On, Wednesday, October 31st, we will be celebrating Halloween with our entire Willowwind family. Please send your child's Halloween costume to school. We will be changing into our costumes in the afternoon to prepare for our parade and partner family pumpkin reveal. Please leave all small accessory parts at home, and please no weapons or gore.
Parents are welcome to join our Halloween parade and pumpkin reveal on Wednesday, October 31st. Please arrive by 1:55, in the GD Space, if you would like to participate in the fun.
Afternoon Halloween Schedule
2:00 K-6 Halloween parade through the GD Space for your enjoyment!
2:15 - 3:15 Pumpkin Reveal and Costume Reveal
I am looking for a two families to each bring in a healthy snack for 20 students. If you would be willing to bring in a snack please just e-mail me. A great example would be: Pretzels, apples, fruit, veggies, cheese…etc. NO PEANUTS, please! This can count towards 30 minutes of volunteer hours.
Friday, October 26, 2012
I Can Read DVD
On Monday, your child will bring home a special "I Can Read: Songs for Reading" DVD. This DVD is a gift to you from the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club. It can further help your child learn to read and write important sight words to build their early literacy skills. Go to I Can Read's website for more information. Enjoy! And thank you to Iowa City Noon Rotary Club!
Math, Math, Math!
Math has become a favorite time of our school day. Whether we are…
working together as a large group…
playing partner games…
applying concepts learned to Center Time activities (sorting stuffed animals by attributes!)…
completing pages in our workbook...
…or singing catchy songs we definitely have a lot of Math fun each and every day.
Speaking of catchy songs! Check out the lyrics to Penny, Nickel, Dime! It is quite the hit in the Cottontail classroom. During yesterday's indoor lunch recess, I walked into the classroom (where the Cottontails were engaged in art activities) to hear the most beautiful Kindergarten rendition of our new coin song. While working together the Cottontails decided to sing our new, favorite song together. It was very sweet. Has your Kindergartener come home humming or singing our new tune? I sure have!
In addition, the Kindergarteners are so excited to have recently completed their first Math workbook. They are excited to share their work with you at upcoming conferences. As we finish Unit 2, we will take our first assessment. This assessment will help us further understand your child's math progress. We will also examine this assessment at your child's upcoming conference.
In the coming weeks, we will begin to focus on learning our basic math facts. I can tell that your child is eager to further understand the concepts of addition and subtraction. Look to the upcoming October / November newsletter for more information on upcoming Math units.
Finally, don't forget, Math Packets are due back to school each Friday. If you have questions or concerns about your child's Math Packet please let me know. Thanks for helping your child's love for Math grow. I am very proud of our mathematicians.
working together as a large group…
playing partner games…
applying concepts learned to Center Time activities (sorting stuffed animals by attributes!)…
completing pages in our workbook...
…or singing catchy songs we definitely have a lot of Math fun each and every day.
Speaking of catchy songs! Check out the lyrics to Penny, Nickel, Dime! It is quite the hit in the Cottontail classroom. During yesterday's indoor lunch recess, I walked into the classroom (where the Cottontails were engaged in art activities) to hear the most beautiful Kindergarten rendition of our new coin song. While working together the Cottontails decided to sing our new, favorite song together. It was very sweet. Has your Kindergartener come home humming or singing our new tune? I sure have!
In addition, the Kindergarteners are so excited to have recently completed their first Math workbook. They are excited to share their work with you at upcoming conferences. As we finish Unit 2, we will take our first assessment. This assessment will help us further understand your child's math progress. We will also examine this assessment at your child's upcoming conference.
In the coming weeks, we will begin to focus on learning our basic math facts. I can tell that your child is eager to further understand the concepts of addition and subtraction. Look to the upcoming October / November newsletter for more information on upcoming Math units.
Finally, don't forget, Math Packets are due back to school each Friday. If you have questions or concerns about your child's Math Packet please let me know. Thanks for helping your child's love for Math grow. I am very proud of our mathematicians.
Smile!
Our Apple Smile treat we enjoyed while watching The Wind in the Willows. What a fun Friday! Yum!
Favorite Kinder Quote from watching the movie, "Ohhh!! I just LOVE happy endings!"
Favorite Kinder Quote from watching the movie, "Ohhh!! I just LOVE happy endings!"
Community Event - Run for Relief
A community event to pass on. Participate how ever you can!
Recently, a City High School student from the Women's Cross Country Team came to GD to present their annual
Run for Relief
A Run/Walk for Children's Cancer Connection
Saturday, November 3rd 10:00 am
at Lower City Park in Iowa City
Find the registration form online at cityhighruns.org or on their Facebook page: Run for Relief. You can also find more information at Willowwind's Front Desk and outside the Cottontails' classroom.
If you can't come consider making a donation! Send donations to:
Run/Walk for Children's Cancer Connection
430 Crestview Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Checks payable to City High Women's Cros Country Fundraising
Call or email Lilana Coelho with questions and comments.
319.621.6390
lcc4art@yahoo.com
Recently, a City High School student from the Women's Cross Country Team came to GD to present their annual
Run for Relief
A Run/Walk for Children's Cancer Connection
Saturday, November 3rd 10:00 am
at Lower City Park in Iowa City
Find the registration form online at cityhighruns.org or on their Facebook page: Run for Relief. You can also find more information at Willowwind's Front Desk and outside the Cottontails' classroom.
If you can't come consider making a donation! Send donations to:
Run/Walk for Children's Cancer Connection
430 Crestview Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Checks payable to City High Women's Cros Country Fundraising
Call or email Lilana Coelho with questions and comments.
319.621.6390
lcc4art@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Dia de Los Muertos
A message from our Spanish teacher!
This year we will be celebrating Day of the Dead as a Willowwind Community in a slightly different way. Many of the students have learned the significance and cultural practices of the Mexican holiday from past years at Willowwind. This year students will apply that knowledge to their own lives. Instead of making sugar skulls during a GD this year, students will each make a paper flower on October 30th. Students will attach a tag/leaf to their flower in remembrance of one special person in their life (or their family’s life) who has passed on. (As an alternative option students may choose a popular historical figure who has died rather than a family member or friend.) On each flower tag/leaf, students will write the name of the person and their relationship to that person in Spanish: abuela (grandma), amigo (friend), vecino (neighbor), etc.. During a special GD on Friday, November 2, students will say who their flower is for and place it in a vase at the center of the circle. Please talk with your child before October 30th about who they might remember with their flower. We will will talking about Day of the Dead in Spanish class this week and next.
Families are welcome to join us from 12:15 - 12:45 for a special Dia de los Muertos Group Discussion on November 2nd. If you would like to VOLUNTEER to make “pan de muerto” (a special sweet bread with anise) you may pick up a copy of the recipe at the Front Desk. There are also many versions available online. One site is: www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1506/pan.html
We will share the "pan de muerto" at the end of the GD celebration.
Also, we will be setting up the altar on Thursday, November 1st, after school in the GD area. Please join us!!
Muchas gracias,
Danielle
This year we will be celebrating Day of the Dead as a Willowwind Community in a slightly different way. Many of the students have learned the significance and cultural practices of the Mexican holiday from past years at Willowwind. This year students will apply that knowledge to their own lives. Instead of making sugar skulls during a GD this year, students will each make a paper flower on October 30th. Students will attach a tag/leaf to their flower in remembrance of one special person in their life (or their family’s life) who has passed on. (As an alternative option students may choose a popular historical figure who has died rather than a family member or friend.) On each flower tag/leaf, students will write the name of the person and their relationship to that person in Spanish: abuela (grandma), amigo (friend), vecino (neighbor), etc.. During a special GD on Friday, November 2, students will say who their flower is for and place it in a vase at the center of the circle. Please talk with your child before October 30th about who they might remember with their flower. We will will talking about Day of the Dead in Spanish class this week and next.
Families are welcome to join us from 12:15 - 12:45 for a special Dia de los Muertos Group Discussion on November 2nd. If you would like to VOLUNTEER to make “pan de muerto” (a special sweet bread with anise) you may pick up a copy of the recipe at the Front Desk. There are also many versions available online. One site is: www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1506/pan.html
We will share the "pan de muerto" at the end of the GD celebration.
Also, we will be setting up the altar on Thursday, November 1st, after school in the GD area. Please join us!!
Muchas gracias,
Danielle
Trick or Treat for UNICEF
In conjunction with UNICEF, the Wolf class has coordinated a trick-or-treat giving fund to help children in need around the world. Today, your child brought home a box to help collect donations for UNICEF. Between now and Halloween night help your child collect spare change donations by visiting your own local community - family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. UNICEF is proud of it's strong trick-or-treating tradition where students collect donations while trick-or-treating for candy, too. This money you raise will help UNICEF provide clean water, nutrition, education and more to millions of kids in need around the world.
Willowwind students have set forth a goal to raise $425 between now and October 31st. Today, in Afternoon Meeting, the Cottontails discovered that each Willowwind student would need to raise between $6 and $7 to meet our goal. No donation amount is too big or too small and $6 or $7 is just an idea of a possible small, obtainable goal for your child to try and reach. It is important to remember it is the thought that counts and any effort is truly appreciated.
Did you know?
• a packet of special powder to mix with water to save children from dehydration can be given with $0.07 in donations
• a notebook and pencil can be given with $0.50 in donations
• 24 protein biscuits can be given with $1 in donations
• vaccines can be administered with $17 in donations
• A School-in-a-Bag with basic classroom supplies for 40 students can be given with $60 in donations
Go to UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat website for more information. Thank you for your help!
Here is additional information from UNICEF to help your child learn more about our coordinated efforts.
Willowwind students have set forth a goal to raise $425 between now and October 31st. Today, in Afternoon Meeting, the Cottontails discovered that each Willowwind student would need to raise between $6 and $7 to meet our goal. No donation amount is too big or too small and $6 or $7 is just an idea of a possible small, obtainable goal for your child to try and reach. It is important to remember it is the thought that counts and any effort is truly appreciated.
Did you know?
• a packet of special powder to mix with water to save children from dehydration can be given with $0.07 in donations
• a notebook and pencil can be given with $0.50 in donations
• 24 protein biscuits can be given with $1 in donations
• vaccines can be administered with $17 in donations
• A School-in-a-Bag with basic classroom supplies for 40 students can be given with $60 in donations
Go to UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat website for more information. Thank you for your help!
Here is additional information from UNICEF to help your child learn more about our coordinated efforts.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Don't Forget - Library Card & Pumpkin Decorations - Tomorrow (Wed 10.24)
Please bring your child's library card to school tomorrow. Via the Towncrest bus, we will leave Willowwind around 9:30 and return around 12:15, just in time for pumpkin decorating in GD! While at the library we will check out three books, listen to a story time, enjoy a picnic lunch outside (it is suppose to be a beautiful day), and hopefully have time to play on the downtown play structure. We can't wait!
Also, if you received an email regarding pumpkin decorations please be sure you bring them in by tomorrow. We will begin decorating our pumpkins at GD. If you did not receive an email then there is no need for your family to worry about said decorations. Thanks so much!
See you tomorrow!
Also, if you received an email regarding pumpkin decorations please be sure you bring them in by tomorrow. We will begin decorating our pumpkins at GD. If you did not receive an email then there is no need for your family to worry about said decorations. Thanks so much!
See you tomorrow!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Bloomsbury Farm Field Trip
Monday gave us the most amazing day to travel to Atkins, Iowa to visit Bloomsbury Farm. The weather was gorgeous and there was so much to do. We are sure glad we were able to extend our day to take in more of the sights and sounds. Thank you to Eonju and Carrie for your help to make the day most successful. Come…take a picture walk through our field trip.
The pumpkin patch at Bloomsbury Farm!
Snack time before the fun begins.
The Petting Zoo - home to Daisy, the baby cow, rabbits, goats, and a miniature donkey.
Time for the hay rack ride…
…through the tall corn stalks…
…and past the bright orange of the pumpkin patch!
A highlight of our morning - the jumping pillow (Ms. Michelle's favorite)!
Into the straw tunnel...
…and onto the corn bin.
"Bury us, Michelle!"
Down the tunnel slide (Ms. Michelle's second favorite :) ).
Spiders on the spider web!
A trip through the tire maze.
Some tires were bigger than us! Teamwork was definitely needed!
Let's get "lost" in the corn maze!
"Hold my hand. Are we lost?" "Not when we're together!"
A group photo before…
…pumpkin picking time!
Our pumpkins!
A beautiful day at Bloomsbury Farm!
Check out more pictures on the October 2012 photo page!
The pumpkin patch at Bloomsbury Farm!
Snack time before the fun begins.
The Petting Zoo - home to Daisy, the baby cow, rabbits, goats, and a miniature donkey.
Time for the hay rack ride…
…through the tall corn stalks…
…and past the bright orange of the pumpkin patch!
A highlight of our morning - the jumping pillow (Ms. Michelle's favorite)!
Into the straw tunnel...
…and onto the corn bin.
"Bury us, Michelle!"
Down the tunnel slide (Ms. Michelle's second favorite :) ).
Spiders on the spider web!
A trip through the tire maze.
Some tires were bigger than us! Teamwork was definitely needed!
Let's get "lost" in the corn maze!
"Hold my hand. Are we lost?" "Not when we're together!"
A group photo before…
…pumpkin picking time!
Our pumpkins!
A beautiful day at Bloomsbury Farm!
Check out more pictures on the October 2012 photo page!
Fall Conference Sign Up
Fall Conferences are set for the following dates and times.
Monday, November 12 8:00 - 4:00
Thursday, November 15 2:30 - 7:00
Please note, Cottontails' conferences are scheduled for days different than what is documented on the academic calendar. This is due to my upcoming trip to the ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) conference in Louisville, Kentucky. With my absence there will still be school on Thursday, November 8th and NO SCHOOL / BASP on Friday, November 9th due to conferences in other classes. Amber is in the process of finding a sub for Thursday, 8th. With the change in the Cottontails' parent / teacher conference dates, there WILL still be school on Monday, November 12th during our 8:00 - 4:00 conference block. Your child will spend the day with Ms. Kim while we have the opportunity to meet. Monday, the 12th,'s conferences will take place in Willowwind's Conference Room just off the Front Entry. Thursday, the 15th,'s after school conferences will take place in the Cottontail's classroom.
Please use the link below to sign up for a 30 minute conference block. A link to the sign up sheet can also be found on the Welcome page's sidebar. During your child's conference time, we will review your child's school work and discuss their progress, strengths and areas of continued focus. I will have a folder of their work for you to take home and enjoy as well as a conference narrative that will further detail your child's few months in Kindergarten. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting with you.
Fall Conference Sign Up Link
Monday, November 12 8:00 - 4:00
Thursday, November 15 2:30 - 7:00
Please note, Cottontails' conferences are scheduled for days different than what is documented on the academic calendar. This is due to my upcoming trip to the ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) conference in Louisville, Kentucky. With my absence there will still be school on Thursday, November 8th and NO SCHOOL / BASP on Friday, November 9th due to conferences in other classes. Amber is in the process of finding a sub for Thursday, 8th. With the change in the Cottontails' parent / teacher conference dates, there WILL still be school on Monday, November 12th during our 8:00 - 4:00 conference block. Your child will spend the day with Ms. Kim while we have the opportunity to meet. Monday, the 12th,'s conferences will take place in Willowwind's Conference Room just off the Front Entry. Thursday, the 15th,'s after school conferences will take place in the Cottontail's classroom.
Please use the link below to sign up for a 30 minute conference block. A link to the sign up sheet can also be found on the Welcome page's sidebar. During your child's conference time, we will review your child's school work and discuss their progress, strengths and areas of continued focus. I will have a folder of their work for you to take home and enjoy as well as a conference narrative that will further detail your child's few months in Kindergarten. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting with you.
Fall Conference Sign Up Link
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Spelling Sort Reminder
A quick reminder encouraging you to make sure your child is completing their nightly word study sort homework. This homework helps prepare them for in class activities throughout the week. When students have to take time to cut and sort in class they miss out on other opportunities to participate in various word study games activities we complete at school. Let me know if you ever have any questions about your child's sort. Thank you so much for your at home help!
Friday, October 12, 2012
A is for Apple
Apple Unit Highlights:
~ taste testing apples
We taste tested and describe three different apples. We taste tested Jonathans, Honey Crisps, and Golden Delicious. We graphed our favorites. The sweet and crunchy Golden Delicious were our favorites.
Our Classroom Graph
~ Honey Creek Acres field trip
The windy day and lack of apples (Honey Creek Acres lost 80%! of their crop due to the warm Spring) couldn't stop us from having fun! We were able to see the apple orchards aboard a fun and bumpy hay ride. We also learned from a Honey Creek expert about their apples and the honey bees they have and the bees' important job. We got to see the honey bees live at work through a see through bee house and we even got to taste the honey they made! Yum! We were able take home some apples from the orchard to use in our Deep Dish Apple Pie. Pictures to come soon!
~ identifying parts of an apple
The Cottontails loved finding and labeling the parts of an apple. Did you know that the apple has six parts? The seeds, core, flesh, skin, stem, and leaves. Come check out our art work on display in the cubby area. Next week we'll discover how many seeds are in an apple core and begin looking at an apple tree and its apples' life cycle.
~ baking Deep Dish Apple Pie
On Friday, we took the morning to bake a delicious Deep Dish Apple Pie. We were so excited to bake our first apple pie much like Amelia Bedelia did in Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie. It was so much fun slicing and peeling the apples by using a special crank peeler/slicer. We also took turns measuring dry and wet ingredients and some friends helped in making and rolling out the pie's dough. It was delicious and the Honey Creek Acres apple cider was the perfect drink to go with our very own apple pie. One student asked, "Can we have that sheet? You know the one that tells you what to do?" Of course! Here's the recipe for you to make at home with your Cottontail! Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe
~ taste testing apples
We taste tested and describe three different apples. We taste tested Jonathans, Honey Crisps, and Golden Delicious. We graphed our favorites. The sweet and crunchy Golden Delicious were our favorites.
Our Classroom Graph
~ Honey Creek Acres field trip
The windy day and lack of apples (Honey Creek Acres lost 80%! of their crop due to the warm Spring) couldn't stop us from having fun! We were able to see the apple orchards aboard a fun and bumpy hay ride. We also learned from a Honey Creek expert about their apples and the honey bees they have and the bees' important job. We got to see the honey bees live at work through a see through bee house and we even got to taste the honey they made! Yum! We were able take home some apples from the orchard to use in our Deep Dish Apple Pie. Pictures to come soon!
~ identifying parts of an apple
The Cottontails loved finding and labeling the parts of an apple. Did you know that the apple has six parts? The seeds, core, flesh, skin, stem, and leaves. Come check out our art work on display in the cubby area. Next week we'll discover how many seeds are in an apple core and begin looking at an apple tree and its apples' life cycle.
~ baking Deep Dish Apple Pie
On Friday, we took the morning to bake a delicious Deep Dish Apple Pie. We were so excited to bake our first apple pie much like Amelia Bedelia did in Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie. It was so much fun slicing and peeling the apples by using a special crank peeler/slicer. We also took turns measuring dry and wet ingredients and some friends helped in making and rolling out the pie's dough. It was delicious and the Honey Creek Acres apple cider was the perfect drink to go with our very own apple pie. One student asked, "Can we have that sheet? You know the one that tells you what to do?" Of course! Here's the recipe for you to make at home with your Cottontail! Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe
Library Field Trip - October 24th
The Kindergarten classes will be traveling to the public library on Wednesday, October 24th. We will enjoy the library, a story time, and a special library lunch. Please be sure your child brings their library card on the 24th. They can bring their regular lunch as we will bring them to the library and eat lunch in their story time room.
In addition, on Tuesday, October 31st, Kathy (ICPL children's librarian) will be visiting the Kindergarteners at Willowwind for a special Halloween story time. We love her monthly visits.
Lastly, our September library books are due on Wednesday, October 17th. To avoid fines to your child's card please be sure to return the three books they checked out on our September library field trip. You can return these books directly to the public library or at the drive-up ICPL book drop-off at the Eastside Hyvee.
In addition, on Tuesday, October 31st, Kathy (ICPL children's librarian) will be visiting the Kindergarteners at Willowwind for a special Halloween story time. We love her monthly visits.
Lastly, our September library books are due on Wednesday, October 17th. To avoid fines to your child's card please be sure to return the three books they checked out on our September library field trip. You can return these books directly to the public library or at the drive-up ICPL book drop-off at the Eastside Hyvee.
Reminder: Booster Seats Needed NEXT Monday, October 15th
We will be traveling to Bloomsbury Farm this NEXT Monday, October 15th. We hope to leave Willowwind as close to 8:30 as possible so please ensure your child is on time to school so we can prepare for our field trip. Our Monday schedule has allowed us to extend our field trip to an all day affair at Bloomsbury Farm. Because of this please make sure…
1) …to leave your child's booster seat.
2) …your child dresses in layers to account for the changing temperature throughout the day. It's suppose to be a beautiful 68 degrees but the mornings always start out chilly.
3) …to pack two snacks, a lunch, and full water bottle that will help your child sustain a full day at the farm. We have a lot of amazing activities planned!
4) …your child gets a good night's rest. It will be a busy Monday with lots of activity a well-rested child will have the most fun possible! :)
We can't wait for a wonderful day.
1) …to leave your child's booster seat.
2) …your child dresses in layers to account for the changing temperature throughout the day. It's suppose to be a beautiful 68 degrees but the mornings always start out chilly.
3) …to pack two snacks, a lunch, and full water bottle that will help your child sustain a full day at the farm. We have a lot of amazing activities planned!
4) …your child gets a good night's rest. It will be a busy Monday with lots of activity a well-rested child will have the most fun possible! :)
We can't wait for a wonderful day.
MORE Volunteer Opportunities
The Cottontails are in need of your help! Email me if you are interested.
Applesauce Apples
We are looking for some more apples to go with our Honey Creek Apples for our upcoming cooking activity. If you are interested in bring a dozen or so apples let me know. We plan to make applesauce so Jonathan, Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh seem to be the best varieties to choose from. This opportunity can earn you 30 minutes towards your service hours.
Play Dough
The Cottontails love playing with play dough. If you would like to make play dough for the class to use let me know. I have a simple at-home recipe you can use. This opportunity can earn you about 60 minutes towards service hours.
Book Doctor
We love the books in our classroom library. Some have received much love. I am looking for a parent to give some of our tattered books some TLC. If you are interested let me know. I can send the books and repair tape home with your child to fix and work on at home. This opportunity can earn you about 60 minutes towards your service hours.
Halloween Snack
We are in the process of planning a fun Halloween for our Willowwind friends. More information will follow regarding specifics but we are looking for parent volunteers to help supply some yummy ingredients for our Fruit Candy Corn snack. We are looking for mandarin oranges, pineapples, and vanilla yogurt. If you are interested in providing ingredients let me know. I can let you know quantities when you email. This opportunity can earn you 30 minutes towards your service hours.
Assembling Portfolios
The Cottontails have writing fever! We have completed quite a few wonderful writing pieces and are in need of assembling our portfolios to display some of our written work. I am looking for a parent that can come in to label 3-ring binders, 3-hole punch our writing samples, and put the work in the child's designated writing portfolio (their 3-ring binder). Check out the Signup Genius posting, or email me if you are interested. This opportunity can be completed at school and can earn you one to two hours for your service hours.
Applesauce Apples
We are looking for some more apples to go with our Honey Creek Apples for our upcoming cooking activity. If you are interested in bring a dozen or so apples let me know. We plan to make applesauce so Jonathan, Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh seem to be the best varieties to choose from. This opportunity can earn you 30 minutes towards your service hours.
Play Dough
The Cottontails love playing with play dough. If you would like to make play dough for the class to use let me know. I have a simple at-home recipe you can use. This opportunity can earn you about 60 minutes towards service hours.
Book Doctor
We love the books in our classroom library. Some have received much love. I am looking for a parent to give some of our tattered books some TLC. If you are interested let me know. I can send the books and repair tape home with your child to fix and work on at home. This opportunity can earn you about 60 minutes towards your service hours.
Halloween Snack
We are in the process of planning a fun Halloween for our Willowwind friends. More information will follow regarding specifics but we are looking for parent volunteers to help supply some yummy ingredients for our Fruit Candy Corn snack. We are looking for mandarin oranges, pineapples, and vanilla yogurt. If you are interested in providing ingredients let me know. I can let you know quantities when you email. This opportunity can earn you 30 minutes towards your service hours.
Assembling Portfolios
The Cottontails have writing fever! We have completed quite a few wonderful writing pieces and are in need of assembling our portfolios to display some of our written work. I am looking for a parent that can come in to label 3-ring binders, 3-hole punch our writing samples, and put the work in the child's designated writing portfolio (their 3-ring binder). Check out the Signup Genius posting, or email me if you are interested. This opportunity can be completed at school and can earn you one to two hours for your service hours.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Volunteer Opportunities: Drivers & Assembling Portfolios
Our class is in need of a few volunteers. Let me know if you are interested.
Driver for NEXT Monday's Field Trip to Bloomsbury Farm
We are hoping to extend our field trip to Bloomsbury Farm to an all day affair. Because of this change in plans, we are in need of one more driver. We hope to leave Willowwind around 8:30 and return between 2:00 and 3:00. Without one more driver, we may not be able to spend more time enjoying Bloomsbury Farm. Let me know if you can help out. Thanks so much!
Assembling Writing Portfolios
The Cottontails have writing fever! We have completed quite a few wonderful writing pieces and are in need of assembling our portfolios to display some of our written work. I am looking for a parent that can come in to label 3-ring binders, 3-hole punch our writing samples, and put the work in the child's designated writing portfolio (their 3-ring binder). Their should be a Signup Genius posting soon, or email me if you are interested.
The hours served through both of these opportunities can go towards your required volunteer time. In advance, thanks for all your help.
Driver for NEXT Monday's Field Trip to Bloomsbury Farm
We are hoping to extend our field trip to Bloomsbury Farm to an all day affair. Because of this change in plans, we are in need of one more driver. We hope to leave Willowwind around 8:30 and return between 2:00 and 3:00. Without one more driver, we may not be able to spend more time enjoying Bloomsbury Farm. Let me know if you can help out. Thanks so much!
Assembling Writing Portfolios
The Cottontails have writing fever! We have completed quite a few wonderful writing pieces and are in need of assembling our portfolios to display some of our written work. I am looking for a parent that can come in to label 3-ring binders, 3-hole punch our writing samples, and put the work in the child's designated writing portfolio (their 3-ring binder). Their should be a Signup Genius posting soon, or email me if you are interested.
The hours served through both of these opportunities can go towards your required volunteer time. In advance, thanks for all your help.
Walk to School Day - TOMORROW - Thur, Oct 11
Walk to School Day!
TOMORROW!! Thursday October 11th
Promote healthy living and a clean environment by walking to school with us!
*If you live too far away from Willowwind to walk, feel free to meet us at the Hyvee on 1st Avenue at 7:45 where we will be walking on the bike path to school!
*Please have your students wear bright colors as we have discussed in our Movement class for easier visibility.
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to join in the walk as well!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
We are Strong Writers!
The Cottontails are excited about their new writing routine. This crew is so eager to write. We have recently moved from transcribed writing (a Kinder verbally gives me their thoughts and I write them down) to "post-it note" writing (a Kinder verbally gives me their thoughts, I write them on a post-it note and they transfer the writing to their own page). They are so excited to write! They take their time and are proud of their work. Through "post-it note" writing, we are working on creating complete thoughts and using "finger spacing" (one finger between words and two fingers between sentence). This week, I introduced writing groups. Similar to reading groups, I meet with writing groups twice week allowing your child to participate in a more differentiated, one-on-one writing experience. They are excited to work on individual and small group writing projects. Next week, students will be receiving their writing notebooks - a special place for our "seeds" (ideas) and writing pieces. We also begin to focus on finishing our sentences with a period. I am so excited for the growth that will occur. Continue to help your child with their growing writing confidence. Use "post-it note" writing at home or encourage their own kid spelling with their writing. Here's to strong writing!
"Post-it Note" writing and finger spacing!
Sometimes we write on clipboards…
…sometimes we write on chalk...
…and sometimes we write in shaving cream!
Ohh!! Don't forget to look to our September 2012 photo album for photos from the other side of Literacy - reading!
"Post-it Note" writing and finger spacing!
Sometimes we write on clipboards…
…sometimes we write on chalk...
…and sometimes we write in shaving cream!
Ohh!! Don't forget to look to our September 2012 photo album for photos from the other side of Literacy - reading!
Important Reminders
A few reminders for the end of the week. Happy Friday! Have a blast at this weekend's Harvest Fest!
1) Field Trip on Monday
This NEXT Monday, the 8th, afternoon we will be traveling to Honey Creek Acres. Please be sure to leave your child's booster seat near the Conference Room in the Entry Way. We will also be traveling the following Monday, the 15th, to Bloomsbury Acres. We will need your child's booster seat on this day as well.
2) Harvest Fest VOLUNTEERS!
We are still in need of parents to signup for two of our three game shifts (a 15 minute shift and a 30 minute shift - 15 minutes to run the game; 15 minutes to teardown). We are hosting the Rainbow Penny Toss game (a super, simple penny toss game). All supplies are gathered, the game's instructions are available, and Dayna Ballantyne is hosting the first 30 minute shift (set up and running the game), thank you, Dayna! Please go to signupgenius.com to help out with our Harvest Fest game. We wouldn't be able to provide these fun activities without your support.
Don't forget to bring in a canned food for Willowwind's Food Drive for the River Community Church Food Drive. The Harvest Festival will also host a parent potluck. Food assignments are set up by last night. See you below. Thank you so much.
A-D Fruit
E-H Vegetable
I-N Main Meat or Veggie Dish
O-Q Apple Cider (2 containers)
R-T Dessert
U-W 50 Paper Cups, plates, napkins
X-Z Bread
3) Snack and Water Bottles
We are going Kindergarteners and get hungry during the day. What's for snack and what's for lunch is a tricky mystery for our Kindergarteners. Often times, our friends snack and lunch bags are left empty for Afternoon Snack after hungry tummies from Lunch. Please help your child understand what to have for snack and for lunch. A separate pouch for snack can be handy to distinguish between food for snacks and food for lunch. Encourage an at-home conversation that helps your child sustain enough food for the entire day. Our bodies are growing and it is important to have food for both snack and lunch. Also, please be sure your child has a water bottle for snack. Milk and juice should be saved for lunch. Thanks for your help.
4) BoxTops and Printer Cartridges
Remember, you can conveniently drop off your box tops and printer cartridges here at Willowwind. We will recycle them for you and Willowwind can earn points back for supplies for your child.
1) Field Trip on Monday
This NEXT Monday, the 8th, afternoon we will be traveling to Honey Creek Acres. Please be sure to leave your child's booster seat near the Conference Room in the Entry Way. We will also be traveling the following Monday, the 15th, to Bloomsbury Acres. We will need your child's booster seat on this day as well.
2) Harvest Fest VOLUNTEERS!
We are still in need of parents to signup for two of our three game shifts (a 15 minute shift and a 30 minute shift - 15 minutes to run the game; 15 minutes to teardown). We are hosting the Rainbow Penny Toss game (a super, simple penny toss game). All supplies are gathered, the game's instructions are available, and Dayna Ballantyne is hosting the first 30 minute shift (set up and running the game), thank you, Dayna! Please go to signupgenius.com to help out with our Harvest Fest game. We wouldn't be able to provide these fun activities without your support.
Don't forget to bring in a canned food for Willowwind's Food Drive for the River Community Church Food Drive. The Harvest Festival will also host a parent potluck. Food assignments are set up by last night. See you below. Thank you so much.
A-D Fruit
E-H Vegetable
I-N Main Meat or Veggie Dish
O-Q Apple Cider (2 containers)
R-T Dessert
U-W 50 Paper Cups, plates, napkins
X-Z Bread
3) Snack and Water Bottles
We are going Kindergarteners and get hungry during the day. What's for snack and what's for lunch is a tricky mystery for our Kindergarteners. Often times, our friends snack and lunch bags are left empty for Afternoon Snack after hungry tummies from Lunch. Please help your child understand what to have for snack and for lunch. A separate pouch for snack can be handy to distinguish between food for snacks and food for lunch. Encourage an at-home conversation that helps your child sustain enough food for the entire day. Our bodies are growing and it is important to have food for both snack and lunch. Also, please be sure your child has a water bottle for snack. Milk and juice should be saved for lunch. Thanks for your help.
4) BoxTops and Printer Cartridges
Remember, you can conveniently drop off your box tops and printer cartridges here at Willowwind. We will recycle them for you and Willowwind can earn points back for supplies for your child.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Volunteer Opportunties: Harvest Fest Volunteers NEEDED!
We are still in need of a handful of volunteers to help with the Cottontails' Harvest Fest game THIS Saturday, October 6th. Please go to SignUpGenius to volunteer your time this Saturday to run our class game 1:45-3:15pm. Our class is in charge of the Rainbow Penny Toss. We are still in need of parents to run all 15 minute game shifts (there are four shifts to choose from). There will be set-up and how to play instructions at our game. Don't forget! These 15 minute time shifts can count towards your volunteer hours. We are also in need of small black plastic cauldrons (can be found anywhere Halloween supplies are sold) and and stickers for small game prizes. Thank you to Danielle's and Libby's families for their supplies already donated. It is MUCH appreciated; however, we are still in need of a few more supplies.
To sign up:
1. Go to SignUpGenius
2. Click on "Find a Sign Up"
(There is a convenient "Volunteer" button on the left, near the top of our website's Welcome page)
3. Type in: racheld@willowwind.org - click "Search"
4. Click "Harvest Festival"
5. Enter the password - click "Submit"
(See Carly's Weekly Note for the SignUpGenius password or feel free to send me an email asking for it).
6. Click "Sign Up to choose a 15 minute time shift or supply donation under "Cottontails Rabbits Game".
7. To complete sign up, follow the on screen instructions and click "Sign Up".
Thank you in advance for your help and support. This game and these opportunities cannot be completed with out your help and support!
To sign up:
1. Go to SignUpGenius
2. Click on "Find a Sign Up"
(There is a convenient "Volunteer" button on the left, near the top of our website's Welcome page)
3. Type in: racheld@willowwind.org - click "Search"
4. Click "Harvest Festival"
5. Enter the password - click "Submit"
(See Carly's Weekly Note for the SignUpGenius password or feel free to send me an email asking for it).
6. Click "Sign Up to choose a 15 minute time shift or supply donation under "Cottontails Rabbits Game".
7. To complete sign up, follow the on screen instructions and click "Sign Up".
Thank you in advance for your help and support. This game and these opportunities cannot be completed with out your help and support!
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