september

Dear Parents,                                                                            September 4, 2001

     WOW! I can't believe how fast August flew by! I guess time flies when you are having fun. We have been having a blast in first grade learning so many things. It's amazing how fast we learn! Here is what is in store for us for this month:

Math Minutes with Miss Powell:
This month in Math, we will be learning about addition and subtraction facts to 6.

In Ch. 2, the students will be able to:
1.   Model addition as joining.
2.   Write addition number sentences in horizontal and vertical forms.
3.   Learn addition facts to 6.
4.   Explore the Order Property.
5.   Review the mathematical concepts and skills from Chapter 1.
6.   Model addition patterns.
7.   Solve problems by using graphs.
8.   Solve problems by acting them out.

In Ch. 3, the students will be able to:
1. Model subtraction as separation.
2. Write subtraction number sentences in horizontal and vertical forms.
3. Learn subtraction facts to 6.
4. Review the mathematical concepts and skills from Ch. 2.
5. Model subtraction patterns.
6. Relate addition and subtraction.
7. Explore zero in subtraction facts.
8. Solve problems by choosing the operation.
9. Solve problems by writing the number sentence.

"An Apple a Day" in Science?
     This month in Science, we will be learning about Apples. Our reading center will be transformed into an apple orchard with a bushel of books to choose from! We will be graphing our favorite apple during an apple taste test. We will be discovering how apples are grown. We will also be talking about other apple related products.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
    In Language Arts, we will be reading stories about transportation. We will be incorporating phonics and grammar skills within our stories. At the end of this month, we will be having our first unit test in reading. We are continuing to have D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time before lunch everyday. Your child is allowed to bring a book from home to keep at school to read during this time. It is important that you continue to read to and with your child every night and record it in their daily reading log. This is part of their grade in homework as well as in reading. It needs to be in your child's homework folder. Thanks!

On the Write Track!
     We are still practicing our handwriting skills. Starting the first week of September, we will incorporate our handwriting with spelling. We will also be drawing pictures to go with our spelling words. We will be writing sentences later in the school year to go along with our pictures. We are also learning how the writing process works. We have been writing almost everyday. I think I see some writers of the future in our class!

God is Our Good Father!
     This month, we will be discussing how God Our Father is Holy, how God Shares His Life with Us, how God Our Father Speaks to Us, and how We Pray to God Our Father. Our goal for this month will be that the children will more deeply realize the great love God has for them and they will desire to pray to God.

Some important dates:
9/3     (Mon.)       No School (Labor Day)
9/7     (Fri.)          Deadline for Sally Foster
9/14   (Fri.)          Book Orders are due for Scholastic and Troll (CHECKS ONLY)
9/14   (Fri.)          School Mass
9/17   (Mon.)        Picture Day (in uniform)
9/24   (Mon.)        School Rosary/ Color Day (Blue) $1.00
9/28   (Fri.)           Noon Dismissal