Happy New Year!


2018 is right around the corner! January will have many more adventures ahead for our TK class. First we’ll wrap up some activities involving that tricky Gingerbread Man. Then we’ll explore some “snowy” books and learning activities. Finally, we’ll launch a study unit about birds which will culminate with a FREE field trip to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Reserve on February 1st. That will bring us to the end of our second trimester and we’ll be off-track from February 3 through March 4. I think January’s going to fly by!

Plan now to join in our adventures this month. Just let me know what day and time is most convenient for you.

Fog Willow Fun!


We had a delightful trip to Fog Willow Farm this week. We owe a huge thank you to our chaperones! Each of you were essential in keeping all the children safe and focused on fun.
I was surprised to learn that baby rabbits are actually called kittens or kits! Be sure to ask your student about other cool facts they learned about farm animals.

Don’t forget to upload your best photos to our Shutterfly Site so everyone can share in the experience.

Awesome Art Opportunity!

Crocker Art Museum Offering FREE Art Packs

The Crocker Art Museum is pleased to announce its new collection of Art Packs, now available for children to reserve and check out through the Sacramento Public Library system. This is a great activity for kids to engage in an art experience that will foster visual literacy, as well as social and emotional development. I want to encourage families and caregivers to check out a free Art Pack at saclibrarycatalog.org, just like you would reserve and check out a book. Bring the Art Pack or the library checkout receipt to the Crocker for FREE admission.

> Click here to learn more

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!

We’re Heading Off-Track Soon!

Can you believe that one third of our year is over already? The TK students have grown together as a caring community of friends. It has been a trimester full of wonderful fun and learning. In my opinion, all learning should be fun so I go out of my way to innovate and adapt my instruction as our interests and needs change. Our pathway to knowledge is a winding, but most engaging route.

Our off-track time begins this Friday at 11:16AM. I wish you all an exciting vacation time. I’ll see you back at school on Wednesday, October 25th.

Solar Eclipse Info

We have been busy learning about the sun, the moon, and the solar eclipse all week. We acted out the eclipse, read books and did an online lesson at mysteryscience.com. We also practiced using a pinhole projector with our sixth grade buddies. We even found out why we should NEVER look at the sun, even for a moment. The dramatic demonstration got everyone’s attention!

We will be observing the changes before, during, and after the eclipse on Monday morning. We will have our big buddies from Mrs. Groom’s sixth grade class with us, but parents are welcome, too. I only have enough eclipse glasses for the students, so bring your own if you will be participating with us. Make and bring a pinhole projector or you can use one of ours.

If you won’t be able to join us at school, I hope you get outside to observe this rare event for yourself. Here is a link to a website with some ways to safely view the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21st. You just need a couple of items that are probably in your house right now. http://eclipse.illinois.edu/pinhole.html

The Color Days are Coming!


The Color Days are coming and it’s going to be fun. Help your child dress in clothing that matches the color of the day. Sign up to donate a color-coordinating snack. Just click on the Volunteer tab above.

Monday July 24 – Red Day
Tuesday July 25 – Orange Day
Wednesday July 26 – Yellow Day
Thursday July 27 – Green Day
Friday July 28 – Blue Day

Monday July 31 – Purple Day
Tuesday August 1 – Pink Day
Wednesday August 2 – Brown Day
Thursday August 3 – Black Day
Friday August 4 – White Day

Monday August 7 – Rainbow Day

Our First Full Week

It’s been a lovely first week of school. The students are adjusting very well to our routine and expectations. There are many, many smiling faces from beginning of class to the end. It fills my heart to have a room full of happy children who are excited about learning.

Here are a few reminders:
*Sign up for Seesaw. I use Seesaw to communicate with parents and document student progress. It’s easy and so efficient! You can download the Seesaw Family app and scan the code I sent home. Then you will be connected to your child’s digital portfolio. It will give an experience you will treasure forever. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still log on from any device and have full access.

*Correct and return the student information forms.
*Sign and return the permission forms for Digital Literacy, Internet Use, Library Policy.
*Send a change of clothes for your child in a one-gallon ziplock bag.
*Set up your Shutterfly account to stay up-to-date with class events, access photos, sign up to volunteer. Check your email for an email from me with the link.
*Sign up for a parent-teacher conference through our Shutterfly Site.
*Sign up to volunteer through our Shutterfly Site. Your support for our TK students will make a huge difference all year long.

First Day Hooray!

We surely had a wonderful first day of school. You will be able to see it for yourself as soon as I post photos on Seesaw. Be sure to download the Seesaw for Parents app and scan the QR code I sent home in the blue folder.

I hope you enjoyed spending a few moments helping your child “write”. It will be an important part of our daily routine. When families join their student in the writing process, tremendous growth happens. If you are not able to stay for the first 10 minutes, please don’t worry. The helpers that are able to stay, will quickly adopt and nurture the writing process with all our students.

I am looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow.