For theme we have been studing water and it's properties.  The Friends are learning that water occurs in three forms in nature, and charateristics of those forms.  This week we will begin the water cycle and create a cloud book.  They will be learning about condensation, precipitation, and evaporation.

We are also learning about invertebrates as an animal group, and their characteristics.  We have compared a snail, ant, spider, and earthworm. This week we will see how different invertebrates move and use special defenses.  

All the classes have caterpillers in their rooms.  It's fun to watch them get fat, and will soon turn into chrysalises.    

Please let us know if you would like to volunteer for bringing in snack for a week in April.  The Friends must be growing, as snack is quickly disappearing!!!  Thank you all for your support.

Graduation is fast approaching.  If you would like to be on a committee, i. e., food, decoration, clean-up, cap making, etc. please come to a parent meeting in my room, (# 135) for more information. It will be held Thursday March 20th. at 3:15.  I would like to thank all of you for your extraordinary help and support this year. Stargate parents are the GREATEST!!!

The Friends have been sharing interesting things about animals, habitats, and Africa. It's great to see them learning from each other.  Last week they researched an animal of choice with a partner, and this week will share what they learned with the class. The students will write three things or facts they learned about Africa, and then we'll finish up the continent.

Next we'll focus more on vertebrates and the five groups of animals: birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, and their characteristics.

Homework is to create a riddle of an animal that they have learned about either on the savanna, or in the rainforest. 

I have been blessed again with a gift that will allow me to be with my mother who is ill.  I applogize for taking so much time off this year, but I leave you in great hands with Mrs. Morelli.  I thank you all for your support and kindness.  I feel like you all are family and I'm not alone but surrounded with care and support.  I have experienced so much love and appreciation I'm overwhelmed daily.  Because of the short week and my absence homework is to give your kids an extra hug for me!! 

Wednesday  we will celebrate our 100th day of school with fun activities throughout the day.  The Friends can wear their PJ's, bring a stuffed animal, and have crazy hair if they choose. We are asking that they bring 100 of anything small i.e., stickers, pennies, cereal, goldfish you get the idea.   They will count, group, and exchange their things with others in the class.  Happy counting!!

Kindergarten will go to the Arvada Center Tuesday, Feb. 26th. to see a charming musical called,  "A Year With Frog and Toad."  The play follows the adventures of two best friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the grumpy, worry-wart Toad, as they journey through four fun-filled seasons.

Everyone please bring a sack lunch so we can eat in our room when we return.  Half-day students need to be picked up by 12:30.   We look foward to all the fun!!

Our next theme unit is the great continent of Africa.  We will learn about the rich diversity of the people, land, and animals.  We will explore life on the African savannah, and other habitats including the rainforest.  Through literature and folk tales we'll emphasise the strength of common ties between cultures. 

The students will do an in class animal project.  They will choose an animal, research it and report what they learned to the class.  They will have a partner to work with on this project.  African shares are welcome!!!

This week weather permitting we will work in our Sun and Shadow journal.  The students are writing about why and how shadows are made, also drawing and comparing them at different times of the day.  Along with that, we are finishing up heat energy and learning vocabulary such as friction, radiation, conductors, and heat insulators.   Our next unit is sound energy where we will learn about vibrations, and how sound travels.

We are sending home a letter explaining our Everyday Math first grade curriculum in the Monday folders.  We will occasionally be sending home letters of this sort, so you will be able to learn some vocabulary and keep you informed on what we're doing in the classroom.

For homework please have your child collect examples of numbers.  They can write numbers that are important to them too.  We will have them share the paper in class. Thank you for your support.