Dear First Grade Families,
I hope everyone is well. Here is all the information that you and your child will need for this week, 9/25/-9/29. I want to keep you informed about the exciting things happening in our first-grade class. Please take a moment to read through this week’s updates to avoid questions that are clearly stated on all emails/ reminders. I would greatly appreciate it!
Due dates this week:
Sept. 25- Baptism Folder project
Sept. 29- Bookmark Contest submission
Sept. 29- Class parties’ funds- $30
Homework
If you missed my email last week regarding our homework procedures and sample homework, you can check out my school blog and click on the links related to the homework. http://www.stanthonygardena.org/first-grade/
Please make sure to follow the daily assignment on our weekly homework list that will be sent on Monday. Kindly sign the homework list and your child’s behavior chart daily
- Math- Please see weekly homework list (Please don’t do advanced pages)
- Word Study- 4 Word Study decodable on Seesaw (listen, read, record & highlight words with short vowels
- 4 Sight words notebook activities- Week 5 (Students must use their September menu, and choose DIFFERENT activities every day)
Week 5
- one
- had
- by
- words
- but
- not
TESTS
Students will be tested weekly on Word Study/Phonics & Fluency/Sight Words every Friday. Parents can help their child by reviewing the topics we learned for that week.
- Word Study- Words with short vowels
- Sight Words- Week 5
- Vocabulary- Lesson 5 (words and definition will be sent home)
- Comprehension- Gus Takes the train (copy of story will be sent home)
Free Dress pass
I would like to remind you about our school’s policy regarding the use of Free Dress Passes and provide some important guidelines to ensure a smooth and appropriate experience for all students.
- Pass Submission: Students who choose to utilize their Free Dress Pass must present their passes to their respective teachers upon arrival to school. It is crucial that they hand in their passes to avoid any inconveniences.
- Uniform Infraction: Failure to submit the Free Dress Pass to their teacher will result in a uniform infraction. I kindly request your support in ensuring that your child understands the importance of this rule.
- Appropriate Attire: Students using Free Dress Passes must wear school-appropriate clothing. I kindly ask that you review our school’s guidelines for free dress in the Student Handbook.
- Exclusion on Mass Days: Please note that Free Dress Passes cannot be used on Mass days.
Personal space & boundaries
Parents, I would greatly appreciate your support in speaking with your children about the importance of personal space and respecting the boundaries of others. We want to reinforce the value of maintaining appropriate physical boundaries and avoiding actions or gestures that might make others feel uncomfortable.
To help prevent such incidents in the future, we will be taking proactive steps to remind all our students about the significance of personal space and respecting each other’s boundaries. We will encourage them to use “air hugs” or other friendly gestures that ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
Parent-Teacher Conference Sign up Genius link:
If you haven’t sign up for the Parent-Teacher conference on October 2-5, please click this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A45ACA628ABF58-2023#/
If you signed up during our back to school night, please double check your time slots. Mrs. Avila helped me set this up and update all the time slots. If you need to make changes please update it on the link.
Please choose only 1 slot per family, each family has 15mins slot. The sign-up genius will be locked on September 20, 2023.
First Grade parties’ funds
I wanted to inform you about an upcoming initiative related to our class parties that will make things more convenient for everyone. As we approach the festive season and the end of the year, we are planning to organize several class parties, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and an end-of-year celebration for our wonderful students.
To streamline the process and ensure the smooth organization of these events, I kindly request that each family contributes $30 to cover the expenses associated with these parties. This contribution will help us provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for our students.
Please follow these instructions for submitting your contribution:
- Place the $30 in cash inside an envelope.
- Write your child’s name clearly on the envelope.
- Insert the envelope into your child’s homework folder.
The deadline for submitting your contribution is September 30, 2023. This timeframe will allow us to make the necessary preparations and arrangements for the upcoming parties. I kindly ask that you avoid handing the money directly to me during the morning or dismissal rush, as it can be a hectic time, and there is a risk of misplacement.
Additionally, we request that you ensure your child does not carry money in their backpack to prevent any potential loss or mishandling.
Join Us for a Class Social and Fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese on September 29!
We have an exciting event planned that we’re sure your children will love, and it will also help support our class. We invite your family and friends to join us for a Class Social and Fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese!
Date: September 29th (Friday)
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Chuck E. Cheese’s in Torrance
Class Social:
Our Class Social at Chuck E. Cheese promises to be a delightful evening filled with games, laughter, and good times. It’s a fantastic opportunity for each family connect outside the school environment, fostering friendships and a sense of community.
Fundraiser:
In addition to the social aspect, we’re using this event as an opportunity to raise funds for our class. The funds collected will go towards field trip expenses, bus, and class parties. We kindly request your support in making this fundraiser a success.
Here’s how you can contribute:
- Purchase Tokens: When you and your children enjoy the games and entertainment at Chuck E. Cheese, a portion of the proceeds from token sales during our event will go toward our class fundraising efforts.
- Spread the Word: Encourage other parents, family members, and friends to attend. The more, the merrier!
We look forward to a fantastic evening of fun, bonding, and fundraising at Chuck E. Cheese on September 29th. Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Baptism Folder Project- due on September 25, 2023
For the upcoming weeks, we will be learning and talking about baptism. Baptism is one of the Seven Sacraments. It is a special celebration when one is welcomed officially into the Catholic Church with holy water.
Last August 25, our baptism folder project instructions were sent out. Take some time this week to discuss baptism with your child. If they have been baptized, tell stories, look at the pictures, and remember their baptism together. Remind them who their godparents are, what they wore, and look at their baptism candle. If they have not been baptized, share the story when they were born instead. Look at pictures and share any special gifts, clothing, memories, etc. We will be discussing these special memories in class.
Together with your child, fill out the information sheets describing how their name was chosen and other information. Return this project to class by September 25, 2023. Students can also provide pictures of their baptism or real objects from their baptism and design their baptism folder. I will be grading their creativity, information sheets, & work habits.
Please click this link to access the sample and templates. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TXlfoHXlwjZci8sG_O7wmyNgQG7j5qGD?usp=sharing
Bookmark Contest at Gardena Mayme Dear Library
Gardena Mayme Dear Library would like to invite your students to participate in LA County Library’s 44th Annual Bookmark Contest, an annual program that encourages a love of books and reading while also promoting creativity, artistic expression, and community engagement. Students will have the chance to see their bookmark designs featured at their local library and throughout Los Angeles County. Participants compete in the following age categories:
- Kindergarten – Grade 2
- Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Grade 6 – Grade 8
- Grade 9 – Grade 12
I will give extra Art and Work habits grade credit to those who will join the contest. I will collect all the bookmarks by Friday, September 29, 2023
Sugary Drinks & Sodas in school
Recently, we have noticed that some students have been bringing sugary drinks and sodas as part of their lunch. I kindly request your cooperation in making healthier beverage choices for your child during school hours.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our students have access to nutritious food and beverages that will support their overall growth and development.
We kindly ask that you consider the following when preparing your child’s lunch for school:
- Opt for Water: Encourage your child to drink water during school hours. Water is the healthiest choice and helps keep children hydrated without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Natural Fruit Juices: If you choose to provide fruit juices, please make sure they are 100% natural fruit juices without added sugars or artificial flavors.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your child’s lunch. These provide essential vitamins and minerals and can be a delicious and nutritious addition to their meal.
Amazon Wishlist
As we gear up for an exciting school year filled with learning and growth, I wanted to share a wonderful opportunity to further enhance our classroom experience. I created an Amazon Wishlist with carefully selected items that will greatly benefit our students’ education journey. You may check out the link below.
Hi! Help me build this list I created. Add your favorite items!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/73aXb1p?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_qIczd4HTxpGuJ
UPCOMING EVENTS
School calendar can be found (clicking here)
- Sept 28 – Trojan Drawings #2 (1pm at St. Jude statue)
- Sept 29- First Grade Social/Fundraiser -Chuck-e Cheese
- Sept 29 – BLUE MASS at 8am (Feast of St. Michael) All first responders are invited!
- October 2-5 – Parent Teacher Conference Week, M-Thursday Noon Dismissals, sign up with teachers for parent conferences. Students should be in attendance if at all possible, especially in grades 3-8
- October 13 – Fall Candy Sale Ends
- October 27 – All monies due for Fall Candy Sale
- October 31 – Halloween Trunk or Treat (NOON DISMISSAL), Daycare till 3pm ONLY, 8th grade fundraiser at 11am (pizza sale), Daycare only from 12-3pm today (follow all Halloween dress up guidelines. Jr high to wear Formal Mass uniforms to daily Mass, then change into costumes)
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day: 8am All School Mass and Dress up, K-8 procession before 8am Mass (in saints’ costumes)
- November 2 – All Souls’ Day: 8am All School Mass
- November 9 – Fall Chocolate Sale: Magic Show for qualifying families, lunch and show provided in Hall
- November 10 – All School Ice Skating Annual Event (Sports PLC fundraiser) Toyota Center
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I will try my best to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education. I look forward to another wonderful week of learning and growth.
Thank you & God Bless!
Warmly,
Ms. Martinez
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