MERRY CHRISTMAS from the First Graders

Christmas Party

12.21.09
Our class Christmas Party will be on Wednesday, December 23. Boys bring a gift for a boy and girls bring a gift for a girl. Price range is $2.50. If your child has not brought their gift, please help them remember by Wednesday. Parent helpers for the party are: Tonya Pickering (snack), Jackie Cherry (snack), and Penny Summerson (drink). The party will begin around 11:30 a.m. You are invitied to join us as we open gifts and enjoy treats! Ho-Ho-Ho!

Charlotte's Web

12.20.09
What a joy it was to read Charlotte's Web! It didn't take long before the children feel in love with Wilbur and Charlotte. Below is the link to the website which contains many wonderful activities. Meet the characters and play along in the barn. Monday we are looking forward to celebrating by watching the most beloved movie of all. . . . . . Charlotte's Web!
http://www.charlotteswebmovie.com/site/index.php

Animals In The Winter

12.15.09
First Graders have been learning about animal behavior in the winter. The children have identified animals who hibernate, migrate, and adapt. This week the Milford Nature Center visited our class and brought along some live animals. A favorite was Oreo the skunk!

Amazing Costumes

First Graders At The Christmas Music Program

12.15.09
A round of applause to all the parents for making some terrific costumes! The kids looked amazing at the program last night. We appreciate all you do!

Christmas Program

12.13.09
The Elementary Christmas Music Program is Monday evening, December 14. Please have your child to the classroom by 6:45 p.m. The program is in the the new gym and begins at 7:00 p.m. The children have been working hard at program practices. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

2 Hour Delay

12.9.09
In case you haven't heard, we have a 2 hour delay on Thursday. School will begin at 10:15 AM. Caution your child to be careful getting to school. It's cold and slippery out there. I'm looking forward to seeing my students and hearing all their snow day stories!

Snow Days

12.8.09

School has been canceled for Wednesday, Dec. 9. Looks like a winter wonderland outside. Hopefully my students have finished their homework, are reviewing their spelling words and reading lots of fun books. Remember to have your child glue a cotton ball to their Ho-Ho-Ho Santa for each day they read this month.

Announcement

12.8.09
School has been canceled today due to the weather and road conditions. Enjoy your day off . . . sleep in, go sledding, make a snowman, and read a good book! Stay warm and safe everyone.

Let It Snow

Christmas in Los Angeles

Snow in the Colorado Rockies this past May

12.6.09

I think we could be in for some snow this week. I'm as ready as the first graders! My brother lives in Los Angeles and doesn't get to experience the beauty of the first snow. There's nothing like snow in the Colorado Rockies. Our family has a summer home in Estes Park. It snowed in May when we were out. Be sure to check the usd379.org webpage (http://www.usd379.org/index.aspx?nid=301) for school updates during the winter season. Delayed starts and school closings are posted on this page. Also, I'll post any updates on our Happy Hive News site. Heard this song this past week and wanted to share with you. Enjoy!

SANTA'S WORKSHOP

12.3.09
PTO is needing at least 6 volunteers to help with Santa's Workshop on Monday, Dec. 14th. The hours are before and after the Christmas Program. We are planning on 5:30-7:00 and then 8:00 (whenever it gets over) until everyone is done shopping. You can volunteer for either block of time or both! If you cannot help, please pass the word around to help us get volunteers. We certainly appreciate it. Thank you.
Kim Dodson 461-5437
AnnMarie Langley 461-5532
Lori Bond 463-5804

BOOK PROJECTS

11.30.09
November has come to an end. Book Projects are due on Tuesday, December 1. Our reading goal this month was to read 200 minutes. Reading log sheets were sent home at the beginning of the month. Please remind your child to return this page tomorrow. Also, if your child has finished adding reading feathers to their turkey please send in to share.

The Pizza Hut has sponsored our reading projects for many years. This year our school didn't get enrolled in time to participate. However, I want to continue our reading journey. I have challenged the children to meet their goal each month. At the end of March those participating each month (Nov. - March) will be treated to a pizza lunch. I will buy the pizzas and we can have a Pizza Lunch Party. Please remind your child to return the log sheets so they may be eligible for this special prize!

11.22.09
On Tuesday, November 24 we will have a Thanksgiving gathering with our 2nd grade Native American Friends. Our activities will begin after lunch at 12:15. The children have made costumes here at school. Even Mrs. Koerner and Mrs. Seirer will be in costumes! If the children have something black or gray they can wear that day it would work fine. Girls will need to have hair down so that the bonnets will fit. Also, if the girls have an apron at home they may bring it to school that day. I have several extra aprons here at school. We are serving apples, popcorn, cornbread, homemade butter, and apple juice at our feast. Please do not send in any baked items or extra food. We will have plenty for the feast. Those called who are helping with food for this activity are:

Deb Hammond - apples
Tina Kennedy - apples
Michaela Carlson - apple juice

Wishing you all safe travels and a blessed Thanksgiving with your families!

11.16.09
First Grade Pilgrims are getting ready for Thanksgiving. Today we learned about how different the clothes were of long ago. We dressed up Kelly and Konner as Pilgrim children. The children will be making costumes at school later this week. We will gather with our Second Grade Indian friends on Tuesday, November 24 to act out the First Thanksgiving.

11.15.09
The children had a wonderful visit at the Wakefield Museum on Veteran's Day. They were able to view many different types of uniforms and learn about those who served from our community. Thank you Kay for making this a special memory for the children! The parade and ceremony at the football field was very nice. We are honored and thankful for those who are serving our have served our country. Enjoy the slideshow below of our Veteran's Day Celebration. God Bless the USA!

Veteran's Day

11.7.09
Wednesday, November 11 the community of Wakefield will celebrate Veteran's Day. Our visit to the museum to view the Veteran's exhibit is scheduled at 9:15 a.m. Please feel welcome to join us at the museum. We will line up for the parade in front of the nursing home. The parade begins at 10:20. The children need to remember to wear something RED, WHITE and BLUE. We will carry flags in the parade. Activities at the football field will take place after the parade. School lunch will be sack lunches. We will eat lunch at the football field so that we are able to be a part of the activities. If you have any questions contact me by email or send a note. For those of you having the day off we hope you can join us!

Can Food Drive

11.5.09
We are collecting canned and boxed food items for our local Neighbors in Need. While out shopping please remember to buy a few extra items for a donation. The children may bring food items to our classroom. Our local group sponsors several families during the holidays. Your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated!

11.1.09
A reminder that we do not have school on Monday, November 2. This is a Teacher In-Service Day. Also, if your child did not purchase pictures the first time, there will be a retake day on Thursday, November 12. Please let me know if you are interested and I will send you the packet. Money will need to be sent in before packets can be purchased. Thank you!

10.28.09
Thank you to all the PARENTS who attended conferences this week. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy evenings to meet with me. Educating the children is a partnership. The extra help and encouragement you give your child at home truly makes a difference. It is a joy to be a part of your child's learning. I take much pride in providing the children the best education possible. Thank you for sending your treasures to me every day!

This is Red Ribbon Week! We will celebrate being Drug Free and promote a healthy life style. The children were given a sling bag with 2 pencils on Friday. Each day will be dress up and wear our RED RIBBONS to show our commitment to staying Drug Free!
Monday - Be Proud (Wear Something Red)
Tuesday - Join the Fight Against Drugs (Wear Camouflage)
Wednesday - Follow Your Dreams, Don't Do Drugs (Wear PJ's)
Thursday - Put a Cap On Drugs (Wear A Hat)
Friday - Don't Get Caught Up In The Web Of Drugs (Bring Your Costume)

10.19.09
This is going to be a bee-zy week in the hive! Tuesday progress reports are being sent home with your child. Please remember to check their book bag for this important document. Also included in the envelope is your Parent-Teacher Conference information. We would like you to sign and return as soon as possible to confirm your appointment time. Conferences are only limited to 20 minutes and make up time is almost impossible for me. If you aren't able to make the assigned time, I would be able to do a phone conference with you at another time.

The Wreaths Across America is sponsored by the VFW and VFW Auxiliary. This fund raiser is about to close. The last day to make a contribution will be on Wednesday, October 21. Last year our school was able to buy over 40 wreaths. Each wreath costs $15.00. It would be nice if the First Graders could raise enough money to buy one wreath from our class. Please remember those who have served our country.

Friday, October 23 the Milford Nature Center is coming to present a program on bats. We are looking forward to this special learning program. The children will get to see a real live bat! A highlight of this event will be a blow up bat cave. The children will wear lights on their foreheads. They will have fun crawling around inside where they can view glow in the dark creatures. The program begins at 12:45 in our classroom. You are welcome to join us.

I will be calling parents to send refreshments for Halloween. A more detailed letter will be sent home next week. Please do not send in any extra treats unless you are called. We do not need alot of extra sweets. The children will sing at the nursing home at 2:15. When finished we will return to school for refreshments and then go home. The children may celebrate Halloween at the PTO party on Saturday, October 31. Mrs. Dodson is still in need parent volunteers for the party. You may contact her at school for more information or by email at: kimnky_dodson@yahoo.com

C.O.W. Fun Day

CLASSROOM ON WHEELS

A special program is coming to Wakefield School on Thursday, October 15. The Classroom on Wheels is a hands on science related activity bus. Our class is scheduled for 12:45. If you would like to join us, please feel free to come on in. Thank you all for sending in the $2.00 fee for your child to be able to participate!

Fire Safety Program

First Graders learn about Fire Safety

10.9.09
The First Graders braved the cold weather to go outside Friday morning and learn about the fire trucks. Thank you to Fire Chief Maynard for bringing some of his crew and the trucks up to school! In the new gym we observed how the infrared camera works in the dark as a way to locate people who are trapped inside a dark burning room. The children were treated with a fire safety hat, pencil, bracelet, and window sticker. Thank you Wakefield Fire Department! I hope your child demonstrated the stop, drop and roll technique for you. The children also enjoyed dressing up as a fireman this past week in the real gear. Remember to have an escape plan at home and practice how to get out in case there is a fire. Designate a meeting place outside where you would all meet. Here is a website that your child will enjoy playing at home. http://sparky.org/firetruck/index.htm

10.7.09
New happenings in the hive! The First Graders are now learning a list of spelling words for weekly tests. The first list was sent home on Monday. I will pre-test on Mondays with the final test on Fridays. Those that pass the pre-test receive a list of Special Spelling words. This list is challenging and provides enrichment to the regular list. Using magnet letters on the refrigerator makes for a fun way to practice words. Check out this website for more practice with spelling words. At this site you can enter in the words each week to create study lessons. Happy Spelling!
http://www.spellingcity.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/lang,en/

FUN WITH APPLES - Johnny Appleseed Puppets & Making Applesauce

9.27.09
Konner and Elaina helped crown the Homecoming King and Queen at the football game Friday night. They did a wonderful job!


First Graders are getting ready for the parade!

9.22.09
This week is National Handwashing Week. With all the illness we've had early in the year, it's a good idea to review how important washing our hands can be! Mrs. Smith, our school nurse presented a program today in the First Grade class. Ask your child to share what they learned. Wash those germs away - scrub-a-dub!

HANDWASHING LESSON

9.22.09
Notes were sent home today sharing about the activities on Friday. The Homecoming Parade begins at 2:15 p.m. in front of school. We hope that our students will show school spirit and wear their Flyer shirts on Friday. Mrs. Dodson has extra shirts at school for sale. $5.00 for students and $8.00 for adults. Also the HS cheerleaders are selling tattoos and eye blacks. Tattoos are $1.00 and eye blacks are $2.00. Students will be dismissed at the regular time on Friday. If it is raining the parade will be canceled.

Please take notice that if your child has an appointment I would appreciate a note telling me what time you will pick your child up and when they will return. You can email or send a written message. I can plan much better when I know what is happening. When you call into the office I don't always get the message. I am responsible for the formal attendance on the grade cards. Therefore, communication is so important. I appreciate your assistance in this matter.

9.19.09
Our Wakefield School Flyers are sporting school spirit in their school shirts. We encourage the students to wear their shirts on Fridays for school Spirit Day! On Friday, September 25 we celebrate Spirit Day by walking in the Homecoming Parade. We encourage all of our students to wear their Flyer shirts to show their pride. If your child needs a shirt please contact our PTO officers at school or visit with one of the teachers. Our new PTO president is Kim Dodson. Student shirts are on sale for $5.00. Adult shirts may be purchased for $8.00. GO FLYERS!

9.19.09
Adam was our Student of the Week this past week. His dad was able to visit our class and read Adam's favorite book. Thanks Joe!

Adam and his dad Joe.

First Graders at the City Building

9.19.09
The First Graders visited the Wakefield City Building on Friday, September 18. Thank you Dennis, Rick, Jeri and Chief Doonan for helping us learn about our community.

9.16.09
The children have been learning about the US Constitution this week in Social Studies. On Thursday, September will celebrate National Constitution Day. I have planned a visit to the city building on Friday, September 18 in the morning. We will leave at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back to school by 10:00 a.m. While at the city building the first graders will learn about our community rules and laws. I hope your child will share some things they have learned this week about the constitution!

9.15.09
Today is the 21st day of school. Time seems to pass so quickly when you're having fun! It is already progress report time. Your child will bring home their report on Wednesday. This is a mid nine weeks check point. There is still much more to come. In fact, the children will take another Diagnostic Checkpoint in Math on Wednesday. Please continue to follow your child's grades on PowerSchool. If you have any questions feel free to email or call me.

9.13.09
Last week flew by so quickly! It was Friday Fun Day before I knew it. Mr. Wagner was our special reader this week. He read a very funny story about the principal from the Black Lagoon. Thank you Mr. Wagner for taking time out of your busy day to be a part of our class on Friday. Several parents have sent in snacks for the children. THANK YOU so much! The children really look forward to morning milk and snack break.

9.5.09
Mr. Freeman was our special reader on Friday. He read Chicka Chicka 123. Coach Freeman teaches math at the high school level and has a passion for helping students learn about math. Coach Freeman also is our Head Bomber football coach. Thank you Mr. Freeman for taking time to read to our First Graders! Enjoy the Chicka song by clicking on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmUMFAoVXEs

9.5.09
Buster The Bus came to school on Thursday to help the children learn about bus safety. The remote controlled talking bus really captured the attention of the children. Many left wanting a Buster The Bus!

9.2.09
Samantha is our first Student of the Week. Today was her Family Day. Her mother and sister joined the class for lunch. We enjoyed learning new things about Samantha at her sharing time. She was born in Germany! This week Samantha took home our Traveling Journal Bee Bag. When your child is our Student of the Week they may bring a show and tell every day. We also have a book sharing time where the star student may share their favorite book with the class. Please see the schedule sent home to know when it is your child's week.

8.29.09
We were delighted Friday when Michael's grandma came to visit. Grandma Sullivan joined Michael for lunch and then treated the class to two stories. MaryAnn Sullivan was a teacher in our school district for many years. We have known each other since 1983. Thank you MaryAnn for spending time with Michael and our class! Hope you can come back and see us again soon!

8.26.09
I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM
FOR ICE CREAM
The PTO would like to invite all parents and families to join us for an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social on Thursday, August 27 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. at our school Open House. Please come learn more about what PTO does for our school. Sign up to win a $50.00 savings bond. Chances will be sold for $1.00. Meet and greet the past officers and teachers in the school lunchroom. Please stop by the library to check out the Book Fair. There are many wonderful books and fun items for sale. Coach Seirer will have Y-tie shoe strings for sale. Classrooms will be open at 7:00 p.m. for you to stop in and see what your child has been doing. Hope to see everyone on Thursday!

8.25.09
Welcome to our newest First Grader! Zeke joined our class on Monday. We now have 14 boys and 8 girls. Zeke attended Longford School last year. We are very excited to have him in our class!

8.24.09
Today we read Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. Chrysanthemum loves her name...and then she went to school. Our students learned about how teasing can wrinkle our hearts. Ask your child to tell you about wrinkled hearts and then snuggle up and enjoy the story of Chrysanthemum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxMlxbgYvLI

8.22.09
We have finished our FIRST week of FIRST grade! The hive was very BEE-zy. I want to thank all the parents who have taken the time to fill out and return papers to me. I am getting to know you all and enjoy learning about my students. The class sure seems excited about quiet reading time. They like having time to snuggle up with a stuffed animal book buddy while enjoying a book. The children earn a star each day for their good BEE-havior. When they collect 5 stars they are awarded a prize. We had many winners on Friday. I'm sure proud of my BEE team!

Next Thursday, August 27 Wakefield School will host an Open House for parents to come and visit. Please plan to join us for a come and go visit from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The book fair will be in the library so be sure to stop in and visit. The PTO will have an old time Ice Cream Social in the lunchroom starting at 6:30 p.m. Please stop in for some ice cream and learn more about our PTO. There will be a $50.00 savings bond to be given away and school shirts for sale. Coach Seirer will also have the Y-ties shoe strings for sale.

I hope many of you will continue to check out our Happy Hive News blog. This will be my way to update you on information and activities going on in our class. If you have a question the best way to communicate with me is email or visit with me before school. Thank you again for sharing your children with me! I love my job and look forward to each day!

8.18.09
Mrs. Payne shared a story about Buzzy the bumblebee with the children today. This story teaches the most wonderful lesson of believing in yourself! Buzzy was having a difficult time learning to fly. Buzzy learned that through his belief in himself and encouragement from his family and friends that he could fly. After the lesson the children took turns sharing what they believe they can be good at.
What will you be?
Mrs. Payne . . . kind to all.
Mrs. Seirer . . . loving.
Alec . . . nice
Jonah . . . helpful.
Michael . . . kind.
Nevaeh . . . friendly.
Colten . . . on time.
Zoe . . . thoughtful.
Kelly . . . giving.
Hayden . . . safe.
Elaina . . . nice.
Conner . . . smart.
Christina . . . thankful.
Mikey . . . neat.
Konner . . . good sport.
Philip . . . good.
Jadyn . . . happy.
Mason . . . sweet.
Blake . . . a winner.
Yesenia . . . caring.
Matthew . . . polite.
Adam . . . cool.
Samantha . . . fair.

8.17.09
Monday, August 18 was our first day of school! The hive is buzzing with many new bumbles. We have 21 children in First Grade. 13 boys and 8 girls. After reading the story, "We're Going On A Bear Hunt" the children went on a bear hunt looking for our lost bears. Once we found the bears, we returned them to the classroom where they helped us learn about our school rules. The rain put a damper into our day and recess was inside. Thank you for sharing your child with me this year! I'm looking forward to watching the children blossom and grow this year. If only they could stay little a bit longer . . . . . enjoy the slideshow below of our new class members.