Wednesday, September 28, 2016

A note from Carissa Berning (FBLA sponsor):

I just wanted to say thank you again for all of the canned food donations that were brought in this past week.  I am so overwhelmed with the success of this project and I know that we couldn't have done it without the help of all of the homeroom teachers that encouraged kids to participate whether it was for the prizes or to help those in need. The end result was that we donated more than 4 truckloads of canned food items and one car load to FBC in Clever.  

My final tally was 2,869 items donated district-wide!  

Thank you again to everyone who participated!

Carissa

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Ms. Mikki’s Newsletter
Sept. 23rd.

Events of the week:  We finished up our All About Me theme.  We continued to work on naming and identifying the first letter in our name.  During circle time we worked on listening responsively to stories.  We read Clap Your Hands.  They had to listen to the story and perform the action that was read (clap your hands, pat your head, wiggle your fingers, etc).  We also practiced describing an action by looking at pictures in a book. This also reinforced our learning target (body part recognition).  

Next Week:   Welcome Fall!  Now bring on the cooler weather.  Our theme next week will be Apples.  Please send in 3 apples (one of each red, yellow, and green). We will be doing several activities using apples, including making applesauce!     

This month:   This month we will be focusing on the following developmental skills:

Language/Literacy:
 Listens responsively to books and stories.
 Recognizing and naming the first letter in our name.
 Describes an action in a picture.
Cognitive:  Recognizing and naming 9 colors.
Describe and recognize basic characteristics of living things
(body parts).

Social/Emotional:  
Tells first and last name.
Tells gender.
I can wait while another child or adult takes a turn
   during a structured activity.  
Motor:  I can experiment with a variety of writing tools.
          I can copy a O and +.

Important Dates and Reminders:

Thank you to everyone who sent canned food items in for the FBLA food drive.  They collected 4 truck loads of food and donated it the First Baptist Church food pantry.  AWESOME!!!

September 26th:  Watch DOGS pizza night 6:00-8:00

September 29th:  Diggin Up Gold and Elementary Night at the Volleyball game.  Game time:  6:00  September is childhood cancer awareness month, so in honor of this, we're hosting a Going Gold night on Thursday, September 29th during the High school volleyball game! We'll have food and desserts (bake sale items) and a silent auction going on in the HS commons area. We will also have a chance for you to win prizes by "buying" a VB player that night to serve for you during a heated competition in between games!  This event is in honor of Lane Mendenhall (5th grade and son of a Para and bus driver, Sam Mendenhall).  Come out and support Lane and Clever Lady Jay Volleyball.  If  you haven't been to a volleyball match yet this year, you are in for a real treat!  Oh and....Ms. Mikki is one of the coaches.  Student's get in FREE and parent's get 1/2 price admission.

Friday, October 7th:  PAT Playgroup from 10:00-11:00 on the elementary playground.

Thursday, October 13th:  9:00 AM-  Pickin Patch in Marionville.  More details coming home soon.

Monday, October 18th:  School picture day.  Tuesday/Thursday class parents will need to bring their child to school that morning to have their picture taken.

Care to Learn Beef Raffle:  Who wouldn't love to stock their freezer full of beef this fall?  Take a chance for a good cause and purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a beef, fully processed to your liking.  We will deliver the animal to the processor and you get to have the animal processed how you please.  If you win the beef and wish to not have it processed, we will take it to the sale barn and give you market price (cash) instead.  Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50.  Please let Ms. Mikki know if you'd like to purchase tickets.  The winner will be revealed in November.

Friday, September 23, 2016

The Cox Care Mobile is scheduled to be at Clever Schools on October 6, 2016.  The Care Mobile is a medical office on wheels that provides FREE services for children ages birth to 18 years.  You may call the school nurse to inquire about the services provided, to schedule an appointment and to receive the necessary paperwork.  Thank you!

Monday, September 19, 2016

September 29th: Diggin Up Gold and Elementary Night at the Volleyball game. Game time: 6:00 September is childhood cancer awareness month, so in honor of this, we're hosting a Going Gold night on Thursday, September 29th during the High school volleyball game! We'll have food and desserts (bake sale items) and a silent auction going on in the HS commons area. We will also have a chance for you to win prizes by "buying" a VB player that night to serve for you during a heated competition in between games! This event is in honor of Lane Mendenhall (5th grade and son of a Para and bus driver, Sam Mendenhall). Come out and support Lane and Clever Lady Jay Volleyball. If you haven't been to a volleyball match yet this year, you are in for a real treat! Oh and....Ms. Mikki is one of the coaches. Student's get in FREE and parent's get 1/2 price admission.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Ms. Mikki’s Newsletter
Sept. 16th

Events of the week:  Our M/W class enjoyed the FFA animal and farm machinery exhibits.  They saw chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, a donkey, cow, horse, dog and goats.  This week we read the books, I can, I can, and Hands, Fingers, Knees and Toes.  We each shared and "I can statement" of something we could each do and wrote it on a chart.  In math we measured ourselves with a piece of yarn and compared it to our peer's.  We started to talk about likes and differences and will continue working on this skill.

Learning Target:  This week’s learning target was to name or point to 10 body parts:  eyes, ears, mouth, nose, chin, forehead, elbow, neck, wrist, and knee.

Pre-assessment:  I finished up assessing colors.  Your child's assessment video has been uploaded in their SeeSaw online portfolio.   

This month:   This month we will be focusing on the following developmental skills:

Language/Literacy:  Listens responsively to books and stories.
    Recognizing and naming the first letter in our
Name.
                              Describes an action in a picture.
Cognitive:  Recognizing and naming 9 colors.
Describe and recognize basic characteristics of living things
(body parts).

Social/Emotional:  Tells first and last name.
  Tells gender.
I can wait while another child or adult takes a turn
during a structured activity.  
Motor:  I can experiment with a variety of writing tools.
          I can copy a O and +.

Important Dates and Reminders:

September 19-23rd:  The high school Future Business Leaders of America club is hosting a canned food drive.  They have invited us to participate.  If you'd like to contribute anything, please send them in this week.  The winning class gets a party of their choice (pizza, ice cream, etc).

Fathers and Father-figures,
On Monday, September 26, from 6:00-8:00 pm we will be having our 1st annual ‘Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night at our school in the cafeteria. WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student’s life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears.
Dads, granddads, uncles, step-dads and adult brothers . . . this is your chance to have a night out alone with your student in a fun atmosphere at school.We will eat first and then have an informational meeting. Babysitting will be provided on the playground for the students during the meeting.
In order to participate in the WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) program you need to do a few things:
1.Call 743-4810 to RSVP so we’ll have an accurate head count for the food.
2.Be willing to obtain a background check at a cost of around $43.00.
3.Watch a Safe School Training video.
4.Purchase a WATCH D.O.G.S.® t-shirt (not required).
Sincerely,
Renee Ramey, K-4 Principal, 743-4810
Brian Griffin, Top Dog, 844-6949
DaLynn Twigg, K-4 Counselor, 743-4810
Questions? Call or email R5watchdogs@gmail.com

Scholastic Book orders are due this week.  You can send in the paper order form, or you can order online.  Please make checks payable to Scholastic Book Club.

September 29th:  Diggin Up Gold and Elementary Night at the Volleyball game.  Game time:  6:00  September is childhood cancer awareness month, so in honor of this, we're hosting a Going Gold night on Thursday, September 29th during the High school volleyball game! We'll have food and desserts (bake sale items) and a silent auction going on in the HS commons area. We will also have a chance for you to win prizes by "buying" a VB player that night to serve for you during a heated competition in between games!  This event is in honor of Lane Mendenhall (5th grade and son of a Para and bus driver, Sam Mendenhall).  Come out and support Lane and Clever Lady Jay Volleyball.  If  you haven't been to a volleyball match yet this year, you are in for a real treat!  Oh and....Ms. Mikki is one of the coaches.  Student's get in FREE and parent's get 1/2 price admission.

Friday, October 7th:  PAT Playgroup from 10:00-11:00 on the elementary playground.

Thursday, October 13th:  9:00 AM-  Pickin Patch in Marionville.  More details coming home soon.
SeeSaw:  Earlier this week I sent home an individualized code for your child.  Please use this code to sign up for the SeeSaw app.   

Parents As Teachers News:  In an effort to be more effective with our communication we need to update our family information lists. If you could please take a few moments to fill out the form attached in this link we would greatly appreciate it. If you have more than one child, you will need to fill out this form for each child you have. This is for your PAT/Preschool children only.

Care to Learn Beef Raffle:  Who wouldn't love to stock their freezer full of beef this fall?  Take a chance for a good cause and purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a beef, fully processed to your liking.  We will deliver the animal to the processor and you get to have the animal processed how you please.  If you win the beef and wish to not have it processed, we will take it to the sale barn and give you market price (cash) instead.  Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50.  Please let Ms. Mikki know if you'd like to purchase tickets.  The winner will be revealed in November. You do not need to be present to win.


The Future Business Leaders of America students at the high school have invited us to participate in a canned food drive the week of September 19th-23rd. The class that collects the most will earn a party of their choice (donuts, ice cream sundaes, cookie decorating, etc).
Please consider helping those in need! Thank you for your generosity!
Fathers and Father-figures,
On Monday, September 26, from 6:00-8:00 pm we will be having our 1st annual ‘Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night at our school in the cafeteria. WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student’s life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears.
Dads, granddads, uncles, step-dads and adult brothers . . . this is your chance to have a night out alone with your student in a fun atmosphere at school.We will eat first and then have an informational meeting. Babysitting will be provided on the playground for the students during the meeting.
In order to participate in the WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) program you need to do a few things:
1.Call 743-4810 to RSVP so we’ll have an accurate head count for the food.
2.Be willing to obtain a background check at a cost of around $43.00.
3.Watch a Safe School Training video.
4.Purchase a WATCH D.O.G.S.® t-shirt (not required).
Sincerely,
Renee Ramey, K-4 Principal, 743-4810
Brian Griffin, Top Dog, 844-6949
DaLynn Twigg, K-4 Counselor, 743-4810
Questions? Call or email R5watchdogs@gmail.com

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Ms. Mikki’s Newsletter
Sept. 9th

Events of the week:  Thank you to all of the grandparents who came to visit our classroom.   The kids were so delighted to show them around and to make their craft.  It was great to meet all of these special people!  We read the books, What Grandpa’s Do Best and What Grandma’s Do Best.  In group time we shared what special things we like to do best with our Grandparents.  

Learning Target:  This week’s learning target was to tell me what letter their first name started with.  They completed a school bus name puzzle to help them recognize and put the letters in their name in order on the school bus.  We will be sending this activity home next week along with a scoring guide.

Pre-assessment:  I am in the process of pre-assessing color recognition.  I will be asking  your child to name 9 colors.  These will be uploaded to their SeeSaw online portfolio.  

Next week:  Next week we will begin our theme unit on All About Me.  

This month:   This month we will be focusing on the following developmental skills:

Language/Literacy:  Listens responsively to books and stories.
     Recognizing and naming the first letter in our
Name.
                               Describes an action in a picture.
Cognitive:  Recognizing and naming 9 colors.
Describe and recognize basic characteristics of living things
(body parts).


Social/Emotional:  Tells first and last name.
   Tells gender.
 I can wait while another child or adult takes a turn
 during a structured activity.  
Motor:  I can experiment with a variety of writing tools.
           I can copy a O and +.

Important Dates and Reminders:

Tuesday, September 13th:  Ms. Mikki will be gone for professional development.  Ms. Naomi will be subbing in the the class with Ms. Jessie.  If you need anything please let Ms. Jessie know.  

Wednesday, September 14th:  Food For America Day.  The Clever FFA students will be visiting our classroom and giving us a tour of their animal and farm exhibits they will have setup at school.  Tues/Thurs. classes are welcome to attend with a parent.  Please watch the blog and FB page for more information on what time to meet us.  Mon/Wed classes will attend during their normal preschool session.  

Friday, September 16th:  NO SCHOOL-  Teacher Professional Development

Friday, October 7th:  PAT Playgroup from 10:00-11:00 on the elementary playground.

Thursday, October 13th:  9:00 AM-  Pickin Patch in Marionville.  More details coming home soon.

Snacks:  From time to time we will ask for snack donations of fruit and veggies.  Please do not feel obligated to send these items in.  This week if you are able to send in bananas or grapes that would be great!  

SeeSaw:  If you have not connected with your child’s online portfolio app I encourage you to do so.  It’s a great way to keep up with your child’s learning progress and classroom activities.  If you have not signed up I will send you a code to do so.  

Parents As Teachers News:  In an effort to be more effective with our communication we need to update our family information lists. If you could please take a few moments to fill out the form attached in this link we would greatly appreciate it. If you have more than one child, you will need to fill out this form for each child you have. This is for your PAT/Preschool children only.


As some of you may have already heard, a young family in our community lost everything in their possession to a house fire last weekend. This happens to be one of our sweet little preschool students and classmate. We are collecting donations and will be purchasing the family a gift card to Toys R Us so they can replace toys, buy diapers for their baby, and clothes for both kids. If you'd like to donate please send your donation to school in an envelope marked "donation". Thank you so much and please keep this family in your thoughts or prayers.

Parents As Teachers News:  In an effort to be more effective with our communication we need to update our family information lists. If you could please take a few moments to fill out the form attached in this link we would greatly appreciate it. If you have more than one child, you will need to fill out this form for each child you have. This is for your PAT/Preschool children only.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Grandparent's Day is today! They may visit anytime between 2:30-4:00. We look forward to them visiting our classroom. There will be a photo booth set up in the library. Photos will be $5.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

As some of you may have already heard, a young family in our community lost everything in their possession to a house fire this weekend. This happens to be one of our sweet little preschool students and classmate. We are collecting donations and will be purchasing the family a gift card to Toys R Us so they can replace toys, buy diapers for their baby, and clothes for both kids. If you'd like to donate please send your donation to school in an envelope marked "donation". Thank you so much and please keep this family in your thoughts or prayers.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Ms. Mikki’s Weekly Newsletter
Week of 8/29

Wow!  Another awesome week in preschool.  You would be amazed at how quickly they have learned the classroom routines such as their morning duties, sitting on the rug for circle time, lining up, washing their hands and preparing for snack, and getting our belongings together to go home.  I’m most proud of them for their behavior in the hallway!  They are working on keeping their bubble in their cheeks (this helps them remember to be quiet), their hands to themselves, and staying in line!  This is a huge skill that is usually pretty difficult to master, but they are already doing it in 4 short days.  Way to go!  

This week we read the book From Head To Toe.  Our learning target was: I can describe an action in a book by looking at the picture.  The first day of the week we identified the animals, and copied what the animal was doing in the book.  The second day we re-read the book except this time we used our recall skills to see if we could remember what each animal was doing and described it using our words.  I assessed this skill by asking each child to glue 2-3 magazine pictures onto their folder.  I then asked them to tell me what what happening in each picture.  Everyone mastered this skill!  I have uploaded a picture of their folder and responses in their SeeSaw online portfolio.  

We are also working on naming at least one friend in our class.  Ask your child if they can tell you one friend’s name.  

What is a learning target you ask?:  These learning targets come from our Parents As Teachers Foundational 2 curriculum and milestones.  We will focus on learning targets throughout the year.  

We have also practiced both a fire and tornado drill so we know what to expect in the event of an emergency.

Important Reminders:

Tuition:  Tuition is due at the beginning of each week.  Please make sure to put it in your child’s take home folder or a sealed envelope with their name on it.  You should be receiving a weekly tuition receipt via email.  If you are not please let me know.  Failure to make weekly tuition payments may result in your child’s being dismissed from the program.  Please come and talk to me if there is ever a financial situation that may prevent you from making a payment.  I am always willing to work with you if you address the problem with me.  Tuition is $30.00 per week.

Grandparent’s Day:  We hope that your child’s and their Grandparent’s can visit our classroom next Friday, September 9th from 2:30-4:00.  Classrooms will be open during that time as students will be asked to escort their parents to their rooms.  Weather permitting; visitors may park in the open field west of the school as parking around the building may become limited.  Visitors should enter using the PK-4 entrance.  I look forward to meeting your child’s special grandparents.  

Seesaw App:  Several of you have already started following your child’s online portfolio using the Seesaw App.  If you are not please let me know and I will re-send the code to you.  Seesaw is a new app we are using in the classroom to share what we are learning about.  I am taking and uploading pictures and videos to our class page as well as your child’s individual portfolio.  You will then receive an email that your child has a new post.  You will only be able to access your child’s portfolio, but will be able to see “all class” posts that I post.  If you aren’t using this app, please consider using it.  I’m in love with it!  The kids enjoy seeing what I’m uploading as well.  


Upcoming Dates:

Sept. 5th:  NO SCHOOL-  Labor Day

Sept. 8th:  Cox Care Mobile-  This is a free medical service for any child birth to 18.  They can do sick child visits, well child visits and physicals.  Please contact the school nurse to make an appointment.  Please plan to attend the visit with your child unless you make arrangements with the nurse.

Oct. 7th:  Our first Parents As Teachers playgroup at 10:00 on the playground (weather permitting).  This is for any child enrolled in PAT.  Remember your preschooler is still enrolled in PAT until they enter Kindergarten.  Don’t forget, one of the preschool requirements is to attend 2 PAT events per semester.

Oct. 13th:  Save the Date!  We will be going to the Pickin Patch in Marionville at 9:00.  Parents and children (3 year old classes) may meet us at the Pickin Patch at 9:00.  Due to insurance reasons only the 4 year old classes may be transported by bus.  3 year olds must ride with a parent or other adult.  Younger sibling may attend this field trip too!  Cost will be $5 per child.  This includes all activities and a pumpkin.  Adults will cost $3 but does not include a pumpkin.  They can be purchased separately.  We will have a picnic lunch at the Marionville park following our field trip.  More information will be coming home at a later date.

Call for HELP!  Please help us keep our playground clean and safe for our children to use.  We understand the playground is open to the public and I as a parent am grateful of that for when I want to take my own kids “to the park”.  However over the last week or so we have come out to recess in the morning to find our sandbox cover had been removed and buckets and buckets of sand had been carried all over the playground, and our whiteboard had been torn off of our shed.  If you see inappropriate play on the playground after hours, or destruction of equipment please let us know.  We’d also appreciate the sandbox cover to remain on the sandbox.  This helps keep out rain water, animals and pests, and keeps our sand clean for us to play in.  We appreciate your help in keeping our grounds safe and clean.  

Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend and we will see some of you on Tuesday and the rest of you on Wednesday!