Newsflash`

March 18, 2025

Dear Families,

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA9AC2AABF49-55770889-south

Here is the sign-up for presentations. Please note the days and grades in each section. We will go 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd order when signing up. With everyone being ready to go by 8:30. It is the least disruptive for the class if all presenters and guests are seated on time when school starts at 8:30. It usually never goes past 9:00am so please plan accordingly on your child’s day.

The luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 15^th, from 11-12:30pm.

Attached you will find the topics chosen. Attached you will find the directions, but it is same as last semester. These are the highlights:

1st years

A trifold poster board that displays 10 -15 facts about their animal and pictures that represent those facts.
A 3D model of their animal(something made by the student)

2nd years

A trifold poster containing facts and pictures about their topic
20-25 Note cards for the presentation. They read better with some eye-contact than with a large piece of paper in front of their face.
A 3D model of their topic (something made by the student)

3rd years

A trifold poster board containing facts and pictures about their topic
30(minimum) Note cards containing one fact per card for sorting into paragraphs.
A typed paper that has been edited and revised. The paper must have complete sentences, and well-constructed paragraphs. This will be done in class unless they are falling behind and need to complete some of it at home (you will be notified)

A 3D model of their topic (something made by the student)

February 7, 2025

Dear Families,

I really enjoyed catching up with all of you to discuss your child’s progress this year. If you still need to reach out to meet, please do so with some days/times that work for you, and I will see how I can fit it into my schedule.

The children have been very busy since returning after winter break. Here are a few key things: We have worked a lot on how words work for decoding unknown, tricky words in reading and for spelling. Along with all their recording of work, the children have been busy with their penmanship and cursive practice for beautiful, quality final products. We have been working on fact families in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Clock work and the money board have been put to good use, as well as the fractions!

Our Field trip to Shamrock Farm was delightful! I think fun was had by all.

We have another field trip coming up on March 6^th, to the Phoenix Symphony. I am kicking around the idea of taking public transportation for this trip. If anyone is willing/interested in helping me set this up, please reach out so we can move forward. I have room for 10 chaperones at the maximum with no wiggle room.

Next Friday is Valentine’s Day. If your child is interested, they may bring in Valentines for 27 students. I did let them know that this “an all or none” event: meaning they bring something for everyone and not just a few friends…

We will make pancakes for lunch instead of pizza Friday. If your child is not fond of pancakes, you may want to pack a lunch!

I think that is all for now! Have a great weekend.

Megan

January 22, 2025

8:30 am to 1:30 pm (This includes drive time, tour, and lunch)

Shamrock Farms

40034 W Clayton Road
Stanfield, AZ 85172

This is a lengthy drive and a long day overall. Please be aware before signing up to chaperone!

This was on the filed trip slip. It sounds like some folks were still not able to access it for information.

I have you down as a driver:

Jen Baker-1

Bri/Briyanna-6

Jasmine-2/3

Kathleen-2/3

Tiffany-2

Micole-1

Jeff-5

Hannah-4

Megan-5

If you were interested and I do not have you down a chaperone, please let me know! More information to follow, but please know that you will need to come with your child at 8:30 and we may not be back until 1:30…it may be sooner, but I cannot guarantee that.

Thank,

Megan

January 7th, 2025

Dear Families,

This one snuck up on me!

I know I sent something out months ago to "save the date", and now the is upon us! We have a field trip coming up on January 22, 2025, to Shamrock Farms. It is a long field trip so be aware before volunteering your services. I am a bit limited to the number of people I can bring so signing up will not necessarily guarantee you a spot! You must currently have your paperwork in the office. Please fill out the Google form permission slip and I will be getting back to everyone ASAP as to who will be able to join us! I am over-estimating numbers so it may not even be an issue, but I want to be transparent about that now in case I cannot take everyone.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eWZq5e84asRayaf5Ap3FL0FE-2NsrmeaAgJshaCpZgU/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks,

Megan

December 20, 2024

It's that time of year already (well, almost!)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA9AC2AABF49-54124485-winter

Here is the Winter conference schedule. Please allow a half hour and your child will be leading the meeting so they must be with you!

Thanks,

Megan

December 19, 2024

Dear Families,

Thank you so much for your donations and support with the African Luncheon and Gingerbread houses. It was so wonderful to welcome all of you to the classroom these past two days. I know how hard this time of year can be, and I truly cannot do it without your help!

Tomorrow is pj day. The children are allowed to wear pajamas as long as they are conducive to p.e., playground, and art class. Because we will be out of the room for the morning, I told them that there will be no blankets, pillows, or stuffies this time around. We will watch "Madagascar" in the afternoon and enjoy some popcorn. I have not heard anyone saying that the movie was a no go, so I intend to show it. If you have strong feelings about it, please reach out to let me know by 8:00am.

Thanks!

Megan

December 17th, 2024

Dear Families,

Thank you so much for your donations and support with the African Luncheon and Gingerbread houses. It was so wonderful to welcome all of you to the classroom these past two days. I know how hard this time of year can be, and I truly cannot do it without your help!

Tomorrow is pj day. The children are allowed to wear pajamas as long as they are conducive to p.e., playground, and art class. Because we will be out of the room for the morning, I told them that there will be no blankets, pillows, or stuffies this time around. We will watch "Madagascar" in the afternoon and enjoy some popcorn. I have not heard anyone saying that the movie was a no go, so I intend to show it. If you have strong feelings about it, please reach out to let me know by 8:00am.

Thanks!

Megan

November 15, 2024

Dear Families,

I feel like it is time for an update. Sorry it has been so long!

I want to thank Ellie's Grandpa for helping us with our garden! He put in a whole new sprinkler system to keep our plants watered. My son and his partner Antonia came in and assisted the children in planting the garden. Hannah, Pj's mom, shared an art project with us using a technique called "watercolor resist with crayon"(I think!)

We have been learning how to research for sharing and wirting facts and multi- paragraph essays, different syllable types, the six possible names of triangles, the meaning of the "er" and "est" suffix endings, the 3 branches of government, and how important it is to be inclusive!

I hope that everyone has started their Africa project at home.

Third year parents- your child can be working on their board and 3D model while I help them with those essays. They should have a good idea what is going on that tri-fold board from the notecards and facts they are gathering. Most are starting their typing!

I have great ideas for non/low readers. Please do not have your child reading any facts. They can use pictures from their board to talk about what they have learned.

For middle level readers, please practice how to share the information without hiding behind a paper of facts.

Next Friday is our field trip. Please remember that I want to leave school at 9:15 so that we can park and walk over to the exhibit. The tour is from 10-11:30. We should be returning to school about noon. They will have pizza upon our return.

Have a great weekend.

Megan

November 1, 2024

Dear Families,

We have a fabulous opportunity for a field trip coming up on November 22. Here is a link to give permission, volunteer to drive, and learn about what we are doing.

https://forms.gle/u2s5VydndRGAJAyA7

Please note that the volunteer paperwork needs to be turned into the office in order to drive. You must have a fingerprint clearance card, as well. You need to fill out all of the forms online and they cannot be from last year. I only have 5 parents with everything turned in so double check with the office if you need to make sure you have what you need!

Thanks,

Megan

October 29, 2024

Dear Families,

Here is the link for Africa Oral presentation sign ups.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA9AC2AABF49-52820792-africa

Africa Presentations

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

www.signupgenius.com

Please note the grade level that you are signing up for along with date and time. Three children go per day. Everyone needs to be seated at 8:30 regardless of your child's scheduled time to minimize disruption. It is important to complete the project early enough that your child has time to practice presenting at home prior to their in-class presentation. There are good strategies for non-readers to have success with their oral presentation. Please reach out for ideas so that everyone feels comfortable and successful!

The luncheon is on the 18^th of December, and I cannot change or make up extra dates and times. Another sign up will be forthcoming for the potluck.

Thanks!

Megan

October 2, 2024

Dear Families,

It is that time of year again. Most children picked their topics today. Please see the attached list. The bulk of the third grade research paper is done in class, but it is helpful to get books for your child to find their information during the class day.

If there are any issues with the topic, please reach out to me.

I am going to be out of town starting tomorrow, the 3rd until Sunday the 13^th with significant jetlag so I will not be checking any emails until Monday the 14^th.

IF your child does not have a topic chosen you may help them pick any African animal(for my two first years that need it!)

I hope you get to enjoy some family time next week.

Megan

September 19, 2024

Dear Families,

I have been able to secure 2 fieldtrips thus far for the school year.

Shamrock Farms- January 22^nd

Phoenix Symphony- March 6^th

I have something in the works for this fall but have not heard back yet. If you are interested in chaperoning, you MUST have all your paperwork turned in into the office. You MUST also have a fingerprint clearance card. Do not plan on volunteering without these items as they are a requirement. Even if you think you have everything, please bring in an updated insurance card. That usually needs to be updated at least once per year.

Other volunteer opportunities:

Garden help- I need someone who can help prep and plant the garden with the children for a fall planting. It is helpful to have someone who can guide me throughout the year, as well. I am not string in this department.

Reading buddies: I need volunteers that can offer consistent support with a regular schedule. You must also have your paperwork turned in.

If you have a special talent that you would like to share with the class, I welcome you to come in and bring your expertise (art, writing, music, meditation, yoga…)

Please send me your availability for reading buddy support, garden help, and special talents. We will begin reading buddy after fall break. Gardening can happen beforehand to get things prepped and planted if possible.

Thanks,

Megan

September17, 2024

Dear Families,

Some fun lessons that have recently been taught are attributes of shapes, parts of a shape, names of shapes and lines. We also did the Fourth Great Lesson on the History of Language. You may have seen the hieroglyphs and cuneiforms come home. We have been doing math fact work with our bead stair materials along with place value and rounding using a number line.

Lots of writing takes place throughout the day and reading! They are really working well on their daily and weekly assignments.

I look forward to seeing all of you over the next two weeks at the goal setting conference. Your child takes the lead for this meeting so they must be present!

See you soon!

Megan

September 2, 2024

September 2, 2024

Dear Families,

Here if the link for the goal setting conferences.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA9AC2AABF49-51085114-fall

You will also find in on my edlio page!

Hope you are able to enjoy this long weekend with family!

New lessons added to our weekly assortment of work this week were grammar lessons with "What is a noun/" and a review of the noun family and verb. I also presented the Third great lesson: Humans and the 3 great gifts!

Have a wonderful week.

Megan

August 26, 2024

Dear Families,

It is hard to believe we are starting week 4! So much has been happening in the classroom.

We are working on math, math facts, geometry, WTW, spelling, reading, writing, history and geography. News lessons in grammar will begin this week, as well.

I have introduced the first two great lessons: The Big Bang and the Timeline of Life.

This week we will dive into the history of man. This is what drives our cultural curriculum of history, geography, and biology.

I am almost done with assessments as well.

Our goal setting conferences are coming up on September 20 and 27th. These are quick 15 minute meetings that your child will run. please plan on attending in person and with your child present. I will be sending out a sign up for this and some further information, so you know what to expect.

I feel so blessed to have such a great group of kiddos. They are kind, helpful, and considerate of one another!

Have a great week everyone!

Megan

August 10th, 2024

Dear Families,

What a great first grade week. When I think of one word to describe this group, I think of KINDNESS. They all have gentle souls and are very gentle with one another. I could not ask for anything better!

This week we….

Assessed in math facts, Words Their Way, High Frequency Words, and some STAR reading,

Math facts daily practice has begun

WTW(words their way) lessons were given

And we did a lot of community building. I’m sure your child told you “How to Save Fred!”

Ms. Margo came for a visit to read and chat

We had our Enrichment fair

We are learning our daily procedures and routines

A few items I forgot to share:

The climbing structure is great fun, but we have one hard and fast rule. Shoes must fit firmly on feet to be able to climb. If your child is in flipflops or crocs they will need to refrain from this recess activity.

“Tickets to Ride”- if your child is going home for a play date with someone not on the blue card, you need to send me an email that they have permission to go.

I am not always near my computer so if you need me to see an email, it must reach me before 8am. Otherwise, I may not see it until about 3:30. I am pretty good with a quick response before and after school Monday-Friday. FI I do not respond, please reach out again. Sometimes the mail goes to my junk folder and I am not great about checking that. It happens rarely, but it does happen!

UGH…I am forgetting one thing! It will come to me by the end of today I am sure 😊

Have a wonderful weekend!

Megan

August 5th, 2024

Dear Families,

I am happy to say the first day was a success! The children seem very eager to get going and were a great team today. We will ease into lessons this week and work on some team building.

A few things to remember:

Please pack a foldable place mat in your child’s lunch every day.

Bring a reusable water bottle every day

I am putting away supplies this evening and have your child’s take-home folder. Starting tomorrow this folder should go home daily and always be in the backpack.

If you have not yet repsonded to an email from me from yesterday or today please do so, so that I can "hunt" down who's contact info I may have incoorectly inputted! :)

Thanks,

Megan

August 4, 2024

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year. I am very excited to see the new and returning students tomorrow! It tends to be a pretty hectic morning so there will be wagons, carts, and staff to help your child bring in their supplies if you haven’t done so already. I know how heavy the items can be. If you want to wait, bring in the heavier items such as copy paper on parent night! The t-shirt money can be a check made to Villa or cash. That can also be handed to me on parent night. If you send it with your child tomorrow, please let me know so that I know to look for it in all of their supplies.

Parent night is this Wednesday at 6:30. I look forward to seeing and meeting you. I know how precious time can be so I like to make the meeting short and sweet. TO save paper I will only have the information in digital format on the Edlio webpage. This is where you will find information throughout the year. I will post all emails there along with loads of other things that will be needed.

This email is also a test page to see that everyone is receiving my messages. Please respond so I can see if someone is not entered correctly or if I need to reach out for a different address.

Thanks,

I look forward to a great school year ahead.

Megan

July 31, 2024