Words Are Everywhere!: We have grown so much as readers this year! It was very exciting to come to school with clothing that had words and try to read them. We had a great assortment of shirts with sayings that it created a spring board for us to share other talents we have with our classmates. From sports, to dance, to gymnastics, to joke telling, the class had a great time learning from one another!
Take Home Books: It is hard to believe that we are wrapping up our Take Home Book program for the school year. It has been such a wonderful experience for the boys and girls to have their own “good-fit” books to check out and take home to independently read and practice. This program could not have happened if it weren’t for the special volunteers who shared their time with us. A BIG THANK YOU to: Mrs. Burri, Ms. Scott, Mrs. VandePol, Mrs. Zwier, Mrs. Aikens, Mrs. Bromley, Mrs. Lozon, Mrs. Meyers, Mrs. DeYoung, Mrs. Wortman, Mrs. Richter, Mrs. Fumarolo, Mrs. VandeGuchte, and Mrs. DeGroot! And THANK YOU to all the parents who have encouraged their children to read and practice their books and reading strategies at home each night! You have each made a difference in developing our Kindergarten readers! Thank you for your partnership. 
Science ~ Living and Non-Living: We have enjoyed lots of non-fiction reading, growing bean plants from seeds, our recent field trip to Hemlock Crossings, as well as a walk to the school pond to help us learn and apply our knowledge and understanding of why things are living and not living. As we conclude this unit, I feel that the children are secure in what they know and are seeing the world in a whole new way!
Math: Unit 5 is complete and we took our final assessment this week. We will continue the year with review and more fun with math partners, teen numbers, number order to 100 and number writing.
Writing Workshop: We are well into our Opinion Writing unit. The children are doing a great job of learning how to take a position and offering up at least two reasons why they feel the way they do. I am pleased with their hard work and progress!
Mystery Reader: Gabe was happily surprised to see his mom, Mrs. DeYoung, as our special Mystery Reader this week! She shared with us two popular stories by Laura Numeroff titled, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and “If You Give a Dog a Donut.” Both stories make us giggle. It was great to see the children make the connection how both stories came full circle with cause and effect. These students are so observant and smart! Thank you, Mrs. DeYoung, for stopping by to read to us this week!
Super Stars of the Week: It is hard to believe that there are not enough days of school left in our school year for each child to be the Super Star one more time. With this dilemma at hand, it gave us the opportunity to problem solve (we love to do this!). The class decided to have a surprise a double Super Star for the remaining days of school, and they would split the special responsibilities that came with the role. So far, the children have been doing an excellent job sharing! I am so proud of this class!
Popcorn Words for the Week Were: “by,” “my,” “one”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Library: Enjoy your final book! Please help your child remember to return their book by Wed., May 18 to help our librarian with her end of the year inventory.
- Backpack Snack: Everyday – remember to pack a healthy nut-free snack.
- Fri., May 20: Bring a flashlight (with your name) for a spotlight on reading!
- Fri., May 27: Wear your red, white and blue to school!
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 30 – No school.
- Kindergarten Olympics: Friday, June 3 (Thank you to those who have shown an interest. We are currently working to prepare the combined groups and events. More info to come.).
- Last Day of School: Friday, June 10 at 1:00pm.
Have a great weekend!
: ) Mrs. Estefan