Thursday, December 12, 2013

Starfish Gazette- December 12, 2013

Hello Starfish Families,

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season.  The three weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break are flying by and the children's excitement is so fun to be apart of! I've enjoyed listening to their stories about their elf on the shelf and decorations at home.

It has been an exciting time in the starfish classroom.  We have accomplished many fun holiday activities and the first grade has traveled to Mexico, Netherlands, Germany, and India to learn about various cultures and holiday traditions.  It has been fun sharing our holiday dolls and learning more about people's family history!  Last Friday Hayden shared about his culture when he was living in Switzerland.  He shared this differences and similarities between Santa Claus and St. Nikolaus. It was very exciting for the kids to learn from Hayden!  Thank you Denise for organizing this for our class.  We will end our week learning about Hanukkah tomorrow!

As we focus on family traditions and celebrate holidays this month, we will read the book, Night Tree by Eve Bunting.   This fantastic holiday story is about a family who hikes into the woods and decorates an evergreen tree for the animals to eat.  On Wednesday next week, we will string our cheerios, orange slices, and cranberries to prepare for our family walk on Thursday. If you have emailed to bring in one of these items, please send the items in by Wednesday morning 12/18.  Thank you so much for contributing to make this event possible,   We will find a tree on the perimeter of the playground to decorate.  The kids always enjoy taking a walk after the holiday break to see if their treats for their animals have been eaten!  (The forecast for next Thursday appears sunny.  If we do not have school, our snow date for the walk will be Friday)  Following the decorating of the tree, we will come back into the classroom and enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate.  All families are welcome to join us.  This activity will take place on Thursday, December 19th at 10:00, and is in lieu of a holiday party.  Please send back your permission form as soon as possible.  Thank you!



Now that the snow has arrived... your child needs snowpants, boots, coat, hat and mittens/gloves in order to go in the snow.  Otherwise, they need to stay on the pavement during recess.  Please also pack your child an extra pair of socks in their backpack and let them know to change into them if their socks become wet.  If your child does not have an extra pair of sneakers in our sneaker bin, it might be helpful to put a pair in the classroom.  With the children coming to school in boots, I find more kids forget to bring P.E. sneaker for P.E. days.  Ask you child about our routine to keep our snow gear organized.  I think we have it down to a science now!  Now we are working on getting our gear on quickly! :)

Have a wonderful weekend.  I look forward to seeing many of you next Thursday morning!
Megan


UPCOMING DATES

Holiday Hike/Party--Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10:00
Holiday Break--December 21-January 1--Back to school on Thursday, Jan. 2

Happy Birthday Hailey

Hailey celebrated a special 7th birthday yesterday! How awesome to have an early release on your special day!

Monday, December 9, 2013

December 20th- Pajama Day


The First Grade Pajama Day

December 20t

A stuffed friend is welcomed too! 


Please no slippers or nightgowns please 



Holiday Hike- December 19, 2013

The Night Tree Holiday Hike


All families are welcome to join us on our Night Tree nature walk on Thursday, December 19 at 10:00. Our class will be taking a hike at Stratham Hill Park.  We will meet in the classroom and head out to the woods behind the school.  Hot cocoa and cookies will follow.

As part of our walk, we will be decorating the trees with treats for all the animals.  We will be looking for donations:
       2 boxes of cheerios cereal
   2 bags of fresh cranberries
1 1 bag of oranges

Please email me if you are willing to bring in one of these materials.


Thank you in advance,

Megan Rochford