Weekly News




Mrs. Wetterling’s Class News
October 11, 2012
Hello First Grade Families!

This week we celebrated Fire Prevention Week.  The students learned fire safety tips and were able to visit some real firefighters!  We also had lots of fun on Pajama day! 

Take a look at our week--

Reading: This week re-read “Tumble Bumble”, a book about a bug and his friends.  We looked at the short u word families (-ut, -ug, and –un), learned about syllables, and reviewed opposites. 

Math: We began our fourth math topic on “Understanding Subtraction”.  The kids are looking for missing parts and writing subtraction numbers sentences. 

Passport: Keep studying those Passport places:  Brazil, Australia, United States of America, Thailand, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The check will be October 31.

IXL:  Last week your child’s IXL passwords were sent home.  Please use this website for extra math practice at home!

Snacks:  As mentioned last week, our snack cupboard will be getting pretty bare within the next week or so.  If you are able to donate a box of snacks to our classroom, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you! 

Guided Reading:  Be sure to look for your child’s yellow guided reading folder each week.  They are excited to read new stories to you! 

Extra:  Joshua was this week’s Star Student of the week.  Due to the short week, we will not have a star of the week next week.

Classroom Blog:  Be sure to check our classroom blog at http://hwetterling1st.blogspot.com/ .  Our newsletters, class photographs, and other tidbits will be posted on this site. 

Volunteers:  1st grade could still use more parent volunteers!  If interested, return the volunteer form to me and I will get you scheduled to help us out! 

Library:  Remember to bring all library books back each Friday!

Upcoming Dates:
Picture Retake day:  Tuesday, October 16
No School:  Thursday and Friday, October 18 & 19
Halloween Party:  Friday, October 31

Have a great weekend! Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Wetterling





Mrs. Wetterling’s Class News
October 5, 2012
Hello First Grade Families!

It is hard to believe our first month of school is complete!  October is here and we are busy in 1st grade!  The 1st graders got to use the iPads again this week.  They LOVE it! 

Reading: We read “Tumble Bumble”, a book about a bug and his friends.  We worked on sequencing items by saying First, Next, and Last.  Our high frequency words were:  get, what, we, one, two, three.  We worked with the letters j, w, v, and short e.

Guided Reading:  This week you found a yellow guided reading folder coming home with your child.  You can expect to see this coming home every week.  Please read the enclosed book with your child, sign the form, and return the book to school.  Each week your child will get a new book that is at their level to practice reading.

P.A.L.S: This week we began P.A.L.S reading.  This is a reading program that allows the students to practice letter sounds, breaking apart words, and high frequency words.  The students either do the worksheet with a teacher or a partner in the classroom.  Feel free to go over this form again at home for additional practice. 

Math: We are working on putting two numbers together to find out how many in all.  We made 6, 7, 8 and 9 by putting numbers together.  Some math vocabulary words we use are part (of a number) and whole (two parts together). We also talk about how many in all.  Doubles are when two parts are the same number…like 4+4, 3+3, or 5+5.  As of now, we are using pictures and cubes to add.  In the coming weeks, we will try to begin memorizing some basic facts.  Practice at home would be TERRIFIC! 

Passport: We began practicing our new Passport locations-- Brazil, Australia, United States of America, Thailand, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Please study with your child using the Passport Map.  The check will be October 31.

Book Orders:  I am sending home October book orders today.  If interested in ordering, please return your order to school by next Thursday, October 11.  No cash please.  You may also order online by using my class access code which is
H7LRP.  Our class gets a free book for every online parent order!

IXL:  Throughout the past few weeks, the 1st graders have been using IXL.com to practice math skills in the computer lab.  This is a website that can be accessed at home and is GREAT practice!  Attached to this newsletter is your child’s username and password. 

Extra:  Autumn was this week’s Star Student of the week.  Congratulations to Joshua who will be our Star of the Week next week!

Library:  Remember to bring all library books back each Friday!

Warm clothing:  Cool temperatures have arrived.  Be sure to send warm clothing to school each day!

Upcoming Dates:
No School:  Thursday and Friday, October 18 & 19
Halloween Party:  Wednesday, October 31

Have a great weekend! Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Wetterling








Mrs. Wetterling’s Class News

September 28, 2012
Happy Fall, 1st Grade Families!

This week 1st grade was crazy about APPLES!  To conclude a week of apple activities, we made our very own applesauce!  The kids were so proud to help and even happier to taste it.  We also ended our week celebrating our WCA Knights Homecoming! 

Take a look at our week--

Reading: We continued reading “My Family’s Market”.  We reviewed the letters H, D, K, and /o/.  We also talked about describing words and the differences between fact and fantasy. 

Math: We began Topic 3 in math on “Understanding Addition”.  The students are learning how to combine groups to make 6, 7, 8, and 9. 

Passport: The students were checked on their Passport continents this week.  Many did VERY well!  Next month’s places are Brazil, Australia, United States of America, Thailand, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Please study with your child using the Passport Map.

Extra:  Parker was this week’s Star Student of the week.  Congratulations to Autumn, who will be Star Student of the Week next week!

Library:  Remember to bring all library books back each Friday!

Volunteers:  Last week I sent home a sign-up sheet for anyone interested in volunteering in 1st grade.  If you would like to be added to our list, please sign and return that form as soon as possible.

Spirit and Pride Knights Clothing:  Coming home today is a “Spirit and Pride” Knights clothing order form.  If you choose to order items, please return your order to school by next Friday, October 5. 

Upcoming Dates:
No School:  October 18 & 19


Have a great weekend! Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Wetterling

 



Mrs. Wetterling’s Class News

September 21, 2012
Hello, First Grade Families!

We had a great week in 1st grade.  This week we had picture day!  We also spent our first afternoon using I pads!  The kids were very excited to use this new technology to help them learn. 

Take a look at our week--

Reading: This week we read “My Family’s Market”.  We reviewed the letters F, G, and L.  We read words in the –ig and –it word family and read number words.  We also talked about opposites and made our own opposites book.   

Math: This week we tested on Topic 1 (Numbers to 12) and began comparing numbers.  The students learned to say if a number is “greater than” or “less than” another number.  They also worked with number lines and ordered numbers from least to greatest and greatest to least. 

Passport: The students will be checked on their Passport continents next week.  Please study with your child using the Passport Map that was sent home on Open House.  If you need a new answer key, please send a note to school and I will send another one home.

Extra:  I was our first Star Student of the week.  Congratulations to Parker, who will be Star “Student of the Week” next week!

Library:  Remember to bring all library books back each Friday!

Behavior:  Please be sure to keep checking your child’s folder for his or her daily behavior color.  We are all working hard on remembering to walk quietly in the hallways and not interrupt during inappropriate times. We are also trying to understand the differences between tattling and reporting important information to the teacher.    

Holiday Celebrations:  Attached is our holiday treat committees.  I compiled the information that you sent back to school and tried to accommodate to your treat preferences.  If you would still like to bring treats and are not on the list, just let me know. 

Volunteers:  Attached is a form for those of you interested in volunteering in 1st grade!  If interested, please fill out the calendars and return to school.  I will compile and coordinate schedules and get back to you soon. 

Outside Gear:  The first day of fall is Saturday; therefore, colder weather can be expected!  Please be sure your child is bringing a heavy sweatshirt or coat with to school each day for the playground. 


Upcoming Dates:
Passport Check:  Wednesday, September 26, 2012
WCA Homecoming:  Friday, September 28, 2012


Have a great week! Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Wetterling
 



Mrs. Wetterling’s Class News
September 14, 2012
Hello First Grade Families!

We had a busy week in 1st Grade! We learned many new things!

Take a look at our week--

Reading: This week we continued learning about the book “Lunch.” We reviewed the letters M, B, T, S, and R. We did Reading Centers on Tuesday and Wednesday. We practiced our handwriting, learned about action words, and worked on categorizing objects into groups. We worked with the word families –at, -an, and –ap. 

Math: In Math this week we worked with counting numbers through 12. We are training our brains to recognize number patterns up to 10, such as the patterns on dice. Next week, we will be starting a new unit in math on comparing and ordering numbers.

Health and Social Skills:  This week we read two very good books.  The first was called “My Mouth is a Volcano”.  This book taught us to control interrupting and outbursts of talking.  We also read “How Full is Your Bucket”.  This book explained that we all have an invisible bucket.  When people do nice things for us, our bucket becomes full.  When people are mean to us, our bucket empties and we feel bad.  We need to be “bucket fillers”.  When we are kind to others and help others out, our own bucket also becomes full! 

Social Studies: We began practicing our Passport continents this week. The students are doing a great job learning the 7 continents. Please study with your child using the Passport Map. We will be checked on September 26th.

Library:  We had Library on Friday with Mrs. K!  Make sure you bring your books back each Friday.  If your child does not return their books, they may not check out new books until they are returned!

PICTURE DAY:  This Wednesday is Picture Day! A picture order form came home yesterday.  If interested in ordering pictures, return it to school no later than Wednesday.

VOLUNTEERS:  Next week I will be sending home a sheet for parents interested in volunteering in our first grade classroom.  There is always a need for an extra set of hands to help out our learners!


Upcoming Dates:
Passport Checks:  September 26th
WCA Homecoming:  September 28


Have a great week! Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Wetterling




Mrs. Wetterling’s Class News

September 7, 2012


We have had a great first week in 1st grade.  The students have all been trying hard to concentrate and be good listeners in the classroom.  We also continue to work very hard on not talking whenever we feel, using good manners, and deciding the appropriate times for bathroom breaks.  This is a wonderful group of 1st graders! I’m so excited for this year of learning!

We are working on:

READINGThis week we reviewed the letter names and sounds.  We read the story Lunch.  We practiced reading color words. 

Practice reading these words at home for next week:

I, a, see, blue, red, yellow, can, look, at, the, my, and

MATH We reviewed counting and writing numbers. 

RULES – We talked about our class promise.  Our class promise: 

When we care about each other and our classroom…
We share and take turns.
We respect others and our school.
We help each other.
We listen carefully.
We always try our best.
We work hard.
We give each other praise and compliments.
We have fun together.
We know that everyone makes mistakes and we won’t laugh or make fun of anyone.
We think about what is right and stop when someone asks us to.
This is who we are even when no one is watching.




 
Reminders:
Lunch Number- Please make sure your child remembers his or her lunch number.  It helps them go through the lunch line quickly.

Tying Shoes-If your child isn’t able to tie their own shoes yet, please have them practice at home. 

Picture Day- School picture day is Wednesday, September 19. 

Book Orders- I am sending home a Scholastic book order today. If you wish to order books for your child, please return the order form no later than Thursday Sept.  13.  No cash please.  Make checks payable to Scholastic. 

NotesAs mentioned in the first day of school newsletter, please be sure to send a note to me if there is any change in your child’s after school routine.  You can place it in your child’s take home folder.  We check these every morning.       

Take-Home FoldersTry to check your child’s take home folder each night.  In it you may find notes from me or the office, completed papers, or possible homework assignments. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to clarify any misunderstandings. 

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Wetterling

__________________________________________________________________________________



Open House Letter--
Welcome to 1st Grade!
Hello!  Welcome back to a new school year!  I am very happy to have your child in my 1st grade classroom this year.  I’m looking forward to an exciting, productive year working with you and your child. 
I will be keeping in close contact with you all year long.  Please do the same with me.  I welcome any calls and messages.  Anytime you have anything you would like to discuss with me, feel free to call me, leave a message on my voice mail, or email me, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. 

The telephone number for the school is 320-965-2724.  My voice mail extension is #28.  My school email address is hwetterling@wca. k12.mn.us , which will be checked throughout the day and usually each evening.

The following information will give you some guidance on various procedures in our classroom.  Please read it carefully and contact me if something might be confusing.  Thank you!
v  NEWSLETTERS   I will be sending home a weekly newsletter on Friday afternoons.  These letters will explain what we are working on and give information for you to know.  Please take the time to read them as the information may pertain to things needed in school the following week.  These letters can also be found online on my blog at http://hwetterling1st.blogspot.com/.

v  COMPUTER LUNCH NUMBERS   When we go through the lunch line, each student will need to punch their number into a key pad for Mrs. Long.  Please help your child remember this number. 

v  SNACK BREAK   Each day the first graders will have a snack break.  This year the first grade teachers are asking each family to bring one packaged snack to share with the class during this time.  Some snack suggestions include packaged cereal, crackers, or popcorn.  Please try to keep the snack as healthy as possible.  These snacks can be brought in the first week of school and will be distributed to students each day.  Students may also choose to purchase milk at this time.  The cost of milk is $0.40 and is taken off of their lunch account. 

v  NOTES   When you need to inform me of a change in your child’s schedule, please send me a dated note.  I MUST have notes if your child has been absent, tardy, or needs to leave school during the school day, and also if there is a change in his/her routine after school.  If your child rides the bus and they are going to get picked up, a note or phone call must be received.  If not, your child will be sent on the bus.  I am not allowed to let students go with anyone or ride a different bus unless you have let me or Mrs. Long in the office know.

v  TENNIS SHOES   Your child must have tennis shoes here for Phy. Ed and recess every day.
v  BIRTHDAYS   We will celebrate birthdays on the day or nearest day to your child’s birthday.  If your child has a summer birthday, we will celebrate it on their half-birthday.  I will send home reminders in the newsletter for upcoming birthdays.  They may bring a treat to share with the class if they would like.  We have 16 students this year.  Remember all treats and snacks must be store purchased only.  Also, invitations to parties must be mailed, unless all members of the class are invited.  This reduces hurt feelings. 

v  MEDICATION  If your child needs to receive any medication during school, you must fill out a form available in the office.  I am NOT allowed to administer any medication including over-the-counter medication and children are not allowed to take any by themselves. 

v  PAPERS  Each student will have a folder to put papers in.  One side will be papers that can be left at home.  The other side must be sent back to school (homework, permission slips, etc.).  Please check your child’s folder every night. 

v  LIBRARY  We will have library every Thursday.  Please make sure that your child’s book is back so that they will have the opportunity to check out a new book.

v  BEHAVIOR  Much like in Kindergarten, each day your child will get either a green, yellow, or red for the day to monitor behavior.  All children will begin the day with a green and hopefully it will stay on green most days.  If a child is having difficulty following rules, the color will be changed to yellow.  If another rule is broken, the color will change to red.  A red will mean a note home, call home, or other appropriate consequence.  If the behavior improves, their color will be turned back to green.  Each day, ask your child what color he or she was on.  To help you keep track of your child’s behavior, this color will be noted in each child’s take home folder every night.     Respect is at the heart of our class behavior plan.  Respect yourself, respect others, and respect our environment. 

v  HOMEWORK  There will not be a lot of assigned homework in 1st grade.  However, here is what you can expect to be coming home:  weekly spelling words (beginning after our first unit of reading), occasional sight word flash cards, and leveled readers.  This should not amount to more than approximately ten minutes per night.  One of the most important things for you to do with your child is read to and with them. 

v  PASSPORT CLUB  Your child will be participating in the Passport Club.  Each month the students will get checked by volunteers for 5 countries or continents.  The first set of continents to learn by Wednesday, Sept. 26:  North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.  Additional information will be sent home throughout the year.    
Thank you for taking time to read through this information.  More information will follow in my weekly newsletters. 

Sincerely,
Heidi Wetterling

_________________________________________________________________________________
Hello, 1st Grade Families! 

Each Friday I will be sending home a weekly newsletter to inform you of our week's activities, along with upcoming events.  This newsletter will also be posted here!