Newsletter 4

Newsletter 4                                                                                            10/26/2009

 

Dear Families,

 

I'm sad to say that Alex S. and Carter will now be attending different schools. We'll miss them, and we wish them the best!

Halloween Party

This will be on Friday, October 30, from 11:30-12:30 in our classroom. Parents/families are welcome to attend. We'll be doing math with pumpkins and having treats.

Students are welcome to bring costumes to change into, but they do not have to. I'll give them time to change at recess. It would be helpful if they practiced doing it alone at home before trying it here. Please remind them that weapons are not allowed.

We need volunteers to help at stations, plates, cups, napkins, and treats. If you're able to volunteer to help, or contribute something, please contact me.

Twitter

You'll now notice audio links as well as text. Students volunteer to read to the class, and before they can be recorded they must read to themselves, to a classmate, and to an adult. This is to ensure performance quality reading. Reading in public and being recorded can be highly rewarding, and it motivates some kids to read and reread texts. This can have a positive effect on fluency, punctuation usage, pacing, phrasing and intonation. These are all highly desirable qualities for readers to attend to, and the power comes from them doing so voluntarily. Even those who don't choose to be recorded benefit from hearing classmates practice, and from our discussions of what good readers do.

Math

Ok, so this is sort of in flux. I've been having kids keep the pages in their books, and now I'm thinking it may be useful to save them in case we want to talk about certain things at conferences, or if I need evidence of learning when doing report cards. This program is new, so I appreciate your patience as I figure out the best way to use it. Our lessons have included: listening to story problems, drawing pictures to help solve problems, addition facts, money, counting, skip counting, checking work, and explaining answers.

Classroom Visits and Volunteering

I welcome visits and volunteers, any time, no need to call first if you want to drop by. If you want to help on a regular basis, that would be great. There are still many opportunities, including coordinating some or all of our celebrations.

Snack

Thanks to those that are sending in snack. Seems like we have at least half of the kids eating what's here, and the rest bringing their own. We are again getting low, so this would be a good time to send some in.

Chapter Book

Our first chapter book was Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business by Barbara Park.

Our current one is Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary.

Calendar

Friday, October 30—Joe's birthday

Friday, October 30—Halloween party, 11:30

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Jeff Kurtz

--
Jeff

Newsletter 3

Newsletter 3                                                                     10/11/2009

 

Dear Families,

 

Wow! Six weeks in….it goes by so fast. Here is some new info.:

Calendar

We do calendar as part of our math every day. It would be helpful if we had a large, desk-size calendar to display and write events on, so if anyone has a spare they could donate, we'd appreciate it.

Twitter

It's great that so many of you are able to use the Twitter site to stay in touch with what we do, and to spark conversations with the students. I'm trying very hard to make sure that our "followers" are appropriate for first grade, so if you sign up and think I might not recognize you, please let me know so I don't block you. This would apply to family members and friends, too—we love to have them as long as I know who they are. If I do accidentally block you, just let me know and I'll fix it.

Blog

Long ago I used room302.blogspot.com as a place to post information, and now that I have access from school again, I have revived it. It's the easiest way for me to give you online access to things like newsletters. I also put our Twitter feed there, and some links. It's just one more way for you to stay in touch.

If you ever notice anything here, or on Twitter, or on any of our internet sites, that seems questionable or not OK, please let me know ASAP. There should never be last names, and there should not be any names with photos. I try to filter it, but it's possible something could escape my notice.

Math

I'm going to start sending pages home once a week, in case we want to use them in our collaboration meetings. Sometimes we talk about how kids are doing, and ways to better meet their needs, so it's good to have evidence. Just a reminder: I do not try and correct every single thing on every single page, but we do have conversations about the lesson and what kids are learning. They know and lots that never shows up on the page, and doing it on paper is merely one way to demonstrate knowledge and understanding.

Classroom Visits and Volunteering

I welcome visits and volunteers, any time, no need to call first if you want to drop by. If you want to help on a regular basis, that would be great. There are still many opportunities, including coordinating some or all of our celebrations. See below….

Parties

I'd like a parent or parents who are willing and able to help me with class parties. If you're available  to coordinate or help with the Halloween one at the end of the month, please let me know. We'll also need food and pumpkins that day, for those who like to think ahead.

Snack

Thanks to those that are sending in snack. Seems like we have at least half of the kids eating what's here, and the rest bringing their own.

Music and P.E.

We have P.E. on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year, and music on Wednesdays and Thursdays this year. Please help the students remember to have appropriate footwear for physical education.

Library

Our library day is Tuesday. Please help students remember to bring books back. (I just noticed that last time I wrote pleas instead of please. Either is grammatically sound, I guess, but I hate to think we need to plead with the students to bring books back.) They can also bring back books any time and get new ones. They don't have to wait until Tuesday.

Birthdays

            We'll celebrate birthdays in class, unless otherwise directed. We use the birthday as an opportunity for guided writing: Mrs. Huizenga teaches card writing as a special project during Writers' Workshop. It's perfect because there is a real audience and a real purpose—which are the two things that real writers always need for real writing. If you would like to send in a book for the class, or birthday treats, or something else, that would be great. If you can let me know in advance, fine. If not, we're flexible.

Show and Tell

I ask the kids to bring things in that they have worked on or earned. That seems to eliminate most of the toys and things like that they want to share. They are welcome to show those other things, but I'm reluctant to take class time for them, since time is so precious and I don't want it to just be about who can buy more. I'd love to see art work, stories, trophies, Lego stuff, food made from a recipes, etc.

Chapter Book

Our first chapter book was Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business by Barbara Park.

Our current one is Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary.

Calendar

Thursday, October 8—PTA Dance

Friday, October 9—No school

Thursday, October 15—PTA Meeting

Saturday, October 24—Grace's birthday

Friday, October 30—Halloween party

 

 

I appreciate hearing your questions, concerns, comments. It's always good to know what you're thinking.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Jeff

Weekly Schedule 2009-2010

Day	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Start 9:00-10:05	Read Aloud / class meeting / word work	Read Aloud / class meeting / word work	9:15 Music	Read Aloud / class meeting / word work	Read Aloud / class meeting / word work
			Read Aloud
10:05-11:05	Readers' Workshop snack	Readers' Workshop snack	Readers' Workshop snack	Readers' Workshop snack	Readers' Workshop snack
11:05-11:20	Bathroom Recess	Bathroom Recess	Bathroom Recess	Bathroom Recess	Bathroom Recess
11:20-12:30	Writers' Workshop	11:35 Library	Writers' Workshop	Writers' Workshop	Writers' Workshop
		Writers' Workshop
12:35-1:25	Lunch and recess	Lunch and recess	Lunch and recess	Lunch and recess	Lunch and recess
1:25-2:25	Math	1:45 P.E.	Math	1:45-2:45 PE/Music	Math Chapter Book
		2:15 Math
2:25-3:05	Science		Science		Early Release
3:05-3:10	Jobs / clean up / pack up	Jobs / clean up / pack up	Jobs / clean up / pack up	Jobs / clean up / pack up
3:10-3:30	Chapter Book	Chapter Book	Chapter Book	Chapter Book
3:30	dismiss	dismiss	dismiss	dismiss

--
Jeff

Newsletter 2

Newsletter 2                                                                     9/22/2009

 

Dear Families,

 

Things are going well. We're taking things slowly, getting to know routines and each other. I'm intentionally repeating some stuff in this newsletter, just to make sure information is out there.

Curriculum Night and Open House

This is your chance to come to school and hear me talk about what I do and why. We'll meet in the gym, you'll leave your kids there while you come to our classroom. After I'm done, you'll go back to the gym, get your kids, and then your kids can show you around the classroom and school. We all start in the gym at 6:30 and we're all done at 7:30. I hope you can make it.

Math

You'll notice math pages from the workbook coming home many days. We do the pages, I look them over, and then send them home. My intent is not to get every page perfect for every student before sending them home. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't catch and correct everything. I don't try. I catch what I can that seems relevant for that child at that time.

What I'd like from you: Notice what was done well and celebrate. That's all. Ignore the rest, unless your child asks you about it, just like you celebrated first steps and ignored all the falling down when they first learned to walk. Wisdom dictates taking this approach for all learning. If you feel the desire to "teach", please teach the joy and love of math, and the many practical uses of math, which may not be evident on the worksheets, but which will be key in making the students into lifelong mathematicians.

Classroom Visits and Volunteering

I welcome visits and volunteers, any time, no need to call first if you want to drop by. If you want to help on a regular basis, that would be great. There will be a sign up sheet at parent night, on September 17, or just send me an email if you have a specific day or time and we'll make it work. If you think you'd like to be in the classroom, please make sure you have all the volunteer forms and paperwork filled out. Those are available in the office, and I'll have some at parent night, too. If you filled out forms last year, we still need you to do it again (although I think we need fewer the second time).

Snack

We'll have snack every day, for those who want it. You can either send a separate snack for your child, or you can send in a big bag or box for everyone to share. The kids who bring their own will eat that. The ones who share will take turns eating what people send. Do what it easy for you and your child: either remember every day or just once in awhile. THANKS to those who have already sent snack.

Music and P.E.

We have physical education on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year, and music on Wednesdays and Thursdays this year. Please help the students remember to have appropriate footwear for physical education.

Library

Our library day is Tuesday. Pleas help students remember to bring books back. They can also bring back books any time and get new ones. They don't have to wait until Tuesday.

Email List

Every year I create a class email list to contact people quickly, send newsletters, things like that.  Please send me your email address as soon as possible. The easiest way is for you to use my email address at the top of this note.  Send me an email asking me to add you to the list, and I'll reply when I do it.

Web Site

There are two ways for you to access information about us on the internet. One is the district web site at http://swift.enumclaw.wednet.edu/bde/jkurtz/index.php. A second is our Twitter site at http://twitter.com/room302. We'll use the Twitter site throughout the day, throughout the year, to document what we're doing in class. If you go there, you can also read our "tweets" and access audio and video that we posted last year. If you want to know more about how I use Twitter to teach writing, there is even a link to a magazine article I wrote about it (I just hope it doesn't crash their servers, with all of you trying to access the article at once. ☺)  For me to use student pictures and work on the internet, I need a permission slip signed by each family. Please ask if you have questions about that.

Questions?

Starting in a new classroom can be confusing, so please let me know right away if you have questions or concerns.  The parent meeting will be more for general questions, and I'm happy to take questions about your child any time.

 

Here's to a great year!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Jeff

--
Jeff

Newsletter 1
9/20/2009

Dear Families,
It was a great first day! The children are wonderful. We spent some time reading, writing, doing art, and getting to know each other. Here is a brief rundown on some items of interest.

Classroom Visits and Volunteering
I welcome visits and volunteers, any time, no need to call first if you want to drop by. If you want to help on a regular basis, that would be great. There will be a sign up sheet at parent night, on September 17, or just send me an email if you have a specific day or time and we’ll make it work. If you think you’d like to be in the classroom, please make sure you have all the volunteer forms and paperwork filled out. Those are available in the office, and I’ll have some at parent night, too. If you filled out forms last year, we still need you to do it again (although I think we need fewer the second time).

Snack
We’ll have snack every day, for those who want it. You can either send a separate snack for your child, or you can send in a big bag or box for everyone to share. The kids who bring their own will eat that. The ones who share will take turns eating what people send. Do what it easy for you and your child: either remember every day or just once in awhile.

Music and P.E.
We have physical education on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year, and music on Wednesdays and Thursdays this year. Please help the students remember to have appropriate footwear for physical education.

Email List
Every year I create a class email list to contact people quickly, send newsletters, things like that. Please send me your email address as soon as possible. The easiest way is for you to use my email address at the top of this note. Send me an email asking me to add you to the list, and I’ll reply when I do it.

Web Site
There are two ways for you to access information about us on the internet. One is the district web site at http://swift.enumclaw.wednet.edu/bde/jkurtz/index.php. A second is our Twitter site at http://twitter.com/room302. We’ll use the Twitter site throughout the day, throughout the year, to document what we’re doing in class. If you go there, you can also read our “tweets” and access audio and video that we posted last year. If you want to know more about how I use Twitter to teach writing, there is even a link to a magazine article I wrote about it (I just hope it doesn’t crash their servers, with all of you trying to access the article at once. ☺) For me to use student pictures and work on the internet, I need a permission slip signed by each family. Please ask if you have questions about that.

Questions?
Starting in a new classroom can be confusing, so please let me know right away if you have questions or concerns. The parent meeting will be more for general questions, and I’m happy to take questions about your child any time. Here’s to a great year!

Sincerely,
Jeff

2006-7 Valentine List

Dear Families, We're writing Valentine cards to each other instead of buying them. Here are a few ideas to help personalize the valentines for those who are working at home. Name-Things We Like

• Taylor B-cows, horses, giraffes
• Noah-sports, stuffed animals, sharks, cars
• Katie-pink, ribbon, sparkles
• Jamie-horses, dogs, cats, animals
• Sydney-puppies, stuffed animals, roses
• John-green, blue, red, sports, yellow
• Jordan-Power Rangers, blue, Pokémon
• Mariah-dogs, stuffed animals, cats
• Brandon-motorcycles, green, horses
• Connor-dirt bikes, dinosaurs, sports
• Jesse-hearts, dogs, red, stuffed animals
• Brycen-pirates, Dukes of Hazzard, Star Wars
• Hannah-friends, hearts, teddy bears
• Chris-Power Rangers, football, basketball
• Tyler-Sponge Bob, basketball, blue, red
• Savannah-animals, red, books, stuffed animals
• McKayla-books, dogs, friends
• Aubrey-red, animals, friends
• Jared-blue, Seahawks, Star Wars
• YaXi-princesses, unicorns, hearts, stars, rainbows
• Taylor T-animals, sparkles, pink

Word Bank

• Happy
• Valentine’s
• Day
• Hawaii
• awesome
• fantastic
• lot
• candy
• best
• ever
• like
• friend
• love
• super
• cool

Newsletter 7

2006-2007…Room 302—Newsletter 7…http://room302.blogspot.com

December 21, 2006

Dear Families,

Wow!

What a great party.

Really.

I wish I could describe the genuine and enthusiastic appreciation in this room as the students opened their books from their Secret Santas. It was amazing. I was a bit nervous about doing the Secret Santa thing because it required everything being coordinated all on the same day, but it was well worth the trouble. Thanks so much to everyone who was able to get the books wrapped and sent in, especially considering that many people were without power last weekend. A special thanks to those people who were able to send in an extra book, in case they were needed—we couldn’t have done the book exchange on Tuesday without those extra books. And it wouldn’t have been as much fun, certainly, without all of the adults who were able to come and help out.

Another great thing was the gingerbread houses. What artistry! My favorite part was watching the kids work together, help each other, and appreciate their classmates’ creations. It’s fun and inspiring to work in a place where others value what you do, and that is how this class treats each other. With the party on Tuesday afternoon, followed on Wednesday by Music, Physical Education, and a Read-In, it was a wonderful and relaxing way to head into the break and the holidays.

Holiday Program

Speaking of wonderful, the children and music teacher deserve immense praise for providing us with such an entertaining evening of performing the other night at the program. I’m glad that so many of the children were able to attend. They did a lot of hard work to get ready for that show, and it paid off.

Field Trip

Some excellent hustle by our principal is paying off as well: We are already rescheduled to go to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice again. It seems only fair to offer first chance to chaperone to those who were with us today. If you came with us last time and would like to again, please email me, or send a note. I sometimes forget if it’s not written down. As far as permission slips for the kids, we’re able to honor those you’ve already sent from last time. If you don’t want your child to attend this time, please let me know. We’ll get more details out after the break.

Chapter Book

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe.

Calendar

Wednesday, December 20—Early release, 12:15

Thursday, December 21-Monday, January 1—No school: Winter Break

Tuesday, January 2—School resumes

Monday, January 15—No School

Thursday, January 25—Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Here’s to a relaxing, enjoyable and safe holiday.

Sincerely,

Jeff

Monday, December 11, 2006

Here are ideas for those last three:

Taylor B.—song books

Jamie—horses, dinosaurs, farm animals

Brycen—Sponge Bob, math books, Christmas books

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

We added seven more items to our food drive collection. We had 166 before, so now we have 173. There is still time for people to bring more.

Yesterday and today we practiced for our Holiday Concert. There were five other classes there, too. We lined up in the gym. We arranged ourselves from tallest to smallest so people could see everyone on the risers. Then we went up on the risers by sixes. We sang the songs that we learned in music class. It was fun. Tomorrow we will practice in front of the third, fourth, and fifth grades.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Here are more things we like to read about:

Sydney--—song books, Christmas books, Littlest Pet Shop

John--—song books, Christmas books, car books

Brandon--—rescue heroes, sharks, wrestling

Jesse--—animals, dinosaurs, Magic Tree House, Junie B. Jones

Hannah--—Christmas, ice skating, science, math, poetry

Chris—--super heroes, snowmen, Christmas

Tyler--—Sponge Bob, Charlie Brown

Ashley—--Junie B. Jones, animals, Littlest Pet Shop, ice skating, Christmas

YaXi—--princesses, friends, animals

Taylor B.—???

Jamie—???

Brycen—???

(these are pending)