Harlan Math Pentathalon

Between being sick, conferences and half days, I seemed to have missed a notice regarding the Harlan Math Pentathlon.  This looks like a wonderful program!  Please see the below information.

Dear Harlan Families,

Kindergarten and 1st grade students are invited to participate in Math Pentathlon, an enrichment program that provides students with the opportunity to learn and play the Division I Math Pentathlon games.

Math Pentathlon is a program consisting of five games that encourage students to develop the ability to critically observe, classify, describe and analyze data in a logical manner using both inductive and deductive thinking methods.

The kindergarten/1st grade division will meet Fridays from 3:50 - 4:40pm, April 12th - June 7th.  A parent coach will teach students how to play all five games and participants will enjoy some friendly competition.  It is important for students to attend all of the program sessions as Math Pentathlon is a five game series.

We have 20 spaces in each Math Pentathlon Division, with the option to add more spaces if we have more coaches who can commit to helping with instruction at every session.  If student interest exceeds 20 spots, we will hold a lottery with preference given to the coaches' children.  Even if you can't make all sessions, parents can help us make this program as successful as possible by volunteering to assist the coach and students during some of the game sessions.

If your child is interested, please email me by Saturday, March 30.  Also, please indicate any days in which you can attend to assist the coach and players.  Thank you!

Program Dates

April 12
April 19
April 26
May 3
May 10
May 17
May 24
May 31
June 7


You can respond by emailing at sk14bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by Saturday, March 30.

Reading Over Break - Raz Kids

Many parents have been asking about using Raz Kids over the break.  Below is the link that will take you to our Raz Kids account.  The link is also available on the left side of the blog under "Helpful Links."  After selecting your child's name, please enter their password.  This is their first initial and last name.  Example - skefgen

On Raz Kids, you will find books at your child's level.  In addition to reading "just right" books, there are also comprehension quizzes to take after each book to help your child think about what they are reading.  This is an excellent at-home tool to help your child practice reading.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login/teacherUsername/scottkefgen

Spring Break Game (optional activities)

If you are looking for something to do on vacation, you may choose from the activities below to complete over break. If you complete enough activities to earn 30 points you will receive a prize.  For every 10 points after that, you may win another prize!

Parents, please write down the activity your child completed and the total number of points earned.  Please return any pages that accompany the activities back to school Monday, April 8.  Good Luck!

o   Read every night for 15 minutes. Keep a log of the books’ name and each night you read. Log must have at least 10 entries.  8 points

o   Write about 3 special things that happened to you over break. Draw a picture and write at least 3 sentences for each special thing.  8 points

o   Make a book, at least 5 pages long, with pictures about your vacation. 6 points

o   Write a letter to the Easter Bunny. Leave it out for him and let me know if he writes back!  3 points

o   Read with at least 5 different people who are older than you. Write down the books you read and the names of the people you read with.  4 points

o   Look for words you know around your home, a family or friend’s home or anywhere you are over break. Play “I Spy Words” with someone. (EX. I spy the word “the.”) 2 points

o   Make and write out 3 spring cards to give to family members. 6 points

o   Make and write 3 thank you notes to people who gave you a gift. 6 points

o   While in the car or waiting for something, make a list of words that all begin with the same letter, words that rhyme or words in the same word family ( Ex. –ot, -ap, -ig, -ook, -it). 2 points

o   Count by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100 every night. 8 points

o   Practice identifying coins with someone older than you. 2 points

o   Make a list of how many different 3D shapes you find around your house or places you visit.   5 points

o   Practice your addition / subtraction up to 10 each night for 5 minutes.   8 points

o   Send me an e-mail about what you are doing over break. sk14bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us   3 points



Gentle reminder about pajama day tomorrow

Please be on the Lookout for...

The office has contacted me to inform you that there are a few cases of lice in our school, and in our grade level.  Please be aware and watch for this in our house.  Also, please be on the lookout for strep throat and pinkeye as these have also been going around lately.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Pajama Day!

This Thursday, March 28, we will be celebrating Pajama Day!  If your child would like, please send them to school in their pajamas!  If they would like, they may also bring:

-ONE of their favorite stuffed animals to have as their reading and writing buddies

- a pillow and blanket for our Pajama Read-In

If your child is interested in wearing their pajamas to school, please remember to send warm clothes for them to put on during recess, as it will most likely be too cold for just our pj's  :)

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program

Over the weekend I was able to get my camera fixed!  As you may have noticed, our blog has been missing its pictures for a while now.  Unfortunately, my camera's SD card had been stuck inside.  Don't worry, I was still taking pictures  :)   Now I can begin uploading them to you again.  Please expect pictures from Room 100 coming your way soon!

We all thank you for your patience and understanding!

Gentle Reminders

A few gentle reminders -

1.  If you have not already sent in your completed shamrocks for our pride post wall, please do so.

2.  Winter Conferences are next week.  If you have not already signed up for a date/time, please use the provided link.  The link is also on the right side of our blog.

3.  Since we will be having conferences next week, both Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21 will be half days of school. 

Specials Schedule for the Week of 3/11 - 3/15

Monday (D) - Art & PE (Please remember to bring gym shoes)
Tuesday (A) - Media Center (Please remember to bring library books)
Wednesday (B) - Music
Thursday (C) - PE (Please remember to bring gym shoes)
Friday (D) - Art & PE (Please remember to bring gym shoes)

Poetry Books

Please remember to send your child''s poetry book back to school on Monday mornings.  If your child does not have their book at school,  we have been placing the poems we practiced in their homework folders to be included in their books.  If your child does not have their book at home, please let me know.  Thank you!

Winter Conferences

Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21.  Each conference will be 20 minutes long, with conference times available 1 - 8pm.  Please use the provided link to our conference Sign Up Genius.  The link is also available on the right side of our classroom blog.  Thank you in advance!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4BA4A822A46-winter