Applesauce

This morning, we made applesauce in class.  The children really enjoyed being part of this activity!  At the end of the day, each child was given a portion of the applesauce they helped make.  Most of the class enjoyed their applesauce.  In case you are interested, here is the recipe:

8 medium apples
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Peel and chop up the apples, and put them in a crock pot.  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Cook on high for 5 hours stirring occasionally.  It will make your house smell wonderful and the applesauce is a tasty treat!

Enjoy!

Important Dates

Wednesday, October 1 will be a FULL DAY for kindergarten.  This was previously scheduled to be a Late Start day, but that has been cancelled.  We will be in school during normal hours from 9:00-3:40.

We will not have school on Friday, October, 17.  This is a conference comp. day for teachers.  Enjoy a long weekend!

Exciting Day!

Today was an exciting day!  At the end of the day, Mrs. Davis's fifth grade class visited our classroom.  Children in our classroom selected a partner from Mrs. Davis's class.  Together, they read colorful picture books.  Kindergarteners were thrilled to have one on one time with "the big kids"!  The fifth grade students enjoyed being the "teacher".  We will meet with Mrs. Davis's class on a regular basis to read books and do projects.  Please spend a few minutes talking with your child about this exciting experience!

Weekly News

Conferences
Today I sent home notices about parent-teacher conferences.  If the date and time on the notice is not going to work, please let me know.  In addition to conferences, the Book Fair will be in the library from September 29-October 2nd. 

Apples
For the next two weeks, we will be learning about apples.  This is always a fun and exciting unit for children!  On Monday, September 29, we will make applesauce!  Each child will contribute by peeling their own apple (using a Pampered Chef apple peeler-corer).  I look forward to making applesauce with the children every year!  We will also conduct several science experiments using apples. 

As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Mrs. Pickett

Monday

Our classroom is a busy place!

Shelter in Place Drill
Today the school had a Shelter in Place drill.  It was just a drill.  This took place toward the end of the day while the students were in the art room.  They did a fantastic job of following directions and staying quiet so the teachers could listen for announcements.  I do not believe this was scary for any of the kids, but it is something you could talk to them about.

Volunteers
I am welcoming volunteers into the classroom.  If you are available and interested in helping in the classroom during the day, let me know.

Library
We did not go to the library today.  The librarian was not feeling well and left early.  I hope she feels better soon and we will return to the library next week.

Reading
We started reading groups today.  The kids did an amazing job!  Some students are ready to start the take home reading program.  I think I will send books home on Friday.  I will start students on the take home reading program when they know at least 18 letter and 15 sounds.  Keep practicing at home!

Take Home Games
I think I will start this program on Friday as well.  Look for a fun game to come home on Friday!

Pro Kids

This afternoon, the children attended the Pro Kids assembly.  They thoroughly enjoyed it!  Now it's your turn!  There will be a Pro Kids presentation tonight at 6:30 in the gymnasium.  Everyone is invited (and even encouraged) to attend!  The kids will enjoy sharing this presentation with you.  Enjoy!

A Few Items...

Library: On Monday, our class was able to check books out of the library for the first time!  The children will be able to check one book out at a time.  Since Monday is our library day, please return the books by Monday so the kids can check out a new book.  Some of the children seemed a little confused with the check-out system.  They did not understand that they would need to bring the books back when they were done with them.  Please take a minute to talk to them about this so they understand how the library works.  Thank you!

Donations: Kindergarten would appreciate any donation of copy paper.  Thank you for your help with this!

Conferences:   If you have not yet signed up for conferences, please let me know which evening you would like to come in.  I will be available for parent-teacher conferences from 4:00-7:40 September 30, October 1, and October 2. 

Thank you!

Thank you to all the families that came to the parent orientation meetings!  I enjoyed an opportunity to talk to you about an exciting year in kindergarten.  I welcome all feedback on the orientation meetings.  Of course, if you have any questions, you are welcome to call or send an email (email is the easiest way to communicate with me). My email address is pickett_jenny@svvsd.org.


Thank you, and I look forward to a wonderful year!
Jenny Pickett