3 days!

I cannot believe we got lucky enough to get that extra day this past week. What a nice treat! I had the children write about what they did during the snow day. It sounds like everyone took appropriate advantage of the situation! I know we did! We probably clocked six hours out in the beautiful white stuff!

Despite the excitement of recess, we managed to get right back to work Wednesday morning. We started the second half of Because of Winn Dixie. We now know all of the essential characters, and I think one of my favorites continues to be Mrs. Gloria Dump. I hope to take all of my life lessons and see them with positivity when I am her age!

Everyone did a fantastic job finishing their bird essays at school and their 3D bird models at home in science. We will begin presenting those majestic creatures this coming week. Meanwhile, I will be adding the report and model grades into ProgressBook to be a part of the second quarter grades. Everyone did a fantastic job!

We have some special events coming up that are worth mentioning. From January 27 through February 10, the PTA is hosting a Read-A-Thon. We have already raised over $500 in our class, and we haven't officially started! Please check out the flyer that came home with the children on Friday. Now, here is the cherry on top... If the children in our class raise $2,000 or more, the Rotili Family has volunteered to reward the class with a pizza party! Woo hoo! Thank you, Dana and Ronnie!

In addition to reading for fun, we will also be participating in the Global School Day of Play in Room 111. I know this sounds like every day in our room, but this day, February 2, is a bit more intense than usual! Please check out this website for information: Global School Day of Play. We will have math like normal in the morning, and then we will use our time before lunch to kick off the fun. This will be non-electronic, child-oriented play. Want to help? If you have any board games your child loves that can be brought to school, please encourage them to bring it on February 2. I also have seen a wicked fort created in my room on this day, so old blankets are also allowed!

Finally, the children heard about Miss Rice this past week! Ally Rice is a student-teacher joining us from Kent State two days a week. She doesn't know it yet, but her first day coincides with our Global School Day of Play! She will be with us every Wednesday and Thursday. I know your children will welcome her with open arms, and I am excited to share our room with her. 

Upcoming Dates to Know:
January 24 - In-Service Day (no school for students)
January 26 - PTA meeting
January 28 - Bath Team Hero Shirts / Popcorn Friday
January 28 - Report Cards posted in ProgressBook for families
February 3 - Children's Concert Society U of A Dance Group Assembly
February 3 - Book Fair for our class (during Library)
February 11 - Teacher Professional Development (no school for students)
February 14 - Valentine's Party