Happy Tuesday!

BOY progress checks
You should have seen the beginning of year (BOY) math and superkids tests in your child's folder yesterday.  These were not for a grade, instead I will use them to help guide instruction and groups.  They also give me a good baseline for what your child knows already.  

math login cards
In your child's folder today you will find a copy of their Everyday Math login card.  On the bottom of the card there is the website you can go to.  Everyday Math is a great website to bookmark.  Your child can log on and play math games, do their homework, or retry a lesson we did in class.

spelling test on Friday
Don't forget to study those memory words and this week's pattern words (words that end in -le and -ng).  The spelling test will be on Friday!

Labor Day
Don't forget--NO SCHOOL on Monday to celebrate Labor Day!

Early Release
Don't forget tomorrow is Wednesday!  That means Early Release day!  Dismissal will start at 1:40

Math
Here is what we are working on in math this week:

• bar graphs
• solving multiplication number stories
• solving division number stories
• multiplication fact triangles
• measuring mass

On Tuesday, I will send home the math unit 1 review packet.  This does not need to be returned for a grade.  It can be kept at home and worked on as review, to make sure your child understands all the math concepts we have worked on so far.  This will be a very good review to complete at home, before the unit 1 math test.  The math test will be on Tuesday, September 11.

Superkids
Here is what we are working on in Superkids this week:

• -le and -ng words
• memory words: want, look, play, come, any, some, day, or, very, new, out, good
• nouns vs. verbs
• rhymes
• comprehension
• book club book--Frog and Toad Together

Writing
Here is what we are working on in Writing this week:

• 6 traits
• writer's workshop routines
• asking for help while writing
• spelling anchor charts

High Ability
Here is what we are working on in our high ability unit this week:

• 5 types of changes
• types of language
• how language changes over time
• emotion words
• writing nursery rhymes

Look for more info about a family research project to come home sometime soon!

Upcoming Dates

Here are some dates to add to your calendar:

• 9/3--NO SCHOOL
• 9/10--school picture day
• 9/12--walk a thon kick off
• 9/12--Bingo For Books @5:30
• 9/21--movie night
• 9/24-9/28--College GO Week (more info TBA)
• 9/26--walk a thon $ due
• 10/5--end of 1st 9 weeks
• 10/5--walk a thon @1pm
• 10/12--report cards home
• 10/13-10/21--FALL BREAK-NO SCHOOL
• 10/26--movie night

Have a great week!

Happy Thursday!

I hope you have all had a great week so far!  Here's what's going on around our classroom...

Box Tops
Did you know that Creekside collects Box Tops?!  We turn them in and get money to use for our school.  The two classes that collect the most valid (showing a product code and expiration date) and unexpired Box Tops each month win a little ice cream treat, provided by the PTO,   We also collect Coke codes on caps or cases, Tyson A+ labels, and School Spirit labels, which are found on Sunbeam and Aunt Millie’s bread products, as well as pop can tabs, which are just consolidated and delivered to Riley Children’s Hospital.  So send those in when you can!

Reading Counts
Keep reading at home!  When your child finishes a book, they can take a quiz on it on their chrome book to earn Reading Counts points!  Each 25 point level reached earns them special prizes.  Most books in our classroom library are reading counts.  If you have any questions about a book at home--let me know.  I can look it up and see if it has a quiz for it on the computer.

1,000,000 words read!
Speaking of reading, the class has set a goal to read 1.000,000 words in second grade together!  The reading counts program will keep track of all the words read for us.   If we reach our goal, we will have a special celebration!

Superkids
This week in superkids we have been working on the following:

• contractions
• homonyms
• synonyms
• wh words
• th words

Math

This week in math we have been working on the following:

• elapsed time
• telling time to the minute
• rounding to the nearest 10 and 100

High Ability

This week in our high ability unit we have been working on the following:

• things that change
• things that do not change
• categorizing
• making generalizations

Writing

Today we finished our "2nd Grade Rockstars" writing project!  Look soon on facebook for pictures of our projects hanging in the hallway!

Spelling Test

Don't forget to help your child practice the 12 memory words and the -wh and -th pattern words!  Our spelling test will be tomorrow afternoon!

Math Online

On nights that your child has a math homelink, they can either do it on paper in the workbook, or on the computer.  If you know how to login already from last year, you can go ahead and do either for tonight.  I will also send home the passcards/weblink on Monday, so can start doing either next week.  You do not need to have your child do the online version and the paper version in the same night.

Have a great night!!

Welcome to 2nd grade!

Welcome to 2nd grade!  It's going to be a great year of learning and fun!

Superkids
Monday we started our Superkids reading curriculum.  Look for a "backpage" sheet to come home in your child's folder.  This can stay at home all week, and is to help your child study for the spelling test at the end of the 5 day unit.  More info on spelling tests below!  

NWEA
This week we will take our beginning of year NWEA test.  Our class will do the reading test Monday morning, and the math test Friday morning.  Results will be sent home when the testing window closes.

Homework
For 2nd grade homework, your child will bring home a reading log at the beginning of each week.  Their homework is to read their reading counts book or another book for at least 15 minutes.  There is a place for the parent to sign by each night.  Once we start math, there will be a spot to sign when your child has practiced their math facts.  Sometimes there will be a superkids page or something special, and the spelling test to study for each week.  To help study for the spelling test, there will be a couple Superkids Backpack pages that come home during the week.  The backpack pages do not need to be returned.  And that's it for homework!

**Reading Logs should stay in folders all week so I can check them.  Thanks!

Behavior Logs
Stapled in your child's agenda Monday will be their behavior log for the week.  Be sure to check it nightly and see if they have any letters marked.  If so, please talk to your child about that behavior at home.

Agenda
Please make sure to return your child's agenda to school each day so that they can write homework, the quote of the week, and important reminders inside each day.

Spelling Tests
As part of the 2nd grade Superkids curriculum, we will have spelling tests once every 5 days in the unit.  I'll have the boys and girls write in their agenda when the test is most weeks.  This week the spelling test will be on Friday.  Be sure to practice all the memory words and the pattern words!  All of the memory words will be on the test, and some of the pattern words will be on the test each week.

Early Release--Wednesdays
On Wednesdays this school year we have early dismissal. Normally we dismiss at 2:20, but on Wednesdays we will dismiss at  1:40.  All aspects of our dismissal process will be moved forward 40 minutes for our dismissal on Wednesdays. This begins tomorrow, Wednesday, August 15th, and will be each Wednesday during the school year. Cub Care is a great option here at Creekside. Also, the Boys and Girls Club and Girls, Inc. also are aware and have made plans to accommodate our students. Please send in a note tomorrow or email me if your child will do something different than their normal transportation on early release Wednesdays.


Beginning of Year Forms
Please be sure to return all beginning of year forms if you haven't already done so!  I'm still missing a few!

Beginning of Year Benchmark Tests
Last week we took the beginning of year Superkids test and today we started the beginning of year math test (we will finish tomorrow).  These tests are not going to be used for a grade in the gradebook, but for me to use as a starting point  to group students.  Once these are finished and graded, I will send them home for you to look at!

Crayola ColorCycle

This summer Miss Records ran across the Crayola ColorCycle Program.  You may have seen it on social media as well.  If you are not familiar with the program, it's Crayola's way to save the environment and tons of landfill space by recycling used markers and turning them into clean fuel!  So, she signed Creekside up!  If you would, here is how you can help!  Send in any used, dried out markers to our classroom.  When our basket is full Miss Records will take care of sending them in to Crayola.  

The one key reminder I have is that the program takes ALL plastic markers of any kind:  Crayola, non-Crayola, hi-lighters, dry erase, Do-A-Dots, Sharpies!  As long as it is all plastic, you can put it in the basket. 

Thanks in advance for your help in this simple way to take care of the earth!

Have a great week!

7 days left of Kindergarten!

Calendar

*This Wednesday is our field trip to the park, library, and Franklin College. T-shirts and more information will be sent home tomorrow.

*Friday is Kindergarten Awards Day. All Kindergartners will come dressed to school as their favorite Superkid. A few of the kiddos were still unsure as of this morning which Superkid he/she will be, so please talk with your child about it so you can plan accoridingly. We don't want anyone to be left out. We will parade around the halls in the morning and the official program will begin at 12:45. Families may join us in the gym at that time. All 5 classes will sing some of our favorite Superkids songs, and then each child will receive his/her certificate. We will continue and conclude the program in our classroom.

*Monday, May 28: Memorial Day, No school!

*Tuesday, May 29:  All students will need to wear PE shoes to gym for a special activity!

*Wednesday, May 30 is Creekside Field Day. We will spend most of the day outside. The children will receive their Field Day shirts beforehand to wear to school. Your child may bring a hat and sunglasses to help keep cool during the day. Beach towels are also welcome, as we will eat our lunch outside during a class picnic. Please put sunscreen on your child before school. You may send in a bottle of SPRAY sunscreen with your child's name on it, and I will reapply halfway through our day.

*Thursday, May 31: Last Day of School!

**Please make sure your child brings their folder and book bag to school each day, as they will start bringing a lot of things home!

Have a great week!

10 days left of Kindergarten!

DIBELS
Last week, we took our End of Year DIBELS testing!  The students were tested on letter ID, working words out, and reading nonsense words.  I was excited for the students to show all that they have learned this school year!  We ended up with 95% of our class on green or blue on the individual test parts AND the composite (overall) score!  WOO HOO!  Way to go!

Returning Student Registration

All returning students to Franklin Community Schools need to be registered this spring to attend school this August for the 2018-2019 school year. Please complete this process as soon as possible as we are planning for the upcoming school year at this time. Please reach out to the office with questions or issues.  One tip--the power school log in and register button doesn't work well on a smart phone.  Try completing the registration on a computer or laptop.  

Kindergarten Awards Day

For those who like to plan ahead, Kindergarten Awards day is scheduled for Friday, May 25, from 12:45-2pm.  Kindergarten students are all asked to dress up like their favorite Superkid on this day!  Look through the online portal or the Superkids books sent home to get ideas.  Start planning now!  We will have a Superkids parade through the school that morning.  Then at 12:45pm, we will start our program in the gym.  It is important that all students have someone to celebrate with them on this day!  We will begin all 5 Kdg. classes singing our favorite Superkids songs, then each child will be called to the stage to receive their Kindergarten diploma from Dr. Heiden.  Finally, we will return to the classroom so students can share their portfolio with your and receive other special awards.  Please have someone plan to attend on this day!

Franklin College Field Trip
As you should have seen by now, we are going on a field trip to Franklin College and the public library on Wednesday, May 23.  our child will need to wear tennis shoes, their FC t-shirt (I will send home next week), and bring a sack lunch on this day!  This is a free field trip, all I need is for you to sign the permission slip and return to school!  We will not need parent chaperones for this trip since we will stay together as a class.

Field Day
Creekside Field Day is Wednesday, May 30. We will be outside most of the day. Please have your child dress accordingly and wear tennis shoes in order to participate in the games. Hats, sunscreen, and a beach towel for our outdoor lunch are welcome and encouraged. I will be happy to reapply SPRAY sunscreen at lunch time if you would like to send some in with your child's name written on it.  They will wear their Creekside Field Day t-shirt that will be sent home by Tuesday, May 29!

Happy Tuesday!

Reminder from Mrs. Robbins in the clinic
Teachers, I know with the warmer weather many students will be wanting to wear flip-flops to school.  If you blog or have the opportunity to remind your students, these are not appropriate for school and especially for recess.  Student's need to wear closed toe shoes such as tennis shoes for school and especially recess.  Please remind often.  Thanks

Domino Pizza PTO Fundraiser
This is the last day to sell Domino's Pizza cards. Money is due Wednesday, May 9th. Make sure to ask grandparents, family and friends when you see them this weekend. Cards are $10 each and are good for unlimited buy one get one free large pizzas at many Domino's around the country (email if you need to know about specific locations). One use and the card pays for itself! For every 12 cards you sell, you get one for free! If you have any questions, please call/text Kim Lock at 317-294-6685 or email her at klockmomrn@yahoo.com.   Our PTO appreciates your support!

book fair
In your child's folder today you will find information about the BOGO book fair!  The book fair is next week.  Your child can bring money to shop during library time on Monday.  Or, family night is Thursday, May 17th from 4-6:30.  You are welcome to come shop with your child!  If you have any questions about book fair, please let me or Mr. Weimer know.

FC field trip
Tomorrow I will send home the Franklin College field trip permission slip.  On Wednesday, May 23, Kindergarten will be attending FC, the public library, and the park.  Cost is free.  We will not need chaperones for this trip.  Please sign and return the permission slip as soon as possible.

last homework sheet
Next week will be the last week for homework sheets, fluency builders, and reading folders.  There will not be homework the last two weeks of school.  Thanks for all your help at home this school year!

*We had a blast on our field trip yesterday!  Check out facebook for all of our pictures!

Have a great week!

Happy Monday!

PTO Domino's card fundraiser

It's Domino's Pizza time! Creekside's PTO is selling buy one, get one free Domino's pizza cards again this year. Your child is brought home the order form last week. Cards are $10 each. They do not expire until Dec. 31, 2018 and are good for a free large pizza for every one you purchase--no limits. For every 12 cards you sell you will get 1 for free! All money (cash only) is due back by Wednesday, May 9th. Cards will be sent home with your child 1-2 weeks after the due date. This is a great fundraiser and pays for itself with just 1 use! Please DO NOT send your child door-to-door. Make sure to ask friends, family and co-workers. Maybe even buy a couple extra to give as gifts! If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kim Lock at klockmomrn@yahoo.com or call/text 317-294-6685. Thank you for supporting our PTO! 

Registering for school next year

Parents, don't forget to register your child to attend Creekside next year. All returning students to Franklin Community Schools need to be registered to attend next year. It is quick and easy!!!  Just log on to your Power School Parent Portal.  Click the icon for registering returning students, and complete!  If you need a reminder of your login info or password, please contact the Creekside office.

Snack Calendar

I will not be posting a snack calendar for the month of May.  We have enough leftovers that we can have snack during activity time still and use up what we have left before the end of the school year.  Thanks for donating to our classroom this year!

Kindergarten Awards Day
For those of you who like to plan ahead, Kindergarten Awards day is scheduled for Friday, May 25, from 12:45-2:00 pm. Kindergarten students will need to dress up like their favorite Superkid on this day! Look through the online portal or the Superkids books that have been sent home to get ideas. We will have a Superkids parade through the school that morning. Then at 12:45pm, we will start our program in the gym. All 5 Kdg. classes will sing our favorite Superkids songs, then each child will be called to the stage to receive their Kindergarten diploma from Dr. Heiden. Finally, we will return to the classroom to finish up the day.

Children's Museum Field Trip
Don't forget about our field trip to the Children's Museum!  Money and slips were due Monday, April 30. Like the zoo, we will need MANY parent chaperones to help out with this trip. Please fill out that section of the form if you are interested in joining us!  I am still missing about 4 forms.  Our field trip is scheduled for Monday, May 7th.  Students will need to wear their dinosaur t-shirt (I'll send home Friday), and bring a sack lunch on Monday.

Have a great week!