Greetings! Happy New Year!

There is so much to say but let me just start with how thankful I am for us to be at school and in the sunshine! The kids grew so much! I truly hope this finds you and yours well AND for those of you still recovering at home, know you are close at heart!

We do have some families out that tested positive and some kids home that simply have colds. I want you to know that each day I am keeping a written log of the topics/pages that we cover and I am doing my best to collect any papers into an envelope on the kid's desks for pick-up during the week or upon return. Please take the time you need to heal.

So here's the short story on subjects....

Please watch for and correct "vacation slip" where some kids are reversing numbers, letters and even name spellings. Working neatly and with good spacing is important.

Language: We are working on long and short vowel sounds. We are working on "Oo" especially this week in our Phonics book. Kids are starting to read "Bob Books" and other phonetic readers. The Pre-Primer Dolch Sight Words will be our focus for homework. As usual the kids are writing daily BUT you will see more of their own print.

Math: We are nearing 100 days of school and have been counting by ones and tens to 100! We are currently working on Unit 11 in our new Math book which is about comparing numbers. We continue to work on ordering numbers 0-100 with our number tile chart and our number train.

Science: We are beginning to talk about Science Careers.

Social Studies: In January and February we take time to talk about some Great Americans. We are taking several days to talk about MLK jr. right now and how we can see Jesus in him.

Religion: We will be talking about Ordinary Time but especially Jesus' life and ministry as an adult (before Holy Week Stories).

Nap: We are no longer laying down for a nap (unless I feel it is really needed). We are moving to putting our heads down on our mats at our desks and listening to an audio story (not music). We are currently listening to "A Bear Named Paddington." In 1st Grade they have a Read Aloud time after lunch, no nap so we are transitioning their time and attention.

I look forward to seeing you in the Carpool Line and have been enjoying hearing all about your vacations! I am sure you heard that I made it to the snow!

Pax,

Mrs. Shannon Lenz