Last Day!!

Dear Parents,
This year has been a blast! I have loved teaching and growing with your kiddos. We had a great last day with some competitive minute-to-win-it games. There are some very talented kiddos in this group! Here is a link to a video we watched today with all of our memories.
Have a great summer, and keep on reading and growing. See you next year! Ms. Strain


Field Day!

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow is field day! Please make sure to send a water bottle with your student. We will be outside for an hour from 9:45 to 10:45 on the bounce houses. If your child needs sunscreen, please apply it before sending them to school. Just a reminder, the entire week is early release at 1:10.

Thanks so much for a great year! Ms. Strain

May 19th-May 23rd

Dear Families,
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to teach and grow with your children this year. We truly have the best class, and the caring community they’ve created is heartwarming. I also want to thank you for the thoughtful gifts and cards; the sweet notes and treats were much appreciated.
As we approach the final weeks of school, I want to share some important dates to remember:
May 21st: Nature Center visiting the school 8:30-9:30
May 23rd: Dollar Dress Down and Yearbook Signing 9:00-10:00
May 26th: No School (Memorial Day)
May 28th: Field Day 9:45-10:45
May 29th: Talent Show 8:40-9:10
May 30th: Free Dress Down (Last Day of School)
For Field Day, please remember to send in a labeled water bottle for your child. Additionally, if we do not have a signed permission form, your child will not be permitted to play on the bouncy houses. Please ensure that lunch orders are submitted by May 19th to guarantee they are prepared.
Please note that May 27th-30th will be early release days. If your child’s last day will be before the 30th, kindly inform me so I can provide them with their class award in advance.Thank you for your support!
Best regards,Ms. Strain

May 5th-9th

Dear Families,

This week, we will be taking the i-Ready diagnostic for reading and math. Here are some important upcoming dates:

  • May 7th-11th: End of year testing
  • May 21st: Nature Center on-site field trip from 8:30 to 9:30 AM (volunteers needed)
  • May 23rd: Yearbook signing from 9:00 to 10:00 AM
  • May 28th: Field Day from 9:45 to 10:45 AM (volunteers needed). The students will need a signed permission slip for Field Day and a lunch order if eating at the school. Please fill out the Google form
  • May 30th: Last day of school, with early release during the week of May 26th-30th.

Thank you for your support!

Best regards,
Ms. Strain

April 28th-May 2nd

Dear Families,

The exciting week has arrived for the kiddos to show what they know! We will be completing most of our end-of-year Acadience assessments from Monday to Wednesday. Please ensure your student gets a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast so they can give their best effort.

Next week, we will also be taking the i-Ready diagnostic for reading and math. Please make sure you have signed the treat permission form to allow your students to enjoy the treats the school will be providing.

Here are some important upcoming dates:

  • April 28th – May 2nd: End of year testing
  • May 21st: Nature Center on-site field trip from 8:30 to 9:30 AM (volunteers needed)
  • May 23rd: Yearbook signing from 9:00 to 10:00 AM
  • May 28th: Field Day from 9:45 to 10:45 AM (volunteers needed)
  • May 30th: Last day of school, with early release during the week of May 26th-30th

Thank you for your support!

Treat form

April 21st-25th

Dear Parents,

I hope you had a wonderful Easter Holiday. We will be working hard this week as a class to polish our skills and prepare for end-of-year testing. Here are some important ways to support first graders for testing: encourage them to do their best, ensure they get plenty of sleep, have a good breakfast, and remind them to show us what they know. Permission slip for testing treats.

Important Dates:

  • April 28th-May 2nd: End of Year Testing
  • May 21st: Nature in-house field trip from 8:45-9:30 (Volunteers needed)
  • May 28th: Field Day from 9:45-10:45 (Volunteers needed)
  • May 30th: Last day of school (Early out all week from the 26th-30th)

Thank you so much for all your help and for working with your kiddos!

Best regards,
Ms. Strain

Tips for Parents to Help Children Prepare for Testing

  1. Encourage a Positive Attitude: Remind your child that testing is an opportunity to show what they know. Encourage them to stay positive and do their best.
  2. Establish a Routine: Create a consistent daily schedule that includes time for study, play, and relaxation. A routine helps children feel more secure and prepared.
  3. Ensure Adequate Sleep: Make sure your child gets plenty of rest each night, especially leading up to test days. Aim for 9-11 hours of sleep for optimal performance.
  4. Healthy Eating: Provide nutritious meals and snacks, particularly a balanced breakfast on test days. Foods rich in protein and whole grains can help maintain energy levels.
  5. Practice Test-Taking Skills: Familiarize your child with the types of questions they may encounter. Use practice tests or sample questions to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
  6. Talk About the Test: Have open discussions about the testing process. Address any concerns your child may have and reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous.
  7. Limit Screen Time: Encourage breaks from screens, especially close to test days. Instead, engage in activities that promote relaxation and focus, such as reading or puzzles.
  8. Stay Calm and Supportive: Your attitude towards testing can influence your child. Stay calm and provide encouragement, reminding them that you believe in their abilities.
  9. Teach Relaxation Techniques: Show your child simple breathing exercises or mindfulness practices to help them manage stress and anxiety before and during the test.
  10. Celebrate Efforts: After the tests, celebrate your child’s hard work and effort, regardless of the outcomes. This reinforces a growth mindset and the importance of trying their best.

By following these tips, parents can help create a supportive environment that fosters confidence and readiness for testing.

April 14th-18th

Dear Parents,

Spring is in full swing, and we have exciting things happening in the next few weeks. Please help your student remember that toys and trinkets need to stay at home unless they have a show and tell certificate.

On Wednesday, April 16th, we will have baby goats visiting! The week of April 28th marks the beginning of end-of-year testing. Additionally, please note that on May 21st, we have a Nature Center on-site field trip, and May 28th is Field Day.

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child prepare for end-of-year testing by encouraging them to read and work on math skills.

Best regards,
Ms. Strain

Kids Read Now Please help your child choose their books for the summer. Thanks! Ms. Strain