Happy Monday! Today I met with every student individually, to conference regarding their Math goals. I was appreciative of their enthusiasm, and willingness to put thought into their goals. Some of the re-occurring goals shared, had to do with telling time by the quarter hour, counting various coin combinations, and counting on their Math Scrolls to higher numbers. The students were very realistic in setting goals that they could achieve.
Our robust vocabulary words for this week are: interrupted, admire, ambition, triumphantly, cozily, accomplishment.
Just a reminder that our library books are due every Monday. That is the only weekday that the students may check out new stories during class time. The library is open before and after school everyday for checkout, if you would like to take them. Word Card rings are due back to school every Thursday. I wish everyone a wonderful vacation and a Happy New Year!

A reminder that an updated student information form needs to be submitted for every Shorecrest student. Forms can be downloaded from the Parents Info page from the Community Link on the Shorecrest website (http://www.shorecrest.org/?page=ParentsPage). Remember to fill out the form electronically, save the file using your child's first and last name, and send it via email to forms@shorecrest.org. A separate form needs to be completed for each child. If you are having trouble with the form, or would prefer to complete a hard copy, please contact Judy Roberge at jroberge@shorecrest.org or (727) 456-7513.

Additional Photo Links

Poetry in the Park
Thanksgiving Party

Welcome Mr. Thompson to our class full time! It is great to have another teacher and the students love having him.
We need to work on sending in our gifts for the gift drive. The family information was posted on last week's blog. Thank-you to those who have already sent the gifts to school. The gift drive ends this Friday.
We have now discussed our reading goals for second trimester, and the students shared their thoughts. They all want to read harder, longer books. They want to be able to read words in print without having to decode. I assured them they will get their. Their effort is tremendous, and they are all working toward this goal. However, I cautioned them that they also need to comprehend and understand the material they read. Of course, they do! We will be discussing Math goals next.
We are getting ready to publish and send home their recent pieces of writing. Please empty out the brown envelope and return it to school for next time. The goal for publishing is to Fancy It Up. We have just begun revising and editing with a partner. I am keeping their published pieces in their collections. I will be sharing their collections at our February conferences. I will be publishing a few more links from our Photographer! Look for them this week. We are continuing our Solar System unit in science, as we are going to begin learning about the sun.
Our new robust vocabulary words for this week: excel, pace, blunder, reassure, energetic, approached.

A quick correction: The report cards do not need to be returned or signed since there is no where to sign them. See you can teach an old dog new tricks....it just takes longer! Have a great day.

Week of Nov. 29th

Welcome back to school. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a great vacation!
Well, we are busy and motivated already. I encouraged the students to set goals for the second trimester in Writing. Some of the re-occurring themes discussed were standardized spelling, neatness, longer stories, more details and staying focused during our writing time. We will also be setting reading goals and goals for Math this week. Try to figure out a goal that they can achieve at home to work towards. Set up a plan on steps for them to reach their goal. I recommend working on one goal at a time.





The Gift Drive began today. Please refer to the red family letter sent home last week.



I have a very ambitious parent who set up a portrait gallery of all the class pictures taken thus far. Please look at it and see the fine job our resident photographer has done. Thank-you Scott!
All of the first trimester report cards must be signed and returned to school. Our next report cards, for second trimester will be distributed in February following our conference day.

We have begun studying the solar system, and did a really fun project in the computer lab today with Mrs. Baralt. It was a great introduction to our unit.

Our new robust vocabulary words are: continue, doubt, devour, examine, transform, astonishing.

Happy Monday! Before I get started, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy your week off.
I hope you enjoyed our Poetry in the Park performance.
Our new Robust vocabulary words are: consequences, greedy, cruel, handsomely, regret, reward.
There will be a Math Workshop for first grade parents on Wed. Nov. 17th at 8:20 a.m. in the Student Activity Center. The presentation will be made by Gaye Whitecage. Please, bring your questions with you.
My goals for second trimester will include quite a bit of differentiating instruction.
In writing, the students will want to be conscientious spellers, neat and legible writers, while conveying their stories and messages clearly.
In reading, we are putting our emphasis in reading to learn, while utilizing various types of graphic organizers. The students are eager to increase their reading levels while comprehension remains the focus skill.
In Math, we are measuring with standard and non-standard units of measure. They are surprised to see the difference, and variations of measurement depending on the unit of measure. On Tuesday, I will be introducing the inch. The challenge is getting the students to begin measuring at the end of the ruler, rather than in the middle.
After Thanksgiving, we will begin our Solar System study. The students will be bringing home their Human Body folders this week.