Parents: Sign Up to Share Your Job with Our Class for Career Day!

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Screen Shot 2015-10-04 at 2.12.38 PM
We have been talking a lot in class about neighborhood jobs and citizenship (which, of course, includes contributing as a working citizen of our community).  In light of these classroom discussions, we would love for several of our parents to come share information about their jobs with our class!  This is always a highlight of our academic year!

No pressure!
Please know that you only need to fill about 15 minutes of time with information about your job, including time for questions/answers! The time goes by VERY quickly!  We welcome you to share any props, tools, visual representations, uniforms, etc. to help your career come to life for the children, but these things are not necessary.  Many jobs that parents may feel are “unexciting” may actually be fascinating for students to hear about and help to give the students a closer look at the “adult world!” It would be wonderful to give the children exposure to a broad range of careers!

When you arrive at the school, be sure to check in at the office and receive your “volunteer” name badge.

If you would like to sign up to volunteer, please e-mail me (mdunmeyer@questac.org) with the date and time that would work for you.  The available days/times are as follows:

Monday, October 12th:
9:00-9:15
9:15-9:30
9:30-9:45
9:45-10:00

2:15-2:30
2:30-2:45
2:45-3:00

Tuesday, October 13th:
2:00-2:15
2:15-2:30
2:30-2:45
2:45-3:00

Wednesday, October 15th:
9:00-9:15
9:15-9:30
9:30-9:45
9:45-10:00

Sign Up to Receive Text Alerts or Sign Up to Volunteer in Our Classroom!

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Many parents signed up to receive text alerts via their cell phones during Back to School VolunteersNight.  If you did not sign up to receive text alerts, but would like to start receiving text alerts, click on the link below to sign up.  You may also sign up to volunteer in our classroom.

Also: A VERY WARM “THANK YOU” TO THE WONDERFUL PARENTS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN VOLUNTEERING IN OUR CLASSROOM!  You have been so wonderful to work with, and you make such a difference in our classroom!  From the bottom of my heart: thank you!!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15q-yTpvS-vK6OqrrRI4-MH1XtEgJWgowz2dnRtvVHAI/viewform?usp=send_form

Parent Survey/Feedback

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FeedbackI sent home a survey to parents who attended September Parent Teacher Conferences, but I would like every parent to have the opportunity to provide feedback at this point in time, after having completed the first month of school.  Please click on the link below to fill out a survey regarding your child’s experiences so far in first grade.  I welcome any feedback, both positive and negative, that will help me make this year’s experience the best possible experience for your child!  The survey also includes a question regarding any possible allergies your child may have to pets brought to school for Show & Tell.

Your survey results will be kept confidential.  Thank you so much!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19tjTxC63XH8tImU0MUGiWmLuOy9_6RKK3kR3XDIuc4c/viewform?usp=send_form



Feel free to fill out the survey even if you already provided feedback at September conferences.  Thank you!

Mrs. Dunmeyer

Homework for the Week of October 5th-9th

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For this week, there are 5 components required for weekly homework:

1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Sentence
6. ROCK COLLECTION (due THURSDAY)

Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM (CLICK HERE), which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above. If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).  
  • This form does NOT need to be printed or turned in for credit during weeks that we are doing only READING homework.  Simply initialing the form that comes home with your child’s Book Buddy is sufficient during those weeks.

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.27 AM





A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day. 

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.34 AM




Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking on the appropriate link below.  Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
  • Monday: Print, cut, and sort your words with an adult and explain this week’s rule. Sort each word under the correct guide word. Some guide words have a C or V combination on them – C stands for consonant and V stands for vowel.
  • Tuesday: Practice the sort and write it (using the grid on page 2 of the Homework Form).
  • Wednesday: Blind Sort (Lay down the guide words and then read the rest of the words aloud without showing them to your child. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it.
  • Thursday: Sort and glue (sort the words and glue them using the grid on page 3 of the Homework Form).

Word Sorts: 
Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.33 PMHunches Sort: CLICK HERE for Red Sort 16
(Anna, Adriel, Deklyn, Zoey, Logan, Vincent)


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.11 PMSneetches Sort: CLICK HERE for Red Sort 22
(Christopher, Ryan, Dea, Khloee, Saidi, Aaron) 


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.24 PMThings Sort: CLICK HERE for Yellow Sort 9
(Kaylee, Xander, Tanner, London, Raya, Jaxx, Maylee, Keagan, Rowdy, Quinnlyn)


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.00.51 PMWhos Sort: CLICK HERE for Yellow Sort 14
(Enoch, Mason, Ava, Rock)



Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.40 AM




  • Study the following “High Frequency Words” using any method you wish in order to prepare for the weekly spelling test on Fridays.
  • There is a list of recommended spelling study activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Spelling Word Activities, but, again, you may use any method you wish.  
  • Please write the spelling words in alphabetical order on the Homework Form.   
Screen shot 2013-09-23 at 12.14.05 PM 




be
his
at
or
from
had

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.47 AM




  • Print off the weekly My Math homework pages (or you can use the copies that are sent home each week in your child’s backpack). Complete the My Math homework pages and staple them to the Homework Form. 
  • CLICK HERE for My Math Homework 1
  • CLICK HERE for My Math Homework 2
  • CLICK HERE for My Math Homework 3
  • Please also practice math skills regularly by utilizing any of the math activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Math Activities.  These math facts activities do not need to be documented for homework credit – they are simply a resource to help you practice math fluency on a regular basis. I strongly encourage you to have your child do the IXL math and Xtra Math regularly.
Screen Shot 2015-08-23 at 6.16.43 PM




Write a sentence that includes two of this week’s spelling words. Please include the following: 
  • Write a complete sentence [must include a subject and predicate (noun and verb)]
  • Use at least 5 words.
  • Capitalize first word and any proper nouns.
  • Use correct upper/lowercase letters.
  • Use finger spaces between words.
  • End the sentence with a punctuation mark.
ROCK COLLECTION:
This week we are learning about one of our natural resources: rocks!  Please find 20 rocks [most rocks should be very small rocks (about a half-dollar size or smaller), but you can add one or two larger rocks if you find some interesting ones – just please don’t Rocksbring rocks larger than your child’s fist, as they will be difficult for your child to manage).  If possible, it would be great if most of the rocks are different colors/sizes/shapes, etc., as we will be sorting and classifying the rocks by size, color, texture, etc.

The rocks do NOT need to be fancy, rare, or valuable!  Most rocks should be able to be found in your yard, driveway, or street.  Please don’t put too much effort or time into this! It is meant to be fun and enjoyable, not time-consuming or stressful!

Please have your child bring the rocks on THURSDAY in a gallon-sized baggie, labeled with your child’s name.  Thank you!

Info About the Tower of Books Library Challenge

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Dear Parents,

     Welcome to the Tower of Books Challenge, an independent reading challenge for your child! Here’s how it works:

     The goal for your student is to read all of the books from the categories listed on the paper sent home, with the option of “stacking up” to other lists that will be available.  Each student will check off one of the boxes each time a book is read.  After checking off 5 boxes, it’s time for him/her to add on to… The Tower of Books, which will be displayedTower of Books outside the library for all to see.  When a student is ready to add to the Tower, he/she must complete the following steps:

  1. Bring in his/her list, signed by a parent, to the library

  2. Get a book template

  3. Fill in the information for one of the books read

  4. Fold the template & glue it into its 3-D shape

  5. Receive a prize (Prizes will only be given when the book has been filled out, folded, & brought back to the library.)

     Each class will be competing against the other classes in their grade to see which class will be the “master stackers”.  At the end of the year, the classes with the highest stacks will be awarded certificates & a small prize.

     Your children will hopefully get a “taste” of some different genres of books they may not have read before, all while having fun keeping track of their reading & watching the stacks grow.

  Thank you for your support with this!

FAQs for Homework

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FAQI was so impressed by the caliber of homework that was turned in this past week!  Parents, thank you so much for your efforts in helping your children complete their homework.  It has such an impact on your child’s learning.  Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that I received last week that may be helpful to you:




Question #1. Word Sorts: Should I help my child spell each word correctly or should he/she sound out the word him/herself and use “inventive spelling?”

Answer: I am fine with either.  The Words Their Way sort program is a phonics program.  The program encourages users to “sound out” words in order to develop greater phonemic awareness.  However, I think it is also beneficial for children to have consistent exposure to the real spellings of words.  Bottom line: you can have your child sound it out or you can assist him/her with spelling – it’s up to you.

Question #2. Should ALL homework papers be stapled together?

Answer: Yes, PLEASE!  Please try to imagine 26 six-year-olds cramming their homework papers into the tray and you can easily see why it would be beneficial for your child to have his/her homework all stapled neatly together.  Paper clips are not as helpful because papers still tend to slide in and out of the paper clip.  

Question #3: Should I have my child turn in a Homework Form during the weeks that there is only reading homework?

Answer: No, that is not necessary.  During “Reading Homework Only” weeks, simply sign the reading slip in your child’s Book Buddy bag each day.  Your signature each day is sufficient.

Question #4: Why do you post the My Math Homework pages to the blog when copies of the pages are being sent home with my child each week?

Answer: Every Friday, I will have your child bring home the copies of their My Math Homework pages that are needed for the next week’s homework.  However, sometimes accidents happen!  I post the pages on the blog in case your child is absent the day the pages are sent home,  or in case your child loses the pages, etc.  That way, you can print the pages at home, if necessary.

September Parent-Teacher Conferences: Thursday, Sept. 24th

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Parent Teacher ConferenceWe had a sign-up at Back to School Night for Parent/Teacher Conferences for September, October, and November.  Below is the schedule for September Parent/Teacher Conferences, which are to be held on Thursday, September 24th.  
.  
Please keep in mind that conference schedules only allow for me to meet with each parent for 10 minutes, including transition time.  Conferences will need to be very brief, but I will try to pack in as much information for you as I can!  Please be mindful of the time constraints so that I can be timely in meeting with all the parents who have signed up for conferences.  Thank you!

3:30-3:40: Ava Tuy
3:40-3:50: Xander – Chersti Crawford
3:50-4:00: Khloee – Ashley Esplin
4:00-4:10: Leticia – Adriel
4:10-4:20: Anna-Marie Rowley
4:20-4:30: Tanner Larson
4:30-4:40: Amy Cobia
4:40-4:50: Aaron Fisher
4:50-5:00: Tempes Israel – Christopher
5:00-5:10: Angela Skoubye
5:10-5:20: Olga Platt (Raya)
5:20-5:30 Logan Knavel

Homework for the Week of Sept. 28th through October 2nd

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For this week, there are 5 components required for weekly homework:

1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Sentence

Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM (CLICK HERE), which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above. If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).  
  • This form does NOT need to be printed or turned in for credit during weeks that we are doing only READING homework.  Simply initialing the form that comes home with your child’s Book Buddy is sufficient during those weeks.

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.27 AM





A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day. 

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.34 AM




Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking on the appropriate link below.  Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
  • Monday: Print, cut, and sort your words with an adult and explain this week’s rule. Sort each word under the correct guide word. Some guide words have a C or V combination on them – C stands for consonant and V stands for vowel.
  • Tuesday: Practice the sort and write it (using the grid on page 2 of the Homework Form).
  • Wednesday: Blind Sort (Lay down the guide words and then read the rest of the words aloud without showing them to your child. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it.
  • Thursday: Sort and glue (sort the words and glue them using the grid on page 3 of the Homework Form).

Word Sorts: 
Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.33 PMHunches Sort: CLICK HERE for Red Sort 15
(Anna, Adriel, Deklyn, Zoey, Logan, Vincent)


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.11 PMSneetches Sort: CLICK HERE for Red Sort 21
(Christopher, Ryan, Dea, Khloee, Saidi, Aaron) 


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.24 PMThings Sort: CLICK HERE for Yellow Sort 8
(Kaylee, Xander, Tanner, London, Raya, Jaxx, Maylee, Keagan, Rowdy, Quinnlyn)


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.00.51 PMWhos Sort: CLICK HERE for Yellow Sort 13
(Enoch, Mason, Ava, Rock)



Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.40 AM




  • Study the following “High Frequency Words” using any method you wish in order to prepare for the weekly spelling test on Fridays.
  • There is a list of recommended spelling study activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Spelling Word Activities, but, again, you may use any method you wish.  
  • Please write the spelling words in alphabetical order on the Homework Form.   
Screen shot 2013-09-23 at 12.14.05 PM 




he
on
as
are
they
with

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.47 AM




Screen Shot 2015-08-23 at 6.16.43 PM




Write a sentence that includes two of this week’s spelling words. Please include the following: 
  • Write a complete sentence [must include a subject and predicate (noun and verb)]
  • Use at least 5 words.
  • Capitalize first word and any proper nouns.
  • Use correct upper/lowercase letters.
  • Use finger spaces between words.
  • End the sentence with a punctuation mark.

Christmas Family Portrait Event and Fund Raiser

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Screen Shot 2015-09-15 at 7.25.32 PM
What is it? 
It is a fundraiser put on by the Technology Department to earn money for STEM Clubs this year! For example, we are going to participate in Lego Robotic Competitions, Cyberpatriot, and more!  

How does it work? 
We have invited Toni J Studios back to our school!  She is an award winning photographer and has been a photographer for over 20 years.  Sitting fees can cost anywhere from $50-$300 depending on where and who takes your picture, right?  Well, Toni J is only going to only charge $25 for her sitting fee for us, and guess what???? She is going to donate the FULL $25 to Quest Academy!  She is willing to take all of our portraits for FREE for three nights and give us that money.  She is also going to donate a percentage of the portrait sales to us!!! This fundraiser is so AWESOME because we do not have to put any money out.  It is straight profit for us!  

Step 1.  Please print the ticket (or check your child’s back pack – one should be coming home this week), fill out the ticket, and return it to the office with your child’s name and the $25 (or you can put it in a sealed envelope and your child’s teacher will give it to the office).  Please write your checks out to Quest Academy.  Next, call the number on the ticket and book your appt.  (October 1,2 or 3) Please do this before Sept. 25th so we can get an idea on how many time slots we need those nights :). 
 
Step 2.  Come and get your family portrait taken on the date you booked.  They will be doing them in the Q1 gym. 
 
Step 3.  Toni J and staff will come back to Quest and you will come in to proof your portraits and order your prints.  These prints are HIGH quality and will be retouched.  The packages run from $89 -$259 and we promise you will be happy.  You can ask any of us that have used her in our past fundraisers. She has unique Christmas Cards for you to order and all of your portraits will be ready in time to deliver for Christmas gifts!!!
As easy as that, right? 
Look at your family portrait at home and ask yourself if it is time to update it and help Quest be able to start some engaging clubs for your children ALL at the same time!  It’s the perfect time of year to do it and for a great cause. 


The Technology Department is going to provide a Pizza Party for the class that sells the most sitting fees.  Remember to share this with your extended family as well, it is not only for students at Quest. 


Thank you in advance!  We have a slideshow up in Q1 with some sample portraits. We also have some samples in the Q1 Mac Lab and some images on FB if you haven’t checked them out yet!

HOMEWORK for the Week of Sept. 14th-18th

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For this week, there are 6 components required for weekly homework:

1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Sentence
6. ANIMAL REPORT

Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM (CLICK HERE), which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above. If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).  
  • This form does NOT need to be printed or turned in for credit during weeks that we are doing only READING homework.  Simply initialing the form that comes home with your child’s Book Buddy is sufficient during those weeks.

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.27 AM





A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day. 

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.34 AM




Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking on the appropriate link below.  Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
  • Monday: Print, cut, and sort your words with an adult and explain this week’s rule. Sort each word under the correct guide word. Some guide words have a C or V combination on them – C stands for consonant and V stands for vowel.
  • Tuesday: Practice the sort and write it (using the grid on page 2 of the Homework Form).
  • Wednesday: Blind Sort (Lay down the guide words and then read the rest of the words aloud without showing them to your child. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it.
  • Thursday: Sort and glue (sort the words and glue them using the grid on page 3 of the Homework Form).

Word Sorts: 
Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.33 PMHunches Sort: CLICK HERE for Red Sort 14
(Anna, Adriel, Deklyn, Zoey, Logan, Vincent)


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.11 PMSneetches Sort: CLICK HERE for Red Sort 20
(Christopher, Ryan, Dea, Khloee, Saidi, Aaron) 


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.01.24 PMThings Sort: CLICK HERE for Yellow Sort 7
(Kaylee, Xander, Tanner, London, Raya, Jaxx, Maylee, Keagan, Rowdy, Quinnlyn)


Screen shot 2013-09-08 at 5.00.51 PMWhos Sort: CLICK HERE for Yellow Sort 12
(Enoch, Mason, Ava, Rock)



Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.40 AM




  • Study the following “High Frequency Words” using any method you wish in order to prepare for the weekly spelling test on Fridays.
  • There is a list of recommended spelling study activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Spelling Word Activities, but, again, you may use any method you wish.  
  • Please write the spelling words in alphabetical order on the Homework Form.   
Screen shot 2013-09-23 at 12.14.05 PM 




is
that
it
was
for
you

Screen shot 2014-08-10 at 12.03.47 AM




  • Print off the weekly math homework weekly My Math homework pages. Complete the My Math homework pages and staple them to the Homework Form. 
  • CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Page 1
  • CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Page 2
  • Please also practice math facts regularly by utilizing any of the math activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Math Activities.  These math facts activities do not need to be documented for homework credit – they are simply a resource to help you practice math fluency on a regular basis. I strongly encourage you to have your child do the IXL math and Xtra Math regularly.
Screen Shot 2015-08-23 at 6.16.43 PM




Write a sentence that includes two of this week’s spelling words. Please include the following: 
  • Write a complete sentence [must include a subject and predicate (noun and verb)]
  • Use at least 5 words.
  • Capitalize first word and any proper nouns.
  • Use correct upper/lowercase letters.
  • Use finger spaces between words.
  • End the sentence with a punctuation mark.
ANIMAL REPORT
As part of this week’s homework, we will be doing Animal Reports.  They are due on Friday along with the rest of the homework.  

Your child should know exactly which animal he/she is reporting on, since they were assigned in class today.  Please assist your child in researching the animal, using any means: books, encyclopedias, internet, etc.  Please encourage your child to write very neatly, since he/she will need to read his/her own handwriting when the form is brought back to class. Please assist your child with spelling as well.

Here is the form for the Animal Report:
CLICK HERE for the Animal Report Form