The season of giving is here, and our calendar is packed with opportunities to give to others. Take a look at the upcoming events and let me know if you have any questions.
1) Thanksgiving Feast - Tuesday, November 26
Together, the students and faculty are thrilled to celebrate all the things we are thankful for on Tuesday. Please be sure you bring in the ingredients you signed up for for our cookie baking THIS Monday, November 25. Take a look at our Feast Sign Up sheet for reference. Please note, the Kindergarten class is still in need of one parent volunteer to help with serving and clean up from 12:00 - 2:30 ish. Please sign up if you can volunteer. Also note, your child will not need a lunch this day. There will be plenty of delicious food thanks to all of our K-6 friends hard work and culinary preparation.
2) Thanksgiving Break - No School / BASP; Office Closed
Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29
Willowwind will be closed Wednesday through Friday of this week in honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Enjoy your time with your family, and see you on Monday, December 2.
3) Dash for Dashiell - Wednesday, November 27
What a great community cause to be a part of! Take a look at November 21st blog post for more information.
4) Performing Arts Night - Thursday, December 5 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Willowwind's band, choir, and theater group are excited to perform for our community! Join us at the River Community Church (across Muscatine from Willowwind) to celebrate the end of Fall Enrichment programs. Come and enjoy the fine arts performance and stay for a reception following the event.
5) December Parent Coffee & Spirit Day - Friday, December 6
Send your child to school in their blue and bold or Willowwind Apparel. All students wearing school colors are eligible for our monthly Spirit Friday raffle. In addition, join fellow Willowwind parents for an engaging discussion, warm coffee and homemade treats. Parent Coffees are brought to you by Willowwind Friends and Family (WFF). WFF helps our community members work together to support child, and school, growth and development. If you are interested in participating in WFF please email Gretchen Rice.
6) Preschool to Kindergarten Transition Night - Tuesday, December 10 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Have family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors with children preparing for Kindergarten? Invite them to Willowwind's annual Preschool to Kindergarten Transition Night to learn more about Willowwind's Kindergarten program. I will be on hand to discuss the important transition from preschool to kindergarten and explore topics like project-based learning, community service initiatives and Willowwind's dedication to a small classroom environment. Other Willowwind faculty members will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information about Willowwind's curriculum, interactive specials classes and after-school enrichment programs. Encourage those you know to attend the event and RSVP by Friday, December 6. Interested in helping? Visit Sign Up Genius for volunteer opportunities. Child care will be available for toilet-trained children during the event.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Winter Gear
Winter is just around the corner and the bitter weather is here to welcome the new season in! Starting Monday, November 25, all Kindergarteners need to have a
~ snow boots
~ winter coat
~ hat and gloves
Even without the snow sticking our grounds are muddy. Because of this, a pair of snow boots are required for Kindergarteners to play beyond the concrete. Their indoor shoes get very muddy so a change of boots is important to keep the mud outside. On days when snow is covering the ground, please be sure your child has their snow pants. Many families have brought in a "school pair" of boots and snow pants for their child to ensure their child is adequately prepared each day of the week.
Thanks for helping keep your child warm on these chilly days!
~ snow boots
~ winter coat
~ hat and gloves
Even without the snow sticking our grounds are muddy. Because of this, a pair of snow boots are required for Kindergarteners to play beyond the concrete. Their indoor shoes get very muddy so a change of boots is important to keep the mud outside. On days when snow is covering the ground, please be sure your child has their snow pants. Many families have brought in a "school pair" of boots and snow pants for their child to ensure their child is adequately prepared each day of the week.
Thanks for helping keep your child warm on these chilly days!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Dash for Dashiell - Wed, Nov 27
I am excited to present our families with an amazing community event in honor of one of our dearest friends and his 6th birthday.
Why wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks?
Please join the Codd Family and the West High School Dance Marathon to celebrate life at the 1st annual Dash for Dashiell a 1.8 mile GLOW run / walk.
November 27th @ 7:00 pm
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
4213 SE Sand Road
Iowa City, Iowa
(Take Gilbert Street / Sand Road south to its intersection with Sycamore.)
Walk, run, or simply join Dashiell's friends and family for cake, lemonade, and music.
To Register visit: SignMeUp
To learn more about Dashiell and his journey visit his Mahna Mahna Facebook page.
Why wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks?
Please join the Codd Family and the West High School Dance Marathon to celebrate life at the 1st annual Dash for Dashiell a 1.8 mile GLOW run / walk.
November 27th @ 7:00 pm
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
4213 SE Sand Road
Iowa City, Iowa
(Take Gilbert Street / Sand Road south to its intersection with Sycamore.)
Walk, run, or simply join Dashiell's friends and family for cake, lemonade, and music.
To Register visit: SignMeUp
To learn more about Dashiell and his journey visit his Mahna Mahna Facebook page.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Reminders
| A few quick reminders to start your week as we move into our final full week before Thanksgiving Break. |
| A few quick reminders to start your week as we move into our final full week before Thanksgiving Break. |
Literacy: Literacy Love
As mentioned in our |
Shaving Cream Spelling - Give it a try at home!
Letter Brainstorms - What other words can we think of that start with the letters in our sort? Some days we use our own Spelling brains to answer this question and some days we use our classroom library as a resource. Encourage your Kinder to make Letter Brainstorms and go on Word Hunts at home.
Playing Scrabble Junior during Center Time.
Gluing Spelling Sorts during Brain Breakfast.
Looking forward to weekly story times with our parents and grandparents. Interested in joining us? We host a visitor each Tuesday morning from 8:45 - 9:05. Our door is always open, so email me if you are interested.
Selecting books for home and for school thanks to generous donations from the Iowa City Public Library.
Taking the Towncrest Bus to visit the public library each month.
Welcoming ICPL librarians to Willowwind. Each month, Kathy Habley visits our classroom for a much anticipated story time. Here, Morgan is hosting a book talk encouraging students to check out a variety of new chapter books hat can be found in our own library or at the public library. Later this month, Kathy will be here to host a picture book talk.
Prewriting Lunch Bunch - Interviewing our partners for our upcoming Partner Books.
Prewriting Lunch Bunch - Being interviewed by our partners for our upcoming Partner Books.
Building Mat Man - Mat Man is fun character that comes to life with our Wood Letter Pieces.
Mat Man!!
Brainstorming answers to the question - What do STRONG readers do? Take a look at our reading and writing brainstorms posted throughout our classrooms.
Making lists in our Dry Erase Board Center.
Making lists - learning how "To Do Lists" can keep our brains organized and on task.
Learning to find "Just Right Books". Ask your child about our "Just Right" Reading Buckets.
Using our Seed Journals to create detailed brainstorms. Seeds start in our brain, are felt in our heart, travel thorough arms, out our hands and into our Seed Journal.
Using black pens to write and label and colored pencils to draw in our Seed Journals.
Visiting the Listening Center. Building fluency through listening to other fluent readers read aloud modeling expression, pacing, and other fluency traits.
Spending time in our classroom library reading a variety of books including books of our own creation!
All around, we LOVE all things literacy. Our love for reading and writing is a team effort. Thank you for your support in helping our confidence and love grow. Through nightly reading to and with your child, to Highlights ordering, and through encouraging the use of the "I Can Read" DVD sent home earlier in the year your at home help is truly appreciated. A big thank you to local educator LaDonna Wickland for her generous DVD donation.
In addition, a big thank you to the ICPL, former Kindergarten families, and my own mother's love for reading for their recent donations to our classroom library. Our library has grown by more than THREE HUNDRED (or more) books in the last two months. If you know of someone that is interested in donating books our classroom and school library is always in need. Thank you for all you do - the love for learning is so apparent.
Social Studies: Core Virtue Chapter Book
During the first few months of school we studied Willowwind's seven Core Virtues. We used our Core Virtues to learn about the importance of being a great friend. We continue to use these Virtues daily as we grow as classmates, peers, and friends.
With each week, we drew and wrote about each Core Virtue. We then compiled our writings in one large "Chapter Book". The Cottontails were thrilled to watch their work come together in one book. The Cottontails Core Virtue Chapter Book is a go-to book in our library. Come take a look at the book as you stop by the classroom. Our thoughts are also included below. In addition, below, you will find some of our favorite Core Virtue books. Visit our Website Book Shelf for links to Amazon if you are interested in ordering adding any of the books to your home's library collection
Respect
I am respectful when I…
...say please and when I want to go tubing.
...help a friend who has a broken bucket.
...am listening.
...help my sister.
...listen to the person that is listening.
...give others a hug.
...give somebody a toy for Christmas.
...use respectful hands.
...say goodbye to my friends.
Book Recommendation: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum loves her perfect name - or so she thinks. She loves it right up until the first day of school, when the kids in class make fun of her name for being so long and for it being name for a flower. She struggles with her classmates until she meets the music teacher who has a long name AND is named after a flower, too! Chrysanthemum learns to love her names and her classmates learn to show respect for all.
Responsibility
I am responsible when I…
...have my friends read a secret message.
...wait my turn at the piñata.
...tell the truth.
...clean my toys up.
...picked up trash in the forest.
...invite somebody to play with me.
...told my mom I dropped the card.
...put my clothes on all by myself.
...am cleaning up the table.
...share the pinecone with friends.
...play with someone and ask them to play.
Book Recommendation: The Paper Boy
On a peaceful Saturday morning, before the rest of the world is awake, a young paperboy makes his way along his route, thinking about all kinds of things along the way.
Perseverance
I persevere by...
...writing my name.
...learning to swim.
...climbing the grey thing on the playground.
...first going to swimming lessons.
...climbing up the pole.
...helping a friend pull a wagon.
...trying my best when I sing.
...telling myself, "I think I can." when I get hurt.
...trying to get the train going.
...by riding my bike.
...trying to break on a hill.
...driving the tractor.
Book Recommendation: Oops-a-Daisy!
Daisy Rabbit is learning how to hop, and there's a lot of jumping, thumping, and bumping going on in the meadow. "Watch me, Mama!" Dais cries out as she tries a big hop. Mama helps Daisy up and she shows her that everyone needs to practice things. Little Duck is learning to swim and Little Mouse is learning to climb. Daisy keeps practicing her hopping.
Self-Discipline
I show self-discipline by...
...patiently waiting for a rainbow.
...by washing the dishes without being told.
...not being greedy.
...being on time to dinner.
...not picking flowers even when I want them.
...finishing poems.
...patiently waiting for the bus.
...waiting patently for the mail.
...focusing on my homework.
...cleaning my room when my mom tells me to.
...not walking in someone's garden.
Book Recommendation: The Little Red Hen
The Little Red Hen works hard - all alone! - to turn her wheat seed into flour, while the goes talks, the dog naps, and the cat preens. When her friends smell the fresh bread baking, their all of a sudden eager to help her eat it!
Honesty
I show honesty by...
...telling the truth.
...finding the right owner when I find a toy on the playground.
...not stealing.
...following directions even when no one is watching.
...not taking things from others.
...being respectful.
...being a good friend.
...not picking another person's flowers.
...not telling a lie.
...asking politely for something instead of taking.
...showing respect to nature.
Book Recommendation: Ruthie and the Not So Teeny-Tiny Lie
Ruthie loves little things - the smaller, the better. When she finds a teeny tiny toy on the school playground, she can hardly believe her luck. There's just one problem: It belongs to somebody else! Ruthie insists the toy is hers, but deep down, she knows better.
Compassion
...I show compassion when…
...I'm helping my sister put a band aid on when she falls.
...I give another ice cream to someone who is sad.
...I don't peek in someone's window.
...I'm helping mommy do laundry.
...helping someone feel better when they don't get things when they wanted to.
...I help somebody who has Alzheimer's get up when they fall.
...I share the slide and robot.
...my sister is sad and asks for a hug.
...I care.
...I'm hugging the baby in my mom's tummy.
...helping someone get up.
...I help someone set the table.
Book Recommendation: The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need
Stuff in the closets, stuff in the drawers, stuff in the attic - too much stuff everywhere! Mama Bear convinces the family that cleaning out the house can not only simplify their cluttered lives, but also benefit those who are in need!
Giving
I show giving by...
...cleaning my room.
...giving old clothes to my sister.
...having a big yard sale.
...not hurting people
...giving away my socks.
...giving my mittens and goats to people.
...giving someone clothes.
...sharing my tent with my cousin.
...giving my poster away even if I want it.
...giving my clothes to my cousin.
...by giving my clay house to my friend.
...giving balls to Sophie.
...giving mittens and hats to children.
Book Recommendation: Lily and the Paper Man
Walking with her mother on the home from school one day, Lily runs straight into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she starts to see the Paper Man differently - she sees his bare toes through the holes in his books and his thin shirt through the holes in his coat. As she lies in her cozy bed at night, she wonders how the Paper Man stays warm. Lilly comes up with a wonderful idea.
Enjoying our Core Virtue Chapter Book.
With each week, we drew and wrote about each Core Virtue. We then compiled our writings in one large "Chapter Book". The Cottontails were thrilled to watch their work come together in one book. The Cottontails Core Virtue Chapter Book is a go-to book in our library. Come take a look at the book as you stop by the classroom. Our thoughts are also included below. In addition, below, you will find some of our favorite Core Virtue books. Visit our Website Book Shelf for links to Amazon if you are interested in ordering adding any of the books to your home's library collection
Respect
I am respectful when I…
...say please and when I want to go tubing.
...help a friend who has a broken bucket.
...am listening.
...help my sister.
...listen to the person that is listening.
...give others a hug.
...give somebody a toy for Christmas.
...use respectful hands.
...say goodbye to my friends.
Book Recommendation: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum loves her perfect name - or so she thinks. She loves it right up until the first day of school, when the kids in class make fun of her name for being so long and for it being name for a flower. She struggles with her classmates until she meets the music teacher who has a long name AND is named after a flower, too! Chrysanthemum learns to love her names and her classmates learn to show respect for all.
Responsibility
I am responsible when I…
...have my friends read a secret message.
...wait my turn at the piñata.
...tell the truth.
...clean my toys up.
...picked up trash in the forest.
...invite somebody to play with me.
...told my mom I dropped the card.
...put my clothes on all by myself.
...am cleaning up the table.
...share the pinecone with friends.
...play with someone and ask them to play.
Book Recommendation: The Paper Boy
On a peaceful Saturday morning, before the rest of the world is awake, a young paperboy makes his way along his route, thinking about all kinds of things along the way.
Perseverance
I persevere by...
...writing my name.
...learning to swim.
...climbing the grey thing on the playground.
...first going to swimming lessons.
...climbing up the pole.
...helping a friend pull a wagon.
...trying my best when I sing.
...telling myself, "I think I can." when I get hurt.
...trying to get the train going.
...by riding my bike.
...trying to break on a hill.
...driving the tractor.
Book Recommendation: Oops-a-Daisy!
Daisy Rabbit is learning how to hop, and there's a lot of jumping, thumping, and bumping going on in the meadow. "Watch me, Mama!" Dais cries out as she tries a big hop. Mama helps Daisy up and she shows her that everyone needs to practice things. Little Duck is learning to swim and Little Mouse is learning to climb. Daisy keeps practicing her hopping.
Self-Discipline
I show self-discipline by...
...patiently waiting for a rainbow.
...by washing the dishes without being told.
...not being greedy.
...being on time to dinner.
...not picking flowers even when I want them.
...finishing poems.
...patiently waiting for the bus.
...waiting patently for the mail.
...focusing on my homework.
...cleaning my room when my mom tells me to.
...not walking in someone's garden.
Book Recommendation: The Little Red Hen
The Little Red Hen works hard - all alone! - to turn her wheat seed into flour, while the goes talks, the dog naps, and the cat preens. When her friends smell the fresh bread baking, their all of a sudden eager to help her eat it!
Honesty
I show honesty by...
...telling the truth.
...finding the right owner when I find a toy on the playground.
...not stealing.
...following directions even when no one is watching.
...not taking things from others.
...being respectful.
...being a good friend.
...not picking another person's flowers.
...not telling a lie.
...asking politely for something instead of taking.
...showing respect to nature.
Book Recommendation: Ruthie and the Not So Teeny-Tiny Lie
Ruthie loves little things - the smaller, the better. When she finds a teeny tiny toy on the school playground, she can hardly believe her luck. There's just one problem: It belongs to somebody else! Ruthie insists the toy is hers, but deep down, she knows better.
Compassion
...I show compassion when…
...I'm helping my sister put a band aid on when she falls.
...I give another ice cream to someone who is sad.
...I don't peek in someone's window.
...I'm helping mommy do laundry.
...helping someone feel better when they don't get things when they wanted to.
...I help somebody who has Alzheimer's get up when they fall.
...I share the slide and robot.
...my sister is sad and asks for a hug.
...I care.
...I'm hugging the baby in my mom's tummy.
...helping someone get up.
...I help someone set the table.
Book Recommendation: The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need
Stuff in the closets, stuff in the drawers, stuff in the attic - too much stuff everywhere! Mama Bear convinces the family that cleaning out the house can not only simplify their cluttered lives, but also benefit those who are in need!
Giving
I show giving by...
...cleaning my room.
...giving old clothes to my sister.
...having a big yard sale.
...not hurting people
...giving away my socks.
...giving my mittens and goats to people.
...giving someone clothes.
...sharing my tent with my cousin.
...giving my poster away even if I want it.
...giving my clothes to my cousin.
...by giving my clay house to my friend.
...giving balls to Sophie.
...giving mittens and hats to children.
Book Recommendation: Lily and the Paper Man
Walking with her mother on the home from school one day, Lily runs straight into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she starts to see the Paper Man differently - she sees his bare toes through the holes in his books and his thin shirt through the holes in his coat. As she lies in her cozy bed at night, she wonders how the Paper Man stays warm. Lilly comes up with a wonderful idea.
Enjoying our Core Virtue Chapter Book.
Science: Aa is for Apple
Our Apple Unit Highlights:
~ What We Already Know
Going into our the start of our apple unit, we brainstormed all the things we already knew about apples. We brought in a lot of background knowledge making our additional apple learning so much fun!
~ taste testing apples
We taste tested and describe four different apples. We taste tested Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. We graphed our favorites. The Red Delicious were our favorites.
~ Honey Creek Acres field trip
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 applesauce.
~ dissecting apples
We cut open apples to find the seed pockets within the apple's core. We pulled out our apples' seed and counted how many seeds we found. Did you know? Apples can have as few as two seeds and as many as ten seeds. We then graphed our findings.
~ 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 classroom.
~ organizing the life cycle of an apple tree
We took time to study the phases of a growing apple tree. We organized each step and created a Apple Life Cycle Book. Take a look at our student example on display within the school wide Thematic Learning Board.
~ baking Crock Pot Applesauce Deep Dish Apple Pie
Throughout our apple unit we took the morning to make Crock Pot Applesauce and bake a delicious Deep Dish Apple Pie. We sliced and peeled and peeled and slice. Our applesauce filled the school with delicious smells of sweet apples and cinnamon. We sampled a little of our delicious applesauce but put the rest aside to freeze and save and share with our friends at our upcoming Thanksgiving Feast.
Just like Amelia Bedelia in Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie we were so excited to make an 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 Wilson's apple cider was the perfect drink to go with our very own apple pie. Interested in the recipes? Check out the QR codes on our school wide display for quick links to these tasty treats!
Apple Reflection
At the end of our unit, we created a "Graffiti Board" of all the facts we discussed and learned about. I am so impressed with how much our Cottontails know about apples. Check out our graffiti board outside our classroom. As we move on to discussing pumpkins we will soon use our knowledge of apples to compare and contrast the two.
~ What We Already Know
Going into our the start of our apple unit, we brainstormed all the things we already knew about apples. We brought in a lot of background knowledge making our additional apple learning so much fun!
~ taste testing apples
We taste tested and describe four different apples. We taste tested Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. We graphed our favorites. The Red Delicious were our favorites.
~ Honey Creek Acres field trip
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 applesauce.
~ dissecting apples
We cut open apples to find the seed pockets within the apple's core. We pulled out our apples' seed and counted how many seeds we found. Did you know? Apples can have as few as two seeds and as many as ten seeds. We then graphed our findings.
~ 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 classroom.
~ organizing the life cycle of an apple tree
We took time to study the phases of a growing apple tree. We organized each step and created a Apple Life Cycle Book. Take a look at our student example on display within the school wide Thematic Learning Board.
~ baking Crock Pot Applesauce Deep Dish Apple Pie
Throughout our apple unit we took the morning to make Crock Pot Applesauce and bake a delicious Deep Dish Apple Pie. We sliced and peeled and peeled and slice. Our applesauce filled the school with delicious smells of sweet apples and cinnamon. We sampled a little of our delicious applesauce but put the rest aside to freeze and save and share with our friends at our upcoming Thanksgiving Feast.
Just like Amelia Bedelia in Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie we were so excited to make an 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 Wilson's apple cider was the perfect drink to go with our very own apple pie. Interested in the recipes? Check out the QR codes on our school wide display for quick links to these tasty treats!
Apple Reflection
At the end of our unit, we created a "Graffiti Board" of all the facts we discussed and learned about. I am so impressed with how much our Cottontails know about apples. Check out our graffiti board outside our classroom. As we move on to discussing pumpkins we will soon use our knowledge of apples to compare and contrast the two.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Volunteer Opportunity: Thanksgiving Feast
| The season of giving is here. Our much anticipated Thanksgiving Feast is just around the corner. The K-6 students and staff will gather together on Tuesday, November 26th to give thanks and enjoy traditional Thanksgiving foods created by each classroom. The Cottontails are excited to bake SIX dozen Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Buttered Frosting. I am in need of parents to help supply ingredients for our baked goods. Please use the link below to sign up to bring one or more ingredient for us to use in our cooking. Please bring in ingredients no later than |
Winter is Coming!
Fall is here and Winter is not far behind. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately to go outside daily. Jackets, hats, and gloves are needed. On wet days, a change of shoes (boots) are recommended so they can run and play without the fear of soggy shoes for the rest of the day. When snow sticks, students will need boots and snow pants to play beyond the concrete. Outside shoes can be stored in the boot cubbies located next to the Recess (North) Door. As the snow comes for good please be prepared to bring snow pants for daily outside play.
In addition, please check your child's cubby. Is your child's cubby stocked with a change of Winter clothes? Accidents and spills happen when we least expect it so be sure your child has a warm change of clothes to change into just in case a change is needed during these Winter months.
In addition, please check your child's cubby. Is your child's cubby stocked with a change of Winter clothes? Accidents and spills happen when we least expect it so be sure your child has a warm change of clothes to change into just in case a change is needed during these Winter months.
Veterans' Day
This week, the Cottontails have been talking about a very important holiday, Veterans' Day. On Monday, we discussed the holiday and the importance of celebrating. We defined the word veteran and brainstormed reasons why it is important to say, "Thank you." We also studied the American flag and the symbolic representation of its stars and stripes. We practiced coloring flags to match real American flags and illustrated reasons why we were proud to be Americans. Take a look at our Veterans' display in the hall outside our classroom.
Today, was a special day in continuing our Veterans' Day discussion. Captain Palmer Holden, Laird's grandfather, came into to share his experiences in the military during his service in the Army. In full dress uniform, Palmer discussed the parts of his uniform and their symbols. He also shared his medals with the class and explained the importance in talking with veterans. The students were enthralled in his conversations, and asked amazing questions. One student, wanted to know about field hospitals while another inquired about girls in the military. The Cottontails showed tremendous respect and admiration for Palmer, his service, and veterans like him. Here are few pictures for you to enjoy. A big thank you to Palmer for his time today and generous service serving in our military for our freedom. Thank you!
Today, was a special day in continuing our Veterans' Day discussion. Captain Palmer Holden, Laird's grandfather, came into to share his experiences in the military during his service in the Army. In full dress uniform, Palmer discussed the parts of his uniform and their symbols. He also shared his medals with the class and explained the importance in talking with veterans. The students were enthralled in his conversations, and asked amazing questions. One student, wanted to know about field hospitals while another inquired about girls in the military. The Cottontails showed tremendous respect and admiration for Palmer, his service, and veterans like him. Here are few pictures for you to enjoy. A big thank you to Palmer for his time today and generous service serving in our military for our freedom. Thank you!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Happy Halloween & Feliz Dia de los Muertos
Last week was full of fun activities celebrating both Halloween and Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). The Cottontails looked so cute in their costumes and were thrilled to play a large part of Friday's Day of the Dead celebration. Take a look at some of the fun photos below. I've included a video of their Day of the Dead performance for your enjoyment, too.
Happy Halloween!
Feliz Dia de los Muertos!
and
Happy November!
Decorating Pumpkins - Students transformed their pumping into animal of their choice. Their animal had to be from one of their biome groups.
Happy Halloween!
Feliz Dia de los Muertos!
and
Happy November!
Decorating Pumpkins - The chosen animal was a secret. It's identity wasn't to be revealed until the big Pumpkin / Costume Reveal on Halloween morning.
Decorating Pumpkins - In addition to our animal pumpkins, Kindergarteners used tissue paper and mod podge to decorate mini pumpkins (calabazas) for their Dia de los Muertos performance.
All dressed up!
Halloween Reading time with our Partners!
Cleaning out pumpkins to carve. Students made predictions regarding the number of pumpkin seeds they thought they saw in each of our two pumpkins. We'll count by 5s and 10s to determine the answers.
Dia de los Muertos Alter - Remembering those that passed away. Students remembered family members, pets, and friends.
The Kindergarteners surprised us all with a wonderful song about pumpkins (calabazas). Click on the link to check it out! It is too sweet!
Fall Conference Sign Up & Other Reminders
Take a look at the following reminders and school wide information. Please be sure to take a moment to use the link below to sign up for a Fall Parent / Teacher Conference.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Fall Conferences are just around the corner. I am eager to share your child's amazing progress and growth with you. Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 14th from 8:00 - 4:00 and Thursday, November 21st from 2:30 - 7:30. Due to our day of conferences on November 14th there will be No School and No BASP. There will be child care available during your child's 30 minute conference, so please let Amber know if you will be interested in using this service. Please click on the Fall Conference link to sign up for a 30 minute conference time slot. You can also find this link on the Welcome Page's right sidebar.
Willowwind's School Wide Thematic Learning Display
This year, Willowwind students will be answering the school wide question How do I affect the Earth and how does the Earth affect me? We invite you to check out the display board outside the Conference Room to watch for monthly updates as PreK-6 students answer this essential question. You will find work samples, photos, QR codes to videos and websites, and much more. What's interesting is that not only does this display show you the progress your child is making within their own classroom, but it also shows the vertical progress our students make as they grow through the grades at Willowwind. Enjoy our school's work!
Willowwind's Inclement Weather Policy
Willowwind School follows the Iowa City Community School District for school cancellations, early dismissals or late starts due to inclement weather. In the event of an early dismissal, there is no after-school care. After-school classes and half-day PM preschool will be cancelled. Similarly, in the event of a late start, there is no before-school care and half-day AM preschool classes will be cancelled. Because we are not able to provide a before-school program on these days, we ask that you do not drop-off children before 10:00 a.m.
School cancellations are posted as soon as possible on KWWL and KCRG media. Other communication to parents will come in the forms of an email or a Facebook post. KCRG can also send a text alert to your phone, click here to do so. Thanks for keeping our students safe!
Save the Date! Willowwind's 2nd Annual Gala & Auction
We are excited to announce that the Willowwind Foundation Board has secured a venue for our 2014 Gala and Auction. Join Willowwind friends, family, and community members at Hotel Vetro on Saturday, February 8th. Save the date, secure a babysitter and get ready for a fun night out with Willowwind faculty, staff, parents, alumni and community members! More details TBA. If you'd like to use your parent service hours make this year's auction a success, please email Andria Gibson to see how you can help.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Fall Conferences are just around the corner. I am eager to share your child's amazing progress and growth with you. Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 14th from 8:00 - 4:00 and Thursday, November 21st from 2:30 - 7:30. Due to our day of conferences on November 14th there will be No School and No BASP. There will be child care available during your child's 30 minute conference, so please let Amber know if you will be interested in using this service. Please click on the Fall Conference link to sign up for a 30 minute conference time slot. You can also find this link on the Welcome Page's right sidebar.
Willowwind's School Wide Thematic Learning Display
This year, Willowwind students will be answering the school wide question How do I affect the Earth and how does the Earth affect me? We invite you to check out the display board outside the Conference Room to watch for monthly updates as PreK-6 students answer this essential question. You will find work samples, photos, QR codes to videos and websites, and much more. What's interesting is that not only does this display show you the progress your child is making within their own classroom, but it also shows the vertical progress our students make as they grow through the grades at Willowwind. Enjoy our school's work!
Willowwind's Inclement Weather Policy
Willowwind School follows the Iowa City Community School District for school cancellations, early dismissals or late starts due to inclement weather. In the event of an early dismissal, there is no after-school care. After-school classes and half-day PM preschool will be cancelled. Similarly, in the event of a late start, there is no before-school care and half-day AM preschool classes will be cancelled. Because we are not able to provide a before-school program on these days, we ask that you do not drop-off children before 10:00 a.m.
School cancellations are posted as soon as possible on KWWL and KCRG media. Other communication to parents will come in the forms of an email or a Facebook post. KCRG can also send a text alert to your phone, click here to do so. Thanks for keeping our students safe!
Save the Date! Willowwind's 2nd Annual Gala & Auction
We are excited to announce that the Willowwind Foundation Board has secured a venue for our 2014 Gala and Auction. Join Willowwind friends, family, and community members at Hotel Vetro on Saturday, February 8th. Save the date, secure a babysitter and get ready for a fun night out with Willowwind faculty, staff, parents, alumni and community members! More details TBA. If you'd like to use your parent service hours make this year's auction a success, please email Andria Gibson to see how you can help.
Volunteer Opportunity: Nov ICPL Field Trip
November is here and it is time to start thinking about our monthly field trip to the public library. Due to Thanksgiving Break falling during the last week of November, we will be traveling to the library a week earlier and plan to go on November 20th. Please note that this is the day your child's October library books are due. Be sure that your child comes prepared this day with their library card.
New to this month we are looking for one parent volunteer to travel with us to the library. We will be traveling via the Towncrest city bus and will leave Willowwind around 9:30 and return around 12:15. Please let me know if you are able to join us. Your help is MUCH appreciated!
New to this month we are looking for one parent volunteer to travel with us to the library. We will be traveling via the Towncrest city bus and will leave Willowwind around 9:30 and return around 12:15. Please let me know if you are able to join us. Your help is MUCH appreciated!
Giving to Willowwind
There are some wonderful ways to give to Willowwind. Take a look at ways you can give back to your child's school and their education.
Kindergarten Wish List
The Kindergarteners are looking for supplies to help with the fun in our classroom. I have linked a working Classroom Wish List to our website (here via the Wish List link and on the Welcome Page's Right Sidebar). Please sign up if you are able to help us out.
Willowwind's 2013 - 2014 Annual Fund Campaign
Why do you give to the Annual Fund Campaign? Willowwind's faculty and staff who consistently show 100% participation in the Annual Fund have quite a few reasons. Our "Why Give?" series will feature Willowwind's staff over the next few weeks with unique personal testimonies about why they give and how thankful they are to the families who contribute to our school. Take a look at their reasons to give throughout the school.
Haven't made a contribution yet? Feel free check out the display in Willowwind's entryway and pick up a giving envelope. For added convenience, you may click here to make a safe, secure donation via Paypal or email Hannah Rounds, Willowwind's Director of Communications and Bookkeeper to donate through your ACH tuition payment. Thank you for your generosity!
Target's Education Donation Program
At Willowwind, we are so thankful for your contributions that help us guarantee a great standard of education. We notice a variety of examples of your generosity, from lending a hand during our events to making yearly contributions to Willowwind's annual fund.
But what if you could make donating to Willowwind even easier? What if you could help us by simply stepping out the door and taking care of your weekend errands? We've been notified that Target has been pushing their credit and debit program that allows parents to have up to 1% of their purchases go back to our school. The Target REDcard has interested customers to enroll since it has the ability to deduct straight from a checking account without adding any fees. For more information or to sign up, visit Target's website. Willowwind's eight customers who are signed up for this have already earned the school $3,000!
Kindergarten Wish List
The Kindergarteners are looking for supplies to help with the fun in our classroom. I have linked a working Classroom Wish List to our website (here via the Wish List link and on the Welcome Page's Right Sidebar). Please sign up if you are able to help us out.
Willowwind's 2013 - 2014 Annual Fund Campaign
Why do you give to the Annual Fund Campaign? Willowwind's faculty and staff who consistently show 100% participation in the Annual Fund have quite a few reasons. Our "Why Give?" series will feature Willowwind's staff over the next few weeks with unique personal testimonies about why they give and how thankful they are to the families who contribute to our school. Take a look at their reasons to give throughout the school.
Haven't made a contribution yet? Feel free check out the display in Willowwind's entryway and pick up a giving envelope. For added convenience, you may click here to make a safe, secure donation via Paypal or email Hannah Rounds, Willowwind's Director of Communications and Bookkeeper to donate through your ACH tuition payment. Thank you for your generosity!
Target's Education Donation Program
At Willowwind, we are so thankful for your contributions that help us guarantee a great standard of education. We notice a variety of examples of your generosity, from lending a hand during our events to making yearly contributions to Willowwind's annual fund.
But what if you could make donating to Willowwind even easier? What if you could help us by simply stepping out the door and taking care of your weekend errands? We've been notified that Target has been pushing their credit and debit program that allows parents to have up to 1% of their purchases go back to our school. The Target REDcard has interested customers to enroll since it has the ability to deduct straight from a checking account without adding any fees. For more information or to sign up, visit Target's website. Willowwind's eight customers who are signed up for this have already earned the school $3,000!
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