Saturday, November 22, 2014

Picture Overload!


Hello families,

Here are quite a few pictures of the things we have been doing! Enjoy!



In early October we hosted an event called
"Read A Book, Get A Cookie".  We
paired up with an 8th grade class.  It was
fun to see how the "big kids" interact with
our Kinders.  They loved reading to them
and listening to stories.  

They were able to get to know their 8th grade buddies,
and even got switch and meet different buddies. 







We also had our Perfect Attendance Assembly.  We were also able to recognize some of our "Character Counts" kids.  It was hard to pick just 2 students...but I will have 3 more chances to pick several more students.







I had a few parents willing to try out "Group Conferences".  I only had one group conference, but it was fun!
















Finally, we did our Pumpkin Unit! We explored pumpkins, did math with pumpkins and had fun! (I forgot to take pictures of friends that were dressed up for Halloween.  It was a crazy day!)


Sorry it took me so long to get these up! I have been taking lots of pictures still.  I will be sharing more soon!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Leopold

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Long Overdue!

Hello families!

I am so sorry that I have let the Blog go on the back burner over the past few weeks.  I am writing this last minute to let you know about what is happening tomorrow/this week! I will be updating with pictures (I have a lot to share) this coming week. Look for posts!

Tomorrow is RED, WHITE, and BLUE day! Please send your student to school wearing all or some of these colors to pay tribute to Veterans. 

NO SCHOOL on Tuesday  in honor of Veteran's Day. 

Veteran's Day is very important to me as I have many Veterans in my family. We will be writing thank you notes to Veteran's on Monday and also making a craft to do with Veteran's Day.

Once again...look for more posts over the week. :)

Have a good week,

Shannon Leopold


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Conferences

Hello families,

Conferences are going to be here before you know it.  I wanted to get the sign up list out before Thursday, but I was not able to because I had to finalize everything going on that week.

I am going to be trying something new this year.  I got this idea from a fellow teacher (who happened to be teacher of the year at our school last year) and fell in love with it!  Instead of doing individual conferences-I am going to do group conferences.  Don't panic...it will be awesome!  :)

During our conferences I will NOT speak specifically about your child in front of other parents.  Instead, I will group your students with other students who are at their same level. I will have a folder with your students name on it.  In that folder will be data on your child.  I will go over what the data means, and averages for the data.  This will really help you understand exactly what I test, what I expect and where your student stands in school.

After we go over the data, I will have a "make and take" portion.  Where you and your student can make a game(s) or activities to do at home that will help them in specific areas. Of course, if you have any further questions I will be available to discuss them with you afterwards.

The sessions will be schedule for 45 minutes.  If we get done before that-then by all means, you are able to leave.  However, I will be there for the complete time.  I will send home a sign up sheet tomorrow (Thursday) with your student.  The sooner I get them back the sooner I will be able to schedule and let you know when your conference is. I will available on email throughout Fall Break if you have any questions after Friday.

If you are uncomfortable with this method please don't hesitate to talk to me.  I am more than willing to do independent conferences.  I just want to build a community within our classroom among parents as well as students. Once again, if you have any further questions or concerns just give me a call, or an email or stop in to talk.

Have a great evening,

Shannon Leopold

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Apples, BBQs, and puppets

Hello Families,

This week was a fun week learning about apples! We got to make an apple puppet, taste test apple items and learn about Johnny Appleseed!

On Friday we had a Western BBQ.  The students ate outside around the planter and some parents were able to come spend time with their student! Here are some pictures of them enjoying their BBQ lunches.






We also got to make Apple Puppets! The students had a blast making this and a few of them even told me that it was "the best day ever!"  Which of course was adorable and I loved hearing it! :)  They are getting very good at cutting and came to show me how well they had improved with cutting on the line.






We also had our 2nd grade reading buddies come down and read with us! They love being able to spend time with their reading buddies and show them our room.  It is so fun to see the 2nd graders helping them with reading and sounding out words.  They are like little teachers when they are in our room.




Last but not least, we had our apple taste testing snack! You were so generous with all your apple donations that we will be eating healthy apple snacks for the next week!






We had a great week learning about apples! :)

This week in Kindergarten...

We will be learning about the Fall/Autumn season.  I have to be honest-my favorite time of year is October-January! I love everything about fall and winter.  I love the holidays and the fun stuff we get to do with it.  

I will also be sending home the first scholastic reading order from home.  It will be due in 2 weeks! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Library is on Monday.  Please make sure your child's library book is in their bag so they can get a new book this week!

I am still assessing for report cards.  I hope to have it all done before fall break.  Please make sure your student is at school every day so they can be assessed.

Next week (October 6-10) is fall break.  

Have a great Sunday!

Shannon Leopold

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Western BBQ and more



The Western BBQ is tomorrow! Kindergarten lunch is from 10:30-11:00.  You are invited to come spend time with them and eat lunch! An adult meal is only $3.00. When you come you have to come through the office.

Pictures are in! I will be sending them home today.  I will discuss how important it is to NOT bend them and to put them in their BEE Binder.  :)

Report cards are coming up, along with Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences! I will be assessing students for their grades! Please make sure your child is here every day so that I can assess them.

Library! Our Library time is on Mondays.  Please make sure your student return the books on time.  If it is not returned they will not be permitted to get a new book.

I think that is all! Have a great Thursday!

Mrs. Leopold

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Apples, Apples, Apples

Hello!

Sadly, I don't have any pictures this week.  I forgot to bring my camera with me during the Poetry in Motion and the Bus Safety event.  However, we will continue to do apples next week and we will get to do plenty of things that I can take pictures of!

We did learn about Johnny Appleseed this week.  We have two more books to read about Johnny Appleseed and we are going to compare and contrast the books.  For, science we are learning about the parts of an apple, apple trees, apple orchards and picking apples.  We are also going to taste test apples, apple juice, and applesauce!

We also got to see Poetry in Motion. It is a dance group that shoes how poetry and dance are types of art.  We read the book "Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss to prepare for the show.  They did a mini-ballet to that book. The students loved it.

We also learned about how to be safe on a bus.  We got to watch movie about bus safety and then go on a bus and meet the bus driver.  The students had a lot of fun on the bus!

This week in Kindergarten...

Homework: I am adding a math sheet of homework for every day.  I will put the day on there to do it because it will be corresponding with what we learned in class that day. If you would like even extra practice or more worksheets for you student then please let me know. I don't want to overwhelm them, but I had a lot of parents ask for extra practice. 

Donations: In order to do our taste tests of apples we need the following
  • Apples (Green, red and yellow.  Each child will just get a slice of apple)
  • Apple Juice (If you get a big container we also need cups. Or you can get the apple juice  boxes.)
  • Apple sauce without cinnamon (If you get a big container we also need plates)
  • Spoons (for the applesauce)

Remember, we don't have school on Wednesday because it is Professional Development for us teachers.

I think that is all for now!  I hope you have had a good weekend.

Mrs. Leopold

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Farming and Centers

Happy Sunday!

I hope you have found your weekend to be relaxing and energizing!

This last week, we were learning about Farms and farm animals! We read the book "A Farm" in our reading group which slowly getting underway.  It is a lot to learn just learning how to do a reading group! We practiced "Partner Reading" this week.  The students sit knee to knee and elbow to elbow and take turns reading the pages.  Here are a few of our students practicing...





We also practice writing, even if that meant scribble writing.  They were told to write about their S picture. For example, I modeled drawing a snowman and wrote "A snowman."  Here are some examples of our friends writing!







We also practiced working in centers during our scheduled intervention time.  This is used to pull small groups so students get extra needed attention. If they are not in a small group they are working in centers with a partner.  Right now, all of our centers are letter naming games or putting the alphabet in order.  As they master letter names and putting the letters in order we will add different centers.




As you can tell, they LOVE to play in centers and with their partners! 

Coming up this week in Kindergarten...


 APPLES! I love the fall and enjoy doing all the units that come along with it! :)

Also, coming home tomorrow (Monday) is a progress report! It has a part on the bottom that you need to write your child's name, sign it, and comment anything if you wish.  It must be turned into me by the 24th!! Thank you for helping your child be successful in school!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know! All of my information is sent home on my Newsletters!

Enjoy your Sunday Night!

Shannon Leopold


Monday, September 8, 2014

Pete the Cat

Happy Monday!

I hope that the "Rain Day" did not cause you much frustration! Here are some pictures of what we did last week....

We are practicing Daily 5 for reading and writing! :) I have seen several teachers use Daily 5 successfully in their classrooms and was eager to start it with your students! The goal of Daily 5 is to have each student working at their own personal level which allows me to pull small groups or work individually with students.  The first few months of Daily 5 is rough with such a young age group. We are practicing "Read to Self" right now.  Students are given book(s) and they choose a spot and read.  They can read the pictures, read the words (if able), and retell the story.  My goal is to get them up to 15 minutes before we move on to another skill.  Right now, we are at 2 minutes and 21 seconds after just 3 days!!! I am so proud of your students for being such good learners!




We also did a cut and paste activity for the letter Cc! We tried a new gluing technique that helps not get everything covered in glue and/or ruin the glue sticks.  So far, it has worked beautifully! Your student was to cut out the pictures and glue on the ones that started with C.  I am proud to say that EVERY student completed the assignment correctly!!! :)




Overall, it was a great week! I see your child improving and learning EVERY DAY in school whether it be just remembering routines to seeing them understand a new concept.  That is one of the many reasons I love teaching Kindergarten!

This week we will be learning about FARMS! We will be making some arts and crafts and reading about real life farms along with stories about farms. 

As always, I hope you enjoyed your weekend and "Rain Day"!

Mrs Leopold.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Reminders

Happy Labor Day!

I just wanted to remind you about some important events happening!

Tomorrow is PICTURE DAY! Each child will be photographed individually.  Our class picture is in the spring.  If you forget to, or don't have money right now, you can order pictures at a later date!

Starting tomorrow, if your child forgets to bring their ID to school they will be sitting out at recess.  I have been talking to them everyday about the importance of a school ID. 

Also starting tomorrow is 'Homework Club".  If your child returns their BEE Binder every day AND it is signed by you they will get a special surprise at the end of the month!

I think that is all for now!

I hope that you were able to enjoy your extended weekend! I will see you bright and early tomorrow morning!

Mrs. Leopold

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!!!

I hope you are all able to take some time off to spend with your family and friends.  I am spending my weekend recharging and spending time with my kids (my animals) and my husband. :)

I realized last night that I completely forgot to take pictures this week! :( However, we are not completely done with our Brown Bear Unit, so there will still be pictures!  So far, we have read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" along with "Baby Bear, Baby Bear What Do You See?" and "Panda Bear, Panda Bear What Do You See?"  They are all written by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle.  I love these books and they are excellent for teaching skills such as sequencing and color words! It is also a good book for children to read because it is easy to remember the words and help them track print!  Many excellent skills that they need to learn.

We did a sequencing activity for "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?".  They had 1 hour to complete it, so if your child did not get it done they were given a sentence strip so they could complete it at home! :)

We were also working on numbers 3 and 4.  You will notice that we are moving VERY slow with numbers (and letters) because I really want to make sure your student grasps number sense.  I want them to be able to manipulate numbers that is easiest for them and that starts with understanding that there are different ways to show them. 

I have introduced Daily 5.  This is a reading block activity that allows students to work independently and gives me time to work in small groups.  This also allows me to differentiate for students at their level.  This means I can push students who are high while still helping those students struggling with a certain concept. I will also be incorporating this teaching style with Math.

In case you are not following Glendale Elementary School District on Facebook, then you missed all the amazing pictures that came from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! I was only one of many who took the challenge! Jim Cummings from our District Office was there to capture pictures of us the moment the water hit us! Here I am..
.
 
It was only cold for a little while and then heat warmed me right back up! :) There is also a video somewhere! When I locate it I will post it for you all to see.  In the meantime be sure to like Glendale Elementary District and Bicentennial South Facebook pages!

Remember that Tuesday is picture day! I want to apologize for getting the papers out so late.  They are in the BEE Binder (stay at home pocket).  If you don't return the money on Tuesday there will still be time to order! :) We go at 9:45 on Tuesday that way your student doesn't spill on their outfit or run and get sweaty before picture time! 

I will be posting a reminder post on Monday morning! Be sure to check in so that you remember all that is happening and going on this coming week! 

Enjoy your long weekend!

Mrs. Leopold

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Welcome back to our Classroom Blog! :)

We have successfully completed week 2 of Kindergarten and with that our theme of "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"!

In math this week we were learning about numbers 1 and 2.  We practiced counting them, writing them, and making them! I use the curriculum provided by our district called "Go Math".  I also input supplementary worksheets and activities to go along with Go Math.



We also started doing Problem Solving using story problems.  The story problems right now are using the skill of reasoning. Yesterday our story problem was about two children who were buying a toy.  They were looking at 5 different toys (all were vehicles of some sort).  They were given 3 clues as to what the toy was that the children wanted to buy and they had to figure it out.  We are doing them as a whole group right now, but eventually they will be doing them on their own.

Throughout the week we read several books including: "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom", "Chicka Chicka 123" and "The Numberlys".  I love all three of these books!

I was most excited for Friday to make our silly Chicka Chicka Boom Boom hats! I found a template for it online and was so excited about it!



Some of the letters didn't stick very well, but overall they turned out really cute! If I was not able to put your child's together-they should have gotten all the materials to finish it at home! We ran out of time and some children work slower than others.

Next week our them will be "Brown Bear, Brown Bear". It shall be another fun week!

Enjoy your weekend,
Mrs. Leopold

Sunday, August 17, 2014

BEE Binder and Important Information

I am very excited to implement the BEE Binder. It is my first year doing a binder like this and am hoping it works out amazing! :)

Yesterday I put together all the BEE Binders for our class.  The BEE Binders will go home every day and need to be signed by a parent or guardian.  This will help hold your student accountable for their BEE Binder and you will know how your student did in school that day.

This is the cover of the BEE Binder! (I made it myself and am quite proud of it!)  Your child's name will be on the line.

When you open it up you will see a Pencil Pouch.  This will hold any money (for lunches, our field trip in March/April, and anything else money is needed for) and it will hold permission slips or any papers I need signed and returned to school.


Next is a calendar.  This calendar is used to show you what color your student ended the day on. They will color the square around the date what color they ended on. There is a key showing you what that color means.  If you student has to move down, I will write why they moved down.  I want the your student to be able to tell you what they did to get on the color they did.  Having you initial each date will let your student know that we are in communication and you know how they behave in school  This is usually a very good incentive to only move up!






The next paper you will see is the lunch menu.  I will put the new one in there every month. This way you will know what is for lunch in case you would like to send a lunch with your student instead.





Next is your parent signature for the homework. Just sign it each day so I know your student did their homework.  Remember, it is only Monday through Thursday. The BEE Binder will come home on Fridays, but only for the behavior communication.




Following the paper for you signature is the homework paper for you student.  This month it is only handwriting and for you to read them a story.  As we go along, it will be more difficult.  We really want them to practice writing their name and making sure it is their FULL name and not a nickname.  I am not concerned with last times at this time-that will come later.  Please make sure to help them write it using proper formation (I will be adding a paper about this tomorrow) and using the lines.  If you have any questions about homework please don't hesitate to ask.

This is a two pocket divider.  The first pocket will be homework.  The other side will be papers for you to keep at home or to sign and put in the pencil pouch.  Please make sure to empty it every night so we don't cram the folder full.





The last section of the BEE Binder is the P.S.S. Communication Log! I will add notebook paper behind the cover.  This will be a place for you to write me a note or questions.  It is just a way to communicate when I might not be able to see you at dismissal.  I will also write notes to you if there is something I want you to be aware of! I love positive attention and look for ways to praise positive behavior.  One of those ways is to let you know how well your student did during a lesson or with an assignment.  Be sure to check it often!


There will be a paper in the back of the folder which will also explain what everything is.  This will help if you have a question and cannot get a hold of me immediately. I will be making that later today and putting it in tomorrow.

The BEE Binder is place that we will keep everything. Make sure to empty it and take good care of it.  If you student happens to lose it you may replace the binder, pencil pouch and 2 pocket folder and I will supply all the papers or we can use a paper folder. That will be up to you. 

Make sure your student has it every day. Starting in September if they do not have it then they will automatically flip their clip to a warning.  I am a believer in making them responsible for their items and start teaching that the first day of school. 

Some changes that will be happening starting tomorrow:
1-Your fast pass is expired.  You will need to give your ID to the office staff in order to enter campus.
2-We are starting to pick up outside in the grass area to the right of the blue gate (by the preschool playground).
3-I am starting the Baseball Behavior Plan that was outline in the Welcome Letter (if your student on or after the first day of school and you did not get one-please let me know! I have lot of copies and want you to know how our classroom is run).  I will start implementing the positive incentives and punishments.
4. Your child NEEDS their ID every day. Starting in September if they do not have it, they will not be able to play at recess.  This is, once again, a way to help them be responsible.  If they lose it, you will need to replace it. You can order a new one in the office. It is $5 for the ID, lanyard, and plastic cover.

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know! 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Mrs. Leopold