April 16, 2010

Dear First Grade Families,

 We are now April first graders!

• We read with strong first grade voices.
• We use punctuation to help us read clearly and use expression.
• We find new words when we read and use them when we write.
• We can talk and write about the parts of a story.
• We check our writing for correct spelling, punctuation, and capitals.  We ask this question: “Does our writing make sense?”

 We will begin the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) this Monday, April 19^th.   This is a standardized test that includes listening, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and math.  The test will be given in the morning April 19-23. Please send your child to school well rested and having had a good breakfast.  Please make sure your child is at school on time, as we will begin testing first thing each morning.  Do not schedule appointments during this time, as no part of the test will be re-administered.  There will be no homework the week of IOWA testing, but please keep up with your reading.

 Three cheers for art parents!  We had our last project of the year today.  The first graders made drawings based on the work of Surrealist Rene Magritte.  Thank you to John Joynt, Chris O’Connor, Angie Johnson, Kathryn Merlino, Carrie Slavin, Stephanie Judy, Cory Adams, and Michelle Summers.

 We began our final science unit on Air and Weather.  The first graders explored how air moves objects and interacts with water.  We even made parachutes!  We will move into our exploration of weather in the coming weeks.

 Superstars: Joey and Joe

 Please make sure you are practicing your high frequency words!  The first graders should be able to read all of the 100 words in a snap!

 Have a fabulous weekend.

 The First Grade Team