Using Raz-Kids

        Before the break, the students were introduced to Raz-Kids.  I sent home information on how to log in before the Holiday Break.  We will be using this tool as a way for students to access more books at their reading level in school and at home.  Raz-Kids can be accessed through a computer, phone, or tablet (Click here to download the app).  Here's directions on how to use Raz-Kids...

1. Go to www.raz-kids.com.  (There is a link from our Student Links page.)
2. Put in our class name (see log-in information).  You will only need to put in our login information the first time you access the site through a new device.
3. Have your child find their name and put in their password.
4. They are set to go!

Here's some helpful information about what you'll see...

When you click on Reading Assignments or Book Room, your child will see a list of books with these options.  (Quizzes are not available on AA Books)...

• Listening - the story will play for students with text being highlighted as it is read.  Students earn stars for each story they listen to.  The points can be redeemed to personalize their avatar or build a rocket ship.
  

• Reading - students may read the text at their own pace.  Students earn stars for each story they read.  

• Recording - When in the Reading window, click on the down arrow.

1. Click the microphone. 
1. It will ask your permission to access the microphone.
2. Then, it will ask you to say your name to test the microphone.
3. Then, it will begin recording.  Use the buttons to stop recording, play, new (redo), or send (to me).

Click on the microphone to record.

Choose record, stop, play, new (redo), or send.

• Students earn stars for each story they record.  I can also reward extra stars after I listen to the recording.

• Quizzes - After listening or reading a story, students may take a comprehension quiz.  They click on letters to answer the question and on the words to have the choices read to them.  Students can earn stars for each quiz they complete.

Click here if you would like to learn more about Raz-Kids.

New Videos and Pictures from December Uploaded!

       I've caught up on uploading videos and photos from special events the week or two before the Holiday break.  If you click on a picture in a post, it will become larger.  Then you'll be able to scroll through all the pictures in that blog post.  Here's the activities I've uploaded...

Gingerbread Hunt
Shape Hunt
Where'd They Go?
Miscellaneous Activities - Centers, Bulletin Board, Holiday Sing Along
Polar Express
Learning How to Use Raz-Kids
Writing Like Scientists

New Website Access - Raz-Kids!

      This week I introduced the students to Raz-Kids.  Log-in information for this site is going home on Wednesday.  A link is posted to the Student Links page on our site.  When you click the link the first time, you will need to put in cmott1 for the class name. After your first visit, your computer/phone/tablet is connected and will only ask for your child's login information.  
Raz-Kids allows students to read, listen to, or record themselves reading books.  Each activity completed earns them stars that they can use to 'buy' things for their robot or space ship.  The Reading Assignments includes leveled books at your child’s independent/instructional reading level.  Once all tasks are completed, students advance to the next level of books.  The On Your Own section allows students to choose any books at or below their current level.  There are also other books they can choose from - ABC, sight words, decodables, fairy tales, etc.  
This tool is for students to have access to more books to read or listen to either at school or at home.  You may also download the app for free to your phone or device! Some of the books I may have used with them in Guided Reading! I can give students feedback or award points for recording stories to me! You can also monitor your child's progress through a parent portal similar to the teacher's portal. To register, have your son/daughter log in. In the top right corner, click on the PARENTS link and follow the directions to activate the parent account.

Reminder: Pajama Day and Early Dismissal Wednesday!

      Just a reminder that Wednesday this week is an Early Dismissal for the Holiday Break.  It is also Pajama Day!  We will be going on a 'train ride' on the Polar Express!

December 21, 2015 Newsletter

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Health - Good Touch / Bad Touch

         Mrs. Yolen was in today for Health to teach us how to be safe, happy, and healthy.  Today's topic was good touch / bad touch.  Mrs. Yolen taught us the difference between good touch and bad touch.

     Last week's topic was learning about strangers and how we shouldn't talk to strangers.

Gingerbread Houses Friday!

       On Friday we will be making Gingerbread Houses!  Please send in peanut/nut free candy by Thursday for us to use to decorate our houses!  I will be getting the frosting and graham crackers!  We could also use some wrapping paper as we will be wrapping our houses so that they make the trip home.  Volunteers are welcome to come help out!  Let me know if you are interested and I will let you know the time!  If you have not filled out a volunteer form, please fill one out and send it in.  Thank you!

Keep Contact Information Up to Date

      Just a reminder that if for some reason your phone, email, or work number changes, please let the office know so that they may update your contact information (or Emergency Contacts as well).  If we need to contact you because your child is sick and needs to go home or there is an emergency, we need to have the appropriate phone number.  Thank you!

Birthday Celebrations

      Mrs. Miner asks that I remind parents that its ok to send in a small treat for students that will be enjoyed during our Snack Time do to our busy schedule and that parents should refrain from coming down to the classroom.

      If you would like to send something in for a celebration, but don't have the time to make something, Food Services offers healthy treats that they will make and deliver to the classroom.  Click here to learn more!

December 14, 2015 Newsletter

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Report Cards

      Report cards came home today (Fri 12/11).  Please sign and return the envelope for us to reuse.  You may keep the papers inside.  NE means its not evaluated at this point in the year.  I included a table for you to see a summary of some of the data we collect through the school year to monitor progress.  You may keep this as well.  Please email me or send a note if you have questions!

December 7, 2015 Newsletter

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Special Holiday Event at Groton City Municipal Building Tonight!

November 30, 2015 Newsletter

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November 23, 2015 Newsletter

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November 16, 2015 Newsletter

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Reminder: Tommy Turkey Project

If you didn't turn in your turkey Friday, please disguise and return Tommy Turkey Monday!  Thank you!

Health Starts this week!

      Starting on Tuesday, Mrs. Yolen our Health teacher will be visiting our classroom each week for a couple weeks to teach us how to be safe, happy, and healthy!  Mrs. Yolen will be sending home more information after she visits our class on Tuesday this week.

Friendship Feast Tuesday Nov. 24th!

       Family and friends are invited to join us for our Friendship Feast Tuesday Nov. 24th!  We will start at 2:15 pm with some songs and a movie of pictures taken since the start of the year.  Then, we will enjoy chicken nuggets, corn, smiley fries, and other treats.  We ask for a $2 donation per student in the class (not per guest).  A sign up form will be coming home if you would like to sign up to bring something in.  Thank you!

November 9, 2015 Newsletter

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Five Senses Resources

Some of these links we will use in lessons, some are resources, others are activities students may do independently at Centers.  I'm posting them here to make it easier for us to access in class, but also if you would like to explore them with your child at home feel free to do so!

With An Adult

• Children's University of Manchester - The Brain and Senses
• Information About Guide Dogs
• Arthur - Practice Sign Language
• Brainpop Jr - 5 Senses Movie (Log-in required)
• Brainpop Jr Game - Putting pictures in order to show sense of touch. (Log-In required)
• Bookflix - "Let's Explore the 5 Senses" (Log-in required)
• Discovery Ed - "The Fabulous Five: Our Senses" Movie (Log-in required)

Independent

• Sid the Science Kid: 5 Senses Game
• Flush the Unhealthy Food

Sight Word Flashcards now in Communication Folders

       This week, you will notice your son / daughter's sight word flashcards will be in their Communications folder.  This will allow for your kiddo to practice their sight words more often then whenever their reading folder comes home.  It will be in a mini-folder inside a plastic bag (so that if they fall out of the mini-folder they won't be floating around your child's backpack :).  Please keep it in your child's communication folder so that we may add new sight words weekly.  The goal is for your child to recognize them by sight immediately.  We will check every couple weeks to determine if a word is recognized immediately and can be taken out or if they need more practice.  This week, all students will have all sight words.  Starting next week, we will take words out as they master them.  Check the Home-School Connections blog for ideas on activities you can do with these flashcards.

Students who have letter flashcards will also be included in these baggies.

November 2, 2015 Newsletter

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Jack O in the Dark

   

New Updates to Our Blog

        I've made some additions to our blog!  You'll notice there's now tabs across the top of our classroom blog for News (this blog), Home-School Connection, Resources, and Students' Blog...

News Blog

• This will continue to be where to go for current announcements and newsletters.

Home-School Connection (New)

• Here I will post activities, websites, and apps that you can use with your son or daughter to help reinforce what is being learned in school.  You may use the Labels feature to the right to pinpoint what type of activities you are looking for.

Resources (New)

• This page will include resources to be used through out the year like flashcards, writing paper, sight words, letter tiles, and other resources.

Students' Blog

• To help with navigation, I added a tab on to our News Blog.  Student Google accounts and any parent gmail accounts will be added.  Only gmail accounts that I add to the blog are permitted to view it.  (Student Google Account info. will be going home the first week of November now that all permission forms are in).

Mr. Mott's YouTube Channel (New Link on sidebar)

• I use YouTube for a variety of reasons.  The students love the movement breaks in the morning after Morning Meeting and cleaning up from snack.  I find and save videos to my YouTube channel about sight words, letters, and numbers to help incorporate other modes of learning.  Sometimes I find videos that go well with topics or help start conversations related to topics we are learning in school.  I also find movies of books we have read in school as well!  I added the link so that if you have a rainy (or snowy day) and need a movement break, a short educational video, or a short story, then you can use my YouTube Channel.   

Jack O' Happy Ready for Trick or Treaters!

Yesterday we learned how to make Jack-o-lanterns!  We made Jack O' in his different moods - happy, sad, sleepy, and mad.  Tonight they'll be greeting trick or treaters at my house!

October 26, 2015 Newsletter

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October 19, 2015 Newsletter

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PTO Fall Festival Friday Oct. 30th starting at 6:00pm!

       Come to PV in costume for games, food, and candy!  More information to come!

Trick or Trunk at Eastern Point Beach F 10/30!

Visit the Groton City's Park and Recreation Page for updates regarding this event!

Spirit Week 10/19 - 10/23!

This week is Spirit Week!

Monday - Pajama Day!
Tuesday - Hat Day
Wednesday - Dress Your Best Day!
Thursday - Red and White Day!
Friday - Sports Team Day!

Also, the PTO is hosting Skate Night at Galaxy Roller Rink from 5-7pm on Thursday night!

Click here to see the original flyer for Spirit Week!

Parent Teacher Conferences

       Last week I sent home the scheduled time for our conference.  Students are welcome to come if other arrangements can not be made.  Each conference will be about 15 minutes.  If you are unable to keep your time, please email or send a note in your child's folder so that we may reschedule.  You are welcome to visit the PTO Book Fair in the Library before or after our conference time.

PTO Book Fair this week!

       This week is the PTO Book Fair!  Students will be going to the Fair Monday or Tuesday to make Wish Lists to take home.  Then, we will take students who bring money in down to buy books Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.  You may choose to purchase books, not choose, or choose to purchase books when you are here for conferences.  If you would like your child to buy books while in school, please send the money in a sealed envelope labeled with your child's name, my name (Mr. Mott), and labeled Book Fair.  Thank you!

Bumpers and Books 10/24!

Reminder: Picture Day Tomorrow (TH 10/15!)

Reminder: Tomorrow (TH 10/15) is Picture Day!  Dress your best for the class photo!

October 13, 2015 Newsletter

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Parent Teacher Conferences Scheduled Times

Thank you for sending in Conference sign-up slips.  I will do my best to schedule siblings close together and get everyone their first choice for time.  I will send scheduled times home tomorrow (Thursday)!

October 5, 2015 Newsletter

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Impact Aid Surveys sent out today!

    Today, the district sent out the Impact Aid surveys.  Please complete one survey per student and return it to school ASAP.  The Impact Aid grant provides a significant portion of the district's budget.  Central Office would like everyone to fill out the survey and return it to school by October 16^th.  First class with all forms back get a treat!

Thank you for your help!

Student Projects Blog

       Please note, before allowing access to this blog, I will be sending home a form asking your permission for what I could post: special creations, art projects, special creations with your child in the picture, art projects with your child in the picture, classroom activities, etc..  Only our class will have access to this blog.  No names will be directly attached to students to respect privacy.
 
          I am hoping to hear by the end of next week what the student username and passwords would be for their Google accounts, so that I can set those up as the logins to the Student Works blog.  We will not be using these accounts for Gmail, Gmail will be blocked until further notice (possibly indefinitely at the elementary level).  I understand that not all parents have Google accounts and it is not fair to ask you to do so.  (This is also why I have been waiting on the students' username and passwords so that everyone may have the same opportunity to access the blog.)  If you do have an account I will add your email to the permission list.  

         If you have any questions, concerns, ideas, suggestions, please email me!

Share Time

    Starting tomorrow (9/29) we will be following a more traditional share time.  When it is your child's turn to share, they may bring in one item that fits in their backpack for them to share with the class.  If they do not want to bring in something, they may tell us a story or a special event that is happening in their family.  Students then ask questions to learn more.  If they bring a share, they may also share it at Free Choice Centers at the end of the day.  This activity helps students develop their speaking and communication skills.

September 28, 2015 Newsletter

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Volunteer Form - In Class and Chaperoning!

      It is District policy that all chaperones or volunteers for in school events must complete and have on file a volunteer form.  I strongly encourage all parents to fill out and submit one so that it's on file and will permit you to help out at anytime in the classroom or on future field trips.  The form needs to filled out once for each school year.

One was sent with your child's Whittle's Farm field trip.  If you need another one for another parent, please click here!

Field Trip to Whittle's Farm Wednesday October 7th!

      We are excited to be going to Whittle's Farm in Groton Wednesday October 7th in the AM!  Permission slips have gone home.  Please sign, fill in emergency contact information during the field trip, and return to school!  If you would like to chaperone, please fill out the attached volunteer form!

      At the farm, we will walk through the apple orchard and pumpkin patch.  Sneakers are required (maybe boots if it rained recently as it can get muddy on the trail and in the fields).  Students will get to pick one apple and one pumpkin to keep!

September 21, 2015 Newsletter

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September 14, 2015 Newsletter

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In-Class Celebrations Option

       Our Food Services Department is now offering to provide healthy treats for class celebrations (like birthdays).  Cost is from $12-$18 charged to your child's MealPayPlus account or by check/cash to Ms. Dodson our school's kitchen manager!

Click here for more information.

Click here for the order form.

Homework Policy

      In general, homework will be attached to the weekly newsletter on Monday.  In the newsletter will be a suggested time frame for completing the homework (for example, a specific Math HW might be assigned later in the week because they will learn about it the first couple of days in the week).  All homework is due Friday!  You may leave it in your child's folder if you finish early and Ms. Beatty will collect it.

Book Bags - Please return them Friday if you want to keep the books all week.  Of course, your son/daughter may return them earlier in the week if they read them all and want new stories.

Summer Reading Logs due Friday 9/11!

        Extra Summer Reading logs went home today if you haven't filled one out (you can include this week's readings).  Students who send in logs by Friday this week will be invited to the ice cream social on Friday next week!  There's some leeway with K since some K students may not have gotten logs for over the summer :).

Book Bag Homework

        Reading every night to your son or daughter every night has proven benefits in their development of language, vocabulary, and early literacy skills.  It is a Groton expectation that every student reads or be read to at least 20 mins a night.  Of course you may use books from home or the local library to do this, but to help give you more choices, our class has Book Bags!  Your child will choose 5 books from our classroom Library to bring home Monday and keep for the week.  They must be returned Friday to change out books for the following week.  Your child may exchange them at any time during the week if your family reads through them and wants new books.  Once we start reading groups, your child will also bring home a guided reading folder periodically with books they have learned to read and school and must practice reading at home!

September 8, 2015 Newsletter

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September 8, 2015 Newsletter

Open House Tuesday September 8th at 6pm!

       On Tuesday September 8th, we will be having Open House at 6:00 pm.  We will be meeting in the Gym to start off.  More information to come!

August 31, 2015 Newsletter

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Mr. Mott is Ready for Kindergarten!

Can't wait to welcome our new class Monday!

Remind App - Parent / Teacher Communication

     Sign up for either text messages or email updates by clicking this link: https://www.remind.com/join/cmott.  You may download the Remind app to get more features.  These messages may be simple class wide reminders like 'don't forget project due Friday!" to specific just for you like 'Sammy was really helpful today by....'  More information about why I'm using the Remind App and what it can be used for can be found here.

Today's Meet and Greet

       It was great meeting with everyone who came today!  I look forward to meeting one on one with each student Thursday and Friday!  If you forgot your time, you can call the office and ask Julie or email me and I can let you know!

Peanut / Tree Nut Free Classroom (Official!)

       I have now received confirmation that we will be a peanut / tree nut free classroom.  This means that no snacks in the classroom may contain tree nuts or peanuts.  Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches are OK for lunch.  Our class has two tables for lunch - one for school and home, another for school and food allergy.  The students spread out between the two tables so no one is secluded.  Thank you for helping us keep our classroom safe!

Parent's Corner

       The Parent's Corner portion of our site has been updated to reflect this year's Special schedule and links to flash cards for sight words students will learn through out the year.

Specials Schedule

Monday - Music
Tuesday - None
Wednesday - Gym
Thursday - Library
Friday - Art

    I would recommend against sending your child in extra nice clothes on Wednesdays and Fridays :).  Please remember to have your child wear sneakers EVERYDAY.  With the wood chips on the playground, anything other then sneakers can be aggravating to students because of wood chips getting inside more easily.  It is also difficult to run around and play on the playground without sneakers.  Thank you!

Meet and Greet Wednesday August 26th at 1pm!

        I look forward to seeing you and your child at PV's Meet and Greet on Wednesday August 26th from 1 to 2pm.  Come visit me and the classroom!  On Thursday or Friday you will come in for your child's screening.  First day of school for K students will be Monday August 31st!

Welcome Letter's Coming Soon!

       Some parents seeing me at the beach asked when they would find out who their child will have for a teacher.  You will be getting a letter in the mail from Mrs. Miner towards the end of next week or the following week (Aug. 17-21).

Chicken Update

The chickens continue to do well!  They will be moving to their new home soon!

Summer Reading and Writing

Boys and girls, I hope you are having a blast on summer vacation!  Don't forget to read books and write stories about your adventures!  Today, I was writing stories to share with friends next year!

Chicks Roosting

Reminder: Field Day Tomorrow (Tuesday 6/16)

    As of right now, we will be having Field Day tomorrow (Tuesday 6/16).  Please remember to put lotion on your child before they come to school.  Your son/daughter may bring a hat and/or water bottle to keep with them as we play outside most of the day tomorrow!

June 15, 2015 Newsletter

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End of Year Celebration Thursday!

     You're invited to our End of Year Celebration Thursday June 18th at 1:45pm!  We will be sharing stories with you that we've written in school.  We will enjoy watching a movie of pictures taken in the last part of the year.  Please bring something to share - snacks, crackers, juice, cookies, cupcakes, etc!  We have lots of plates, cups, cutlery, and napkins in the classroom.  Afterwards, you are welcome to take home any artwork your child has up in the classroom or the hallway!

     There are several other events going on as well in school.  There are several options if our lot is full.  Please consider parking in the parking lot across the street (old Domino's or the shopping plaza), the small parking lot adjacent to the grey building by the main playing field, or by the entrance to the back path at the top of the hill in Navy Housing.  The back gate will be open after recess ends, so any families within walking distance up the hill are encouraged to walk.  

End of Year Celebration - Thursday June 18th!

   Our End of Year Celebration will be on Thursday June 18th starting at 1:45pm.  All are welcome to attend!  We will be sharing stories we've written this year, watching a movie of pictures since December, and enjoying food!  Please keep in mind that there are several special events that day and parking will be extremely limited.  I have scheduled our event a little later to stagger the rush on the office :).  I strongly encourage families within walking distance of school to do so.  The back gate will be unlocked so families can use the back path.  Carpooling encouraged for other families :).  Some additional parking is available by the frame building (grey building adjacent to the big playing field).  Otherwise, there's the old Domino's lot across the street or the shopping plaza adjacent to that.  Please remember all visitors must enter through the Main Entrance and get a visitors badge before visiting the classroom.  Thank you!

Reminder: Eastern Point Beach Field Trip Wednesday 6/10 in AM

     On Wednesday in the morning, we will be going to Eastern Point Beach!  Parents may follow the bus or meet us at the beach!  We will be checking out different places around the park, playing in the sand and water (only up to our knees), and playing on the playground.  We will be eating snack and lunch at the beach, so please pack both (unless you ordered a school lunch on your child's permission slip).  We will be leaving the beach around 12pm to return to school for 12:15pm.

Students need....

• Snack
• Bagged Lunch (unless School Lunch ordered on permission slip)
• Sunscreen applied before coming to school!
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Water Bottle
• Change of clothes or at least an extra shirt - if it's cold or they get one shirt wet, they'll have something to change in to when they return to school.
• Students may bring flip flops / sandals for the beach.
• Students may bring a hat.
• Students may bring a bucket and shovel - they will be responsible for whatever they bring.

Reminder: K Open House for Incoming K Students June 9th 11:35-12:35

      If you have a son or daughter coming to PV for K next year, join us for our K Open House on June 9th from 11:35-12:35.  Students will spend time in Mr. Mott's room playing at Centers, listening to stories, seeing the baby chicks, and getting to go for a bus ride!  Parents and guardians will be in our Library learning important information about getting ready for school and have an opportunity to ask questions!  See you then!

Reminder: Field Trip to Tomorrow (Wednesday)!

      Tomorrow afternoon, our class will be going to Bluff Point to learn about what a salt marsh is, what an estuary is, and what creatures live in Long Island Sound.  We have volunteers who will catch creatures for us to explore so students will not be going in the water.  Please remember to have your child wear sneakers and that they put sunscreen on before coming to school.  They may also bring a water bottle, but they will be responsible for it.

June 1, 2015 Newsletter

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   Also, check out the Student Works' Blog for pictures of students holding the baby chicks, Kite Day, and Insect Day!

10 Chicks!

8 Chicks So Far

I woke up to 8 chicks in the incubator this morning!  Four eggs left!  We also discovered four baby guppies in our fish tank!

May 26, 2015 Newsletter

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Chick about to hatch from egg...

Of course, right as the chick is about to hatch, my phone runs out of storage space.  It came out about 30 seconds after my phone stopped recording.

Video
Three chicks out and about...

Chick working on pecking it's way out...

One chick starting to peck it's way out...

First chick!

I was just getting the camera ready when this little guy popped out! (< Click the link for a video!)

Here's a video of it trying to walk.  Now that it's out and chirping, the other eggs are chirping and wiggling more :).

Reminder: Tuesday is H for Hat Day!

        Just a reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday) is H for Hat Day in our End of Year K Countdown.  Wear a hat all day (the crazier the better)!  Here are other events this week....

T - H for Hat Day
      Wear a hat to school today!
      Also Hatch Day! - our chick's should hatch today!

W - I for Insect Day
     We will go on an insect hunt outside today!

TH - J for Jumprope Day!
      If you have a jump rope, bring it in and we'll do some jump roping!

F - K for Kite Day!
      We will learn about wind.  We will make kites and take them outside to fly!

Noticeable crack in egg!

5 eggs with activity - either wiggling, chirping, or cracking.  Occasionally, the one with the crack pokes out a little.  Click here to see a short movie where you can see the egg wiggling.  Click here for a movie of the chicks chirping.

Eggs are starting to hatch!

It's hard to see but there's three eggs with cracks in them!  A couple of the eggs are rocking a little bit and I've heard some peeping as well!  Tomorrow is suppose to be hatching day, but I'm thinking I might have one or two come out late tonight.  We will see!  I will post pictures on the blog if the three with cracks make serious progress today.

Bluff Point Field Trip postponed until June 3rd!

     Just a reminder that our field trip to Bluff Point has been postponed until Wednesday June 3rd at the same time.  Please let me know if you need to change the emergency contact information or if you are no longer able to (or able to :)) chaperone.

May 19, 2015 Newsletter

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First Butterfly!

Our first butterfly came out over the weekend!

May 11, 2015 Newsletter

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End of Year Countdown starting May 14th!

       To wrap up the school year, the K Team will be having our annual End of Year Countdown!  Each day, we will have a letter of the day with an activity that matches the initial letter of the activity!  Click here to see the list of events!

Bluff Point Field Trip

         Ms. Colleen has applied for and won a grant for us to have the Denison Pequeotsepos Nature Center out of Mystic take us to Bluff Point to learn about the creatures that live there.  Our class will be going Wednesday May 20th in the afternoon.  We will leave after Lunch and return before the end of the day.  Please return permission slips as soon as possible!

Email Update

       It seems that our email is back up and running, but the network issues haven't been resolved.  So, the critter cam is still not accessible : /.  It's currently pointed at the chrysalis.

The Critters Are Coming!

This week, our caterpillars made their chrysalis!  We put our eggs in the incubator.  The fish tank is ready for our fish next week!

The caterpillars in their chrysalis.

Eggs in the incubator...

Our fish tank waiting for our fish to arrive next week!

CKMS Kids Fun Run Saturday May 16th!

       The Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School will be holding it's 6th annual FREE kids fun run for Groton kids in grades K-5.  Check-in begins at 10:00am and races start at 11:00am (rain or shine).  There will be a 1 mile race for grades 4-5, 3/4 mile race for grades 2-3, and 1/4 mile race for grades K-1.  Please note that cars parked above the first crosswalk will not be permitted to leave until after the mile and 3/4 miles races (first two races).  If you need to leave early, park on the downhill before the first crosswalk.

For more information, see the attached flier!

Email Problems

Please note that we have been having trouble sending and receiving email this week outside of the school network.  If you have sent an email this week, I may not get it.  I haven't been able to check my email from home either.  I will post on the blog when things are back to normal.

April 27, 2015 Newsletter

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April 20th, 2015 Newsletter

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Important Events this week...

W - High Schoolers coming to donate a book to each K student!
     - We will be weeding in the garden - wear clothes that can get dirty!  Students may bring trawlers.
TH - Picture Day!
F - Planting in the garden!  Wear clothes that can get dirty! :)

April 6, 2015 Newsletter

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Lost and Found Book

We found this book in our classroom Library.  It's a great book!  I already have a couple copies.  If this is your book, please let me know so that I may return it to you!

March 23, 2015 Newsletter

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Spirit Week this week!

March 16, 2015 Newsletter

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Friday Rescue Foundation

    At Friday's PBIS Assembly, we were visited once more by Friday's Rescue Foundation.  PV raised around $3000 for the foundation by collecting lose change and donating Catch a Waves!  The PTO will be donating $0.10 for each Catch a Wave that was donated.  The Friday's Rescue Foundation takes in abused, injured, and special needs dogs and works to find new homes for them.  For more information, visit their website: http://fridaysrescuefoundation.org/.   Our special friend in the picture helped us learn about some dog safety during our assembly.

Volunteer Forms (Updated)

Please click here if you are interested in volunteering in our classroom!

Please click here for the PV Volunteer Form to fill out!
/\ (Form added 3/13/2015) /\

All volunteers (including field trip chaperones) must have one on file.

For more information about volunteering elsewhere in PV, visit the PV Volunteer's Page!

    We enjoy having volunteers in school!  In our classroom, we can use a helping hand during many activities through out the day.  If you would like to help out in any way, please fill out the classroom volunteer form (and the PV Volunteer form if you haven't done so already) and return it in your child's folder.  I will contact you based on your preferences for volunteering (coming in I would contact you, while cutting things out we'd just send the materials home :)).  

March 9, 2015 Newsletter

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K "Outside Play" Basket for PBIS April Raffle

Students' Projects Blog

       Just a reminder that if you have a Gmail account, I can add it to our Students' Projects Blog so that you don't have to log in with your child's school Google account.  I have added all parent's emails that have Gmail accounts.  You will receive an email with an invitation to view the blog.  The Students' Projects Blog includes pictures of students' activities in the class, special events, and just them working or playing in school.  Enjoy!

February 23, 2015 Newsletter

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JAM - Just a Minute Excercise

Today, many classes (including us) took part in JAM - Just a Minute!  It's about 4 minutes of different exercises.  So, if you need a short movement break at home to take care of some cabin fever, this is a great movement break :).

Click here to see the movie.

Friday's Rescue Foundation Charity Fundraiser

      Each year, PV chooses a local charity to support.  This year's charity will be the Friday's Rescue Foundation!  This week during our January PBIS Assembly, we had some special 3 and 4 legged guests from the Friday's Rescue Foundation!  The Friday's Rescue Foundation sent home change jars for students to collect spare change in to be donated to the charity.  These jars will be collected February 12th (or sooner if you are done collecting).

      If you'd rather donate items for the Foundation, we have set up a red box by the Main Office to collect items!  Click here for a list of things the Foundation could use!  For more information about Friday's Rescue Foundation (or if you are interested in adopting), please visit their website!

• They are located at 270 Rogers Rd. in Groton, CT - right around the corner from Central Office and Whittle's Farm!

February 9, 2015 Newsletter

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Reminder: Field Trip to Big Y tomorrow (Tuesday 2/3) in the afternoon!

     Just a reminder, we will be going to Big Y tomorrow February 3rd in the afternoon!  I will be emailing everyone the exact time we will leave PV for those who are chaperoning.  Again, please send in a note tomorrow or email me if your emergency contact information needs to be different since we are going one week later then planned.

February 2, 2015 Newsletter

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Field Trip to Big Y

      Our field trip to Big Y (snowed out this week) has been rescheduled to Tuesday February 3rd at the same time.  Please let me know if the emergency contact information needs to be changed as a result of the change in the date.  Thank you!

School Status on Inclement Weather Days

    Since I use Google to host our classroom website, we don't have an Urgent icon on our website if school is delayed, early dismissal, or cancelled.  Here's the link to the page that you can click to check on days that there may be a delay, early dismissal, or cancelation.

Click this link for information on inclement weather days.

January 26, 2015 Newsletter

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January 12, 2015 Newsletter

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Recess During Winter Time

• Students may play in the snow during recess if they have full snow gear - boots, gloves, and snow pants.  If they do not have all of these things, they can still go out, but will only be able to stay on the pavement.  Occasionally we get out the sled and let students sled down the hill during recess also.

It's Snow Much Fun in K!

In Math this week we did a snowman glyph project.  We colored different parts of our snowman based on these questions...

• Are you a boy or a girl?
• Do you like winter?
• Do you like to play in the snow?
• Do you have a sled?
• Do you have a snowman in your yard right now?

Reminders for Friday This Week

• Please remember to send in a pair of mittens (gloves works too).  Students may use what ever they wear to school of course.  We will be using them for a Math activity in the afternoon (going along with all the different versions of "The Mitten" that we've read so far.)
• The K Team will be running tomorrow's Coffee Hour (from 9-10) with a focus on helping your child learn to read at home.  
• Today, we cleaned out our Writing Workshop folders of ALL stories - finished and not finished.  I found many students who thought their stories were done, but skipped a page or forgot to add words on other pages.  You may go through them and decided if you would like to keep them.  With it being the new year, the students will be expected to have more color and details in their pictures and writing.  

January 5th, 2015 Newsletter

Please click here for this week's newsletter.  This doc has the words for tapping and the letter formation directions included.  I will send a paper copy home of this tomorrow (Tuesday).