By Darlene Gelakoska on 9/19/2008

Kindergarten conference request forms are going out today in your child's Weekly Folder.  Please choose your prefered times, so we may start scheduling conferences.  You will be meeting with your child's homeroom, and literacy teachers.  We try our best to get you a time that works best for you. Please let us know of any conflicts or questions you may have.  Thank you!

In Theme we'll finish up our study of senses this week with a senses book the students have been working on.  Our next unit will be the human body, how it works and our skeleton. The Friends will make a cut out of their own body and add some organs, muscles, and bones. It's a fun project that will take several weeks. 

Thank you for the delicious snacks, and all the positive support!!

 

By Darlene Gelakoska on 9/12/2008

We are looking foward to our Literacy groups and getting to know new students and personalities.  This week will be spent on getting to know how Literacy works, and fun lessons with word families, and rhyming in my Literacy class. 

In math we will recognize a penny and it's value, and compare lengths in the classroom.  We had fun with float or sink last week as part of our Everyday Math work.  We contiue with counting up and back, and patterns all around us. 

This week we'll make a book on our 5 senses, and go on a "senses" walk!  Most of the Friends have shared their "All About Me" posters, so they will be coming home to you shortly.  They did a fantastic job!  The Friends are doing great, we are so happy to have your kids!!!  Thank you!

 

 

By Darlene Gelakoska on 9/5/2008

Hope to see you at Back-To-School Night tonight.  We will meet in the Multi-purpose room at 6:30 to 7:00 to learn how to navigate the Stargate website, and PowerSchool.  At 7:00pm we'll go to your child's homeroom to discuss subjects like rules, routines, discipline, homework, basic expectations, volunteer needs, curriculum and much more.  At 7:45pm we'll switch rooms, so parents can meet with your child's Literacy Teacher, and learn expectations and goals for the year.  The evening is over at 8:30pm.  Please remember this is an information night for Parents, and we do not have child care. Thanks!

By Darlene Gelakoska on 9/2/2008

As part of our "All About Me" unit, we are encouraging students to put together a "Get To Know Me Bag".  Students may decorate a bag at home and choose a few items that will help the class get to know them---- such as, a photo of a pet, trophy, favorite toy, family photos etc.  This is not an assignment, just for fun if your student would like to share with the class.  Thanks!!

By Darlene Gelakoska on 8/21/2008

We are having fun in the classroom getting to know each other, and making new friends.  This week we'll start our, "Read All About Me" poster by answering questions to fascinating facts, and favorite things.  We ask that you please send in a photo for this project.  The Friends will color their poster and share it with the class.

We are engaged in creating a positive attitude about school by learning the Stargate Values, Safe, Tolerant, Attitude, Respectful and Responsible.  We have been practicing rules, along with social and emotional skills. The homework will help students understand rules are necessary at home and school. 

Mrs. Morelli and I are working on needs-based grouping.  We are hoping to have Literacy groups in place by Curriculum Night, Sept. 8th., so you may meet with your students homeroom and literacy teachers.  Even within grouping you can expect ... Read More »

By Darlene Gelakoska on 8/12/2008

It's perfectly normal for both parent and child to have mixed feelings-anxious/excited/fearful/sad.  Try to arrive  a little early, so things aren't so rushed that it adds to the anxiety.  Convey confidence!  It's OK if they are whiney, babyish, crying, clinging.  These are signs of anxiety.  For some children, this extends beyond the first day.  Plan to keep things as simple and non-stressed as possible at home during this adjustment time.  When it is time to go, go.  Dragging out the good-byes doesn't usually help.  You are not a bad parent for leaving an upset child.  Acknowledge their feelings, remind them that you will be back at a certain time, and say good-bye firmly.  Most children quickly settle down and enjoy their day once the parent is gone.