Where Did January Go?

I knew we had lots of action in January, but I am still surprised at how fast the month flew by.
We had a week dedicated to “The Great Kindness Challenge”. I love seeing the fluttering heart decorating the campus. It felt like we were surrounded by love. We had a tremendously positive response from everyone at school.
Can you believe that school-wide, there was only one behavior referral that entire week? Practically heaven on earth! When we focus on the social-emotional needs of ourselves and those around us, we can all be more productive at school. The staff is looking into ways to make it even better next year.

Our Student Leadership Team kicked off our annual Pennies for Patients fundraiser. Our school has participated for the last six years, each time topping the previous donation total. We have been the #2 fundraising school in the nation for the last two years. I don’t the total of our fundraising for this worthy cause, but last year alone we raised $11,531.94. I’m impressed and you should be, too! We have a very generous and caring school community.

We also had a wonderful visit from Coach Greatness and Coach Kindness. We thoroughly enjoyed his positive and empowering message embedded in songs, chants, and cheers. “I’m cool! I’m kind! I’ve got greatness on my mind!” I hope to have a short video of that experience post on Seesaw soon.

We closed out the month with a trip to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. I think we had the most beautiful day possible for that event. We certainly got a spectacular show from all those migrating snow geese! Thanks to all 13 chaperones who joined us. I hope you all will take your families for an outing while the birds are populating the Pacific Flyway. It’s so close, I bet you could ride your bikes!

Enjoy the month off! See you on March 5th.

Welcome Back!

We are all so happy to be back at school. It sounds like there was an abundance of vacation adventures.

We’re starting our second trimester with a trip to Fog Willow Farm on the 31st. It’s always a wonderful experience. Please note our change in class time. Bring your child to school at 10: 00 AM and be back at 1:31 PM to pick them up. Dress for the weather and do not bring a snack. Ms. Deming and I are providing snack and drinks.

Family Science Night is Tuesday, November 7th from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. It is a free event, but please let us know you are coming so we can provide enough materials. RSVP by returning the flyer that was in this week’s blue folders.

Our current PTA fundraiser is with Cookie Dough and other treats. This has been a family favorite for several years. Info packet is coming home this week. Orders are due NOVEMBER 15th. Delivery will be December 15th.
That’s about it for now. Have a great week!

Open House and Summer Social

Friday, May 19th
Open House – 4:00pm – 5:00pm

The Summer Social and Family Movie Night 5pm – 10pm.

5pm – 730pm : Food Trucks, Raffle Basket ticket sales, 1st Grade Performance, Buy One Get One Scholastic Book Fair

7:30pm – 8pm: Raffle, Food Trucks pack up, End of Book Fair

8pm – 10pm: Free family movie on the field on a huge outdoor screen, Free Popcorn, Free S’Mores and Beverages for purchase.

My DonorsChoose.Org Project

Hi Friends, Families, and Visitors,

donorschooseAs many of you know, I have been creating videos with my students for over three years. It is a powerful way to get kids learning 21st century skills. Besides, it is just plain fun! I want to ramp up my own skills and provide the next level of video production opportunities for our school. I will soon be launching a video production team at my school and we are in need of a portable teleprompter. (If we get this item funded, we may also qualify for a grant to provide even more equipment to set up a real video production lab.) So I created a request at DonorsChoose.org:

Communication Skills Are Keys to Success

Your support would mean so much to school. If you chip in to help, we’ll send awesome photos and our heartfelt thanks.

Thanks so much,

Mrs. P

P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help my classroom, please pass this along!

Fun Run Fundraiser Ends Tuesday

Dear Families,
Our kiddos ran their little hearts out on Friday. Nearly every student finished 40 laps! It was a tremendous amount of fun. Be sure to congratulate them on their efforts and enjoy the video I made about it.

You have until Tuesday, September 6th to participate in the Carroll Fun Run fundraising efforts. You can send in your pledges to class or use carrollfunrun.com. The Fun Run team will be stopping by to collect pledges and pass out prizes.

Carroll FunRun!

runner-27852_1280Our PTA is trying a new type of jog-a-thon fundraiser this year. We have partnered with The Fun Run team. They are on campus daily to manage prizes, pledges and continue to promote a healthy lifestyle. They have days dedicated to dance parties during recess, a time for students to be active and have fun. They have a website for easy pledge gathering, too. Go to www.CarrollFunRun.com and search for your child’s name to make a pledge. You can easily send the link to family and friends to request donations.

The main event will be on September 2nd. Our Fun Run time is 12:20 PM – 1:10 PM. Volunteers are needed to mark laps and hand out water. You can sign up on our Shutterfly site.

We are hoping to get 2-3 volunteers per teacher. If volunteers are willing/able to be of assistance during other run times, we would greatly appreciate the extra help.
***Starbucks coffee will be provided to all volunteers.***