Happy New Year! Hope you all have a great 2014!

It is going to be nice having a two day week. We will be working on rules and procedures,just trying to get back into the routine. Then we will be back at full speed for a full week. I will be starting assessments in reading and math this week. Make sure those little darlings get their sleep and are at school on time. It is very hard on your child when they are not here on time. I have already given instructions and started reading groups by 8:35.

Do you have left over scraps of wrapping paper? If they can be cut into 6"x 6" or 8"x 8" squares, I would love to have them. I will do the cutting, just send the scraps. I am also looking for used Christmas cards. We will be using the front of them for a labeling project. Thanks!

We will be practicing our high-frequency words for spelling this week. Next week we will start spelling tests again.

I hope you all had a restful break and some good times with your child.

Wishing you well,
Mrs. Martin

Well the weather has certainly been frightful. It was a long week with the below zero weather. We had indoor recess and we all needed fresh air by the end of the day. However, considering how much time we spent indoors, the kids worked hard and got along well. Thank you for bringing all the cold weather gear. We had a hard time staying warm just during dismissal.

Have you heard of the mysterious elf that was delivered to our school. Some big guy in a red suit, left it at the office for us. It had a note in it from Santa. The kids named it "Snowflake". He has been a little mischievous. Snowflake has been found in our mini tree, on top of the flag, on top of the projector and who knows where else he will end up. The kids have been writing about Snowflake's adventures.

The students received their "iPad expert certificates". They went through the basics of how to operate the tablet. iPads will become part of our Monday tech time and in January will become part of our literacy centers. So much fun!

We have a couple of weeks until winter break but we will be busy. On the 19th we will be having a "Polar Express" day. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Please make sure they are recess appropriate. If they want to bring slippers to change into, that is fine. I am looking for a couple parents who would like to bring some healthy snacks for the party. We will also be having hot chocolate with candy canes. Yummy!

On the 20th we will have our annual Holiday music program. There are two sessions: 9:00 and 1:45. This is only a kindergarten through 3rd grade program.

Enjoy the weather warm-up! It will seem tropical after last week.