Kindergarten News

March 11, 2011

2011-03-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

The kindergarten class of 14 students has read 1007 train books so far this year. This is an all-time record and I am proud of each child for their effort to read daily. We will be enjoying a pizza party (time to be announced) in celebration of 1000 books read. Parents, thank you for inspiring, prodding encouraging, cajoling, and expecting your child to read. I know it takes much time and effort on your part, but it's so worth the time spent.

We have started a unit on health--taking care of our bodies. During this past week the children have read about the importance of exercise and water. We learned that exercise is good for our bones and muscles. Teacher Mayra and I have encouraged each child to drink a full bottle of water before lunch each day. I've been impressed by the effort that the children have made. I had to stop both Andrew and Kasi as they did laps the whole recess. Their heart muscles must be getting stronger after a collective 36 laps.

We have one more week of this quarter. I will be doing some testing next week. I will check to see if each child knows their address, phone number, and birthday. We worked on addresses as part of our theme during 1st quarter, but not all children mastered it at that time. Sometimes after the children have a better understanding of numbers, it's easier for them to memorize. Please review these items with your child at home.

For those children who have not yet mastered shoe-tying, we will be working on this skill right after Spring Break. If new shoes are being purchased, tie-shoes are a good investment. Your child will have lets of practice tying his/her shoes!

Looks like Spring is just around the corner! Looking forward to our peas sprouting soon in our newly finished planter box. Thanks to Christopher's dad for his hard work putting it in for us just in time for Spring!

Celebrations this week - Congratulations to Brent and Claudia!

Dates to Remember

March 21 to 25 - Spring Break! No School! The SWLC will be open for childcare!

April 4 - Visitation Day - 8:30 to 11:30 AM Kindergarten students visit 1 st grade and Pre-K students visit kindergarten.

2010-06-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a special year this has been! I have been rewarded over and over as I have watched your children develop, mature, gain new skills, find joy in hard work, and give God the glory for their achievements. I am so very proud of each of your children! Thanks for teaming up with me this year to help your children succeed! God bless you with a wonderful summer of family fun and learning! Please keep reading each day with your child!

Celebrations - We have celebrated many times this week as each child has had at least one celebration and many have had several celebrations during this week.

Time keepers - Our newest time keepers are Mackenzie and Toby. They earned their watches on Thursday.

Keep in touch - During the summer keep me updated on your child's progress. I would love to hear of any leaps in character or scholastic development. Hearing of your child's progress is never a bother to me. I love each of your kids and will miss them tremendously through the summer. Your children will always be my children in my mind! Thanks again for sharing them with me this year!

Library Books - If you are pretty certain that you returned the books that came home listed on the note on Wednesday, please, let me know. The librarian will search the library for any missing books before charging you for any of them.

For what it's worth, here's my advice for the summer. Play, run, read, laugh, and work with your children daily. Include them in your life and watch them grow and develop as they revel in your love. Dicipline them when necessary, but don't despair in their lack of maturity. Challenge them to work on their weaknesses and encourage them to share their strengths with others. God bless each of you!

2010-05-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Only one more week! Too much to do, but the children are so ready for a break! Maybe I am, too. Being gone, on my part, for two days at the end of school is not ideal, but necessary this year. Teacher Mayra will be covering for me both Thursday and Friday of this week!

Mother Goose Storytellers - Thursday, 9:00 AM - So glad they could come back to tell stories this year. Thanks you to Alex' parents for sponsoring this event for us.

Library Books - If you still have a library book at home, please, return it as soon as possible, so the librarian can account for all the books before the end of the year.

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:9 - It is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Friday, May, 28 - 10:00 to 11:30 AM - Fun time with 3rd and 4th grade reading partners. Thanks to Rylee's parents for providing some blow up toys for the student's enjoyment. We are not planning for any water activities due to the weather. If you would like to help your child find a little gift to give his/her reading partner as a thank you for reading with him/her each week this year, it would be great!

Kindergarten time-keepers - Timmy and Rylee have officially become tellers of time. They earned an analog watch on which to practice this new-found skill.

Celebration this week for Jordan - He now knows how to write all his letters correctly. Congratulations, Jordan!

Summer packet available upon request! - If you would like to help your child keep up the skills they have learned this past year, ask me for a packet. I'd be happy to share some materials with you. News has it that what you don't use, you lose.

Last day of school, Friday, June 4.

2010-05-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming out to the program last night and bringing your kids. I was proud of their hard work and ability to concentrate through the performance. I'm really going to miss this group next year.

Water fun - Rylee's mom and dad have offered to bring their big blow-up water slides in to the school for the kids to use. We have not scheduled the day yet due to the unpredictable weather recently, but hope to be able to have them come next week! Thanks to the Oak family for sharing with us!

Clowning again! - After a long respite from any new shoe-tyers, we were blessed with Andrew's new skill last week. He is now an official shoe-tyer! Congratulations, Andrew!

Celebrations - Most of you got to enjoy seeing Mackenzie's celebration at the program! I would have enjoyed having a celebration for each child at the program, but time didn't allow! Each child deserves recognition for their achievements! These kids really work hard for these celebrations! Right now we have Daniel, Toby, and Claudia working on going across the monkey bars as their next goal. I don't have to prod them. They try again and again on their own and we get so excited together when they make a bit of progress. For some of them it's just a bit of fear of heights that is keeping them from being able to let go with one hand. For others it's the need to develop a bit more upper-body muscle. For each, it's a long process that requires patience and hard work! Alex just accomplished the monkey bar goal last week! You will find Alex out crossing the monkey bars daily now just for fun!

Quilt Update - We have completed tying the quilt with lots of square knots. Some of the children became avid square knot-tyers. Thanks to Timmy, Mackenzie, Jordan, and Brent for their hard work tying the quilt. Grandma Betty is now binding it and will return it to our classroom by next Tuesday. We are looking forward to using the quilt in circle time. We still would like to find someone local to share it with at the end of the school year. Let me know if you know of someone that needs such a well-loved quilt.

No School - Memorial Day, May 31.

Last day of school - Friday, June 4. The ASB is planning a fun day for the student body on this day.

May 27 and 28 - I will be away from school. I am flying with my mother out to my nephew's highschool graduation in Maryland. Mayra will be covering my class. We have some interesting things planned for the two days I'll be gone!

2010-05-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

What a great week we've had in kindergarten! Our quilt is almost done! We are hoping to display it at the program on Thursday! Our trip to the playground of dreams was truly a "dream" with responsible, happy children and lots of parent help. We've celebrated lots of accomplishments this week, too!

Playground of Dreams - Thanks to Shana, Andy and Arthur's mom, and Heather, Jordan's mom, for driving for us! I'm glad that Brendan's mom, Bonnie, and Claudia's mom, Bobbie Jo, and Toby's mom, Tiffany, all came to help watch kids and enjoy the day with us. What fun!

Program, Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 PM - This program has been called the Elementary Closing Program in the past, but has been scheduled earlier this year to avoid the hectic end-of-the-year rush! The kindergarten children will be performing several items at the program. I am so proud of each of their accomplishments this year! They have worked hard! Invite grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles to attend and support your child! If you can, bring a small plate of cookies or finger fruit to share at the reception!

Memory Verse: John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself. That where I am there you may also be.

Celebrations this week - Congratulations to Alex, Brendan, and Toby! They each have accomplished one of their goals this week!

Clown - Andrew has now joined the group of shoe-tying clowns. On Thursday, he looked pretty special in his clown suit and painted face. Congratulations, Andrew!

Library Books - The children will no longer be checking books out on Wednesday. Please return any library materials that your child has checked out. I will be sending notes home next week letting you know if our records show any unreturned materials. Let us know if you think our records are wrong. Our librarian will search the shelves for any materials that you think you have returned. Thanks for working with us to get all library materials returned!

Summer Daycare - Our daycare will not be in operation yet this summer, but if you have daycare needs, please talk with Mayra Soltero at the school. She is attempting to coordinate summer care for those of you who need it. Talk to her as soon as possible, as she is currently making plans for the program.

God bless each of you with a great week-end!

2010-05-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hope you each enjoyed the beautiful week-end we had! What a blessing to all of us mothers! I enjoyed some time with my boys on Sabbath with church and a picnic lunch, and a wonderful hike in the Blue Mts. with my husband! Sunday was spent with my mother, planting flowers in her garden! Oh the joys of life!

May 20, Elementary Spring Concert - Please reserve this date! The kindergarten class will be performing at 6:30 that evening. There will be refreshments following the program!

Picnic at the Playground of Dreams - Wednesday, May 12 - That's this Wednesday. Sorry for the late notice. The picnic food will be provided: Sandwiches- peanut butter and jelly OR cheese, chips, carrot sticks, and juice. We will be making homemade ice cream for dessert. Anybody that is free that day from 9:00 to 12:00, please join us! The more the merrier! Please sign the permission slip at the bottom of this note!

Quilting still in progress - We are tying the quilt this week. Some of the children have been motivated to learn to tie square knots. If anyone would like to come and lend a hand, you are welcome. Thanks to Grandma Betty, the quilting frame is set up in our classroom!

Clown in the making - Andrew has past the tying test, but is practicing on tying consistency! I expect him to be the clown this week! He is so very close!

I hope each of you has a great week! Thanks for all your support throughout the year!

___________________________________________________

I give my permission for _______________________ to go to the Playground of Dreams picnic on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

________________________________
Parent signature

2010-04-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day to each of you!

Teacher In-Service Day - Friday, May 7! No school for children! It's my turn!

Celebrations this week - Congratulations to Timmy and Makenna for reaching their goals!!

Quilt update - Thanks to all of you that shared your quilts this past week! Our classroom quilt was sewn together by Grandma Betty Parrs on Thursday. Grandma Betty was kind enough to bring her sewing machine into the classroom and let us be involved in the process. She will come back to the classroom next Thursday to let the kids be involved in putting in the batting and backing the quilt. We continue to keep our eyes and ears open for the right person or family with whom to share our quilt!

April store is closed - much to our dismay! It has been so much fun watching the children work hard in order to purchase a certain item. Some of the children's understanding of numbers has taken a leap during April.

Insects in May - We will be studying about insects and bugs. Our caterpillars should be arriving this week-end. Thanks to Mackenzie's family for providing us with a butterfly house and the coupon for the caterpillars. This insect unit is always a favorite with the children!

God bless each of you with a safe and happy week-end!

2010-04-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

I'm glad a few of you parents were able to come hear the kindergarten class lead the singing on Wednesday. It brings me a lot of joy to see the children sing with joy! The Week of Prayer has been a blessing in drawing the school together. I've been proud of the older students for being supportive as the younger students presented what was important to them.

Memory Verse: "Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord, our maker. Psalm 95:6

Quilt Update: Thanks for all your fabric donations and in-classoom help. The quilt is cut out and designed. It sounds as though we have a volunteer to sew it together! Praise God for so many willing hands.

Earth Day Planting: Thanks to the support of Dean Brunken from Mac's Nursery, the Kindergarten class planted 3 bushes at the daycare on Thursday in honor of Earth Day! The students worked hard and were rewarded with a papaya smoothie.

Celebrations: We continue celebrating individual accomplishments in our classroom. This past week we celebrated with Toby, Mackenzie, and Claudia. I am always excited when I see the children working hard to accomplish a goal! I believe heaven celebrates with them as well!

I hope each of you enjoys a week-end full of family activities! I'm looking forward to a week-end at WWU with my boys! Treasure each moment with your children! They grow up so very fast!

2010-04-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful days this past week. We have been enjoying drawing observations of God's nature in our Science Journals. These journals will come home at the end of the school year for your enjoyment!

Happy Birthday to Timmy who turned 6 on April 15. I hope tax day never overshadows Timmy's birthday! I hope each of you got Timmy's invitation to his party. If you didn't, give me a call and I'll connect you with his family!

Our April store is in full swing. Most of the children spent their year-long savings the first week of the store being open. Now they are living from day to day. Most children can earn from 3 to 5 dollars per day if they work hard and are responsible. But 3 to 5 dollars buys very little in the Kindergarten Store. Mackenzie had a revelation that she shared with the class today. She said, "I can buy bigger things if I save my money!" Thanks to her dad for helping her think that one through! Now several children are saving their money! What may seem like simple common sense to us is often rocket science to a kindergarten student!

Week of Prayer is coming up next week. The students at TCJA will be putting on each day's program. Kindergarten will be leading the singing on Wednesday, April 21. They will be singing at about 8:35 AM.

Quilt update - We will be cutting out squares and designing our kindergarten quilt this Friday. Thanks for all the scraps of fabric you shared this week. We will be sewing the quilt together next week. It will be fun to be involved in the process of making the quilt.

Memory Verse: "Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord, our maker. Psalm 95:6

Train books - 566 and counting daily. Almost around the room for the second time!

Date to Remember: April 26, 7:00 PM - Constituency Meeting here at TCJA.

2010-04-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

It was good to visit with most of you at parent/teacher conferences over the last couple of days. If you were unable to come in, please give me a call and we can set up an after-school or before-school appointment. Thanks so much for making your children a priority!

Memory Verse: Continue with Proverbs 8:32 - "Those who follow my ways are happy."

Thank you to Mayra Soltero and Shana Willett for driving for us on our field trip last week. I need another volunteer driver for up-coming field trips. Let me know what days you are available to drive.

Week of Prayer is coming up April 19 - 23. The students at TCJA will be putting on each day's program. Kindergarten will be leading the singing on Wednesday, April 21.

Quilt update - We will begin designing our kindergarten quilt next week. The theme of the quilt will be "Spring". If you have any scraps of fabric, either used or new, that might fit that theme, send them to school with your child. Any scraps that you share that have an interesting story behind them would be appreciated. Make sure you tell us the story.

God bless you with a joyous week-end!

2010-04-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Is Spring really here? We keep saying it's here in Kindergarten, but the weather doesn't seem to be able to make up its mind. We are enjoying the blooming flowers that ventured out when the temperatures were a bit warmer.

We are finishing up our Health and Human Body unit this week. Children's paper bodies will be coming home next week! Ask your child to sing you the "Body Is the Temple" song. Songs are always a fun way to learn!

April is a busy month in kindergarten. We study about plants and growth. We have a store and learn to count money. This year we want to make a quilt to share with some boy or girl who needs one. If you hear of a family who has children and needs this kind of gesture of love, please let me know! I also am looking for someone with a quilting frame who can help us tie the quilt!

Memory Verse: "Those who follow My ways are happy." Proverbs 8:32. It's so fun to watch these kindergarten children look up these texts, mark them in their Bibles, and read the texts each day!

Monday, April 5, is Visitation Day at TCJA. I recommend that all current kindergarten students plan to attend 1st grade that day, even if they plan to be in K-1 next year. If you prefer that your K-1 students stay in kindergarten on visitation day, give me a call. I will keep them if you request it.

Service Field Trip - Tuesday, April 6, from 9:30 to 11:15, will be a service trip to help an elderly lady named Avis Meeks. Avis is in a wheel chair but lives alone in Richland. She needs help picking up leaves and weeding. We will be putting in a small area of fabric with a layer of bark to control weeds.

Parent/Teacher Conferences - April 7 and 8! School will dismiss at 12:30 on both days.

Happy Easter to each of you! Along with the eggs, chicks, and bunnies that remind us of Spring, let's celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus!

2010-03-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

I hope each of you has a wonderful and safe Spring Break next week.

A quick note to remind you to sign up for parent/teacher conferences to be held the afternoons of April 7, 8. School will dismiss at 12:30 on conference days.

If you know of prospective preschool or kindergarten students who would benefit from our program next year, please let me know and I will send them an invitation to our visitation day on April 5. Thank you!

2010-03-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

We have been studying about how to take care of our bodies this week. On Tuesday the children had the opportunity to try new types of fruit. Hopefully, they told you which were their favorites. I was shocked by Mackenzie's favorite--papaya! It was exciting to see the kids bravely try new fruits!

On Wednesday we discovered the protein in grains and we ground grain into flour! Timmy really wanted to make pancakes out of the flour, but unfortunately there wasn't enough flour! On Friday we are making biscuits out of flour!

Friday is vegetable day. We will make vegetable soup to go with our biscuits!

Along with learning about nutrition and other aspects of health, we are learning the major body parts and systems. Of course, kindergarten curriculum is very basic, but any discussion or reinforcement on health at home would add to our discussions here at school. This is a good time to start asking your children to make responsible and healthful choices in food, rest, exercise, etc.

After Spring Break we will enjoy a field trip to the hospital to see how doctors can look inside our bodies to see if we are healthy. Hopefully, we will even get to see a newborn baby! The field trip to the hospital is always a fun one!

Memory Verse: "The Lord watches over you." Psalm 121:5

Thank you - Just want to say a big thank you to all of you who have come into the classroom to help out. I know schedules are tight, but your child is thrilled when you can come in and see the world he/she lives in for up to 7 hours a day. Brendan's mom, Bonnie, is our newest reading mom in the mornings. Thanks, Bonnie, for working us into your busy schedule. Even if you can only pop in and say "Hi" or show us some special hobby that you do--our program is flexible and you are a priority!

Have a great week-end with your family! Take time to enjoy the signs of Spring out in nature!

2010-03-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful week we've had! Being able to play outside in the sunshine is such a joy! Our field trip to help clean up my mother's yard for spring was such a blessing to me! Several children expressed the fun of work when doing it for someone else! My mother was overjoyed as she shared cookies and a mission story with the students!

However, in this world there is always the sadness that accompanies the joy! Our hearts go out to Claudia and her family as they grieve the loss of her grandpa who died suddenly on Wednesday! We pray that the family will find comfort in the hope of the resurrection at Jesus' soon coming!

Memory Verse: Reject the wrong and choose the right. Isaiah 7:15

Coon hound, Jethro, coming next Friday - We're looking forward to Debbie and Jethro's visit to TCJA next Friday, March 12! Debbie will be sharing Bible lessons that Jethro has taught her!

Story time with Pastor Fred Christensen - Every other Thursday, Pastor Fred comes to share stories from the past with the Kindergarten class. I am amazed at the children's attentiveness as Pastor Fred tells stories in his quiet, but animated way! Thanks you, Pastor Fred!

Spring Beak - March 22 - 26.

Thank you to Andrew's mom, Mayra, for sharing the Lord's Prayer book marks with us!
Thanks you to Shana Willett and Mayra Soltero for driving for the field trip!

God bless each of you with a great week-end!

2010-02-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

What a fun week we've had with the mini-olympics, organized by the ASB officers! We've done everything from running the torch, to climbing through the olympic rings, to doing hockey drills. We want to thank our ASB for organizing fun events for us throughout the week!

Service Field Trip - On Tuesday, March 2, I would like to take the Kindergarten class to Kennewick to help a widow with a little outdoor clean up (weather permitting). This widow just happens to be part of my family--my mother, Marcie Schwisow. As part of this field trip, the children will be singing some songs and reciting a poem for my mother. In exchange, my mother, a long-time missionary in various parts of the world, will tell the children some stories. She also has a surprise for the children. We will be gone from the school from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. Mayra Soltero and Shana Willett have agreed to drive for this field trip, but if you would like to be involved, please contact me.

Do you know someone who needs some cheer? - Let me know right away, as I am scheduling a few more service field trips for the rest of the year.

Memory Verse: "Reject the wrong and choose the right." Isaiah 7:15

Clowning: Our newest shoe-tying expert is Makenna. She helped us keep our shoes tied on Thursday!

Family Book: I hope you have been able to read your child's family book. A few of the children have yet to finish theirs.

Dates to Remember

Tuesday, March 2 - 9:30 - 11:00 AM - Service field trip. Bring carseat.
March 10 - Class pictures will be taken. Look for an order form coming home soon.
March 18 - 5:30 - 7:00 PM - Art Fair - A hands-0n art experience for the whole family.
March 19-26 - Spring Break!

2010-02-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

I hope you have had the opportunity to watch some of the Olympics with your children during this past week! What an opportunity to encourage our children to work hard and focus on whatever they do! Looking to Jesus, who will help them accomplish all things! These athletes work tremendously hard for a medal--what a much greater prize God has promised us in an earth made new!

ASB Olympics - Next week our ASB is sponsoring a mini-olympics each morning here at the school. It will be a fun time for the school to do some activities together as a group!

February is Dental Health Month.--Next Wednesday Claudia's mom, Bobby Jo, will be doing a presentation on dental health! Sounds like she has some interesting ideas of how to make the subject come "alive" for the kids.

Memory Verse: "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. Exodus 4:12

Clowning: Claudia is our new shoe-tying expert in the classroom. My job is getting easier all the time!

Happy Birthday to Jordan and Toby on Sabbath, Feb. 20! What a special time for a birthday!

2010-02-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to each of you on Sunday! I "love" this holiday because of the focus on love in action. We get to do something for those we love. God is our ultimate valentine that loves us though we may be unlovely at times.

We welcome Jordan back to our classroom after his vacation in Mexico. Thank you for bringing back all the pictures to show. Looks like he had a wonderful time with his family.

Family Focus: We have been focusing on family in our classroom during the past two weeks. Look for a book, authored by your child, coming home early next week! Please have your child read it to you and talk about how special your family is to you!

Memory Verse: "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:12

Train books: 463 books read this year!

Shoe-tying clowns: This week Rylee, Timmy, and Jordan have been clowns because they are now "expert" shoe-tyers. They make my job much easier. Who will be my next clown? Who knows! Let your child push you to teach them to tie. Keep in mind, tying actually comes fairly easily when the child is developmentally ready for the skill.

Dates to Remember

Feb. 15, Monday--No school. President's Day

Feb. 28, Sunday--6:00 PM--Music Dept. Fundraiser. Come buy dessert and be entertained by our TCJA musicians for a donation or $5 or more.

2010-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Kindergarten class will be having a Valentine Party on Friday, Feb. 12. Children may bring valentines for each of their classmates. Ask me for a list of children's names if you would like one.

2010-02-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, January flew by!

It was good to meet with each of you at conference time. We had 100% attendance again for Kindergarten parents. You are awesome! Connecting with you is invaluable for me and for your kids. Your children will progress to the extent that you and I are reinforcing the same principles at school and at home.

Memory Verse: I prayed for this child, and the Lord has given me what I asked of Him. 1 Samuel 1:27

We have been studying about baby Moses and how God had a plan for his life. His family worked together to save Moses' life. God has a plan for each of your children's lives as well. If you prayed for your child, let them know. Let them know they are special to you and to God. If your child was a surprise, let them know they were a special surprise! Thanks for listening to them tell their Moses stories and reinforcing the concepts of working together as a family.

WOW (wonderful, outstanding, words) words for the week: family, paper

Paper making: We were privileged on Thursday to have a team of Boise Cascade employees show us the paper-making process. Each child got to make a piece of paper from wood pulp. Ask your child to show you their paper. I was impressed with the organization and clarity of the presentation.

Train books: 449 train books read.

Numbers: Ask your child to write his/her numbers from 0 to 9 for you. Some children are still reversing some numbers, but most do very well! Ask them to write a twenty-three, or a forty-nine, etc. just to see if they have the concept of numbers up to 100. Make it into a number writing game with lots of encouragement and joy at accomplishment!

Shoe-tying: For those who don't yet know how to tie, we are daily working on the skill. When each child gains the skill, they get to wear the clown suit which includes big floppy shoes to tie! Mackenzie is clowning on Friday!

2010-01-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all kindergarten students for helping our reading train grow. Also, thanks to all volunteer parents who have helped make this tremendously long train possible! 415 books read! The kindergarten train has never been this long in all my years of teaching kindergarten!

Memory Verse: I will love you forever. Isaiah 54:8

WOW words for the week: mama, love, umiak, ptarmigan
Ask your child to read the words and tell you what each one means. If they don't know, encourage them to find out at school. We read and talk about them each day!

Brendan's birthday party is Sunday, Jan. 24 at noon. RSVP to Bonnie at 619-0353. The whole class is invited!

Help us help Haiti! - If you would like to donate money to help those in Haiti, you may donate through the school by Jan. 31. We will be sending the money to the conference and they will send it on to Haiti. The conference goal is $1,000,000. If your child can help with only a little that's OK. Your child will feel blessed for helping!

January 24 - Sunday at 5:30 PM "A Taste of Orient" fundraiser meal at TCJA. All proceeds will go for students to go on our spring mission trip to Mexico. All food and supplies are being donated, so all the ticket price will go to help with the mission trip. Tickets are $18 for students over age 10 and adults, and $10 for students under 10. Call the TCJA office to reserve your tickets.

January 27 & 28 - Parent/teacher conferences. School will only run until 12:30 PM on both days. After-school care is provided until 6 PM as usual. Forms have been sent home for you to sign up for a conference time. If you did not receive a note, call the office to set up an appointment time.

February 15 - President's Day. No school.

February 22 - School is in session. Your school calendar shows that there will not be school on this day, however, the teacher's professional day was changed to January 19. If you had already made plans for your child to be gone on Feb. 22, let me know.

Thanks for all of you that made my Christmas and birthday special by sending cards and gifts!

2010-01-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

What fun we've had this week studying about "The True Story of Balto"! As Balto reached his goal in getting the medicine to Nome, we have been talking about and setting new goals in Kindergarten. Ask your child what his/her new goals are. Encourage and celebrate, as your child works towards and reaches these goals.

As an extension of the Balto story, the children came up with ideas on how to stay healthy. The following are a list of their ideas. I will reinforce these ideas at school. Join me in reinforcing them at home.

1. Eat healthy foods.

2. Cover your cough.

3. Wash hands.

4. Drink 6 glasses of water per day.

5. Get plenty of rest.

Dates to remember

January 15 - End of the quarter.

January 18 & 19 - No school! Child care will be provided at TCJA at $25 per child on the 19th only. Please call the TCJA office if you need this service.

January 24 - "A Taste of Orient" fundraiser meal at TCJA. All proceeds will go for students to go on our spring mission trip to Mexico. All food and supplies are being donated, so all the ticket price will go to help with the mission trip. Tickets are $18 for students over age 10 and adults, and $10 for students under 10. Call the TCJA office to reserve your tickets.

January 27 & 28 - Parent/teacher conferences. School will only run until 12:30 PM on both days. After-school care is provided until 6 PM as usual. Forms have been sent home for you to sign up for a conference time. If you did not receive a note, call the office to set up an appointment time.

February 15 - President's Day. No school.

February 22 - School in session. Your school calendar shows that there will not be school on this day, however, the teacher's professional day was changed to January 19. If you had already made plans for your child to be gone on Feb. 22, let me know.

Today we experienced a "Spring" day in the middle of January. What a blessing! The children were so excited not to have to wear coats. They all ran to the swing set to swing!

2010-01-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! It's good to be back into the routine of school!

January through March are great learning months in Kindergarten. I enjoy watching the children mature and become more responsible in preparation for K-1 or 1st grade. Keep reading with your children on a daily basis, and notice the quality of the papers that come home each day. Always encourage your child to do his/her best.

Dates to Remember

January 18 & 19: No School. School will be closed the third Monday in January (the 18th) for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition, please note that we will be closed January 19 as our employer is hosting professional growth meetings in College Place. TCJA will provide childcare at a rate of $25 for the day. As childcare was over Christmas break, childcare again will feature crafts, games and activities to engage the children in fun and learning. Once again, we are offering a small discount to families with multiple children in the program. The second and subsequent children will be able to attend for $23. Please contact the office if you would like to sign up for this program as it is offered by reservation only.

A Taste of the Orient: January 24 – 5:00pm The 9th and 10th grade students will be hosting a fundraising dinner for the Mission Trip coming up in March of 2010. They will be heading out to Rosario Tesopaco (Ely’s home) where they will be adding rooms to the boys’ dormitory and starting a girls’ dormitory. Tony Salango, from Calgary Alberta, will be coming to our school to cater this event, and as he has done at all of his other fundraising dinners, he will be presenting his specialty, a variety of traditional Asian dishes and a few of his own concoctions such as vegetarian ginger beef (gluten) and butternut squash in coconut milk. The meal is a bargain at $18 per adult or $10 per child (10 and under), and includes dinner entertainment.You may purchase tickets from any of the students who are planning on going on the trip or you can contact the office to reserve your tickets. There are a limited number of seats available.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: January 27 & 28 – both afternoons. Watch for notes coming home to set up these meetings. I'm looking forward to meeting with each of you at that time!

Thanks, again, for sending warm coats, hats, and mittens with your children each day. Also, keep a change of pants in your child's backpack in case your child gets wet while out at recess. A pair of sweatpants would be fine to use as a change of clothes.

2009-12-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

A BIG thank you for sending warm coats, scarves, mittens, and hats with your children each day! We are taking short recesses outside and the students are generally staying warm. It's been nice to have the sunshine along with the cold air!

Thank you for all the stuffed animal donations that you and your children have given so far for the Bangla Hope project! I know the children in Bangladesh will enjoy the animals that we send! I've explained to the children that when they share with children in Bangladesh, they shouldn't expect to see the animal again. It's a "forever" sharing!

Quote of the week: Makenna opens her lunch box to see what's for lunch and exclaims, "Thank you, Daddy, for fixing me good food!" Of course, Dad is not present to hear the thanks. So here's the thanks second-hand!

Dates to Remember

Thursday, Dec. 17 - 6:30 PM - Christmas Program. You may bring a plate of Christmas goodies to serve as a reception after the perfomance.

Friday, Dec. 18 - Class Christmas Party. Students may bring something to place in their classmates' stockings. We will also be taking a loaf of bread to our neighbors around the school as part of our party!

Dec. 18 - Jan. 4 - Christmas Vacation. Enjoy special times as a family!

Jan. 4 - First day back to school.

May God give you joy and safety throughout the holiday season. I enjoy your children so much and will miss them during the holidays. However, I will enjoy the rest and having my own children home from college will be a treat!

2009-12-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

December is here already--a busy time for all of us! But what a special time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the rebirth that we can have in Christ! I hope this can be a special time for each family!

Dates to remember

Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 PM - Christmas program. The kindergarten children will be joining with all the children in grades pre-K to 6th grade in a cantata, directed by Patti Short, the 5th and 6th grade teacher. The kindergarten class will be angels. I have costumes for the children, but if you enjoy costuming, please talk with me. I'm always open to ideas and suggestions.

Friday, Dec. 18 - Kindergarten Christmas Party. If your child would like to bring a very small item to share with each of his/her classmates, that would be fine. There will be stockings available in which to put these items. Instead of a gift item, your child might like to share a Christmas goody, such as cookies or candy for the party. There are 11 students in the class.

Caroling - As part of our Christmas party we will be going into our neighborhood to share songs and a loaf of bread. This is a yearly event for the Kindergarten class and is well-recieved by the TCJA neighbors.

Christmas is a time to share. With this in mind we are giving the children an opportunity to share some lightweight and not too big toys (stuffed animals) that may be used, but in good condition. These toys will be shared with orphan children in Bangladesh. The Bangla Hope office is located in Kennewick and will be taking care of delivery of these items. Your child may bring the toys to the classroom anytime between now and Dec. 18.

Thanks for helping make Christmas special for the Kindergarten children and those that they can serve.

2009-11-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note this week.

Sabbath, Nov. 21, the children will be singing at the Richland Church at 1807 McMurray Ave. in Richland. This will be the final perfomance of "The Lord's Prayer". Thanks you for bringing your child if possible at about 10:30 AM. We'll meet in the sanctuary on one of the front rows.

Fall Concert/Book Fair - Monday, Nov. 23, at 7:00 PM the upper grade students will be presenting a concert. At the concert there will be a display of books that may be purchased. If you can not attend the concert but would like to participate in the book fair, you may come to the TCJA gym anytime after 11:30 AM to see and purchase books.

Thanksgiving Lunch: On Tuesday, November 24, the kindergarten and preschool classes are hosting a meal for the 3rd and 4th grades (our reading partners). Your child will not need to bring a lunch on that day. Thank you for all of you that have promised food and help in serving food to make this event possible.

Have a great Thanksgiving break with family! What a special time to thank God for the blessings that we all enjoy!

2009-11-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

Memory Verse: Continue with Genesis 1:31--"God looked at everything He had made, and it was good."

Singing at Richland Church: Next Sabbath, Nov. 21, the Kindergarten class will be singing at the Richland SDA Church. We had a great turn-out at the Riverview Church--9 out of 11 children sang. Thank-you! Plan to come to the Richland Church if you are in town next Saturday! About 10:30 AM is usually a good time to arrive. More info later on your child's daily note.

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Lunch: On November 24, the day before Thanksgiving break, the kindergarten class is hosting a meal for the preschool and 3rd and 4th grades (our reading partners). If you would be willing to help serve the meal or just send food, please contact me in the next few days. We will be posing as pilgrims or Native Americans!

Train Cars: We have now read 276 books in our class. Our train is very close to making it around our room. When we get around the room we will be celebrating with a pizza party!

Veteran's Day Breakfast: Thank you to those who participated in this yearly event. I was so proud of how the kindergarteners carried their flags and said the pledge!

Quote of the Week: As we were studying about the 2nd day of creation and the importance of air, we tried to hold our breath to see how long we could be without air. Jordan kept holding his breath for what seemed like forever to the rest of us. When asked how he did that he said, "I can breathe through me ears." What a talent you have, Jordan!

Again, thank you for sharing your kids with me this year. What an energetic and ambitious group this is! God bless each of your families! Have a great week-end!

2009-11-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Dates to remember

Nov. 6 - Citrus fruit orders due in the office.
Nov. 11 - Veterans and Grandparents Tribute Breakfast - Breakfast begins at 7:00 AM with a program following at about 8:00 AM
Nov. 16 - 20 - Fall week of prayer at TCJA
Nov. 21 - The children will be singing at the Richland Church.
Nov. 23 - Fall concert. (Upper grade students perform)
Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving lunch in kindergarten. Children don't need to bring a lunch. If any of you would like to help with the meal, please contact me!
Nov. 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break

It was nice to see all of you at conferences. I think we are up to date on most issues so I will share only a little this week!

Memory Verse: God looked at everything he had made, and it was good. Genesis 1:31

Train Books: 253 books read so far this year.

Volunteers: Thanks so much for all the help driving for field trips, reading with children, cleaning, raking leaves, etc. etc. You are valued beyond words. Thank you!

2009-10-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dates to Remember

Nov. 4 & 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences. 12:30 PM dismissal time.

Nov. 6 - Citrus fruit orders due in the office.

Nov. 11 - Veterans and Grandparents Tribute Breakfast - Breakfast begins at 7:00 AM with a program following at about 8:00 AM

Nov. 16 - 20 - Fall week of prayer at TCJA

Nov. 21 - The children will be singing at the Richland Church.

Nov. 23 - Fall concert. (Upper grade students perform)

Nov. 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break

Sabbath Blessing - What a blessing to hear the children sing the prayer at Riverview Church. Perhaps it is the loudest prayer we will ever hear, but I was blessed! They were making up for the week before when they sang rather timidly.

Memory Verse - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

Train Books - 228 books read during first quarter. I'm amazed at this class' ambition. Thanks for all your hard work at home.

Harvest Party - An event sponsored by the Richland Church on Saturday evening, Nov. 31, beginning at 6:30 PM. Wear your western clothes and bring the whole family!

Parent/Teacher Conferences - I'm looking forward to meeting with each of you at conferences next Wednesday and Thursday. School will be letting out at 12:30 PM on both Nov. 4 & 5. There will be after-school care available for those who need it until 6:00 PM.

Citrus Fruit Fundraiser - If you like great oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit, here is an opportunity to raise money for the upper grade mission trip and our classroom. Our classroom receives $2 a box for any fruit that we sell. The fruit will arrive at TCJA around Nov. 22, just before Thanksgiving break! Order forms were sent home this past week, but if your child did not make it home with one, you may pick up order forms and price lists from the office.

Goals Achieved - We celebrate the goals that your children set and achieve here at school, but you are welcome to celebrate at home as well. I am so proud of each child that stretches him/herself to accomplish something that doesn't come easy for him/her. Life is full of challenges, and I want the children to see challenges as a positive aspect of life that God works with them to accomplish.

Thanks - To all who came with us to the pumpkin patch. What a blessing that the rain came later in the day!

Quote of the Week - At workjob time, Rylee walks across the room to get his color caddy and states matter-of-factly, "I love workjobs." I do believe I heard him correctly. "Recess" and "workjobs" don't sound anything alike!

2009-10-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Brendan, to our kindergarten classroom. Brendan comes to us from College Place where he has been attending Rogers Elementary. Brendan has been a joy to have in the classroom this past week. His all-time favorite activity: building marble machines. He does some intricate work!

Memory Verse - Continuing one more week with Colossians 3:20:
"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Train Books - 200 books read so far this year!

Come sing the "Lord's Prayer" with us one more time on Sabbath, Oct. 24 at the Riverview Church on 36th and Sylvester in Pasco. Have your child there by 10:30 if possible. Give the children a chance to add a little more volume to their singing. Thanks to those of you that came to Kennewick last week.

Field trip - Monday, Oct. 26, we will be going to the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maize. We will leave the school at about 9:00 AM and will return to school by 11:30 AM. I need one more driver that can take 3 children. Please send your child with warm clothes and a carseat.

Addresses - Next week we will be practicing your child's address. Take time to practice at home is you can!

Celebrations! - We have been enjoying many celebrations this past week. Some children have been working hard to reach their goals. Ask your child about their goal. If they tell you that they are trying to cross the monkey bars, that's OK. But encourage them to strive for other things as well. Talk to me if you have some ideas for your child. I have the privilege of suggesting goals, as do you. Let's work together to keep your child growing and developing in a positive direction.

2009-10-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

It's good to be feeling well again. Thanks to Myra and Tiffany for holding down the fort while I was sick.

Sabbath, Oct. 17, at Kennewick S.D.A. Church, 7105 W. 10th St. - TCJA will be putting on the church service at the Kennewick Church. The Kindergarten class has been asked to sing "The Lord's Prayer" as a prayer response. Please come if you are in town and can make it by about 10:45 AM. Have the children meet me at the right front (1st row) of the church. The same service will be done at the Riverview Church in Pasco on Oct. 24. If you can't make it this week, perhaps you can make it for the next week. Thanks for your support. You will be blessed!

Heavenly day, Friday - As we have learned to pray, "Thy kindom come." We will be spending the day on Friday, talking about God's kingdom, heaven. The Bible tells us some pretty amazing things about this place called heaven. We are looking forward to enjoying heaven very soon. This special day is coming as a culmination of H-week.

Train Books - 173 so far and counting. We have an ambitious group this year. Thanks for reading with your children each day!

Pumpkin Patch - Monday, Oct. 26. So glad we cancelled. We would have been miserable and wet had we tried going last Wednesday.

New Student joining Monday - We will be welcoming Brendan to our classroom on Monday. He is moving to Tri-Cities from College Place this week-end. Let's make him and his family feel welcome at TCJA!

Jackets, gloves, hats - As the weather cools down at this time of year, thanks for sending warm clothes with your kids each day. We try to get fresh air whenever the weather allows, so we do go out even when it's cold.

Memory Verse - Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Quote of the week - Toby asked during prayer request time, "Pray for Jesus to get well." I ask, "Is Jesus sick?" "He must be," says Toby, "since He lives down here with us. Everybody else is getting sick!"

God bless you with a healthy week-end!

2009-10-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Memory Verse - One more week to learn the Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:9-13. The children are learning to sing this scripture and are doing very well with it. Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to hear it at some point!

TCJA Spirit Week is next week! Monday is mismatch shoe day. Tuesday is crazy hair/hat day. Wednesday is “Dress your best” day. Thursday is black and white day. Spirit Week is to promote school spirit, but is not required. Keep it fun!

Field Trip - The Kindergarten class will be joining with preschool and 1st and 2nd grade for a trip to the "All Seasons Pumpkin Patch" on October 14 from 9 AM to 11:00 AM. I will need 2 drivers and supervisors for this trip. Let me know if you are available to help!

Train Books - The class has now read 130 books. Our train is growing fast this year. Some of the children are ready to look at beginning sounds of words as they read. Try tuning your child in to the beginning letter of the words as they read with you.

Thanks for praying for my mom! She is doing well after surgery. Thanks to Myra Soltero for substituting for me while I was with my mother.

2009-09-24T16:07:00.001-07:00

This week has flown by for me. Some of your kids are moving so quickly in their learning that it keeps me hopping.

If your child seems stuck on a certain concept, don't panic. Learning is a process. The concepts will be addressed until grasped. When your child is developmentally ready to grasp the concept, it will seem like a miracle--the light will come on and learning will occur quickly. You've seen it before, as your child has been developing at his/her own rate since babyhood.

Our job is to make learning as appealing as possible, expose the children to lots of experiences and concepts that they will need to know along the learning road, individualize when necessary, and cheerlead them along the way! What an absolutely fun challenge.

Memory Verse - The Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:9-13. Try saying it together as a family at worship time. We will continue working on it at school for 2 more weeks.

Goals - The big new concept starting next week is the idea of setting and accomplishing goals. We have talked about goals informally as the children have encountered struggles that they needed to overcome or work through. Now each child will be asked to set a goal for him/herself. We will work together to accomplish the goal. If you would like to give me input on a goal that you and your child are working on at home, let me know. The more I reinforce what you're doing at home and you reinforce what I'm doing at school, the more success your child will have. We will celebrate each goal as it is achieved.

Train books - 107 and counting!

Rainbow papers - I encourage each child to always do his/her best. Rainbow papers must be done neatly and must have the child's name at the top of the paper. Every 5 rainbow papers earns your child a little prize out of "the box". After Christmas it will take 10 papers to earn a prize and so on until the children will not need a prize in order to do their best work. That's the goal!

Field Trip - We are tentatively planning a field trip to the pumpkin patch in Kennewick on October 14. That's a Wednesday! We will probably be leaving at about 8:45 AM and returning by 11:30 AM. I will send a permission slip home later to confirm this date and time. If you can help drive or supervise for this field trip, let me know as soon as possible!

General Info - My 81-yr.-old mother will be having kidney surgery on Monday, Sept. 28. I will not be at school on Monday afternoon and Tuesday so I can be with her. There will be a substitute covering for me. Please pray for my mom. Surgery at 81 is not always easy!

Thanks to each of you for your support and help. God bless your family!

2009-09-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

For those of you who checked on-line last week, you didn't find the Sept. 10 post. Sorry! My mistake. I forgot to publish it. I'm learning. Keep checking. I'll try to keep it updated each week on Thursday evening.

Memory Verse: We will be spending the next 3 weeks learning the Lord's Prayer. The following are the words that we will learn!

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13

4th week of school update
Hope your family is settling into a somewhat comfortable routine by now. In general, the children are coming to school happy, well-rested, and well-fed. Thank you. If there is anything I can do to make your routine easier, please let me know. My goal is to work with you for the benefit of your child's education.

Breakfast - Bring unfinished breakfast to school. I will have them eat it before they play. I don't provide a snack because I don't want to ruin their lunch.

Counting - We are working on counting to 20. Practice with your child periodically. Some children just miss one number such as "fifteen".

Number recognition - Our goal is that all children will recognize the number 1-10 by the end of the month. 6-10 are the most difficult.

Letter recognition - We learn the letter name and it's sound at the same time. So far we have covered the letters T, S, C, M, and A. We are working on identifying words that begin with those sounds. You might try identifying words that begin with these letters (or any other letters) as you drive in the car.

Math - Along with number recognition and counting, we are working on identifying and making patterns of 2, 3, and 4 objects or colors. Look for patterns everywhere you go.

Science - We are studying about colors during the next 3 weeks. We use discovery in most of our science lessons. I am continually encouraging children to ask questions and look for answers.

Stations - We have 8 stations up and running in our classroom. The stations are areas where children can go to do activities independently. The stations may be done at assigned times or during free time. The station topics include Art, Listening, Science, Math, Computer, Building, Reading, and Logic. Each child is assigned to 5 stations throughout the week. In order to complete all stations, a child must use free time to do 3 of the stations. A reward is given to children who complete all 8 stations during a one-week period.

Train Books - The children have read 76 books so far. Thanks for your encouragement and help.

I hope you each have a great week-end. Your kids are wonderful! Enjoy them while you can. This from a mom who will be sending both her kids off to college next week.

2009-09-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Memory Verse: "Don't get tired of helping others." Galatians 6:9

Train Cars: We have already read 50 books in our class. Thanks again for reading with your kids daily. It gives the children such a jumpstart into school!

School Pictures: Friday, Sept. 18. These will be individual pictures. There will be an order form going home next week.

Volunteers: Thanks for all the volunteers that have stopped by to read with children. 8:30 to 9 AM is the best time if that works for you!

Have a great week-end!

2009-09-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Kindergarten News! Thanks for logging on. Although I will always send a paper copy of the News home each week on Friday, you will always find a copy here at the TCJA website.

Memory Verse: "I always thank God for you." 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

Train Book update: 33 books read so far this year! Amazing! Keep them coming!

Library Books: Due each Wednesday! If your child does not return the book from the previous week, they will not be able to check out a new book!

Backpacks: Thanks for providing a backpack for your child. Remind your child to take his/her train book out of the backpack each day. If your child keeps bringing the same book home each day, it's because he/she isn't unpacking the backpack each morning when he/she arrives at school.

Daily Notes: Let me know if they are helping us communicate better. Unless I have a special message for you, I let your child tell me what was important to him/her that day and I write it on the note. Hope the notes are a springboard for a conversation with your child about what happened at school that day!

Handwriting: Most of the skill papers coming home have been Callirobics papers. This program is intended to help your child relax as he/she writes and colors. It also helps him/her with fluency in writing. If you would like to have your child trace over the lines again at home, go for it! The more practice, the better!

Volunteers wanted: If you would like to come in and help read with individual children you are welcome. We read from about 8:15 to 8:45 each morning. Stop in if you're available any morning.

Happy Labor Day: Enjoy the long week-end with family! Looks like the good weather is with us for the week-end. See you on Tuesday!

May 25, 2009

2009-05-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Our new Memory Verse for this week is Galations 5:22, 23

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

.

May 17, 2009

2009-05-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Memory Verses - Please refer to May 10. We are continuing for one more week on the Romans memory verses due to their length and importance.

Dates to remember: Wednesday, May 20 - Half day of school
Monday, May 25 - Memorial day, no school
Thursday, May 28 - Spring Concert, Upper grades
Thursday, June 4 - PreK-6th grade Program, 6:30 PM
Monday, June 8 - Last day of school
Monday, August 24 - First day of school, register now

If you would like a work packet for your child for the summer, please talk with me soon.

School is winding down too quickly. Please support your child in reaching their goals by reading with them daily. Encourage your child to work hard in the areas where they struggle and continually praise their efforts. The children are building habits for life! Let's work with them and enjoy each victory with them. Point them to Jesus, who gives them strength for each new day!

May 10, 2009

2009-05-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Our new memory verses this week are all from Romans. When put together they make up the gospel.

Romans 3:23 "For all of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but God's gift is eternal life."
Romans 5:8 "But God showed His love for us that while we were sinners, Christ died."
Romans 10:13 "That everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Dates to remember:
May 20, Wednesday - Half day of school
May 25, Monday - Memorial Day, no school
May 26, Tuesday - All library books are due back
June 4, Thursday - End of the year program for elementary grades
June 8, Monday - Last day of school

Thanks for those who were able to bring your children out on Saturday to sing at the Education Rally. I was so proud of each child. They sang out as a group rather than as individuals wanting attention only for themselves. What a blessing!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

2009-04-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Plan to come to the TCJA constituency meeting on Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM. Come hear a report on what's happening at TCJA now and find out what's planned for next year. All are welcome!

Kindergarten students will be going on a field trip to Mac's Garden Center on Thursday, April 30. This is a culminating activity for their math unit in counting money and their science unit on plants and seeds. Each child will be able to select and purchase flowers to be given to their TCJA neighbors on May Day.

On May 1, Kindergarten students will join their 3rd and 4th grade reading partners in delivering May baskets to their TCJA neighbors. The Kindergarten students deliver baskets each May Day to spread cheer to their neighbors. Happy May Day to each one of you!

One May 5, TCJA is having a track and field day. Kindergarten will be joining Pre-K students at a park for races, games, and a picnic. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students are not yet old enough to compete for awards in TCJA's regular track and field day.

March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you who checked the Kindergarten News. As more parents began using the website, I will be able to communicate more effectively. This is all new to me, so be patient with the lapses between updates.

I hope you all have a great Spring break. It's nice the weather has cooperated to make us feel as though Spring is truly here! I hope each of you can spend some special time together as a family!

Don't forget to sign up for Parent/Teacher conferences coming up April 8, 9.

Class pictures will be taken Wednesday, April 1 (no joke). I hope all students will be able to be at school on that day!

Visitation Day for Pre/K through 2nd grade will be April 6. Please let us know if there are some students that should receive personal invitations to this event. We don't want anyone to be left out.

Keep praying for our school on a daily basis. Our most valuable resource is our children. We want them to see Jesus here at TCJA. It's only through the presence of the Holy Spirit that this can happen.

Kindergarten News

2009-03-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

March 2, 2009

It's good to see the calendar change to March. To me it means Spring is almost here! I look forward to new growth out in nature, vivid colors, and warmer days! But without the gray and cold of winter, Spring would not look as bright!

We have completed our "Brrr, It's Cold" unit just in time for Spring. I have enjoyed piloting the unit and have learned a lot. I am, however, looking forward to a little more relaxing prep time as I use some of my already developed materials.

For the next three weeks, until Spring Break, March 19 - 27, our memory verse is:

Matthew 5:9 (NIV) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

During this time we will also continue to memorize Psalm 23. The children have been doing very well in singing the song. I would like them to perform it someplace in April. If you would like the children to come to your church to sing Psalm 23, please talk with me soon and we can possibly make those arrangements. I know I am blessed by the children's singing. I would like to share that blessing!

I am currently compiling a list of prospective Kindergarten students for the 2009-10 school year. Our visitation day is April 6. If you know of any students that might benefit from the TCJA Kindergarten program, please encourage them to call Mrs. Hibbs at the TCJA office to get on the list. They will receive a personal invitation to the visitation day. For those children moving on into 1st grade, April 6 is move-up day. They will get to spend the morning in Mrs. Canaday's classroom! As much as I will miss our current kindergarten class, I am proud of each one's accomplishments this year.

Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up April 8 & 9. I enjoy meeting with each of you at conference time. We had 100% participation at the conferences in the fall! Your involvement is crucial to your child's progress at school. Keep in mind that you can talk to me any time you have a question about your child's progress. Come by after school or give me a call! You don't need to wait until conference time.