Monday, February 4, 2013

February 4, 2013

 A Note from B-3! 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Parents,

   Hope everyone had a fun, fabulous, football weekend!!! 
It feels like we have a TON of things going on before we go off track.  Let’s see if we can SSSQQQUUUEEEEEEEZZZEEE it all in!!!



Things to note:
·       Ms. Janssen and I loved seeing those of you who attended our Winterfest!  It was a fun time!  Thanks for coming!!
·       “Fleecing for Friends” is here!!!  It is time for our annual blanket-making party.  Every year, all our classes gather to make blankets for kiddos who have found themselves in “Kids Kottage.”  It is our way of giving to those kiddos who may not have all the warmth and love that your kiddo has!  If you can, please donate one and a half (1 ½) yard pieces of uncut fleece.  You may bring a matching solid and print or just a solid or just a print.  Thank you in advance!  We will be tying blankets on Wednesday, February 13th.  Please bring your fleece in prior to this day so they can be prepped and ready for the kiddos to tie.
·       I am looking for a parent (or two or three) to help with the prepping of “Fleecing for Friends” blankets.  If you would like to come in and prep, I can show you how to do it.  Or if you can help do the prepping from home, that would be okay too!  I can send directions home with the fleece, you can be prep at your house and then send prepped material back to school.  Please let me know if you are willing and able!!!!  Thank you!!
·       I am also looking for parents who might want to come in and help during the blanket party.  We will be pairing up with Mrs. Retzer’s fifth grade for the tying…but having parents that could check all the work would be fabulous.  Let me know!
·       Our Valentine’s Day party is coming up on Thursday, February 14th.  Every student needs to have a store-bought or home-made valentine for every member of our class. Let me know if you need another class list to address them.  Also, your child can bring their completed Valentine’s to school any time before our party.  I will keep them safe and give them to your child to pass out at our party on the 14th.
·        I have had many parents sign-up to help with the Valentine’s Party but no one sign up to organize it…so, I will put a little something together and let those parents who signed up know how I can use their help!  If you signed up or are willing to help, let me know and I will touch base with you. 
·       Classroom Address List has been updated and will be coming home! =)
·       Are you interested in getting a track-off packet for your kiddo for our March break??  Let me know!



] Principal’s Lunch [
Looking for next month’s winners - Responsibility!!!


Upcoming Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to the following friends…
} Calvin – February 18th
} Zachariah – February 26th
On-Going or Weekly Reminders:
ü HFW test every Monday
ü Spelling test every Friday 
ü Math facts test – daily
ü Please continue collecting empty paper towel rolls if possible. =)
ü Please collect BoxTops for Education.
ü If you go see a 3-D movie…bring me your 3-D glasses…we can use them in our room!



Dates to Remember: 
February 12, 2013 – P.T.O. Meeting at 3:30, BINGO at 6:00
February 13, 2013 – “Fleecing for Friends” party
February 14, 2013 – Valentine’s Day Party
February 18, 2013 – Presidents’ Day – No School; possible skate night…
February 19, 2013 – Spring Pictures
February 20, 2013 – Principal’s Lunch (TBA)
February 22, 2013 – Early Release at 1:10, GREEN TRACKS OFF
March 25, 2013 – Welcome back to school!



Mrs. Aimee Jacobs
S.S.E.S.  425-7710
ajacobs@washoeschools.net 
www.washoecountyschools.org/spanishsprings/  (school website)
www.mrsjacobs1stgrade.blogspot.com  (my blog)
www.otterupdates.blogspot.com  (Ms. Walters’ blog)
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Monday, January 28, 2013

January 28, 2013

 A Note from B-3! 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Parents,

   Only one more month before we track off again!  (I can’t believe it!!)  These kiddos are working so hard in class these days and they are growing by leaps and bounds!!!  Let’s just keep it going!! 
Please continue to read to or with your little firstie as often as possible.  Some of them may choose to read on their own, but all of them will benefit from the time snuggled up enjoying books!!!
As a reminder…reading to your kiddo is always beneficial!  First graders still need to hear what a fluent reader sounds like and your modeling will help them to understand that “real readers” change their tone and inflection as they read. 
If your first grader is choosing to read to you, you can remind them to use strategies that will help them to figure out the words…
       -use the picture
       -put the word in their mouth and try to stretch out the sounds
       -think about what you have read and what makes sense in that
         spot
       -skip the tricky word, read to the end of the sentence and then
  go back and try that whole sentence again
      
**As always, let me know if you want or need more information as you help your child to practice reading at home.  Happy Reading!!!



Things to note:
·       Family Science Night is tomorrow, January 29th   from 6:00 – 7:30.  There will be lots of fun things happening…science fair projects will be out for display, book fair will be going on in the library, hands-on science experiments for the kids, and a real scientist doing REAL SCIENCE!!!  There will also be snacks available for purchase in the cafeteria.  Plan to join us! 
·       Book Fair continues until Wednesday afternoon at 4:00.  You can still send money with your child or plan to shop with them before or after school.
·       Our Valentine’s Day party is coming up on Thursday, February 14th.  I would love if every student could bring a store-bought or home-made valentine for every member of our class. Please use the attached class list for your child to address each Valentine.  Please let me know if this is not possible or if I can help.  I love to use this opportunity to teach students about the importance of friendship and the importance of including everyone!
·       I had many parents sign-up to help with the Valentine’s Party but no one sign up to organize it.  Are there any volunteers????  I would love if someone was willing to take this on!  Please let me know ASAP!!!  (Of course, I will give you some helpful hints and let you know which parents are willing to help out!!!)
·       Starting this week, your first grader’s spelling and dictation tests will be graded a little differently.  At the beginning of the year, I sent home a notice explaining that handwriting would not be counted against your first grader on the spelling and dictation tests.  However, at this time in the year, I believe it is important to get them ready for 2nd grade expectations.  From this point on, words will be counted wrong if there is a capital letter in the middle of the word (i.e. cAp for cap) or if there is a letter reversal (i.e. cad for cab).  Please remind your child while practicing to use lowercase letters and to check their work for reversals.  Reminders will be given throughout our week, throughout the spelling and dictation tests, and reminders will be given to check their work after each of these tests.  Thank you for understanding! 



] Principal’s Lunch [
Looking for next month’s winners!!!


Upcoming Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to the following friends…
} Calvin – February 18th
} Zachariah – February 26th



On-Going or Weekly Reminders:
ü HFW test every Monday
ü Spelling test every Friday 
ü Math facts test – daily
ü Please continue collecting empty paper towel rolls if possible. =)
ü Please collect BoxTops for Education.
ü If you go see a 3-D movie…bring me your 3-D glasses…we can use them in our room!



Dates to Remember: 
January 23 – 30, 2013 – BOOK FAIR!!!!
January 29, 2013 – Family Science Night 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
                            (A.K.A. Winterfest!! Science Fair, Book Fair…)
February 11-14, 2013 – “Fleecing for Friends” (more info. to come!)
February 14, 2013 – Valentine’s Day Party
February 18, 2013 – Presidents’ Day – No School; possible skate night…
February 19, 2013 – Spring Pictures
February 20, 2013 – Principal’s Lunch (TBA)
February 22, 2013 – Early Release at 1:10, GREEN TRACKS OFF
March 25, 2013 – Back to school



Mrs. Aimee Jacobs
S.S.E.S.  425-7710
ajacobs@washoeschools.net 
www.washoecountyschools.org/spanishsprings/  (school website)
www.mrsjacobs1stgrade.blogspot.com  (my blog)
www.otterupdates.blogspot.com  (Ms. Walters’ blog)
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Sunday, January 6, 2013

January 7, 2013 - Welcome back!

 A Note from B-3! 

Monday, January 7, 2013

Parents,

   2013!  Really??  I can’t believe it is already the beginning of a new year!  Unbelievable!  I hope that you and yours enjoyed a wonderful holiday season!  I always relish the time that I spend with my children!  The holidays are magical to children!  I am sure you would agree!
   The beginning of the year always signifies a few things to me…
1.  We have worked so hard already this year, but there is no time like the present to push your kiddo.  It feels like we are going to slide into 2nd grade before we know it.
2.  Your child is going to begin to transform into an independent reader if they haven’t done so already.  Please keep reading to them or with them or just sit and listen to them!  In my mind, there is no homework more important than reading!  But, please remember to enjoy the time reading with your kiddo…let me do all the hard work! =)
3.  Please begin to push them towards independence (no matter how difficult it is…trust me…I know!).  Ask them to write on their reading logs, encourage them to practice tying their shoes, ask them to write words on your shopping list or to write reminder notes (you may have to decipher it…but don’t tell them it’s wrong!). 
I am so glad to be back with your little firstie!  We have a lot to accomplish and a lot to learn.  Let’s get back to it! =)










Things to note:
·       I am so thrilled to let you know that starting today, my student teacher, Ms. Sharon Janssen will begin to share the classroom with us!  She will be here, every day, for 8 weeks!  We are so lucky!  Ms. Janssen and I have known each other for almost 5 years.  Specifically, Ms. Janssen did a long-term sub job for me for almost 5 months when I had my son, Drew.  She knows me and my classroom and we agree that she is a good fit for us!  Ms. Janssen has also spent many days subbing for other teachers in our building and at other schools.  She has a ton of experience with children and with teaching.  I very much look forward to having her in our room.  I know your children will enjoy her and learn a ton from her.  I am also eager for all of you to meet and get to know her.  She is a mother herself and knows just what an important job, we, as teachers, have! 
·       The “Holiday Homework Bingo” should have been turned in today.  If you did ANY of it!  WAY TO GO! If you didn’t…I get it! The holidays are CRAZY!!!!  I absolutely understand!!!  If your child completed any of the squares, they will receive an otter shell for each square.  If they completed blackout, I will send home a notice of their reward! 
·       It was so awesome to see some of you at Family Skate Night on Dec. 17th!  Thank you for supporting our school and your children…what a fun night!  (Although, I was exhausted!!!  It was the first time skating for my 6 and 4 year olds.  I carried one around the rink and nearly got pulled down by the other!)
·       Thank you for all of the food/supply donations for our Polar Express Classroom Party on Dec. 20th.  We had a marvelous time and I truly appreciate all that you do for your child and our room!!!!
·       Family Science Night is coming up on January 29th.  Lots of fun things happening…science fair, book fair, hands-on science experiments for the kids, and real scientists showing what they know!!!  Plan to join us!  Watch for information to come home!

] Principal’s Lunch [
Kindness or Safety (TBA) – January…Can’t wait to find out who gets it!!!

Upcoming Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to the following friends…
} Gabriella – January 5th (Hope you had a super B-day!!)
} Calvin – February 18th
} Zachariah – February 26th



On-Going or Weekly Reminders:
ü HFW test every Monday
ü Spelling test every Friday 
ü Math facts test – daily
ü NEW!!!  Please start collecting empty paper towel rolls!  Send them on in!
ü Please collect BoxTops for Education.
ü If you go see a 3-D movie…bring me your 3-D glasses…we can use them in our room!



Dates to Remember: 
January 7, 2013 – Back from Winter Break
January 15, 2013 – PTO Meeting at 3:30, BINGO at 6:00
(Superbowl theme!)
January 21, 2013 – MLK, Jr. Day – NO SCHOOL, possible Skate Night…I will let you know for sure!
January 23, 2013 – Principal’s Lunch
January 23 – 30, 2013 – BOOK FAIR!!!!
January 25, 2013 – Early Release at 1:10, Pajama Day (I think!? If it changes, I will let you know!) ($1.00)
January 29, 2013 – Family Science Night 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
                            (A.K.A. Winterfest!! Science Fair, Book Fair…)
February 11-14, 2013 – “Fleecing for Friends” (more info. to come!)
February 14, 2013 – Valentine’s Day Party
February 18, 2013 – Presidents’ Day – No School; possible skate night…
February 19, 2013 – Spring Pictures
February 20, 2013 – Principal’s Lunch (TBA)
February 22, 2013 – Early Release at 1:10, GREEN TRACKS OFF
March 25, 2013 – Back to school



Mrs. Aimee Jacobs
S.S.E.S.  425-7710
ajacobs@washoeschools.net 
www.washoecountyschools.org/spanishsprings/  (school website)
www.mrsjacobs1stgrade.blogspot.com  (my blog)
www.otterupdates.blogspot.com  (Ms. Walters’ blog)
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Sunday, October 21, 2012

October 22, 2012

 A Note from B-3! 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Parents,

   Wow!  It was so great to visit with all of you!  No wonder these kids are all so great…they’ve got great parents!!!!!  Thank you again for taking the time to come in and visit with me.  I really do believe that the best learning environment comes from working together as a team and blending home and school! 


Things to note:
·       Remember this week is Kindness Week.  Ask your kiddos what they did that was kind each day…they will amaze you!!  
o   Dress up days:
§  Monday – Pajama Day
§  Tuesday – Crazy Outfit Day
§  Wednesday – Hat Day
§  Thursday – Crazy Hair Day
·       Every track off break, I prepare “Track Off Packets” and extra lists of HFW for those families interested in keeping your kiddo busy during break.  This is completely optional but kids do have an opportunity to earn a pizza lunch (completed packet) and ice cream sundaes (passing the next 3 HFW lists when we return).  Please let me know if you are interested in having a “track off packet” for your child.  If you are, I will send them home during our last week before break.
·       Andelin Pumpkin Patch -- Tuesday, October 30th!  Please turn in your child’s permission slip and $8.00 ASAP if you haven’t already done so.  Also, if your name was drawn as a chaperone, please make sure that you also pay your $8.00 fee.  Thank you!!!! =)  (Thank you to Ms. Mari, Ms. Koleen, and Ms. Sabrina for joining us!!!  Also, thank you to those who volunteered but did not get drawn out.  We could not do this fun stuff without your willingness to join us!!!)
·       ART/DANCE night is Tuesday, October 30th.  P.T.O is serving dinner, art auction begins at 5:30 and dance begins at 6:00.  Wear your costumes and boogie down!!!  Dance is over at 7:30.  There will be no homework this night so please join us if you can!!!
·       Our classroom Halloween Party is coming up on Wednesday, October 31st from 2:00 – 3:20.  Please be aware that this day is NOT an early release Wednesday. Please be aware that there is also no homework on this day either!!  DRESS IN ORANGE for National Kindness/Bully Prevention Month!
·       Our music teacher, Mrs. McKinnon, is now selling SMENCILS!!!  (Delicious smelling pencils!!!!) They are $1.00 each and can be bought before or after school or during music class.  Students can enter through front doors in the morning and then back out the front to walk around the building and can walk through the main hallway after school and then out through the front doors.

] Principal’s Lunch [
Next month…kindness!!!

Upcoming Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to the following friends…
No birthdays until December!

On-Going or Weekly Reminders:
ü HFW test every Monday
ü Spelling test every Friday
ü Please collect BoxTops for Education.
ü If you go see a 3-D movie…bring me your 3-D glasses…we can use them in our room!



Dates to Remember: 
October 22 – 25, 2012 – Kindness dress up days (see schedule above)
October 26, 2012 – NO SCHOOL, Nevada Day
October 30, 2012 – Make-up Picture Day
                           FIELD TRIP TO PUMPKIN PATCH!!!
                           ART/DANCE night!!
October 31, 2012 – Principal’s Lunch – Kind
                           Dress in ORANGE
                           Halloween Party 2:00 – 3:20
                            NO EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY!!
November 2, 2012 – Green Tracks Off
                             Backwards Day ($1.00)
December 3, 2012 – Green Back on Track




Mrs. Aimee Jacobs
S.S.E.S.  425-7710
ajacobs@washoeschools.net 
www.washoecountyschools.org/spanishsprings/  (school website)
www.mrsjacobs1stgrade.blogspot.com  (my blog)
www.otterupdates.blogspot.com  (Ms. Walters’ blog)
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Sunday, October 14, 2012

October 15, 2012

 A Note from B-3! 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Parents,

   We are beginning to wrap up our month but there is still A TON going on!!  Please read on!!! =)


Things to note:
·       Remember this is conference week.  Early release at 1:10 every day!  Can’t wait to meet and visit with each of you!
·       Kindness week is coming up on Oct. 22 – Oct 25.   
o   Dress up days:
§  Monday – Pajama Day
§  Tuesday – Crazy Outfit Day
§  Wednesday – Hat Day
§  Thursday – Crazy Hair Day
·       Every track off break, I prepare “Track Off Packets” and extra lists of HFW for those families interested in keeping your kiddo busy during break.  This is completely optional but kids do have an opportunity to earn a pizza lunch (completed packet) and ice cream sundaes (passing the next 3 HFW lists when we return).  Please let me know if you are interested in having a “track off packet” for your child.  If you are, I will send them home during our last week before break.
·       We are going on our first field trip on Tuesday, October 30th!  We will be going to the Andelin Pumpkin Patch.  Please note that the field trip will cost $8.00 for each child and chaperone.  Also, if you are interested in joining us as a chaperone, please let me know. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR WCSD VOLUNTEER FORM IN THE OFFICE ALREADY!! I will be randomly drawing 1-2 parent names to join us on our field trip.  Parents will be notified if they are going with us.
·       ART/DANCE night is Tuesday, October 30th.  P.T.O is serving dinner, art auction begins at 5:30 and dance begins at 6:00.  Wear your costumes and boogie down!!!  Dance is over at 7:30.  There will be no homework this night so please join us if you can!!!
·       Our classroom Halloween Party is coming up on Wednesday, October 31st from 2:00 – 3:20.  Please be aware that this day is NOT an early release Wednesday. Information is going home with our classroom volunteer ASAP.  If you signed up, please expect her call.  If you didn’t and would like to help.  Let me know and I will send your info. on to her.  (Thank you, Ms. Brook!!!)  Please be aware that there is also no homework on this day either!!  DRESS IN ORANGE for National Kindness/Bully Prevention Month!

] Principal’s Lunch [
Next month…kindness!!!

Upcoming Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to the following friends…
No birthdays until December!

On-Going or Weekly Reminders:
ü HFW test every Monday
ü Spelling test every Friday
ü Please collect BoxTops for Education.
ü If you go see a 3-D movie…bring me your 3-D glasses…we can use them in our room!

Dates to Remember: 
October 15 – 19, 2012 – Conference Week
                             Early Release at 1:10 all week!
October 21, 2012 – Run for Education at Scheels
October 22 – 25, 2012 – Kindness dress up days (see schedule above)
October 26, 2012 – NO SCHOOL, Nevada Day


October 30, 2012 – Make-up Picture Day
                           FIELD TRIP TO PUMPKIN PATCH!!! (Info. coming!)
                           ART/DANCE night!!
October 31, 2012 – Principal’s Lunch – Kind
                           Dress in ORANGE
                           Halloween Party 2:00 – 3:20
                            NO EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY!!
November 2, 2012 – Green Tracks Off
                             Backwards Day ($1.00)
December 3, 2012 – Green Back on Track




Mrs. Aimee Jacobs
S.S.E.S.  425-7710
ajacobs@washoeschools.net 
www.washoecountyschools.org/spanishsprings/  (school website)
www.mrsjacobs1stgrade.blogspot.com  (my blog)
www.otterupdates.blogspot.com  (Ms. Walters’ blog)
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