st. Students will be dismissed at 11:30. Send your child’s backpack and folder. Report Cards and End of the Year Data Reports will be sent home on the last day. If your child will not be at school on May 21st, you will need to provide me with a self-addressed stamped envelope so the report card can be mailed to you.

Thank you for your support at home. It is still very important for your child to be at school on time every day.

Thursday, April 24th

Here is next week's newsletter: April 28-May 2. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed with what we are learning in our classroom.

Thank you to those who brought back the Report of Learning folders today. If you did not, please read it, sign it, and return to school tomorrow. Thank you!

Our class will begin taking their Spring iReady reading diagnostic assessment starting next week. We will also take our math diagnostic next week. You will want to make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. Thank you for your continued support this year. The children have grown so much and I know they will all do their best on these assessments.

Field Day - Field Day will be Friday, May 2nd. Coach Fields has planned our Field Day events. Kindergarten will be outside from 9:00-11:20. The classes will rotate through several stations. The majority of the stations are held outside, so please apply sunblock on your child before sending your child to school. Please have your child’s water bottle labeled with their name and have it filled with water and ice. Please send a towel. It would help your child if you sent the water bottle and towel inside a plastic bag (Target, Publix, etc.) or a small drawstring backpack so they can easily keep up with their items. The only parents that are allowed to attend Field Day are the parents who sign up to volunteer. If you are a volunteer, see Coach Fields for your assignment. We will eat lunch much later on Field Day than normal, so please make sure your child eats breakfast. Please have your child wear our PURPLE class shirts to Field Day.

Monday, April 21st

This week we are learning how to read u_e words (u - consonant - magic e). We will practice reading sentences and short stories. We will also practice writing short sentences. Please click these links to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 24 of 95% Phonics

I know that it is a busy time of year with sports and activities, but I ask that you continue to check and empty your child's Daily Folder each day. Thank you to everyone who sent your child’s green folder to school today. If you didn't send it today, please send the green Practice Folder tomorrow.

The Report of Learning Folders will be coming home Wednesday, April 23rd. Progress Reports will need to be signed and returned to school by Friday, April 25th. Take time to read through the Progress Reports, especially the Teacher Comment box labeled as the 4th Nine Weeks. Please work with your child on the areas that have not been mastered yet. Let's work together to help your child master the standards. We will reassess for the last Report Card in just a few weeks.

CHANGE IN PLANS - Field Day is moving to its rain date - Friday, May 2nd. If your child needs a sack lunch from the school cafeteria, please send a note in your child's folder to Mrs. Hoch to let her know. Thank you!

Also, they will no longer need to swap lunch days this week. Lunch will be served as listed on the posted lunch menu.

PTA is doing a Mother’s Day Jewelry Fundraiser on May 8th and 9th. Twenty percent of the sales will go to support our PTA. Mention CES when shopping at the Bridge Street Store. A flyer will be coming home with more information.

Thursday, April 17th

Here is next week's newsletter: April 21-25. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed about what we are learning in our classroom.

We’ve recently observed an increase in rough play on the playground. Before heading outside, we always review our expectations, including the important reminder to “keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.” Despite this, we see behaviors such as wrestling, pushing, hitting, and overly aggressive tag. While we want students to enjoy their time outside and have the chance to release energy, it’s important that they do so in a way that keeps everyone safe. Please take a moment to talk with your child about how they play with others, and encourage them to use self-control during recess. Additionally, please remind your child that if someone is playing too roughly or making them uncomfortable, they should let a teacher know right away so we can help address the situation appropriately.

Important Information About Field Day

Field Day will be on Friday, April 25th. Coach Fields has planned a fun and active day for our students!

Kindergarten will participate from 9:00–11:20 AM. Classes will rotate through several stations, most of which will be outside. Please do the following to help your child have a great day:

Apply sunscreen at home before school.

Send a labeled water bottle filled with water and ice.

Send a towel.

Place the towel and water bottle in a plastic bag (like Target or Publix) or a small drawstring backpack to help your child keep up with their items.

Please have your child wear our PURPLE class shirt to Field Day.

Please make sure your child eats a good breakfast that morning because we eat lunch much later than normal on Field Day.

Only parents who have signed up to volunteer may attend Field Day. If you are volunteering, please check in with Coach Fields for your assignment. If you would like to volunteer, please click the link below: http://bit.ly/cesfield25

The school will provide a sack lunch for those who order one. If your child will need a sack lunch from the school cafeteria, please email me to let me know. Thank you!

Madison City Schools is hosting a math family night. Please see this flyer for details: Math Family Night.

Monday, April 14th

Please click the link to read this week's newsletter: April 14-18

This week and last week in 95% Phonics we have been reading words with long vowel sounds. We are learning about the silent e at the end of a word. We call this e "magic e" because it can jump over a consonant and make the vowel say its name (the long vowel sound). This week we are learning about the long O and the long E sounds. Please click these links to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 22 of 95% Phonics & Week 23 of 95% Phonics.

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and with that comes some of our students (and parents!) favorite events! This includes our upcoming Field Day scheduled for April 25th. There are 2 different shifts available and those are

Kindergarten - 2nd grade: 9am-11:20am

3rd grade - 5th grade: 12pm - 2:20pm

Click on the link to see the many different stations available for volunteering. bit.ly/cesfield25. Due to limited parking, you must be a volunteer in order to attend field day.

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the 4th nine weeks of the school year! Your children have grown in so many ways—academically, socially, and emotionally—and we are so proud of the progress they’ve made.

As we enter this busy spring season, filled with sports, family events, and exciting activities, we know that routines can sometimes shift and students may come to school more tired than usual. We kindly ask for your continued support in helping your child come to school each day ready to learn.

Consistent rest, structure, and positive behavior are so important as we work through the final stretch of our year together. We still have valuable learning ahead, and every day matters!

Thank you for being amazing partners in your child’s education. Let’s finish strong together!

Reminder: Please remember to send your child with a snack and a water bottle daily.

Tuesday, April 8th

Thursday is our field trip to Early Works Children’s Museum! If your child is bringing lunch from home, it must be completely disposable. All students need to wear their PURPLE class shirt on the field trip. Please read the next section if a family member is meeting us at Early Works.

Important Information for Parents Meeting us at Early Works:

Parents who pre-purchased admission to Early Works will receive a chaperone sticker in their child's folder on Wednesday afternoon. Be on the lookout for the sticker. You will need to wear the visitor sticker while on the field trip.

Parents should plan on meeting us at Early Works by 9:15. Parking is available at the Fountain Circle Parking Garage located behind the museum. The address is 318 Fountain Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. Parking does cost $0.50 per hour. Street parking is also available for the same price.

When you arrive at Early Works, you must sign-in at the front desk. Tell them your name and that your child is Mrs. Yurack’s class.

If you want to check your child out from the field trip, please complete this form by 1:00 on Wednesday afternoon: Check Out from Field Trip Form

Other Class Information:

Please watch the video I shared yesterday. You can watch it on your own anytime today. Your child does not need to be with you. After watching the full video, please follow the directions at the end. Thank you! Mrs. Hester did a great job explaining different things! Here is the link: Reading Practice Video

When looking at tomorrow's lunch menu, you will see that your child has a choice of Conecuh Sausage Dog or Corn Dog. It would be helpful if you talk with your child about the choice tonight so they will be able to tell me which one they want when I do the lunch count in the morning. Thanks for your help!

Friday , April 4th

Here is next week’s newsletter: April 7-11. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed with what we are learning in our classroom.

We are celebrating Schwa Day on Monday April 7th by wearing pajamas. What is the schwa sound? It’s the most common vowel sound. Any vowel can make the schwa sound. The schwa is the weak vowel sound in the unstressed syllable like the sound a is making at the end of zebra. Since the schwa is a lazy vowel we will honor it by wearing our pajamas.

Purple Up Day is coming up on April 11! It’s a great opportunity to show support for military kids and the sacrifices they make. Wearing purple is a simple but meaningful way to recognize their strength and resilience.

Please take time to listen to your child read the Reading Practice page in the green Practice Folder. We ask that you spend 5-10 minutes listening to your child read each day. (If they read the full 10 minutes every day, they will successfully complete the April challenge.) You can listen to your child read the words and sentences at the top one day. Then, the two passages the next day. Keep this rotation throughout the week. Make sure you ask your child the comprehension questions as well. Being able to read a passage smoothly, accurately and with expression will help your child comprehend what they are reading. This is a power standard on the Kindergarten Report Card. This reading practice page is meant to be read more than once per week. If you find your child struggling with reading the sentences and passages, please practice reading from the green folder daily and continue working on sight words using flashcards.

Monday, March 31st
Here is this week's newsletter: March 31-April 4

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! You will see new passages and Practice Sheet #23. I hope you are continuing to enjoy listening to your child develop as a reader each day using the included sentences and passages. Remember your child becomes a better reader by reading. The time you spend each evening with your child reading will make a meaningful difference!

March reading logs are due tomorrow!

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the short vowels. We will also be practicing reading sentences and short stories. We will also practice writing short sentences. Please click the link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 19 of 95% Phonics.

I hope you noticed the April Challenge on this week’s newsletter. If not, go check it out. We become better readers by spending time reading. Help your child develop the habit of reading daily. If you did not send a note for completing the March Challenge, you can send it tomorrow. Thank you!

Tuesday, March 25th

As we gather information to plan for the next school year, you help immensely in this planning process. Please use this LINK to fill out and submit the Intent to Return form by Friday, 3/28.

Everyone who volunteered to be a chaperone on our Early Works field trip has a background check on file and is good to go! Thank you so much for being on top of that!

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the short vowels. We will also be practicing reading sentences and short stories. We will also practice writing sentences. Please click the link to read about more activities to do with your child: Week 18 of 95% Phonics.

Thursday, March 20th

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day: wear BLUE and YELLOW!

Here is next week's newsletter: March 24-28 . Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and stay informed about what we are learning in our classroom.

Our field trip to EarlyWorks will be on April 10th. Chaperones must have a background check completed. The names of chaperones will be submitted to Mrs. Herwig for verification. Here is the link to complete the Madison City Schools background check: Background Checks Link. If you have not already filled out the background check, please do so today if you are planning to attend the field trip. Thank you! Also, please remember that the field trip money and forms are due tomorrow, March 21st.

Reminders:

Blue Daily Folders should be checked and emptied every day.

Please check your child's backpack and make sure that they have a change of clothes that is appropriate for the season.

If you did not send in your child’s Progress of Learning Folder today with the report card signed, please send it back on Friday, March 21st.

Wednesday, March 19th

Today, your child will be bringing home their report card, which reflects their progress using a standards-based grading system. This system measures how well students are meeting specific learning goals for their grade level.

You may notice that your child’s score on some standards has changed. For example, if a student previously earned a 2 but now has a 1, it means they have not yet met the rubric requirements for that standard at this time. Comments about a few of the report card power standards:

If your child has a 1 or 2 on "Read Kindergarten high frequency words accurately and automatically.” There is a great way to help your child master the skill...daily use of flashcards. :)

Spell simple words phonetically by writing a letter for consonants and short vowels - Students are expected to apply our Kindergarten phonics rules when writing words. This includes the correct use of short vowels in words like pin, pen, ham, yam. It includes q and u stick like glue. It also includes writing -ck when final /k/ is after a short vowel. For example, duck, stick, tack, lock, etc. To practice writing simple words at home, give your child a piece of paper and say any of the above words and ask your child to write them.

Read and reread grade appropriate decodable texts smoothly, accurately, and with expression to support comprehension - Please listen to your child read the passages in the Practice Folder. When finished, ask questions about what they have read.

After taking notes about which standards to practice at home, please sign in the address box on the first page and return it in the Report of Learning Folder by March 21st. Thank you! These scores are not meant to discourage your child but to guide their learning journey and highlight areas for continued growth. Your support at home can make a big difference!

Expectations for Daily Practice at Home:

Spend 10 minutes each day on the Practice Folder activities. These activities include Practice #21, the reading practice sheet, sight word flashcards, and math fact flashcards. Please take advantage of the reading practice page in the Practice Folder. Your child would benefit from reading the words, sentences, and passages more than once during the week.

Monday, March 17th

I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break! It was nice to see everyone at school today.

Please check your child’s blue Daily Folder today for important information about our upcoming field trip to Early Works on April 10th.

Cost for Students: $20 (covers transportation and entry fees)

Cost for Parents Attending: $10 (must be prepaid; parents will meet us at Early Works). If you’re sending payment for both your child and yourself, please include a note on the envelope with your child’s name and a breakdown of the payment. All payments are due by March 21st. Thank you for your attention and support!

Reminder: This is the link to this week’s newsletter - March 17-21. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing short vowels. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities. As we discussed at Parent Night, we are also learning what to do when they hear /k/ at the end of a word. When we hear /k/ immediately after a short vowel sound, we spell it -ck. Examples of these words include: duck, rock, kick, neck, sock, lick. This is a skill the students need to show that they understand while they are reading and even in their writing. Thanks for supporting this learning at home!

Thank you for sending Practice Folders today. You will see new passages and Practice Sheet #21. These folders are to be returned to school every Monday. If you forgot to send your child’s practice folder today, please send it tomorrow. Thank you!

One of our teachers is sponsoring a drive to support patients at the Clearview Cancer Institute. As a school, we are collecting travel-sized lotions and tissues, fuzzy socks, and peppermints. We will be collecting items until Monday, March 31st. You can also order from Amazon. Please see the flyer here for the Amazon link.

3/21 is World Down Syndrome Day: wear BLUE and YELLOW on Friday!

Thursday, March 6th

This will be our newsletter for after Spring Break: March 17-21.

Kindergarten is excited about our upcoming field trip to the Early Works Museum on Thursday, April 10th. The cost of the trip is $20 per student, which will cover transportation and entry fees. Please start saving for this expense so that we can assure all students have the opportunity to attend. The cost for parents attending and meeting us at Early Works will be $10 and must be prepaid. We will provide more details after Spring Break! All field trip money will be due no later than March 21st.

We started a new literacy station last week. It is called Magnet Center. At this station, the students build words in a word family using magnets. Then, they write the words. Their last step is to use the words in a sentence. Last week our word family was -at, this week our word family is -it. I am expecting the students to begin their sentence with a capital letter, put a space between the words, and end the sentence with punctuation. The students are enjoying this new station. Please be on the lookout for the new station work!

Have a great, safe Spring Break!

Monday, March 3rd

Please refer to the newsletter to see what we are working on this week! It was posted on Friday.

You will notice that this week's practice sheet looks different from usual. Being able to write the alphabet in sequence from memory is an important skill. It is okay if your child cannot write the alphabet in under a minute by Wednesday. It is a goal we have for May. Just set the timer for the specified time and see how far they get. You will be able to see which lowercase letters they know how to write with correct formation and which letters they need additional practice with.

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! I hope you are enjoying listening to your child read the sentences and passages each day. We become better readers by reading. The time you spend each evening with your child reading will make a meaningful difference!

We have begun assessments for the 3rd 9 Weeks Report Cards this week. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep each night, eats breakfast each morning, and arrives at school on time each day. If you plan for your child to be absent, please let me know, so I can plan accordingly to assure missed assessments are completed. This is important for your child’s success!

Friday, February 28th

Click this link to view next week's newsletter: March 3-7. I appreciate you reading it every week, but I especially ask you to read each box this week because some might need to email me after reading the Important Information box.

On Monday, remember to send your child's February reading log, Dental Health log, Practice #19, and the Practice Folder. (Even if your child did not brush twice a day and floss daily for the entire month of February, send the log to school anyway so they can earn at least 1 Good Time Ticket.)

Monday, February 24th

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the letters taught in Unit 4 and taking the Unit 4 assessment. Please click this link to read about more activities you can do with your child: 95% Lesson 16.

This is Read Across America Week. Please have your student participate in the dress-up days. Tomorrow we are dressing nice for Spring Pictures. On Wednesday, all Kindergarten students and teachers wear red. On Thursday, we wear our favorite team jersey or team colors. On Friday, everyone should wear their class shirts. See last week's post for the flyer.

We go to recess at 1:35 in the afternoon. Please consider checking the weather app and sending a jacket that is appropriate for the weather at our recess time. Thank you!

We go to the Book Fair TOMORROW at 12:15. If your child is going to purchase a book, please send money in a labeled envelope. The library is closed this week for checkouts because of the Book Fair.

I would appreciate your support in talking to your child about their classroom behavior. We're experiencing an increase in interrupting instruction, touching others, arguing, tattling, fighting to be first, etc. I would like to encourage you to talk with your child about why they come to school and how they can achieve their goals. I remind them often that they come to school to learn and that they can do that best by listening and participating.

Friday, February 21st

Here is next week’s newsletter: February 24-February 28. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Next week, Columbia will be celebrating Read Across America with Getcha’ Head In A Book and Read! Click here for information about the events and the fun dress up days we will have. Remember Friday we will be on a field trip to see High School Musical, Jr. Due to the unknown time of our class eating lunch, we will not be able to have visitors at lunch. Thank you for your understanding.

Next week our class will be visiting the Book Fair. Please see Tuesday’s post for our date and time to visit the book fair.

We will begin assessments for the 3rd 9 Weeks Report Cards next week. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep each night, eats breakfast each morning, and arrives at school on time each day. This is important for your child’s success!

Tuesday, February 18th

This week in 95% Phonics we are continuing to study Qq, Uu, and Xx from last week. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities Lesson 15.

I hope you enjoyed a restful long weekend!

The Book Fair will be open this coming Monday, February 24th. It will be open from 7:40-8:15 daily and will close on Thursday, February 27th at 2:15 p.m. Our class is scheduled to visit the Book Fair on Tuesday from 12:15-12:45. If you would like for your child to purchase books you can send money in a marked envelope or Ziplock bag inside your child’s daily folder.

Thank you for remembering to send the green Practice Folders today! I hope you are enjoying listening to your child read the sentences and passages each day. We become better readers by reading. The time you spend each evening with your child reading will make a meaningful difference!

Chromebooks were sent home with students today. It should be returned when the students return to campus. There were two worksheets sent home as a hard copy in case we were virtual on Wednesday. Hang on to those papers. If we are virtual later in the week those papers will come in handy.

Thursday, February 13th

Please click this link to read next week’s newsletter: February 17-21. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week!

Since school will be closed Monday in honor of Presidents’ Day, please return the green practice folder on Tuesday.

Thank you for returning your child’s signed progress report. If you forgot to send this back today, please return it tomorrow.

Have a great long weekend!

Monday, February 10th

This week we will be studying Qq, Uu, and Xx during 95% Phonics. Please click this link to read about more activities you can do with your child: 95% Phonics Lesson 15

Thank you for returning your child’s Green Practice Folder today. Remember, this folder should be returned every Monday to be updated. If you forgot it today, please send it tomorrow!

Progress Reports will be sent home this Wednesday, February 12th in the Report of Learning Folders. Please read over it, sign it and return it to school by Friday, February 14th.

Reminders:

- Wednesday, February 12th is a half-day. School will dismiss at 11:30.

- School will be closed on Monday, February 17th in honor of President's Day.

Thursday, February 6th

Click the link to read next week’s newsletter: February 10 - 14 . Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.

Reminder from 2nd Semester Parent Night-Please continue to work on learning the Kindergarten sight words and addition and subtraction facts with your child. Remember a great way to work on these skills is with flashcards. Another great way to help your child read smoothly, accurately, and with expression is to give them 10 minutes of your undivided attention and listen to them read the passages in the Green Practice Folder. The more your child practices their reading skills, the better a reader he/she will become.

This is the subtraction video Mrs. Hester spoke about at Parent Night. She made this AMAZING video to share tips for understanding the 21 subtraction facts. You can use this video two ways. First, watch the video and use the information while helping your child with subtraction facts. Then, you can have your child watch the video. Subtraction Video These are the strategies we've taught for knowing the subtraction facts fluently: Strategies to Master Subtraction Facts

As we move through the flu season, we want to ensure that our students and staff stay as healthy as possible. Recently, we have seen an increase in flu cases, and many students are coming to school with deep coughs, runny noses, and sneezing. Some students with the flu do not run a fever. Unfortunately, young children often struggle to properly cover their coughs and sneezes, which leads to the spread of germs throughout the classroom. To help keep everyone healthy, please keep your child home if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, persistent cough, excessive runny nose, or body aches. Resting at home not only helps them recover more quickly but also prevents the illness from spreading to others. We appreciate your support in keeping our school a safe and healthy place for learning. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students well!

Wednesday, February 12th, is a half-day. School will dismiss at 11:30. Extended Day will be closed. If you haven’t already done so, please complete the Google Form by tomorrow morning. Thank you! The link was in Monday's post.

Please remember to return the green Practice Folders on Monday. The completed Practice Sheet can be sent back to me in the green folder. Thank you!

Monday, February 3rd

This week we will be studying Yy and Vv during 95% Phonics. Please click this link to read about more activities you can do with your child: 95% Phonics Lesson 14

Thank you for sending the green Practice Folders today! When returning the green Practice Folder each Monday, please put the practice sheet back in the front pocket of the folder.

Multicultural Night is Friday, February 7th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. I hope your family comes and has a great time!

Wednesday, February 12th, is a half-day of school. I need one parent to fill out this Google Form. This will provide me with changes in transportation as well as let me know who will be buying lunch. School will dismiss at 11:30.

Please continue working on writing names for the valentines. You will send in the valentines in a Ziploc bag on Thursday, February 13th. Each student will pass out their valentines. That means your child will also need to be able to read and match the name he/she wrote to that child’s name on their valentine bag. If you lost the Valentine Home Project note or don't understand what your child needs to do, please send me an email so I can help. If you can help provide heart stickers for the students to decorate the Valentine bags that would be so helpful! I have the bags purchased, we just need valentine stickers. Thank you!

Please continue sending in your Chick-fil-a receipts. If you place a mobile order, you can email me your receipt and I will print it. If you no longer have your receipt, you can see past transactions in your app.

Friday, January 31st

Thank you for attending 2nd Semester Parent Night! If you missed the meeting, please take time to read through the slides: 2nd Semester Parent Night It would be beneficial for those that attended to read through the slides again too. I added extra notes throughout to help explain pictures that are shared in the slides. Thank you for doing all you can to support your child's academic growth.

Please click this link to read next week’s newsletter: February 3-7

Reminders:

Please return the green Practice Folders and the January Reading Log on Monday. The completed Practice Sheet can be sent back to me in the green folder.

If your family completes the January challenge, please send a note or an email and your child will receive 2 Good Time tickets on Monday. I hope you have enjoyed spending extra family time together by playing board games and reading with your child!

Our Multicultural Night is scheduled for Friday, February 7th in the Gym and Cafeteria starting at 6PM. This is a fun opportunity for your child to learn more about the various cultures around us.

Kids Heart Challenge is back!! Kids Heart Challenge is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The Kids Heart Challenge will start Feb 3 and ends Feb 28! Your child received the Kids Heart Challenge forms yesterday.

We will be decorating our Valentine's bag next week for our Valentine’s Day exchange. If you can donate stickers for this project, please send them in your child’s blue Daily Folder. Thank you!

Monday, January 27th

**Attention! Attention! Practice Folders Are Coming Home Today!** The children are bringing home their new Practice Folders today. These are the green folders you provided at the start of school. Everything you need to know about the Practice folder is written on a note inside the folder. Please be on the lookout for the Practice Folder.

IMPORTANT! 2nd Semester Parent Night is on Thursday. Please plan on sending the parent that works with your Kindergartner on their Practice Folder. We will begin in the library at 6:00.

This week in 95% Phonics we are reviewing the letters Zz, Kk, and Ee. Please look back on last Tuesday's post for things you can do with your child at home.

Please keep working on the Valentine's Exchange Home Project. As your family works on writing valentine's, please have your child do the writing, not mom or dad. When your child has finished writing the names on the cards, please let your child practice reading the names. Your child will need to be able to read the name in order to drop the valentine in the correct bag. I sent this home early so the children have plenty of time to work on this project.

Class group pictures will be taken on Wednesday, January 29th. FLYER

This week is The Great Kindness Challenge. Please see this flyer for dress up days for the remainder of the week.

Chick-fil-a is sponsoring a district-wide contest. If you go to either of the Madison Chick-fil-a restaurants between January 21 and February 21, please send your receipt to school in your child's blue daily folder. We will add it to the classroom collection box. The top class will receive an IceDream Party with the Chick-fil-a cow and the top school in the district will receive $1000 for their PTA.

Friday, January 24

Please click this link to read next week’s newsletter: January 27-31

Yearbook orders are due January 27th. If you have not placed your order, please do so by this Monday. The form was sent home back in December. Mrs. Bolden has the form in her weekly newsletter too.

We’re looking forward to seeing one parent from each family at our 2nd Semester Parent Night on January 30th. We will meet in the Media Center at 6:00 pm. Feel free to arrive a few minutes early so you can sign in and get the handouts. Thank you for your support.

Next week is the Great Kindness Challenge. Refer to the flyer that was sent home for the dress up days.

We will take our class picture on Wednesday, January 29th. If you want to order the class picture, turn in the form by Wednesday.

As soon as you have the $5.00 for the field trip, go ahead and send it in with the permission slip. Thank you!

Chick-fil-a is sponsoring a district-wide contest. If you go to either of the Madison Chick-fil-a restaurants between January 21 and February 21, please send your receipt to school in your child's blue daily folder. We will add it to the classroom collection box. The top class will receive an IceDream Party with the Chick-fil-a cow and the top school in the district will receive $1000 for their PTA.

Tuesday, January 21st

We have a 2-hour delay start tomorrow. The buses will adjust their route accordingly. Car line will adjust by 2 hours as well. Our lunch time is not delayed. We will still eat lunch at 10:20, so if possible, please have your child eat breakfast at home before 8:00, so they'll be hungry again at 10:20. Thank you!

Tomorrow is the 100th Day of School! I am looking forward to teaching a class full of 100-year-olds tomorrow! See last Thursday's post for all of the details.

If you have not done so already, please return the Vision Screening form in your child's folder tomorrow. I sent home an extra copy today if your child has not yet turned one in.

During the next two weeks, we will be studying Zz, Kk, and short e during 95% Phonics. Please click this link to read about more activities you can do with your child: 95% Phonics Lesson 13 In the letter, it asks you to listen to your child read this week's story. Click this link to access the story: The Red Hat (I don't know why they chose to include the word gem in this story because it does not follow the phonics progression we've learned so far in their phonics program. The g says /j/ in gem. This is confusing to most Kindergarten students, so feel free to tell your child this word and move on.)

Chick-fil-a is sponsoring a district-wide contest. If you go to either of the Madison Chick-fil-a restaurants between January 21 and February 21, please send your receipt to school in your child's blue daily folder. We will add it to the classroom collection box. The top class will receive an IceDream Party with the Chick-fil-a cow and the top school in the district will receive $1000 for their PTA.

I want to encourage you to have your child start writing their valentine cards. Writing a few a day will help your child not have hand cramps. Thank you!

Thursday, January 16th

Click the link to read next week's newsletter: January 21-24. Please take time to read the newsletter. Thank you!

No school on Monday, January 20th in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Mark your calendar for Second Semester Parent Night on Thursday, January 30th at 6:00 pm. You might notice we had to move the meeting up one week due to a conflict. Please plan for the parent who works with your child on the practice sheets to attend this event.

The 100th Day of School is Wednesday, January 22nd. The students can dress up on the 100th Day of School as if they were 100 years old. Ideas for the girls: hair in a bun, glasses, dress or sweater, pearls/bead necklace, wrinkles, etc. Ideas for the boys: suspenders, tie, cardigan sweater, glasses, wrinkles, etc. You can probably find most of these items around your house or in your dress-up box. It will be a fun day!

Today in your child’s folder you will see information about our Valentine's Exchange Home Project. As your family works on writing valentine's, please have your child do the writing, not mom or dad. When your child has finished writing the names on the cards, please let your child practice reading the names. Your child will need to be able to read the name in order to drop the valentine in the correct bag. I sent this home early so the children have plenty of time to work on this project.

The sign up for Duty Free Lunch for second semester was sent out earlier this week. Please see the link to sign up.

Help from home: We are now writing our first and last names on our papers. Your child will be assessed on this and is expected to be able to write their name with correct letter formation and orientation to the line. Please work on this with your child. Learning your last name, how to spell it, and writing it can be difficult and can take longer to master.

As soon as you have the $5.00 for the field trip, go ahead and send it in with the permission slip. Thank you!

Monday, January 13th

Thank you to everyone who returned Practice Sheet #12. Practice Sheet #13 went home today.

Here's the link to the newsletter: January 13-17

This week in 95% Phonics we are focusing on reviewing letters Oo, Ll, Rr, Cc, Ff, Jj, and Ww. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child. 95% Phonics Lesson 12

Menu Change: Since school was closed on Friday there has been a change in the weekly lunch menu. The cafeteria will be serving crispitos on Tuesday and spaghetti on Thursday.

Our next field trip is February 28th. The whole school will be going to the Dream Theatre to see our CES Drama Club perform High School Musical, Jr. Permission slips went home today. The cost of the field trip is $5. Checks should be made payable to CES Drama Club. Please send exact change. We can not make change. The money and permission slip are due by Friday February 7th. Since the whole school is going on this field trip chaperones are not needed.

Please continue being diligent about hand washing at home and helping to remind your child to keep their hands out of their nose and mouth.

Thursday, January 9th

Report of Learning Folders are coming home today with your child’s 2nd Nine weeks Report Card and Middle of the year Assessment reports (both DIBELS and iReady). Please read the 2nd Nine Weeks Report Card note in the front of your child’s folder. Please review the information, sign in the address box, and return the folder to school by Monday.

Please note that our second semester Parent Night is scheduled for Thursday, February 6th at 5:30.

Help from home: We are now writing our first and last names on our papers. Your child will be assessed on this and is expected to be able to write their name with correct letter formation and orientation to the line. Please work on this with your child. Learning your last name, how to spell it, and writing it can be difficult and can take longer to master.

This week in 95% Phonics we are focusing on the letters Jj and Ww. Please click this link to read about more activities to do with your child. 95% Phonics Lesson 11

Reminders:

No school tomorrow, January 10th, due to the forecasted potential for snow, ice, and hazardous road conditions.

As you know after receiving Dr. Nichols' email, we will be CLOSED on Friday, January 10th, due to the likelihood of inclement weather. This means students will not be responsible for any e-learning assignments. Teachers have been asked to send home chromebooks as a precautionary measure in the event we have an e-learning day Monday. At this time, we have no reason to believe we will be home on Monday, but Mrs. Bolden wanted to make sure our students have what they need if we happen to still be home. I am not sending home students' chargers. Please make sure your child does not "drain the battery" over the weekend! I "hid" their QR code login inside their computer next to the mousepad. This is how they will log on to the computer if need be on Monday!

Monday, January 6th

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful and relaxing break.

Here is next week's newsletter: January 6-10. Please take time to read the newsletter. Thank you!

The 3rd Nine Weeks of school is packed full of essential learning in Kindergarten. If your child is healthy, it is important for him/her to be at school on time each day, ready to learn. If your child is a car rider, we recommend going through the car line before 7:20. This will give your child plenty of time to walk to the classroom, unpack, zip their coat to their chair, and complete their morning work. If there is anything you need from me in order to make that happen, please reach out. I am here to help.

Flu cases normally start increasing at this time of year. Please review proper handwashing techniques with your child. Consider washing your child's backpack and lunchbox or wiping them down with Clorox wipes. I will keep the tables and door knobs sanitized often. As we continue to prioritize a healthy and comfortable learning environment for all students, I would greatly appreciate your help in providing a few essential supplies for the classroom. If you are able, I kindly ask for donations of: soft Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes. These items will help ensure that we can keep our space clean and throughout the remainder of the school year. Any contributions, big or small, would be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for your continued support of our classroom community.

If your family completed the December challenge, please send a note or an email and your child will receive 4 Good Time tickets. The January challenge is one of my favorites! Please consider doing it with your family!

Tuesday, December 17th

We had a wonderful Christmas party today! The students really had fun! Thank you to Bekah Winslow and RJ Habig for organizing the party and to all who sent in items to make the party a success! Also, thank you to the parents who were able to come and help with our party. Thank you all! You have spoiled me with Christmas gifts. I appreciate each one.

Your child is bringing home your Christmas present today. I hope you enjoy it and treasure it for years to come!

Rest mats will be coming home tomorrow. Please keep them at home until we return in January. Due to half day dismissal Thursday and Friday we will not have rest time.

Monday, December 16th

Please remember that Thursday and Friday, December 19-20, are half days of school. We will be dismissed at 11:30 on these days. Rest mats will not be needed for these days. If you have not filled out the half day Google form, please do so today. Here is the link: Half Day Google Form

Our class party will be tomorrow, December 17th at 8:30 in our classroom. Parents are welcome to join us for the party, no siblings please. Please remember that you will need to sign in at the front office.

Also, please remember to send a snack and water bottle daily with your child. We eat lunch at 10:30 and your child will be hungry by the time we have our afternoon snack. Thank you.

Thursday, December 12th

Please remember that next Thursday and Friday, December 19-20, are half days of school. We will be dismissed at 11:30 on these days. Please complete the half day Google form as soon as possible. Here is the link: Half Day Google Form

Our class party will be on Tuesday, December 17th, at 8:30 in our classroom. Parents are welcome to join us for the party, no siblings please. Please remember that you will need to sign in at the front office.

Monday, December 9th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters Cc and Ff. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Our class holiday party will be on Tuesday, December 17th from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Please mark your calendar for this fun event. Please be on the lookout for an email from Mrs. Winslow! She emailed everyone last week. If you have not seen this email in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder.

Tomorrow is Grinch Day. Your child may wear green or dress like their favorite Grinch character.

Now that we've finished our DIBELS benchmark assessment and the iReady assessments, we've started our assessments for our 2nd Nine Week Report Cards. Please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. If you plan for your child to be absent, please let me know, so I can plan accordingly to assure missed assessments are completed.

Another Flu and Illness Reminder:

If your child has a fever he/she must be fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) before returning to school.

Students must also be free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

Do not be tempted to send your child back to school too soon, children with the flu need time for their body to recover.

As you may know, I am pregnant and I am taking extra precautions to protect my health. With cold and flu season upon us, I kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping your child home if they are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, or a fever, please. This will not only help ensure the health and safety of everyone, but it will also allow your child to rest and recover fully before returning. I greatly appreciate your understanding and support during this time!

Friday, December 6th

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: December 9-13

Columbia Yearbooks are on sale now through January 27th. They cost $30. The flyer was sent home this week.

Yesterday I sent home an informational note about next week's sight word assessment. Note

We are collecting donations for a Christmas gift for our school's plant manager, four custodians, and five lunchroom workers. If you'd like to donate, we ask that you send cash donations in an envelope labeled "CES Holiday Donations" by December 13th. Thank you!

Please remember to send a coat/jacket each day. We go outside to recess every day if the "feels like temperature" is above 32 degrees.

Tuesday, December 3rd

Please do the DIBELS Practice Packet with your child tonight. This was sent home Thursday before Thanksgiving Break. Your support at home makes a world of difference for your child. Thank you for having your child take a few minutes on five days to read the page of words on Thanksgiving break. Kindergarten takes the Winter Benchmark Assessment for mClass DIBELS tomorrow, Wednesday December 4th. Please make sure your child has adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast before they take this test tomorrow.

Practice #10 came home yesterday. Also, the December Reading Log went home in folders yesterday. If your child completes this reading log they will get 5 Good Time Tickets. Remember if they submit all of the reading logs from 2nd Nine Weeks (October, November, and December), they will earn a special incentive from our reading coach and librarian in January. Happy Reading!
I wanted to give out a few reminders about jackets-

1. We go outside for recess as long as the “feels like” temperature is above 32 degrees. Please pay attention to the weather and send an appropriate jacket.

2. Keep working with your child on zipping his/her jacket until it is mastered and turning the sleeves right side in. Thank you! Many of them have it down pat now, which is very helpful as we transition to and from recess

Thursday, November 21st

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: December 2-6. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

Today in your child’s folder you will find a flyer about the Reindeer Shop. Our class will be visiting the Reindeer Shop on Monday, December 2nd. If you want your child to have the opportunity to shop for family members, please fill out the envelope with the names of people and the amount of money that your child could spend on each person.

Also, in your child’s folder you will find a DIBELS practice packet for your child to complete over the Thanksgiving break. If your child reads all the words 5 times (once per day) by December 1st, I will give your child TEN Good Time Tickets!!! Please initial and date on the sheet each time your child reads all of the words on this page. You can do this!

Monday, November 18th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning letters Ll, Rr, and Oo (short vowel o). Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Our first workbook from 95% Phonics will go home tomorrow for you to review and keep at home.

Practice sheet #9 went home in folders today. The Practice Sheet is due back on December 2nd. Please take the time to help your child complete all of the activities on this sheet. It will greatly benefit your child’s learning.

Please label your child's jacket with their first and last name. If the jacket is labeled, it will be easier to find it in the lost and found.

Flu and Illness Reminders:

If your child has a fever he/she must be fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) before returning to school.

Students must also be free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

Do not be tempted to send your child back to school too soon, children with the flu need time for their body to recover.

Friday, November 15th

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: November 18-22. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

As the weather starts to gets cooler, please remember we will go outside daily unless it is raining or the wind chill is below 32. Please send your child a jacket/coat to wear when playing outside. Please label jackets with your child’s name. Please allow your child time to practice putting their jacket on and zipping it multiple times. Each child should be able to put their jacket on and zip it independently. Thank you for helping your child learn this life skill!

Helpful weekend to do list:

1. Wash your child's rest mat and return Monday morning.

2. Have your child practice zipping their coat until they can do it independently 3 times in a row.

3. Finish Practice Sheet #8 and return it to school Monday morning inside your child's Blue Daily Folder.

4. Enjoy the weekend!

Tuesday, November 12th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are reviewing letters M, D, G, I, S, H, and B. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Thank you to all who returned Practice Sheet #7 today. Practice Sheet #8 is coming home in your child's folder today. Thank you for spending a little time each day on the Practice Sheet. Remember, if your child is having difficulty reading the "Blending Words" on the Word List, please let them practice reading the words daily. The same goes for sight words. If they are having difficulty reading the sight words on the Word List, please practice them daily with flashcards.

Today we began our sorting unit. We are learning how to 1) sort by one attribute, 2) count the amount in each group, 3) sort the groups by amount. We practiced these skills using M &M’s! The children sorted them by color, then they counted how many of each color they had. Finally, they sorted the color groups by amount. We will sort various objects the rest of this week. By the end of this unit, the children should be able to do our 3-step sort for multiple attributes of the same group of objects.

Progress Reports will be coming home in the Report of Learning Folders on Wednesday, November 13th. Please read the progress report, sign it, and return it to school Friday.

Parents, please help me with the following items:
1. Students need to wear velcro or slip on tennis shoes to school each day.

2. Please do not send your child to school in shoes that have laces. Avoid all boots (slip on and laces) and dress shoes.

3. Send a snack with your child daily. Consider setting an alarm on your phone so you remember to put a snack in your child's backpack each day. Last week, there were a few days when I had anywhere from 2-5 kids without a snack. A local church provides snacks for families who do not have the financial means to provide snacks for their children. However, their snacks are not for children who forget their snack or act like they don't have a snack because they don't like the one they brought from home. If you need help from the local church to provide snacks for your child, please let me know, and I will send home the form to get your family signed up.

Thursday, November 7th

Columbia will be hosting our first STEM Day tomorrow. Please click this link for more information: STEM Day

Here is this week’s newsletter: November 12-15. Thank you for taking a moment to read the newsletter each week to stay informed.

The #1 question this week has been, "Mrs. Yurack, when are we going to do the lesson with the M&Ms?!?" They were happy to hear that we are going to use them Tuesday. Thank you for sending so many to school. If there are any extra packs after we finish the lesson, I plan to put them inside the prize box. If you are out shopping and see small trinkets for the prize box, we'd love to have them for the class.

Our class really enjoyed learning about veterans and going to the Veterans parade today. They will also be illustrating a Veterans poem for their Poetry Notebook. You'll want to check those out with your child when their Poetry Notebook comes home!

Reminder: No School on Monday, November 11th in honor of Veteran's Day.

Monday, November 4th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters Hh and Bb. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Thank you for turning in Practice Sheet #6 today. Practice Sheet #7 is in your child's Daily folder. If you didn’t send in your child’s Practice Sheet today, please send it tomorrow in their blue Daily Folder.

We resumed checking out books from the library today now that the book fair is over.

Columbia will be hosting our first STEM Day on November 8th. Please click this link for more information: STEM Day

Columbia Elementary School will be hosting the following events on November 7th in order to honor Veterans Day! Have your child wear red, white, and blue. You are welcome to make a sign for your child to hold during the parade. Please send it on Thursday morning. We'd love to see any veterans from your family drive thru our parade. Let me know if we should expect to see you.

The eS2S Astro Ambassadors will be handing out thank you cards to families with Veterans during the morning car line! Cars will put their flashers on to signal that they have a Veteran in their family.

There will be a drive-thru parade at CES for our students to honor Veterans from 9:00a.m.-9:20a.m. in the back car line area. Please see the flyer for more information.

Students are encouraged to invite a veteran friend or family member to eat lunch with them on the CES stage on November 9th. Veterans can purchase a lunch at the school for $4.75 or bring their own lunch! Please see the flyer for more information.

No School on Monday, November 11th in honor of Veteran's Day.

Reminder: When looking through your child's Halloween candy, please send 1- 2 packages of the FunSize plain M&Ms in your child's folder for us to use for a math lesson. Thank you!!

Thank you to everyone who has completed the Impact Aid survey. If you have not completed this very important form please do so immediately. The link to the form was on last week’s post.

Friday, November 1st

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: November 4-8. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

I wanted to express the importance of our students arriving on time each day. When they start their morning at school promptly, it gives them a calm and focused beginning, allowing them to fully engage with the day’s lessons right from the start. Missing those first few minutes can make a real difference, as it often means they're joining us mid-lesson, feeling rushed or struggling to catch up. I know mornings can be challenging, and we appreciate all you do to support your child’s education. By ensuring they arrive on time, you’re helping them build strong habits that set them up for success throughout the day and the year. Thank you so much for your understanding and support in this.

Request: When looking through your child's Halloween candy, please send 1- 2 packages of the FunSize plain M&Ms (please no peanut) in your child's folder for us to use next week for a math lesson. We will be using the candy to learn how to do a 3 step sort. Thank you!!

Reminder: Thank you to everyone who has completed the Impact Aid survey. If you have not completed this very important form please do so immediately. Here is a link to help you find the form: How to fill out impact aid form

Helpful Things To Do:

-Have your child practice buttoning or zipping jacket/coat and practice putting on and taking off the their coat or jacket

- Have your child practice rolling up their rest mat

- Make sure your child has a change of clothes in their backpack

Wednesday, October 30th

The Book Fair is open all this week. It will be open from 7:45-2:15 daily and will close on Friday, November 1st, at 10:45 a.m. Reminder, our class will visit the Book Fair TOMORROW, Thursday, October 31, from 8:15-8:45.

Request: When looking through your child's Halloween candy tomorrow night, please send 1- 2 packages of the FunSize plain M&Ms in your child's folder for us to use next week for a math lesson. We will be using the candy to learn how to do a 3 step sort. Thank you!!

Reminder that students are allowed to wear their costume to school under the following guidelines:

Costumes must be able to be worn to and from school as students will not have time to change.

Costumes must be able to be worn indoors and outdoors, to include PE and Recess.

Appropriate school shoes must be worn with the costume, tennis shoes only.

Please avoid scary, gory, or grotesque costumes.

Please avoid masks and face painting that covers the entire face.

No props should be sent that accompany the costume.

Do not send your child in a one piece costume. This makes using the restroom difficult and requires extra time away from instruction. The costume needs to be one in which the student can go to the restroom independently. Keep in mind your child does not have to wear their actual Halloween costume if you wish to keep it fresh for trick or treating.

Monday, October 28th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are learning the letters Ss and Ii. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities. Practice sheet #6 will be coming home in folders today. The Practice Sheet is due back on November 4th. Please take the time to help your child complete all the activities on this sheet. It will greatly benefit your child’s learning.

Please remember that the October Reading Log is due Thursday, October 31st.

Red Ribbon Week is this week: Please refer to the October 17th post or our schools’ social media platforms for the dress-up days.

The Book Fair will be open all this week. It will be open from 7:45-2:15 daily and will close on Friday, November 1st, at 10:45 a.m. In addition, if you wish to come and shop with your child, the Book Fair will be open during the Trail of Treats tonight from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Reminder, our class will visit the Book Fair on Thursday, October 31, from 8:15-8:45. Please note that the library will be closed for check-outs this week due to the Book Fair. Please keep your child’s book at home until next week. Thank you and happy Book Fair week!

With Halloween excitement in full swing, I wanted to gently remind everyone about the importance of a good night’s sleep for our students, especially during this busy week! We understand how exciting all the activities and festivities are, and we love seeing their enthusiasm. To help them fully enjoy and make the most of both school and Halloween fun, a consistent sleep schedule can be so beneficial. A full night’s rest supports their focus, mood, and energy, which makes their days at school even more enjoyable and productive. This is especially true now, with all the added stimulation and excitement of the season. We appreciate your support in ensuring our students are well-rested and ready for each new day of learning and celebration.

Friendly reminders:

Please empty your child’s Daily Folder every day.

Please return your child’s Practice Sheet every Monday.

Please send your child to school daily with a snack and a bottle of water.

Please make sure your child has a change of clothes in their backpack that is appropriate for the season.

Thursday, October 24th

Click this link to read next week's newsletter: October 28 - November 1 Thank you for reading the newsletter each week.

If you haven't watched the video that I shared in Monday's post, please take time to do that now. Mrs. Hester made it for parents to know how to support your child with Practice #5 and beyond. It is worth your time to watch. Here is the link to the video: Practice Sheet #5 Video

Yesterday, all students who met the Kindergarten independent reading goal for the 1st Nine Weeks received an extra recess from our librarian and reading coach. My class had 9 students at the extra recess. Way to go! Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. Evans will offer a different incentive for reaching the 2nd Nine Weeks reading goal. Remember, the goal is to read 20 books in October, November, and December. Turn in each month's reading log when it is completed and I will keep them in a safe place. Thank you for reading to your child at home!

Tomorrow is Pajama and Hat Day. This was the incentive for the school reaching $40,000 during the fundraiser. After tomorrow, all of the incentives have been given.

Events happening at Columbia:

FCA Coin Drive - happening through October 31

Trunk or Treat - October 28 from 6:00-7:30

Red Ribbon Week - October 28-November 1

CES Wall of Honor - If your child has a relative who is a Veteran, please fill out this Certificate of Gratitude and include a picture.  We keep our certificates from year to year, so please don’t send pictures that you would need returned.  If possible, copy the photo directly onto the certificate and send the completed form back to school. The certificates will be displayed on the CES Wall of Honor.

Monday, October 21

Practice Sheet #5 is in folders today. Please click this link to watch a video to help you with the new boxes on the practice sheet this week: Practice Sheet #5 Video The video was made for parents to watch so you know what to expect when working with your child on the practice sheet. Your child does not have to watch the video. Thank you Mrs. Hester for making this video!

I need your help getting 100% completion of the Impact Aid survey for our class. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the electronic Impact Aid survey in PowerSchool Parent Portal. (Dr. Nichols sent an email last week with directions.) Please complete this form by October 31. I appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. Please contact the front office if you have any questions.

Helpful information for NEXT week:

Next Monday is our annual CES Trail of Treats. If you plan to come, please send one bag of candy per child that will be trick-or-treating. See the flyer in last Friday's post for more information.

October 28 - November 1 is Red Ribbon week. There are dress up days each day during Red Ribbon week. They were listed on last Friday's post and a flyer will come home this week with all of the information too.

The Book Fair will be open next week. If you wish to come and shop with your child, the Book Fair will be open during the Trail of Treats. Our class is scheduled to visit the book fair on Thursday, October 31 from 8:15-8:45. If you would like your child to purchase books, you can send money in a labeled envelope inside your child’s daily folder next Wednesday.

Thursday, October 17th

Click this link to view next week’s newsletter: October 21-25 Please take a few minutes to read the newsletter each week. I also hope that you and your child are enjoying spending time together as you do the October Challenge. The monthly challenge can be found in the upper right-hand corner of our newsletter.

Please see the attached flyer for information about our school Trail of Treats event. We are collecting bags of candy to distribute at this event. For each child you will be bringing to trick or treat at this event please send in that many bags of candy.

Please see the attached flyer from the Alabama Department of Education. It has some valuable information about our kindergarten reading standards and how to support your child at home.

Heads up: October 28-November 1st is Red Ribbon Week. The following are dress-up days for Red Ribbon week:

Monday- Team Up Against Drugs (Wear your favorite sports jersey or team gear)

Tuesday- Stay on Course, Don’t Flip (students dress like teachers & teachers dress like students)

Wednesday- Work Out Your Choices Wednesday (Wear Workout Clothes)

Thursday- Drugs are Spooky (wear your Halloween costume)

*no scary costumes, no one piece costumes, must wear tennis shoes*

Friday- Follow Your Dreams (Wear Pajamas)

Monday, October 14th

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are reviewing the letters Mm, Dd, and Gg. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Coming home today in Daily Folders: Practice #4. If you didn’t send in your child’s Practice Sheet #3 today, please send it tomorrow in their blue Daily Folder. These practice sheets are a valuable resource to help support your child’s learning at home. Please take the time to do these with your child. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Tomorrow is our first field trip. Please review the field trip reminders that were sent home last week. Click here for field trip reminders.

Our FCA is organizing a coin drive to raise much-needed funds for families impacted by the recent hurricanes in neighboring states. The proceeds will be donated to Samaritan's Purse and the Church of Christ Disaster Relief Organization, two wonderful organizations that have been working tirelessly to support those affected by these devastating events. The coin drive will run throughout the month of October, and we are gratefully accepting any spare change or small dollar bills you may be willing to contribute. There will be collection jars in the front office and in one classroom for each grade level, making it easy for students to participate.

Every little bit helps, and together, we can make a meaningful difference for those in need.

Thursday, October 10th

Click this link to view next week’s newsletter: October 14-18. Thank you for taking a moment to read the newsletter each week and stay informed.

**Very Important Information: TOMORROW we will have the Sprinkler Water Party during our recess time at 1:30. Whatever your child wears to school is what they will wear during the party. Make sure they can independently remove these clothes while wet. Please send clothes that they can independently change into after the party. They won’t have much time to change. All 5 Kindergarten classes have a total of 30 minutes to change before dismissal and we have limited bathroom stalls. Time will be of the essence. Also, please send a pair of shoes in the backpack for your child to wear to the water party. Your child still needs to wear their velcro tennis shoes for the school day.

Report of Learning Folders are coming home today with your child’s 1st Nine weeks Report Card. As discussed at Parent Night our grading scale is 4, 3, 2, 1. Your child will not receive a 4 until the standard has been taught to the full depth of the Kindergarten expectations AND your child has shown consistent mastery of the standard. At this time of the year 2s and 3s are extremely common. Another thing we discussed at Parent Night was that Kindergarten teachers system wide have a rubric to follow when assigning a 4, 3, 2 or 1 for a standard. After reading the Report Card, please do two things. First, sign the report card in the address box on the first page. Second, I would like one parent from each family to complete this Google Form.

Trail of Treats will be on October 28th from 6:00-7:30 pm. PTA is asking for candy donations for this event. Donations will also be collected in the carline on October 11th and 18th. Click on this flyer for more information.

Monday, October 7th

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Fall Break! I'm excited about beginning the 2nd Nine weeks.

Please read this week's newsletter: October 7-11

This week in our 95% Phonics Program we are reviewing the letters Tt, Pp, Nn and Aa. Please click this link to find more activities to do with your child: 95% Phonics Activities.

Coming home today in Daily Folders: Practice #3. If you didn’t send in your child’s Practice Sheet #2 today, please send it tomorrow in their blue Daily Folder. These practice sheets are a valuable resource to help support your child’s learning at home. Please take the time to do these with your child. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Reminder - This Wednesday is a half-day of school. Elementary students are dismissed at 11:30. Please fill out the Half Day Google link letting me know of any transportation changes and what your child will do for lunch. I only need one parent to fill out the form. Here is the link: Google Form

Thursday, September 19th
Please click this link to read next week’s newsletter: September 23-27. Thank you for reading the newsletter each week!

Thank you to everyone who has turned in the field trip forms and payment. Both forms and payment are due no later than September 26th.

Next week is the last week of the first quarter. I am continuing to collect data and complete one on one assessments with the students for their first nine weeks report card throughout next week. If you know in advance that your child will be out of school for any day next week, please let me know so that I may adjust my assessment schedule to ensure your child’s first nine weeks assessments are completed.

We are so excited to announce this year's Be a Champion and Read context! Our Columbia students are challenged to read six reading-level appropriate books to qualify for the AEA Grand Prize: Iron Bowl tickets - one winner for each team - for the student and two guests. Each prize includes sideline passes and pre-game activities. Logs for keeping up with reading progress have already been sent home with your child. We are thrilled to make this an exciting month for our readers! These logs must be turned into the library by October 21st. If you have misplaced your log you can print your own out here: Be a Champion! Read!

One way that you can help your child is by learning to independently open items they may have at lunch (milks, chip bags, cheese sticks, etc.). We have a very short time in the lunchroom, our schedule for lunch is from 10:20-10:50. While this may seem to be enough time by the time we go through the lunch line, get settled at the table, then open containers, about 10 minutes has passed. Then we lose another 5 minutes for cleaning up. If your child still struggles with opening the containers then consider changing what you send the lunch item in or open the container enough that your child can finish the process successfully. Please practice opening lunch and snack items with your child throughout the week. The more opportunities they have to do this, the easier it will become! I appreciate your help with this!

Monday, September 16th

Our first Practice Sheet is coming home in folder's today. As you read on the newsletter, please don't do it all at once - a little each day will benefit your child. This is a picture of what to look for in the folder: Practice Sheet Picture. Also, refer back to the letter naming video I shared last week for guidance.

Today, we began our second week of our 95% phonics program. We are focusing on the letters Tt and Pp this week. Here is some more information about this phonics program.

We're studying apples this week in science. Please send an apple to school before Wednesday. Thank you to those who sent in an apple today!

We started Literacy Stations today. We will continue to review the procedures for Literacy Stations in hopes that it will go smoothly in the coming weeks.

Please continue to practice the lunch numbers at home with your child. This makes checking out a new library book easy and speeds up the long line of children buying a school lunch.

No Hassle Fundraiser - The No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through Friday. Please consider giving a donation to our school. You can give online by clicking this link: No Hassle Fundraiser.

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their Community Helper picture and sentence. See last Thursday's post for more information.

Thursday, September 12th

Please click this link to read next week’s newsletter: September 16-20 Thank you for reading the newsletter each week!

We're studying apples next week in science. Please send an apple to school on Monday.

Return your child's Red Report of Learning Folder tomorrow. Please sign the progress report before returning.

Community Helper Project - We will be studying Community Helpers the last week of September. I need every parent to email me with two things:
1. A picture of you at work. Whatever your job, whether you are an engineer, accountant, fireman, sales clerk, stay at home mom, or a doctor, I’d like you to send me a picture.
2. A sentence about how your job helps others. Please explain it in a way that 5 and 6-year-olds can understand.
Please email me these two things by September 20th. My email address is rdyurack@madisoncity.k12.al.us I will share your picture and read your sentence to the class during Community Helper Week. Your child will be so proud to have your picture shared with the class. Thank you for participating!

Kindergarten Field Trip - Our first field trip is October 15th. The informational note and permission slip were sent home today. Please send the completed forms and payment at the same time. The forms and payment are due on September 26th. If you mark on the form that an adult plans to join us, please remember that the adult will need to complete a background check. Here is the link: School Background Check

No Hassle Fundraiser - The No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 20th. Please consider giving a donation to our school. You can give online by clicking this link: No Hassle Fundraiser. We have 13 students registered! Remember, just by registering, your child gets a coupon for a free kid's meal at Jon Smith Subs. Our class has raised $1,180 for the fundraiser. Wow! Impressive!!

Rock Your School - On September 27th, Columbia Elementary will be participating in Rock Your School. The theme this year is a "Twenties Era" Birthday Party for Columbia. We're going to wear red and black to the birthday party. Between now and then, please help your child learn their birthday. As of last week, only five of my students could tell me the month and day they were born. Please read this informational note about Rock Your School on Friday, September 27th. Thank you for your willingness to help!

Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, September 9th

I have 2 quick videos that I would like you to watch today:
1) The First Nine Weeks Progress Report will be in your child’s backpack on Wednesday. Please watch this video to know what to expect and what I need you to do. It should answer any questions you have about the Report of Learning Folder: Progress Report Video
2) Mrs. Hester made this video about the activities we’ve been doing in class to help with letter identification. Please watch this video to the end. It is 5 minutes. Letter Identification Video

Thank you for watching both videos!!

Columbia's No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 20th. Our PTA raises money to support students and teachers. The annual fundraiser is hassle-free! Funds are used to enhance the school, purchase classroom supplies, host school events, and spruce up spaces at the school. Here is the link to donate online:  No Hassle Fundraiser (Each student that has a parent register online will receive a free Kids Meal from Jon Smith Subs) Any amount you can contribute to the fundraiser is helpful! Whether that is $5, $20, $50 or more, it all adds up to help our school.

Friday, September 6th

Please click this link to read next week's newsletter: September 9-13

Please order a class shirt for your child. Our class color is Violet. We will wear these shirts frequently throughout the year. The deadline to order is Monday at 8:00 am. Please place your order before then by clicking on this link: Order a Class Shirt If you haven't ordered yet because the $10 is a financial hardship, please reach out to me so we can work something out. If you haven't ordered yet because you keep forgetting, please take a moment to order one now. Thank you!

On September 27th, Columbia Elementary will be participating in Rock Your School. The theme this year is a "Twenties Era" Birthday Party for Columbia. We're going to wear red and black to the birthday party. Between now and then, please help your child learn their birthday. As of last week, only five of my students could tell me the month and day they were born. Please read this informational note about Rock Your School on Friday, September 27th. Thank you for your willingness to help!

You'll notice we'll have fewer papers in our Daily Folders starting next week. Our 95% Phonics Program has a workbook that we'll be working out of each day.

Also, next week I need the students to bring their best listening ears because I am teaching the procedures for Literacy Stations. Literacy Station time is when I teach small groups of students while the rest of the class is working with partners on independent practice. It is crucial that they learn and understand the procedures so they can do it independently in the coming weeks.

Columbia's No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 20th. Our PTA raises money to support students and teachers. The annual fundraiser is hassle-free! Funds are used to enhance the school, purchase classroom supplies, host school events, and spruce up spaces at the school. All of the information you need to know came home in your child’s folder today. Thank you for supporting our school! Here is the link to donate online: No Hassle Fundraiser (Each student that has a parent register online will receive a free Kids Meal from Jon Smith Subs). Several students are bringing home their CES sunglasses that they have earned!

Tuesday, September 3rd

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend!

Please look in your child’s folder to find the September Reading Log. Each grade level has an independent reading plan for their students. Kindergarten is slightly different because our students are not independent readers yet. So, as you read to your child, they need to color a leaf on their reading log. Please read all of the details and directions that come home with the reading log in your child’s folder today. The completed reading log is due September 27th. Enjoy cuddling up and reading with your child.

Columbia's No Hassle Fundraiser is happening now through September 20th. Our PTA raises money to support students and teachers. The annual fundraiser is hassle-free! Funds are used to enhance the school, purchase classroom supplies, host school events, and spruce up spaces at the school. All of the information you need to know came home in your child’s folder today. Thank you for supporting our school! Here is the link to donate online: No Hassle Fundraiser (Each student that has a parent register online will receive a free Kids Meal from Jon Smith Subs).

In order to honor Grandparents' Day on Friday, September 6th, we plan to offer the following to our families:

Before lunch, option to visit the library to read a book with their grandchild

Join their grandchild at lunch

It is your responsibility to let me know if there will be a grandparent meeting your child in the library. I will send your child to the library from 10:00 - 10:15, prior to lunch. At 10:15 your child will be sent back to our room to go to the restroom and wash hands. We will meet all grandparents in the lunchroom shortly after!

Please read this informational note about Rock Your School on Friday, September 27th. Thank you for your willingness to help!

Thursday, August 29th

Click this link to read next week’s newsletter: September 2-6. Please take a few minutes to read the newsletter each week. I appreciate you doing your part to keep yourself informed about classroom learning. Please make sure you click on the link to view the newsletter - this post is not the newsletter!

Remember you can order your child a class shirt with this link: class shirts. You will want to be sure to order a shirt for your child because we will wear them often throughout the school year. Please reach out to me if purchasing this shirt is a hardship for your family. We are wearing violet shirts this year! Thank you!

Please remember to send a snack and a refillable water bottle every day with your child. Also, for safety reasons, please do not send glass water bottles or containers to school. I also ask that you empty your child’s blue Daily Folder every day and look over the papers that are in the folder. It helps you to see what your child is learning at school, as well as see important papers that I send home providing information that you need.

Reminders:

Kindergarten will have the opportunity to purchase ice cream every Friday starting next Friday, September 6th. If your child brings lunch and you would like to allow them to purchase the ice cream, please let them know so that they know they should go through the line with the class.

Helpful weekend to do list:

1. Cozy up and enjoy reading your child’s poetry notebook.

2. Wash your child’s rest mat.

3. Have your child practice rolling up and securing their rest mat until they can do it independently 3 times in a row.

4. Use any opportunity you can to help your child learn the names of all uppercase and lowercase letters.

5. Enjoy the long weekend!

Monday, August 26th

Today we started to practice writing our first names with correct formation and orientation to the line. In addition to being able to write their first name correctly, your child needs to know the letters that spell their name. I would like your child to point to each letter in their name one at a time and say the name of that letter. If they can do this easily, fabulous! If they do not know the letters in their name, continue to listen to your child do this several times each day until they can identify the letters in their name.

Throughout the past few weeks we have focused on getting to know each other and learning our rules and procedures. We go over our rules each day to help us continue to learn procedures and expectations. We have made numerous posters that will serve as reminders for our expectations and goals. Having structure and organization in a classroom is essential for a positive, productive learning environment. We have also discussed the importance of doing our best with all our work. You can help your child by encouraging him/her to follow our classroom rules and by giving simple directions to follow independently at home.

Class Shirts:

PURPLE order forms for our class shirts are coming home today in your child’s Blue Daily Folder. You can also order the class shirt online using this link: Class Shirts. Our class will be ordering the Violet shirt. These shirts will be worn frequently throughout the year for field trips, Field Day and special school events. It’s very helpful for all students to have the same shirt, as it allows the teacher to easily count and keep track of everyone.

Important Dates:

- Fall Picture Day is TOMORROW (Tuesday, August 27th). These portraits will be in the school year book.

- Cookies with the Counselors will be on Thursday, August 29th. It will be held in the CES library from 1:30-2:30. You may RSVP using this link.

Reminders:

Send a snack daily with your child. We eat a very early lunch at 10:20 so by snack time, students are usually hungry again.

Please also remember to return your child’s library book to their backpack after reading it each night. Three were left at school today! Students must return their book to receive a new one, and everyone enjoys getting to go to the library for a new book!

Please remember our August Challenge - Fine Motor Skills Please set a timer for no less than 10 minutes each day and give your child opportunities to write letters and numbers with pencil, draw pictures of people with pencil, color pictures with crayons, and cut paper with kid scissors. Sit with your child as they do these activities and provide encouragement as needed. If these activities are difficult for your child, please allow them to also play with playdough, lace beads on a shoelace, and pick up small objects with tweezers. These activities will help your child build the muscles in their fingers which leads to improved handwriting. If you complete this challenge each day of August, please email me at the end of the month to let me know they met the challenge. Your child will receive FOUR Good Time Tickets.

Friday, August 23rd

Thank you so much for attending Parent Night! I look forward to partnering with you to ensure a successful school year for your child. If you were unable to join us, I have the handouts in your child’s folder today, and you can find the slides from the presentation by clicking this link: Kindergarten Parent Night Slides While these slides don’t capture everything shared during our hour and a half meeting, they cover the main topics we discussed.

Transportation Change Requests: We’ve been informed by several parents that the email address for transportation changes is currently not working. For now, please use the following email address for any transportation changes: cesattendance@madisoncity.k12.al.us. Our tech department is working to resolve the issue with the original email address, and we will notify you once it’s fixed. Thank you to the parents who brought this to our attention!

Fall Picture Day:
On Tuesday, August 27, Greg Machen Photography will be at Columbia to take Fall pictures. These will be the pictures used in the school yearbook. In about two weeks, you’ll receive a proof to review and purchase if you’d like. If your child is absent on picture day, don’t worry, a make-up date will be scheduled.

Rest Mats:
Rest mats are also coming home today. After washing the mat, please have your child practice rolling it up independently. We ask that you return the rest mat on Monday.

Poetry Notebooks:
Poetry notebooks are in backpacks today. I hope you enjoy cozying up with your child to read the poems together. Please leave the poems in the notebook and send it back to school on Monday.

A Glance at Next Week:

Reading: Identifying beginning sounds, focusing on Letter Experts for Qq, Rr, Ss, Tt, and Uu.

Math: Showing, counting, and writing the numbers 6 and 7.

Monday, August 19th

As you read in the letter about our Behavior Management Plan, we are utilizing Good Time tickets. Your child can save their tickets for incentives or they can enter tickets into the weekly drawing for a chance at the prize box. I would love some help purchasing the items for the prize box. If you would like to help, please visit this link: Wish List for Prize Box items Thank you for your generosity! (You will notice there are other wish list items on this link too. Not all of the items are for the prize box.)

I’m looking forward to meeting with all of you on Thursday at 5:30 in our media center for Kindergarten Parent Night. You will hear from all the kindergarten teachers for about an hour. Then, parents of my students will come to my classroom to hear a little more from me about the specifics of our classroom. It is important that each child has one parent present for the meeting, preferably the parent who works with the child on school work and will be communicating with me.

Last week, our kindergarten students had our library orientation lesson. We learned our way around the library. Today, we returned to the library and had a lesson on how to take care of library books. Your child’s first school library book will come home today! Please return this book tomorrow so we can check out a new book!

Thank you for returning your child’s poetry notebook today. I hope you enjoyed looking at this with your child. Throughout the year we will be adding poems to this notebook. It will be a treasure you will want to keep as you notice the development of your child with his/her drawings.

Please remember our August Challenge - Fine Motor Skills - Please set a timer for no less than 10 minutes each day and give your child opportunities to write letters and numbers with pencil, draw pictures of people with pencil, color pictures with crayons, and cut paper with kid scissors. Sit with your child as they do these activities and provide encouragement as needed. If these activities are difficult for your child, please allow them to also play with playdough, lace beads on a shoelace, and pick up small objects with tweezers. These activities will help your child build the muscles in their fingers which leads to improved handwriting. If you complete this challenge each day of August, please email me at the end of the month to let me know they met the challenge. Your child will receive FOUR Good Time Tickets.

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Thank you for continuing to participate in our Color Weeks daily colors! We are enjoying learning about colors. We have had fun painting primary and secondary colors this week. Ask your child about mixing colors to make purple, green and orange paint. The kids were excited watching the colors change as we mixed!

Please remember to send a snack and a refillable water bottle every day with your child. Also, for safety reasons, please do not send glass water bottles or containers to school. I also ask that you empty your child’s blue Daily Folder every day and look over the papers that are in the folder. It helps you to see what your child is learning at school, as well as see important papers that I send home providing information that you need.

Important: I’m looking forward to meeting with all of you next Thursday at 5:30 in Columbia’s Media Center. You will hear from all of the kindergarten teachers for about an hour. Then, parents will be dismissed to go to their child’s classroom. It is important that each child have one parent present for the meeting, preferably the parent who works with the child on school work and will be communicating with me.

Poetry notebooks will be in backpacks tomorrow. I hope you enjoy cozying up and reading these with your child. Leave the poems in the notebook and send the notebook back to school on Monday.

Please join Mrs. Sturdivant and Mrs. Bowen for Cookies with the Counselors to learn more about the school counseling program! They will also be providing mental health resources to help your children! It will be held on August 29th from 1:30pm-2:30pm in the CES Library. Cookies will be provided! You may RSVP using this link.

Over the weekend please do the following:

Wash your child’s rest mat.

Have your child practice rolling up and securing their rest mat until they can do it independently 3 times in a row.

Please have your child practice their lunch number on the paper I sent home at Open House.

A glance at next week:

Reading - identifying beginning sounds, Letter Experts for L, M, N, O and P. We are continuing to learn about rhyming words.

Math - comparing groups of objects as equal, greater than, or less than, comparing groups of objects to five, and comparing numerals 0-5

Monday, August 12th, 2024

There was a sea of RED at recess today! The kids looked great! We are looking forward to continuing our colors for the next two weeks. Please see the flyer Kindergarten Color Weeks.

We have had a week and a half of practicing our school and classroom rules. We have begun our good time ticket system. The children love earning these tickets! Also, if your child has had a behavior that interferes with classroom learning or is not keeping self to self, there will be a behavior calendar in his/her folder that will be marked with what behavior needs to be addressed. Please initial the box and leave it in your child’s folder. Small initials in the corner of the box is perfect, please do not make additional markings (smiles/frowns,etc.). We discuss with your child the choices they are making and discuss solutions for changing the behavior. If your child has a marked calendar then your child should be able to explain the choices he/she made. Please encourage your child to follow directions and make good choices. Thank you for your support of good classroom behavior.

Thank you to all who practiced rolling rest mats this weekend. I can tell the students who practiced and they were proud to show me how they could do it! If your child did not practice, please have them practice when mats come home this Friday. Several students need assistance rolling and securing their rest mat.

Friday, August 9th

We've completed our first full week of Kindergarten! It was a fun and busy week! Please read all the following announcements.

Rest Mats - Rest mats were sent home today. After washing the rest mat, let your child practice rolling it up independently. Several students need my help to roll their mat every day which is causing us to be late for recess. Practicing at home will help this improve. Please return the rest mat on Monday. Thank you!

Math Papers - As you've noticed in your child's Daily Folder, we started our Big Ideas Math Curriculum this week. We are learning to count objects and write the number that represents that amount. If you noticed your child had difficulty writing 2, 3, 4 this week, it would be a great idea to work with your child on this at home. Thank you for your support.

Letter Experts - All students will take a turn being a Letter Expert. We started this on Monday. When it is your child's turn, please follow the directions on the note that comes home. You will need to email me a picture that begins with your child's letter sound by 1:00 the day before your child presents to the class.

August Challenge - Fine Motor Skills - Please set a timer for no less than 10 minutes each day and give your child opportunities to write letters and numbers with pencil, draw pictures of people with pencil, color pictures with crayons, and cut paper with kid scissors. Sit with your child as they do these activities and provide encouragement as needed. If these activities are difficult for your child, please allow them to also play with playdough, lace beads on a shoelace, and pick up small objects with tweezers. These activities will help your child build the muscles in their fingers which leads to improved handwriting. If you complete this challenge each day of August, please email me at the end of the month to let me know they met the challenge. Your child will receive FOUR Good Time Tickets.

Kindergarten Color Week - We will be learning about primary and secondary colors beginning on Monday. We would love to have the students wear the color of the day beginning Monday. Click this link for all the details: Kindergarten Color Weeks

Finally, if you haven’t done any of the following, please go ahead and do so:
1. Complete your child's scrapbook page that was sent home at open house.
2. Put a complete change of clothes in your child’s backpack

Wednesday, August 7th

My email has officially changed to rdyurack@madisoncity.k12.al.us . However, I should still receive emails if you send anything to rcduvall@madisoncity.k12.al.us .

We will be learning about primary and secondary colors beginning on Monday. We would love to have the students wear the color of the day beginning Monday. Click this link for all of the details: Kindergarten Color Weeks

Information from CES Drama Club -

CES Drama Club is so excited to present High School Musical Jr for our winter production! Our show will be performed at the Dream Theatre, Feb 28-March 1. All students are welcome to join the chorus. Chorus performs a pre-show concert before each show and then joins the cast for the finale and bows.

Please use this link to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CADA92BAB9-50479034-high

Once you sign up, you will be emailed more information this week. If you have any questions, please email CESdramaclub@gmail.com or dkherwig@madisoncity.k12.al.us .

Monday, August 5th

The students are having a great start to the school year!

Our Kindergarten Parent Night is on Thursday, August 22nd at 5:30. It is important that each child have one parent present for the meeting, preferably the parent who works with the child on school work and will be communicating with me. The meeting is for adults only because it typically is a long meeting. Thank you!

If your child is bringing a lunch box from home, the packed lunch needs to have a drink included. The snack water bottles are not brought to the lunchroom. If you want to send a water bottle for lunch and there is not room inside the lunchbox, your child needs to know that it is for lunch so he/she can put it on the lunchbox shelf. If your child is supposed to purchase a milk, please let them know that this needs to be done at the start of lunch.

PTA is hosting a Back to School Picnic on Thursday night. Click this link to read all the information on the flyer: Back to School Picnic

Friendly Reminders ~
Your child should have a reusable water bottle containing water and one snack for our afternoon snack time. If you want your child to have a choice, please let them make that choice at home before packing it in the backpack. Also, please show your child where their snack is located inside their backpack. Several haven't been able to locate their snack independently.

Your child needs to wear tennis shoes without laces. This means they need to have velcro or slip on.

Please check your child's blue Daily Folder each afternoon and send it to school every day.

If your child is missing any of the school supplies, please send them to school as you get them. Be sure to tell your child to take it out of his/her backpack and give it to me.

Wednesday, July 31st

Thank you for coming to Kindergarten 101 and Open House! Here are the slides from the presentation for you to review: Kindergarten 101

Here's a To Do list to help you prepare for your child's first day:
- Please tell your child if they are buying lunch or if they have a lunchbox. You will want to do this each day because it is a question I will ask the students every morning when we do the lunch count.
- Pack your child's snack separate from lunch. The snack can be in a zipper pocket of the backpack or in a "snack bag." They only need one food item. Examples of a small snack include: a small bag of pretzels, an individual bag of goldfish, an apple, granola bar, etc.
- Send a water bottle. Double check the lid to make sure it is secure before putting it in your child's backpack. Write your child's name on the water bottle.
- Send the red folder that you received at Open House.
- Send any school supplies that you forgot to bring to Open House.
- Have a gallon bag with a change of clothes (see the K101 slides for an example).
I look forward to seeing the girls tomorrow and the boys on Friday! If you are walking your child inside on their first day, please walk them to the gym. I'll meet you there at 7:25.