Halloween Pictures

Mr. G would like to share some amazing pictures taken at our classroom Halloween party!  Please use the below link to access them.  They all look terrific!  Thank you again, Mr. G!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/greenskycreative/sets/72157672428370314/

The Results Are In...

Every vote was counted...

Every voice was heard...

And the majority of our grade level chose...

Please look for further communication coming home soon regarding our Beach Day date and important information.

Congratulations, First Graders, on your first voting experience!  You did a fantastic job learning about how we:

First - Listen to the choices

Next - Choose the best one for you

Then - Cast your vote

Finally - Wait for election results!

The first grade teachers are looking forward to rocking our flip flops, shorts, sunglasses and beach gear soon!

First Grade Election

Over the last week, the first graders have been discussing the upcoming election, what it means to vote and how the process works.  Last week, we put what we have learned into action as the first grade teachers and I presented our ideas for a First Grade Fun Day.  This was done in a town hall style with each "candidate" presenting their idea and why they think it will be what is best for our grade level.  Student questions followed.

Mrs. Cooper presented All About Me Day, which would include dressing up in clothes that represent you and your interests.  This could include what you want to be when you grow up or something you are passionate about now (sports, science, dancing, music...).  The day would also include a parade through each other's classrooms.

Slogan:  Your future is now!

Mrs. Cibor presented Beach Day (complete with "Wipe Out" playing as she approached the front of the room!)  Her idea was to bring our shorts, flip flops, sunglasses, visors and beach towels to school and pretend we are at the beach!  The day would include laying our towels out and "tanning" while we independently read, along with other beach-themed activities.
Slogan:  Let's take back summer!

Mr. Kefgen presented Silly Sock Day!  This would include no shoes while in our classrooms to show off our silly and craziest socks!  Campaign promises included Mr. Kefgen wearing 5 pairs of silly socks and taking one pair off every hour to reveal the next, wearing socks on his hands, and even having a sock hop dance party!

Slogan:  Free your feet and SOCK the vote!

After hearing the candidates' ideas, the first graders had a chance to vote for their favorite.  We began by reading the book Duck for President by Doreen Cronin and then using our Scholastic News account to learn more about voting and elections.  Finally, the time came for us to exercise our right to vote!  We even made a voting booth in our classroom compete with ballot boxes, ballots and privacy!  After voting, we all received "I Voted" stickers just like grown ups do!  

Stayed tuned to hear the outcome of our First Grade Fun Day election as results will be announced on Wednesday!

Scientist with a Twist

A few weeks ago we welcomed Mr. S. to our classroom as our Scientist with a Twist.  The word of day was "vortex!"  We had a great time learning how to make tornado in a jar!  We used water, oil and glitter to create and see the vortex in the middle of the jar.  We learned that the vortex is created by the friction of the water rubbing against the jar. The glitter was used to highlight the vortex and make it easier to see, while the oil was used to bind the glitter together.  The children loved spinning the jars and found out it was easier to use by spinning it around on a table.

Thank you Mr. S. for joining us and making our minds "spin!"

Schedule for the Week of 11/7 - 11/11

Monday (A) - Art & Music
Tuesday - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday (B) - Media Center
Thursday (C) - Music
Friday (D) - PE

This is a gentle reminder that there will be NO SCHOOL on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 due to Election Day.

Please remember to return library books on days we visit the media center and bring gym shoes on days we have PE.

Note from Dr. Thompson

District Preschool Survey

As we work to enhance our preschool programming, we are asking parents to take a very short survey regarding their preschool experience. We encourage you to share this with other area parents you may know that do not currently attend BPS. Please take a moment to complete the survey before it closes on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

https://oaklandk12mi.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_etzDGSUGltZR2Qt

Fall Conferences

I can't believe that we are almost through our first semester of first grade!  I can't wait to meet with all of the Room 112 families and discuss your children's academic and social growth this year!  Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Wednesday, November 16 and Thursday, November 17.  Each homeroom conference will last 20 minutes, with additional 5 minute math conferences available if your child has a math teacher other than myself.

Please use the below links to choose a date and time that works best with your schedule.  I have included all of the first grade teacher's Sign Ups so that you may choose a math conference if you would like.

Mr. Kefgen's Fall Conferences
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4ba4a822a46-fall3

Mrs. Cooper's Fall Conferences
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4daca62ba57-mrs4

Mrs. Cibor's Fall Conferences
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044cafad2fa75-fall2

These links can also be found on the left side of our classroom blog.

Please let me know if you have any questions before then.  I  am really looking forward to speaking with everyone soon!  :)