Important Dates:
May 11: All library books due May 15: Windrush Farms - Field Trip May 28: No school - Memorial Day May 31: Author's Celebration from 8:30 - 9:15 June 1: Book Bags due June 6: Police station - walking field trip June 12: End of Year Party Party at 1:20pm June 14: Last Day and Field Day *Bold events indicate events parents are invited to and should attend. Reading Log |
Specials Schedule:
Monday: Music Tuesday: PE * tennis shoes please Thursday: PE * tennis shoes please Friday: Library Art Six weeks on and six weeks off Art is also embedded in the classroom |
Newsletters
May 3, 2018
Dear Parents,
What a great music performance! we are thrilled you were able to join us.
Windrush Farm Info: Please cancel your Choice Lunch for May 15th! We will be bringing our own lunches that day. Please wear clothes and boots that can get dirty and bring stale bread. If needed, take allergy medication beforehand. We are going to have a blast!
Writers' Workshop: We are wrapping up All About Writing. Students have been working on teaching us about something. We are looking forward to our Author's Tea on May 31st at 8:30 am. This is a morning you will not want to miss!
Math: Not only are we finding methods and strategies to add tens and ones, we are now learning to create tape diagrams to illustrate a word problem. This is a difficult concept for some and it takes ongoing work. Tape diagrams will be used in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades so they are a useful investment in learning to do them correctly and getting a good foundation. CGI is ongoing.
See Seesaw for more information on our math talk.
Reading: Many reading groups are working on Readers' Theater. This helps us to stay focused and work on reading with expression and with fluency and speed. We change up the parts of the story and try to read with special voices when we can.
Social Studies: California is the topic in Social Studies. The children are learning about the state flower, bird, capital and other important things with Ms. Branciforte.
Science: Children are learning about animal and plant adaptations in Science with Mrs. Fagan.
Art: We are working on special Mother's Day watercolor projects with Ms. Jawor. Information/Reminders:Library books have gone home. Please return them each Friday with the homework and Friday Folders. You can also return them earlier than Friday. All library books are due May 11th and we will no longer be checking books out, however we will still have Internet Safety lessons.
FrontRow/DreamBox
Room 16 is working in three math apps. One was FrontRow, now called Freckle, DreamBox, and Thinking Blocks. These apps can be downloaded to be used at home as well. Please find information below in the event that you would like your child to practice at home (please note that this is optional!).
FrontRow (now called "Freckle"): Class code is fagan7
DreamBox Information - School Code is pppv/tyje
rusdmath.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/1/5/11156667/reed_parent_letter_-_login.pdf
Reed Raccoon Website:
Please enjoy our Reed Community website! reedraccoon.weebly.com/
Reed School LibraryReed School Library's own Ms. Rachel Cahill has a wonderfully helpful blog for students and parents. Please visit: reedelementarylibrary.weebly.com/
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
April 2, 2018
Thank you for attending Family Night and for the donated books. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Your child has been working hard to share their efforts with you. Please join us for Open House, this Thursday, April 5 from 6:00 -7:30 pm. Be sure to bring your "tour guide" as they will want to share a "Day in the Life of First Grade" with you. We look forward to seeing you there!
Message regarding the Music Performance on April 27th:
For the first grade music sharing on April 27th, parents are being asked to dress their child in a short sleeve shirt (no collar please) and solid colored pants or shorts. Since the students will be sitting criss-cross during part of the performance, skirts and dresses aren't recommended. April 27th is also a Spirit Day (Sports Day). My suggestion would be to select sport-related items that can be added (hats, shirts) to students' attire after the show.
Thank you!
Ms. Balfe
Academics:
Science: In science, we have become botanists. We planted ryegrass and alfalfa seeds. Our purpose is once the plants grow, to "mow" our lawns and see what happens. Will the plants grow back?
Writer's Workshop: We are continuing our informational writing unit called "All Abouts." Students are writing about topics in which they know a lot about. We are learning how to organize information and then write from that organizer using various types of paper. So far, we have learned a lot from our student 'teachers'.
Math: We using mental math by combining like terms. For example, we can add 24 + 5 by adding the ones 4 + 5 and then combing our tens to make 20 + 9 = 29. We also took a quick segue into fractions last week and discussed halves, fourths and as a bonus - eighths!
Reading: Please remind your child to always have their book bag inside their backpack. Please remember that your child can do Raz Kids at home too, to supplement their reading. At this time of year, we encourage readers to choose their own high-interest books.
STEAM: In the STEAM Lab, we are problem solving and coding with Lego Engineering.
Homework: Please encourage your child to read for 20 minutes daily and fill out the Reading Log. Reading can be the books sent home from the classroom, library books (school or public), home books, Raz Kids online books, books read to kids, etc. Please turn in Homework every Friday to the blue bin along with the Library book.
Looking forward to seeing you this Thursday!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
March 9, 2018
Hello! Spring is on its way and first graders are blossoming. Not only are they growing taller, they are blooming into fabulous, caring, young citizens.
A special thank you to Angela McInerney for leading our class in our Regatta project and for Caroline Kesmodel and Merrill Gillespie for volunteering to assist with the project. Looking forward to seeing the final product!
Lawrence Hall of Science was a huge success! Thank you to our field trip chaperones: Omri Berger, Cindy Sittmann, Kelly Delaney, and Melissa DiVita. Not only did we make slime, we made fond memories. Ask your child all about the trip!
Please see the email regarding the Leprechaun Scrounge List. Please send your child with recyclables we can build traps with. Here, Leprechaun Leprechaun!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
February 5, 2018
Happy Groundhogs Day! Phil saw his shadow and is predicting six more week of winter. This is great news for our snow lovers. Let's see if Phil's prognostication rings true on the West Coast. Fingers crossed!
This week, we will celebrate the 100th Day of School and Global Play Day. Students may bring in games to play. We are focusing on building relationships and having fun. We are only young once. We will play all day on Wednesday, February 7th. Let the games and play begin!!
This Friday, please find a permission slip to Lawrence Hall of Science for Thursday, March 8th. Our class will experiment by making Slime! Please return all permission slips by the following Friday, February 16th. If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact Melissa DiVita, our field trip coordinator.
Friday is also Spots and Stripes spirit day. Feel free to mix and match.
Valentine's Day is coming up and details of how we are celebrating were sent in a email last week. Please be sure to send your child with their Valentine's on February 14th.
Save the date for a Parent Workshop on How to talk tom child about race? The workshop is free for all parents. Please join us from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Bel Aire.
In spelling, we have been introduced to long vowels and how the silent e that makes letters say their name such as kite. The silent e allows us to read a plethora of words. Ask your reader to show you some long vowel, silent e words?
In math, we are exploring how place value can help us with our mental addition. "When I am trying to answer 16 - 12, I think about breaking the numbers and noticing both have one ten. So I use 6 - 2 to find the answer."
In writing, we are getting closer to publishing our How to stories. It is amazing how much Room 16 can teach us.
In science, we are exploring sound. We have explored vibration and we are delving into how pitch can be high and low. We used bottles with varying heights of water to explore how vibrations are effected by adding water.
In art with Ms. Jawor, we are discussing Chinese New Year and are creating a piece of art using collage, paint and drawing. The subject is a cityscape with red and yellow Chinese lanterns. Children are learning about the significance of the colors red and yellow (gold), as well as other relevant Chinese symbols like lanterns and the lucky number 8.
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
January 31, 2018
Hello! 100th day is here. Thank you for bringing in Pet Food. So far we have 101 cans. On behalf of the pets, meow and woof! The kids can't build to build and stack.
Global Play Day is Wednesday. Students may bring in games to play. We are focusing on building relationships and having fun. We are only young once. We will play all day on Wednesday, February 7th. Let the games and play begin!!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
January 19, 2018
Hello! We led community time today. Room 16 and 19 did a fabulous job memorizing our poems to perform in front of Reed School. To see us in action, check out Seesaw. What a way to rise to the occasion, Room 16!
Please join us our Mindfulness Workshop. Reed will be hosting parents for a Mindfulness workshop on Tuesday, January 30 from 8:30-10:00 in Room 26.
Thank you to our class volunteers who join us for centers! We are so grateful to you! We could not do it without you. Your assistance allows for small group instruction where students can interact with an adult. Both your child and I are very happy to have you join us during our learning day. There are many openings for centers, please use our SignUp to join us in the classroom. We are hoping to have a consistent schedule of volunteers so there are no interruptions during this small group time. Many thanks in advance!
The 100th day is around the corner. We will need 4 volunteers to help lead stations in the MPR on Tuesday, February 6th from 8:30 -10:10 am. Volunteers please sign on through our class SignUp. We are also collecting cans for our Pet Food Drive. Cans only, no pouches or dried food, just cans. Please be sure to send your child with cans as they are due on Friday, February 2nd. Thank you to the families that already brought in cans! See our previous newsletter below for more information. I am also looking for someone to drop off the cans at the Marin Humane Society directly after our 100th Day activities. Please let me know if this is something you can help with.
As readers we are using our sight words and sounds to help us stretch words out. We have been focusing on short vowel sounds, blends, and digraphs. We are beginning to be introduced to long vowels such the a sound in the word rake. The magic e sometimes referred to as the silent e makes the vowel say it's letter name. We have also been introduced to vowel teams, when two vowels go walking, the first one sometimes does the talking.
In math, we are wrapping up our study on making ten and will begin to see how we can take from ten. We continue to work on our CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) math problems. This week, we looked at separate result unknown problems. We are working to share our thinking on paper and explain the process we took to solve the problem. Can't wait to see what they come up with!
In social studies, we are continuing our studies on American Symbols. We have learned about the American flag, bald eagle, and Statue of Liberty. Check out Seesaw for more information!
In science, we are beginning our sound unit. We first began by understanding what makes the back and forth of sound waves. Ask your child all about our rulers and how we became sound effect artists. Then we guessed what was inside containers to hear the pitch of the objects inside. It is amazing what we can hear, when we are truly listening.
As experts, the class is writing their How to books. Your child will teach us, "How to" accomplish a task, make something, or be something. We are acting out our steps and providing cautions or options to our readers.
Next week, is our Kindness Challenge. We are looking for ways to be kind and ways to observe others being kind. Room 16 is filled with big hearts and I know we are ready to show our skills for this challenge!
As a reminder, reading logs and library books are due each and every Friday.
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
Quick recap:
January 7, 2018
Dear Parents,
Welcome Back and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun filled and relaxing holiday with friends and family.
Here is a quick update of what is happening and some reminders.
Academics:
Writing: We have finished writing our “Small Moment” books and will move on to writing "How to Books". Children will be able to teach others how to do something.
Math: We are continuing to add and subtract within 20 using the make 10 and take from 10 strategies and continuing to work on our algebraic thinking with the unknown is the starting and change position.
Reading: We will continue to make predictions, learn more about summarizing, and take an in-depth look at character profiles.
Science: We completed our Science unit on weather patterns and will begin our study of sound and light.
Social Studies: We will continue to explore American Symbols and Famous Americans.
STEAM: We are continuing our explorations with circuits and will use technology to deepen our understanding by using Explain Everything.
Social Emotional: Focusing on acts of kindness and ways to deepen our empathy for others.
Mindfulness Parent Workshop
Save the date! Reed will be hosting parents for a Mindfulness workshop on Tuesday, January 30 from 8:30-10:00 in Room 26.
100th Day Pet Food Drive
In honor of the 100th Day of school (a big deal in first grade) we are having a Pet Food Drive. This Pet Food Drive not only helps animals and the Marin Humane Society, but helps first graders learn math skills.
The first grade classes at Reed will be collecting canned cat and dog food (no bags or pouches, please). Each class will be counting the food and on the 100th day of school all first graders will be sorting it.
The pet food that is collected will go to the Marin Humane Society. The Humane Society will pick up the donated canned food after the 100th day. Please bring your optional contribution to your child’s classroom anytime starting now and ending on Friday, February 2nd.
By collecting canned pet food our first graders will be not only helping our community through the culture of philanthropy, but also learning math skills. Thank you in advance for your support with our 100th Day Pet Food Drive.
Once again, Happy New Year!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
December 21, 2017
Thank you for joining us for our Winter Party! Thank you for our party planners, volunteers, and parents for making it a fabulous party and one to remember.
What we have been up to....
Hour of Code: Coinciding with Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10), our children joined millions of students around the globe as they learn about computer science. Hour of Code was inspiring and fun for our students. We learned basic coding constructs such as commands, sequencing, and looping. We practiced our skills on a variety of block-based programming apps and other unplugged coding challenges.
To learn more about the Hour of Code and to see how you can participate at home, visit our district’s math website.
ZunZun Assembly: This is an assembly sponsored by Marin Water to educate the community on ways we can protect our water resource. A big focus was the water cycle, water conservation and how to keep trash from getting into the water. A couple of Room 16 friends had a chance to get in front of all the classes and pass that message on!!! Way to go!
Social Studies: In social studies, students have been learning about symbols. We discussed that symbol is a picture that stands for a bigger idea. We are also learning about different US symbols. Our first symbol of investigation was The Statue of Liberty. We learned that the statue was a gift from France for America's 100th birthday. We also learned the statue is made of copper and was originally brown in color. Ask your student about the Statue of Liberty.
Science: In Science, the students investigated what it takes to make a stationary object’s shadow move, and reflected on what this means about the sun’s place in the sky. We used a statue Gnome named ‘Willy" and a flashlight to challenge students to move the shadow to preset designs. Do statues move? No, the sun moves creating a new shadow.
Math: We have begun Module 2 and are learning how to add and subtract numbers over ten. We are finding ways to make ten (such as 9 + 5 is the same as 10 + 3). In CGI (Cognitivaly Guided Instruction), students are using their skills to solve varying types of word problems. Feel free to use DreamBox at home. DreamBox is an adaptive math program to meet your child where they are and works seamlessly with our math program.
Reading: Please remind your child to always have their book bag inside their backpack. Please remember that your child can do Raz Kids at home too, to supplement their reading.
www.kidsa-z.com teacher username: jfagan5
Writing: We are completing our small moment stories. A small moment story is something that has happened to you, happened in one location, and has a big moment stretch out for reader's to enjoy. We are working to add details through description.
STEAM: We are working on circuitry in the STEAM Lab. Students worked to learn about circuits. We used a button battery and a LED light. Students had to figure out the importance of continuity and working definitions of open and closed circuits. We used this knowledge to build flashlights. Way to go, Electrical Engineers!
Kimochis: We are working on giving a heartfelt apology and explaining why we are sorry and what we can do next time. We will be practicing making meaningful apologies and using eye contact.
Homework: Please encourage your child to read for 20 minutes daily and fill out the Reading Log. Reading can be the books sent home from the classroom, library books (school or public), home books, Raz Kids online books, books read to kids, etc. Please turn in Homework every Friday inside the red folder along with the Library book.
May your holidays be bright and your new year bring on the cheer!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
November 14, 2017
It feels wonderful to be back in the classroom. I genuinely missed spending my days with your children. They welcomed me back in loving arms. What a welcome it has been!
Please stay tuned for information regarding updated Parent-Teacher Conference dates.
Once again, I am happy to be back.
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
September 29, 2017
It was wonderful seeing so many of you at TownTastic! What an event. If you unable to join us this year, be sure to mark your calendars when the date is released next year.
It was been amazing to witness the transformations taking place in first grade. We are working like a well oiled machine.
Next week is Color Day, our class will wear YELLOW to show our spirit. Be creative!!
Thank you, each child has at least one parent logged into Seesaw. Feel free to have both parents included. Seesaw is a communication tool where I can send informal information such as, "Please remember to bring red folders and library books on Fridays." Or "Book bags should live inside backpacks so when it is time to change books, we can easily do so." I hope you are enjoying Seesaw as much as we are in the classroom.
Book bags will go home starting next week. Book bags may be changed once a week. Please remember the books going home are cold reads. Books are at a level to practice fluency or comprehension. No book is too easy when practicing a skill correctly.
Reading logs begin this week and are due each Friday. Thank you to those who have already turned reading logs in. Please have your child record the book title as a way to practice handwriting and responsibility. Please see the link above to print the reading log. If you need a printed copy, please email me.
Star student of the week begins. Please be sure to check the schedule for your week. The bag containing the poster and jar will go home the Friday before your child's week.
If you have not signed the Bullying Prevention or the Parent Handbook. Please use the links below from our previous newsletter. Thank you to those who have already done so.
Thank you for the volunteers who have signed up to join us in the classroom. We are excited to have you join us!
Quick recap:
1. Reading logs begin.
2. Color Day - Yellow next Friday.
3. Book bags live in backpacks.
4. Review Star Student Schedule.
5. Sign and return Bullying Prevention and Parent Handbook.
Have a great weekend!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
September 15, 2017
Thank you for attending Back to School Night. Here is the link to the presentation for your references. Below please find the links to the items that need to be completed:
Please note library books will go home next week, Friday. Feel free to return them before Friday, along with our Red Folders.
It was a pleasure to have you for Back to School Night! This is going to be a fabulous year.
Have a wonderful weekend!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
September 1, 2017
Room 16 Parents,
We are on Day 7 and are off to a smooth start in our classroom. This week we have learned a lot of procedures, rules, and new routines, which will help us with our learning.
Our class is becoming a tight-knit community. We shared our ideas for the ways to have best possible class. Then we discussed what rules we want the class to follow. The class came up with a great list.
Reader’s Workshop has starting. We have learned how to use reader’s “tools.” We have talked about building “reading muscles” and learning to read “good fit” books. We also learned how to use the classroom library to find good fit books (at their level) as well as high interest books.
In math, we started CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) in Math Journals as well as Math Talks too. We will discuss all of these important things at Back-to-School Night on September 14th.
Next week, please join us for the Volunteer Tea this coming Wednesday, September 6th. We have a talented aide, Ms. Carol Curtis, who will join us each day. When you volunteer, you will get a chance to introduce yourself.
Events:
Please be sure to check the classroom website and the Reed School website for important events.
Picture Day is September 7th.
Red folders are due each Friday. Feel free to return the folder earlier in the week. Please empty the folders each weekend.
Thanks for the pleasure of being your child’s first grade teacher. I look forward to a great year!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
August 25, 2017
Dear Parents,
We’ve had a great first two days of school. I hope the following information will be helpful as we settle into our routines. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with all of you at Back to School Night on September 14th.
IMPORTANT DATES
Sept. 4: No School - Labor Day
Sept. 6: Volunteer Sign-ups
Sept. 7: Student Picture Day
Sept. 14: Back to School Night
Sept. 18: No School - Teacher Work Day
EMAIL COMMUNICATION
My email address is: [email protected]
Our class website is: http://jfaganreedschool.weebly.com
Please fill out the parent survey on the class website.
If you do not have access to e-mail or would prefer paper communication, let me know.
In general, email is the best way to reach me. However the nature of teaching is that I sometimes go several hours without checking my email. So, please call the office with any urgent messages that you need me to receive before the end of the school day.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Upon arrival each morning, the children should go directly to the playground. They will line up when the bell rings at 8:25 so that we can be in class and ready to begin instruction when school begins at 8:30. Please don’t bring your child to school before 8:00 a.m. Arriving on time is crucial. If your child is tardy, please send him/her to the office to pick up a pink tardy pass before coming to class.
DISMISSAL
Students may be picked up after school at the car line at the rear of the campus. If you wish to meet your child on campus, please meet at the front gates/tables. If you do park on Lyford Drive, please curb your wheels or you will get a parking ticket. The parking lot is reserved for staff. The school bus is highly recommended as well. If there is a deviation from your normal routine for pick-up please email me and share this information with your child so that we are aware of where he or she need to go at the end of the day. Please remember Wednesdays are minimum days and school is dismissed at 1:40 rather than 2:40.
SNACK/RECESS
The children have snack/recess each morning at 10:10. Please make sure that your child has a healthy snack. I find it works best to pack the morning snack separate from lunch. Packing snack in the front pocket of the backpack makes it easy for your child to get quickly. Lunch recess starts at 12:10 with recess first and children eat lunch at 12:40 and need something to eat mid-morning in order to maintain proper focus in class.
SCHOOL LUNCH
Choice Lunch lunches will begin on Monday. If your child chooses this lunch option, please remember to send a snack to be eaten during morning recess.
CLASS VOLUNTEERS
You will have the opportunity to sign up for volunteer jobs at our Volunteer Coffee on September 6. We’ll need volunteers to work in the classroom, art room, and many other important spots. Please remember to sign in at the office and pick up an identification badge before coming to the classroom when it is your turn to volunteer. I am looking forward to working with you!
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
The Scholastic Book Club is an inexpensive way to build a library of quality books for your child, while at the same time providing points for our classroom to “buy” necessary items. We will send home an order form every month or so. If you wish to place an order, please look for more information to order online.
ODDS & ENDS
Please make sure your child has a backpack that is roomy enough to hold a folder, lunch box, and library books. Please make sure that your student is able to zip and unzip his or her backpack unassisted. This will help dismissal time to flow more smoothly.
Please label ALL belongings such as lunch boxes, backpacks, water bottles, jackets, and sweaters. I can’t stress this strongly enough!!
Please ask children to keep all toys, balls, jump ropes, etc. at home.
Reading logs will begin towards the end of September. The students will also begin bringing reading books home on a regular basis. We will go over these routines at Back-to-School Night.
We are off to a great start, and I am really looking forward to the year ahead!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
August 24, 2017
Welcome Room 16 Families,
Welcome to first grade! I am eager to start the year by meeting you and your child. I am looking forward to an awesome year. In the upcoming year, we will grow, take chances, learn, make mistakes, and meet new friends. In order to learn more about your child, please take the time to complete the Parent Survey as soon as possible. This site serves as a resource for you and will have all of our up-to-date information listed, please be sure to check it regularly.
Please remember that Thursday, August 24th is a minimum day (1:40 dismissal). Friday is a regular dismissal day (2:40).
Don't forget to bring your healthy snack and lunch in your backpack. Please use reusable marked containers.
Morning Drop off
On Thursday morning, you may walk your child directly to our classroom, room 16. Our classroom will be opened at the 8:15 bell. Please check in with me and let me know how your child is getting home.
On Friday morning, students should follow normal morning routines. You may walk them to the playground.
Campus supervision will begin each morning at 8:00 am. You are most welcome to walk your child on to the playground for the first two days. Students will be pick up on our line Friday morning. Beginning Monday, August 28th, please plan to drop your child off at carline or the front gate. Yard supervisors will be on site to welcome and monitor your child. Students should hang up their backpacks and proceed directly to the play yard. I will pick students up at our class line at 8:25 and walk them back up to our classroom.
After School Pick up
Please choose one of the following options for picking up your child:
Lunch and Snack
Please pack your child a nutritious and healthy snack and lunch. Please do not pack candy and sugary treats. ChoiceLunch lunches starts on Monday, August 28. It is important to make sure that lunch boxes and reusable containers are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
No tree nuts and peanuts please. Health, Wellness, and Nutrition/Nut Allergy at Reed.
Thank you for your cooperation. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
[email protected]
jfaganreedschools.weebly.com
Dear Parents,
What a great music performance! we are thrilled you were able to join us.
Windrush Farm Info: Please cancel your Choice Lunch for May 15th! We will be bringing our own lunches that day. Please wear clothes and boots that can get dirty and bring stale bread. If needed, take allergy medication beforehand. We are going to have a blast!
Writers' Workshop: We are wrapping up All About Writing. Students have been working on teaching us about something. We are looking forward to our Author's Tea on May 31st at 8:30 am. This is a morning you will not want to miss!
Math: Not only are we finding methods and strategies to add tens and ones, we are now learning to create tape diagrams to illustrate a word problem. This is a difficult concept for some and it takes ongoing work. Tape diagrams will be used in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades so they are a useful investment in learning to do them correctly and getting a good foundation. CGI is ongoing.
See Seesaw for more information on our math talk.
Reading: Many reading groups are working on Readers' Theater. This helps us to stay focused and work on reading with expression and with fluency and speed. We change up the parts of the story and try to read with special voices when we can.
Social Studies: California is the topic in Social Studies. The children are learning about the state flower, bird, capital and other important things with Ms. Branciforte.
Science: Children are learning about animal and plant adaptations in Science with Mrs. Fagan.
Art: We are working on special Mother's Day watercolor projects with Ms. Jawor. Information/Reminders:Library books have gone home. Please return them each Friday with the homework and Friday Folders. You can also return them earlier than Friday. All library books are due May 11th and we will no longer be checking books out, however we will still have Internet Safety lessons.
FrontRow/DreamBox
Room 16 is working in three math apps. One was FrontRow, now called Freckle, DreamBox, and Thinking Blocks. These apps can be downloaded to be used at home as well. Please find information below in the event that you would like your child to practice at home (please note that this is optional!).
FrontRow (now called "Freckle"): Class code is fagan7
DreamBox Information - School Code is pppv/tyje
rusdmath.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/1/5/11156667/reed_parent_letter_-_login.pdf
Reed Raccoon Website:
Please enjoy our Reed Community website! reedraccoon.weebly.com/
Reed School LibraryReed School Library's own Ms. Rachel Cahill has a wonderfully helpful blog for students and parents. Please visit: reedelementarylibrary.weebly.com/
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
April 2, 2018
Thank you for attending Family Night and for the donated books. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Your child has been working hard to share their efforts with you. Please join us for Open House, this Thursday, April 5 from 6:00 -7:30 pm. Be sure to bring your "tour guide" as they will want to share a "Day in the Life of First Grade" with you. We look forward to seeing you there!
Message regarding the Music Performance on April 27th:
For the first grade music sharing on April 27th, parents are being asked to dress their child in a short sleeve shirt (no collar please) and solid colored pants or shorts. Since the students will be sitting criss-cross during part of the performance, skirts and dresses aren't recommended. April 27th is also a Spirit Day (Sports Day). My suggestion would be to select sport-related items that can be added (hats, shirts) to students' attire after the show.
Thank you!
Ms. Balfe
Academics:
Science: In science, we have become botanists. We planted ryegrass and alfalfa seeds. Our purpose is once the plants grow, to "mow" our lawns and see what happens. Will the plants grow back?
Writer's Workshop: We are continuing our informational writing unit called "All Abouts." Students are writing about topics in which they know a lot about. We are learning how to organize information and then write from that organizer using various types of paper. So far, we have learned a lot from our student 'teachers'.
Math: We using mental math by combining like terms. For example, we can add 24 + 5 by adding the ones 4 + 5 and then combing our tens to make 20 + 9 = 29. We also took a quick segue into fractions last week and discussed halves, fourths and as a bonus - eighths!
Reading: Please remind your child to always have their book bag inside their backpack. Please remember that your child can do Raz Kids at home too, to supplement their reading. At this time of year, we encourage readers to choose their own high-interest books.
STEAM: In the STEAM Lab, we are problem solving and coding with Lego Engineering.
Homework: Please encourage your child to read for 20 minutes daily and fill out the Reading Log. Reading can be the books sent home from the classroom, library books (school or public), home books, Raz Kids online books, books read to kids, etc. Please turn in Homework every Friday to the blue bin along with the Library book.
Looking forward to seeing you this Thursday!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
March 9, 2018
Hello! Spring is on its way and first graders are blossoming. Not only are they growing taller, they are blooming into fabulous, caring, young citizens.
A special thank you to Angela McInerney for leading our class in our Regatta project and for Caroline Kesmodel and Merrill Gillespie for volunteering to assist with the project. Looking forward to seeing the final product!
Lawrence Hall of Science was a huge success! Thank you to our field trip chaperones: Omri Berger, Cindy Sittmann, Kelly Delaney, and Melissa DiVita. Not only did we make slime, we made fond memories. Ask your child all about the trip!
Please see the email regarding the Leprechaun Scrounge List. Please send your child with recyclables we can build traps with. Here, Leprechaun Leprechaun!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
February 5, 2018
Happy Groundhogs Day! Phil saw his shadow and is predicting six more week of winter. This is great news for our snow lovers. Let's see if Phil's prognostication rings true on the West Coast. Fingers crossed!
This week, we will celebrate the 100th Day of School and Global Play Day. Students may bring in games to play. We are focusing on building relationships and having fun. We are only young once. We will play all day on Wednesday, February 7th. Let the games and play begin!!
This Friday, please find a permission slip to Lawrence Hall of Science for Thursday, March 8th. Our class will experiment by making Slime! Please return all permission slips by the following Friday, February 16th. If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact Melissa DiVita, our field trip coordinator.
Friday is also Spots and Stripes spirit day. Feel free to mix and match.
Valentine's Day is coming up and details of how we are celebrating were sent in a email last week. Please be sure to send your child with their Valentine's on February 14th.
Save the date for a Parent Workshop on How to talk tom child about race? The workshop is free for all parents. Please join us from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Bel Aire.
In spelling, we have been introduced to long vowels and how the silent e that makes letters say their name such as kite. The silent e allows us to read a plethora of words. Ask your reader to show you some long vowel, silent e words?
In math, we are exploring how place value can help us with our mental addition. "When I am trying to answer 16 - 12, I think about breaking the numbers and noticing both have one ten. So I use 6 - 2 to find the answer."
In writing, we are getting closer to publishing our How to stories. It is amazing how much Room 16 can teach us.
In science, we are exploring sound. We have explored vibration and we are delving into how pitch can be high and low. We used bottles with varying heights of water to explore how vibrations are effected by adding water.
In art with Ms. Jawor, we are discussing Chinese New Year and are creating a piece of art using collage, paint and drawing. The subject is a cityscape with red and yellow Chinese lanterns. Children are learning about the significance of the colors red and yellow (gold), as well as other relevant Chinese symbols like lanterns and the lucky number 8.
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
January 31, 2018
Hello! 100th day is here. Thank you for bringing in Pet Food. So far we have 101 cans. On behalf of the pets, meow and woof! The kids can't build to build and stack.
Global Play Day is Wednesday. Students may bring in games to play. We are focusing on building relationships and having fun. We are only young once. We will play all day on Wednesday, February 7th. Let the games and play begin!!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
January 19, 2018
Hello! We led community time today. Room 16 and 19 did a fabulous job memorizing our poems to perform in front of Reed School. To see us in action, check out Seesaw. What a way to rise to the occasion, Room 16!
Please join us our Mindfulness Workshop. Reed will be hosting parents for a Mindfulness workshop on Tuesday, January 30 from 8:30-10:00 in Room 26.
Thank you to our class volunteers who join us for centers! We are so grateful to you! We could not do it without you. Your assistance allows for small group instruction where students can interact with an adult. Both your child and I are very happy to have you join us during our learning day. There are many openings for centers, please use our SignUp to join us in the classroom. We are hoping to have a consistent schedule of volunteers so there are no interruptions during this small group time. Many thanks in advance!
The 100th day is around the corner. We will need 4 volunteers to help lead stations in the MPR on Tuesday, February 6th from 8:30 -10:10 am. Volunteers please sign on through our class SignUp. We are also collecting cans for our Pet Food Drive. Cans only, no pouches or dried food, just cans. Please be sure to send your child with cans as they are due on Friday, February 2nd. Thank you to the families that already brought in cans! See our previous newsletter below for more information. I am also looking for someone to drop off the cans at the Marin Humane Society directly after our 100th Day activities. Please let me know if this is something you can help with.
As readers we are using our sight words and sounds to help us stretch words out. We have been focusing on short vowel sounds, blends, and digraphs. We are beginning to be introduced to long vowels such the a sound in the word rake. The magic e sometimes referred to as the silent e makes the vowel say it's letter name. We have also been introduced to vowel teams, when two vowels go walking, the first one sometimes does the talking.
In math, we are wrapping up our study on making ten and will begin to see how we can take from ten. We continue to work on our CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) math problems. This week, we looked at separate result unknown problems. We are working to share our thinking on paper and explain the process we took to solve the problem. Can't wait to see what they come up with!
In social studies, we are continuing our studies on American Symbols. We have learned about the American flag, bald eagle, and Statue of Liberty. Check out Seesaw for more information!
In science, we are beginning our sound unit. We first began by understanding what makes the back and forth of sound waves. Ask your child all about our rulers and how we became sound effect artists. Then we guessed what was inside containers to hear the pitch of the objects inside. It is amazing what we can hear, when we are truly listening.
As experts, the class is writing their How to books. Your child will teach us, "How to" accomplish a task, make something, or be something. We are acting out our steps and providing cautions or options to our readers.
Next week, is our Kindness Challenge. We are looking for ways to be kind and ways to observe others being kind. Room 16 is filled with big hearts and I know we are ready to show our skills for this challenge!
As a reminder, reading logs and library books are due each and every Friday.
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
Quick recap:
- Mindfullness Parent Workshop: Tuesday, January 30th
- Please use SignUp to volunteer!
- Email me if you can deliver cans to the Marin Humane Society on February 6th.
- Pet Food Can Drive - cans due Friday, February 2nd.
- Reading logs and library books are due every Friday.
January 7, 2018
Dear Parents,
Welcome Back and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun filled and relaxing holiday with friends and family.
Here is a quick update of what is happening and some reminders.
- No school on Monday, January 8 - Teacher Work Day
- Book bags must come to the classroom every day.
- Reading logs are due each Friday. If you need a reading log, please let me know.
- Library is on Friday. Please remind your child to remember their books. If books are not returned, a new book is not checked out. Eek!
- Please wear proper shoes for PE on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- No school on Monday, January 15, 2018 - MLK, Jr. Day
- 100th Day of School – Tuesday, February 6th (see below for more information)
- Mid-Winter Break – No school - February 19 - 23
- If it is raining, students may slip out of their rain boots and slip on sneakers to use while sitting on the carpet.
- The dry air can chap lips; students may keep a chap stick in their backpacks.
- Please visit SignUp.com to volunteer in the classroom. We would love to have you join us!
- Star student of the week continues. Please be sure to check the schedule for your week. The bag containing the poster and jar will go home the Friday before your child's week.
Academics:
Writing: We have finished writing our “Small Moment” books and will move on to writing "How to Books". Children will be able to teach others how to do something.
Math: We are continuing to add and subtract within 20 using the make 10 and take from 10 strategies and continuing to work on our algebraic thinking with the unknown is the starting and change position.
Reading: We will continue to make predictions, learn more about summarizing, and take an in-depth look at character profiles.
Science: We completed our Science unit on weather patterns and will begin our study of sound and light.
Social Studies: We will continue to explore American Symbols and Famous Americans.
STEAM: We are continuing our explorations with circuits and will use technology to deepen our understanding by using Explain Everything.
Social Emotional: Focusing on acts of kindness and ways to deepen our empathy for others.
Mindfulness Parent Workshop
Save the date! Reed will be hosting parents for a Mindfulness workshop on Tuesday, January 30 from 8:30-10:00 in Room 26.
100th Day Pet Food Drive
In honor of the 100th Day of school (a big deal in first grade) we are having a Pet Food Drive. This Pet Food Drive not only helps animals and the Marin Humane Society, but helps first graders learn math skills.
The first grade classes at Reed will be collecting canned cat and dog food (no bags or pouches, please). Each class will be counting the food and on the 100th day of school all first graders will be sorting it.
The pet food that is collected will go to the Marin Humane Society. The Humane Society will pick up the donated canned food after the 100th day. Please bring your optional contribution to your child’s classroom anytime starting now and ending on Friday, February 2nd.
By collecting canned pet food our first graders will be not only helping our community through the culture of philanthropy, but also learning math skills. Thank you in advance for your support with our 100th Day Pet Food Drive.
Once again, Happy New Year!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
December 21, 2017
Thank you for joining us for our Winter Party! Thank you for our party planners, volunteers, and parents for making it a fabulous party and one to remember.
What we have been up to....
Hour of Code: Coinciding with Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10), our children joined millions of students around the globe as they learn about computer science. Hour of Code was inspiring and fun for our students. We learned basic coding constructs such as commands, sequencing, and looping. We practiced our skills on a variety of block-based programming apps and other unplugged coding challenges.
To learn more about the Hour of Code and to see how you can participate at home, visit our district’s math website.
ZunZun Assembly: This is an assembly sponsored by Marin Water to educate the community on ways we can protect our water resource. A big focus was the water cycle, water conservation and how to keep trash from getting into the water. A couple of Room 16 friends had a chance to get in front of all the classes and pass that message on!!! Way to go!
Social Studies: In social studies, students have been learning about symbols. We discussed that symbol is a picture that stands for a bigger idea. We are also learning about different US symbols. Our first symbol of investigation was The Statue of Liberty. We learned that the statue was a gift from France for America's 100th birthday. We also learned the statue is made of copper and was originally brown in color. Ask your student about the Statue of Liberty.
Science: In Science, the students investigated what it takes to make a stationary object’s shadow move, and reflected on what this means about the sun’s place in the sky. We used a statue Gnome named ‘Willy" and a flashlight to challenge students to move the shadow to preset designs. Do statues move? No, the sun moves creating a new shadow.
Math: We have begun Module 2 and are learning how to add and subtract numbers over ten. We are finding ways to make ten (such as 9 + 5 is the same as 10 + 3). In CGI (Cognitivaly Guided Instruction), students are using their skills to solve varying types of word problems. Feel free to use DreamBox at home. DreamBox is an adaptive math program to meet your child where they are and works seamlessly with our math program.
Reading: Please remind your child to always have their book bag inside their backpack. Please remember that your child can do Raz Kids at home too, to supplement their reading.
www.kidsa-z.com teacher username: jfagan5
Writing: We are completing our small moment stories. A small moment story is something that has happened to you, happened in one location, and has a big moment stretch out for reader's to enjoy. We are working to add details through description.
STEAM: We are working on circuitry in the STEAM Lab. Students worked to learn about circuits. We used a button battery and a LED light. Students had to figure out the importance of continuity and working definitions of open and closed circuits. We used this knowledge to build flashlights. Way to go, Electrical Engineers!
Kimochis: We are working on giving a heartfelt apology and explaining why we are sorry and what we can do next time. We will be practicing making meaningful apologies and using eye contact.
Homework: Please encourage your child to read for 20 minutes daily and fill out the Reading Log. Reading can be the books sent home from the classroom, library books (school or public), home books, Raz Kids online books, books read to kids, etc. Please turn in Homework every Friday inside the red folder along with the Library book.
May your holidays be bright and your new year bring on the cheer!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
November 14, 2017
It feels wonderful to be back in the classroom. I genuinely missed spending my days with your children. They welcomed me back in loving arms. What a welcome it has been!
Please stay tuned for information regarding updated Parent-Teacher Conference dates.
Once again, I am happy to be back.
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
September 29, 2017
It was wonderful seeing so many of you at TownTastic! What an event. If you unable to join us this year, be sure to mark your calendars when the date is released next year.
It was been amazing to witness the transformations taking place in first grade. We are working like a well oiled machine.
Next week is Color Day, our class will wear YELLOW to show our spirit. Be creative!!
Thank you, each child has at least one parent logged into Seesaw. Feel free to have both parents included. Seesaw is a communication tool where I can send informal information such as, "Please remember to bring red folders and library books on Fridays." Or "Book bags should live inside backpacks so when it is time to change books, we can easily do so." I hope you are enjoying Seesaw as much as we are in the classroom.
Book bags will go home starting next week. Book bags may be changed once a week. Please remember the books going home are cold reads. Books are at a level to practice fluency or comprehension. No book is too easy when practicing a skill correctly.
Reading logs begin this week and are due each Friday. Thank you to those who have already turned reading logs in. Please have your child record the book title as a way to practice handwriting and responsibility. Please see the link above to print the reading log. If you need a printed copy, please email me.
Star student of the week begins. Please be sure to check the schedule for your week. The bag containing the poster and jar will go home the Friday before your child's week.
If you have not signed the Bullying Prevention or the Parent Handbook. Please use the links below from our previous newsletter. Thank you to those who have already done so.
Thank you for the volunteers who have signed up to join us in the classroom. We are excited to have you join us!
Quick recap:
1. Reading logs begin.
2. Color Day - Yellow next Friday.
3. Book bags live in backpacks.
4. Review Star Student Schedule.
5. Sign and return Bullying Prevention and Parent Handbook.
Have a great weekend!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
September 15, 2017
Thank you for attending Back to School Night. Here is the link to the presentation for your references. Below please find the links to the items that need to be completed:
- Sign up for Seesaw.
- Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences.
- Check your child's Star Student Week.
- Sign and return (if you haven't already done so):
- Scholastic book orders are due on the 15th of every month.
- Create a comfort kit. See the baggie in your Red Folder. Return labeled asap.
Please note library books will go home next week, Friday. Feel free to return them before Friday, along with our Red Folders.
It was a pleasure to have you for Back to School Night! This is going to be a fabulous year.
Have a wonderful weekend!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
September 1, 2017
Room 16 Parents,
We are on Day 7 and are off to a smooth start in our classroom. This week we have learned a lot of procedures, rules, and new routines, which will help us with our learning.
Our class is becoming a tight-knit community. We shared our ideas for the ways to have best possible class. Then we discussed what rules we want the class to follow. The class came up with a great list.
Reader’s Workshop has starting. We have learned how to use reader’s “tools.” We have talked about building “reading muscles” and learning to read “good fit” books. We also learned how to use the classroom library to find good fit books (at their level) as well as high interest books.
In math, we started CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) in Math Journals as well as Math Talks too. We will discuss all of these important things at Back-to-School Night on September 14th.
Next week, please join us for the Volunteer Tea this coming Wednesday, September 6th. We have a talented aide, Ms. Carol Curtis, who will join us each day. When you volunteer, you will get a chance to introduce yourself.
Events:
Please be sure to check the classroom website and the Reed School website for important events.
Picture Day is September 7th.
Red folders are due each Friday. Feel free to return the folder earlier in the week. Please empty the folders each weekend.
Thanks for the pleasure of being your child’s first grade teacher. I look forward to a great year!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
August 25, 2017
Dear Parents,
We’ve had a great first two days of school. I hope the following information will be helpful as we settle into our routines. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with all of you at Back to School Night on September 14th.
IMPORTANT DATES
Sept. 4: No School - Labor Day
Sept. 6: Volunteer Sign-ups
Sept. 7: Student Picture Day
Sept. 14: Back to School Night
Sept. 18: No School - Teacher Work Day
EMAIL COMMUNICATION
My email address is: [email protected]
Our class website is: http://jfaganreedschool.weebly.com
Please fill out the parent survey on the class website.
If you do not have access to e-mail or would prefer paper communication, let me know.
In general, email is the best way to reach me. However the nature of teaching is that I sometimes go several hours without checking my email. So, please call the office with any urgent messages that you need me to receive before the end of the school day.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Upon arrival each morning, the children should go directly to the playground. They will line up when the bell rings at 8:25 so that we can be in class and ready to begin instruction when school begins at 8:30. Please don’t bring your child to school before 8:00 a.m. Arriving on time is crucial. If your child is tardy, please send him/her to the office to pick up a pink tardy pass before coming to class.
DISMISSAL
Students may be picked up after school at the car line at the rear of the campus. If you wish to meet your child on campus, please meet at the front gates/tables. If you do park on Lyford Drive, please curb your wheels or you will get a parking ticket. The parking lot is reserved for staff. The school bus is highly recommended as well. If there is a deviation from your normal routine for pick-up please email me and share this information with your child so that we are aware of where he or she need to go at the end of the day. Please remember Wednesdays are minimum days and school is dismissed at 1:40 rather than 2:40.
SNACK/RECESS
The children have snack/recess each morning at 10:10. Please make sure that your child has a healthy snack. I find it works best to pack the morning snack separate from lunch. Packing snack in the front pocket of the backpack makes it easy for your child to get quickly. Lunch recess starts at 12:10 with recess first and children eat lunch at 12:40 and need something to eat mid-morning in order to maintain proper focus in class.
SCHOOL LUNCH
Choice Lunch lunches will begin on Monday. If your child chooses this lunch option, please remember to send a snack to be eaten during morning recess.
CLASS VOLUNTEERS
You will have the opportunity to sign up for volunteer jobs at our Volunteer Coffee on September 6. We’ll need volunteers to work in the classroom, art room, and many other important spots. Please remember to sign in at the office and pick up an identification badge before coming to the classroom when it is your turn to volunteer. I am looking forward to working with you!
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
The Scholastic Book Club is an inexpensive way to build a library of quality books for your child, while at the same time providing points for our classroom to “buy” necessary items. We will send home an order form every month or so. If you wish to place an order, please look for more information to order online.
ODDS & ENDS
Please make sure your child has a backpack that is roomy enough to hold a folder, lunch box, and library books. Please make sure that your student is able to zip and unzip his or her backpack unassisted. This will help dismissal time to flow more smoothly.
Please label ALL belongings such as lunch boxes, backpacks, water bottles, jackets, and sweaters. I can’t stress this strongly enough!!
Please ask children to keep all toys, balls, jump ropes, etc. at home.
Reading logs will begin towards the end of September. The students will also begin bringing reading books home on a regular basis. We will go over these routines at Back-to-School Night.
We are off to a great start, and I am really looking forward to the year ahead!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
August 24, 2017
Welcome Room 16 Families,
Welcome to first grade! I am eager to start the year by meeting you and your child. I am looking forward to an awesome year. In the upcoming year, we will grow, take chances, learn, make mistakes, and meet new friends. In order to learn more about your child, please take the time to complete the Parent Survey as soon as possible. This site serves as a resource for you and will have all of our up-to-date information listed, please be sure to check it regularly.
Please remember that Thursday, August 24th is a minimum day (1:40 dismissal). Friday is a regular dismissal day (2:40).
Don't forget to bring your healthy snack and lunch in your backpack. Please use reusable marked containers.
Morning Drop off
On Thursday morning, you may walk your child directly to our classroom, room 16. Our classroom will be opened at the 8:15 bell. Please check in with me and let me know how your child is getting home.
On Friday morning, students should follow normal morning routines. You may walk them to the playground.
Campus supervision will begin each morning at 8:00 am. You are most welcome to walk your child on to the playground for the first two days. Students will be pick up on our line Friday morning. Beginning Monday, August 28th, please plan to drop your child off at carline or the front gate. Yard supervisors will be on site to welcome and monitor your child. Students should hang up their backpacks and proceed directly to the play yard. I will pick students up at our class line at 8:25 and walk them back up to our classroom.
After School Pick up
Please choose one of the following options for picking up your child:
- Car line - Please put name card in window.
- Meet at front gates
- Bus
- BTCCC (after school day care)
Lunch and Snack
Please pack your child a nutritious and healthy snack and lunch. Please do not pack candy and sugary treats. ChoiceLunch lunches starts on Monday, August 28. It is important to make sure that lunch boxes and reusable containers are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
No tree nuts and peanuts please. Health, Wellness, and Nutrition/Nut Allergy at Reed.
- Reed NEW RUSD Family Orientation: Friday, August 25 at 8:30 am
- Reed Back to School Night: Thursday, September 14 at 6:00 pm
Thank you for your cooperation. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!
My best,
Mrs. Fagan
[email protected]
jfaganreedschools.weebly.com