The Boss Buzz…

OrchardHillElementary School

October 2013
Volume 3, Issue 3

From Mrs. Boss

Hello Parents!

We have been in school for some time now and I’ve had the privilege of getting to know your children; which makes it a perfect time for Parent/Teacher conferences. I am really looking forward to meeting with all of you to discuss your child’s social and academic growth. Conferences are scheduled for 15 minutes; therefore, please arrive a few minutes early if possible, as our time is limited. If you are unable to make your scheduled date/time, please let me know as soon as possible so that I may reschedule your conference.

We continue to use the wonderful blue foldersdonated by the PTA. We receive many important forms that often need to be returned. Soplease continue to check your child’s folder daily!!

Bus Safety

InOctober we will learn about bus safely from Otto the Auto! The boys and girls will learn about making great choices and how to be safe on the bus!

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon week was full of fun activities for the students. At the kick-off assembly Mrs. Scotti and Mr. Meurer, read ‘Have You Filled a Bucket Today?’ by Carol McCloud to the students. The book talks about “filling someone’s bucket” by showing respect and being kind to one another. Also, Mrs. Senatra (our school guidance counselor) taught the students they can give a high five to someone when they did a good job as a way of filling their bucket.

Volunteers Needed

Throughout our school year we will be studying different types of community helpers. If you would like to come in and talk with us about what you do for a living, we would love it!! Please let Mrs. Boss know if you are interested.

Important Dates

Important Dates!

  • November 7th and 8th- No School for Teacher’s Convention
  • November 21st- 26th-Half Day schedule- Parent -Teacher Conferences
  • November 27st – Half Day schedule – Thanksgiving Break
  • November 22nd– 25thThanksgiving Break– No School

Thanks A Bunch!

  • Thank you for all of the donations you continue to send in!
  • Thank you to our room parents planning our upcoming Halloween Parties!
  • Thank you to everyone who is either helping out or sending in items for our Halloween party!

Math

Over the last few weeks, the students have continued to investigate and explore numbers through the following math activities:

  • Learning about the composition of numbers though 5 (ex. 5 can also be 3 and 2 more)
  • Recognizing numbers through 5 in different patterns (ex. Pips on a dice, pips on a domino, tally marks, etc.)
  • Writing numbers 1- 5
  • Recognizing, identifying, and describing small similarities and differences
  • Graphing
  • Rote Counting
  • Board games (moving your piece across the board)
  • Dice games (becoming familiar with the pip patterns on the dice)
  • Patterns
  • Pattern block puzzles
  • Counting objects, one at a time
  • Counting on from a random beginning number

Science

Next month we begin to work on our science unit, Myself and Others. Wewill be scientists and look closely at ourselves and others:

  • Alike and Different – We will compare and contrastways in which we are alike and different. We will read I’m Like You, You’re Like Me, by Cindy Gainer.
  • Our Hands- we will explore, investigate, and write about what we can do with our hands.
  • Handfuls- we will explore what our hands can hold and discuss why some hands may be able to hold more or less than others

Character Education

Throughout the month of October, and often during the year, we read stories that help build self-esteem and remind us that each of us is different and special. Many of these books also address feeling and emotions. Ms. Senatra, our Kindergarten guidance counselor, even came in to do a lesson on respect. Some examples of books we read are:

  • Have You Filled a Bucket Today? By Carol McCloud
  • I Like Me by Nancy Carlson

Letters & Sounds

Since the last newsletter, we have continued to learn new letters and sounds. Along with each letter and sound that is introduced, a keyword is given as well. The keyword is another way for the students to see the letter/sound connection in words. This is a really important section of the newsletter because it can help guide you with doing practice at home. Using this section, you can practice the letters/sounds we have already learned. As we learn each letter and sound, we practice handwriting of that letter as well (upper and lowercase). Here are the letters your child should be able to identify, write and give the sound for:

t-top-/t/

b-bat-/b/

f-fun-/f/

n-nut-/n/

m-man-/m/

c-cat-/k/

a-apple-/a/ (short sound)

r-rat-/r/

o-octopus-/o/ (short sound)

g-game-/g/

i-itch-/i/ (short sound)

Word Wall/Sight Words

We continue to discuss the concept of “sight words” as well as where they are located in our classroom. We have also brainstormed how the students can use our Word Wall to spell small words that we use all of the time or to spell a friend’s name. You will find Word Walls in classrooms from Kindergarten and beyond. Each year the Word Wall gets more elaborate but serves the same basic purpose; a place where you can look to find words that are used frequently by children of that age.

Your child should be able to identify the following words at this time:

my, is, to, I, the, a, like, and, at, up, it, a

Parking at OHES

Please remember when visiting OHES, make sure you park in the main lot on Orchard Road, walk along the front of the building, and sign in at the main desk. The 10 Minute Parking in the bus lane in the front of OHES is reserved for dropping off/picking up a student or dropping off an item to the school. Cars are not permitted in the bus lane during 9:00 - 10:00 AM and 3:00 - 4:00 PM. If you need to sign in, you will most likely be at OHES beyond 10 minutes and should park in the main parking lot. We thank you for your assistance in creating a safe environment.

PTA News

Book Fair

Last month we participated in the PTA sponsored Scholastic Book Fair. We had a fabulous time looking at all of the wonderful books. I would like to take this time again to thank all of the parents who purchased books for our classroom library. It is truly appreciated!

“Nice to Have” Items

Thank you for all of your generous donations! If you would like to donate to our classroom, here are some items that would be a great addition to our daily routines:

Gallon Sized Zip Lock Bags (The students will be using them to take home books)

One last thing…

Please remember that we only have a short time for snack each day. Please send your child to school with a small, HEALTHY snack and drink that he or she can eat in about 10 minutes. (For example, a small bag of grapes, a cheese stick and a small bottle of water). Healthy snacks give the children the energy boost they need to give their best throughout the school day.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel comfortable reaching out. My door (email or phone) is always open. I know that if we continue to work together your child will have a happy and successful school year!

Best Wishes,

Mrs. Boss