We will begin a new science unit on Space. I know many of the Friends will enjoy this, because they are already into space, and all the fun stuff that goes along with it. Our first concept will be that Earth is part of a solar system in the Milky Way galaxy. We will discuss objects in space, and use vocabulary words like: comet, moon, star, asteroids, planets, and the Milky Way Galaxy.

This week we will begin a new unit on Native Americans. This is a balanced curriculum including math, science, art, and social studies. This will be a cooperative learning unit that the students really enjoy.  At it's core are three high-quality picture books, Arrow to the Sun, Rainbow Crow, and The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Some of the activities will include poems, writing a skin story from a picture dictionary, weaving, creating puppets, making a Venn diagram, and graphing. I will be sharing some of my Native American pottery, and invite anyone who would like to share artifacts or stories to do the same.

The Stargate Gala is sneaking up fast. Each class donates items for a gift basket to enter in the silent auction. Our theme is "Tea Party". Each student is asked to bring in an item according to the theme basket. I know it's a busy time of year for everyone, and if you're like me, you have an idea, but just haven't done it yet. If you prefer you may send in a monetary donation to put toward the theme basket. Please send it to class with your child's name on it and "Silent Auction" on the envelope. Fund raising needs to have donations by Nov. 5th.  Thank you!!!

Stargate's Founders Conference is Saturday, Oct.27th. This is a great way to learn more about our school, and what Gifted and Talented is all about. There will be sessions on Social/Emotional Needs, Reading Strategies, Leadership, and Parenting your Gifted Child. Hope you can attend!

Our Halloween party will be on Wednesday, Oct. 31st. We are inviting all the half-day students to bring a lunch and stay for the party. In fact, we are asking that the entire class please bring a lunch, so we can eat in our room, change into costumes, and let the fun begin! This is our early release day, so dismissal is at 1:15pm on the Kindergarten playground. Please send your child to school with their costume, and we will change after lunch. Our party will have a craft or two, games, and of course yummy food. Please let us know of any questions. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone for coming to conferences. This is always my chance to get to know more about you and your family. All of you help to make Stargate the terriffic school that it is. Without you and your children I feel I would just be doing a job, instead I get to LOVE my job!! Thank you so much for your support.

Please remember to turn in your permission slip for our Pumpkin Patch field trip on Friday!!

These are some guideposts as to what we are learning and expected to do in math. Please use every opportunity to count and read numbers.

*Write the numbers from 0 to 10.

*Count forward from 0 to 70.

*Count back from 0 to 15.

*Skip count with the group by 2's, 5's and 10's.

*Explore using a variety of measuring tools.

*Identify a dime and a nickel.