Kael

Kael was our other mystery reader on Friday. He read the book Alligator Baby. He read with excellent expression and the kids thought his book was really funny...they were laughing out loud!! Thanks for reading to us Kael -- you did a super job!!

Hunter

Hunter was one of our mystery readers on Friday. He read the book Wheels and did a super job!! Keep up the good work Hunter!

Mega party volunteers

We have our Mega Party on Wednesday, December 22nd from 12:30-1:50. We have the party with the other 2nd grade sections and all of the 3rd grade sections.

If anyone is interested in volunteering to help us watch kids during that time please contact me. It's helpful to have other adults work at the stations and to help students so the teachers can walk around the gym taking pictures and watching all of the students. If you are able to volunteer please let me know. Thank you in advance for your help!!!

Games

With the recent cold weather we have had several indoor recesses. I have noticed that my games are quite old and are looking a bit worn. So...I didn't know if anyone had any games laying around their houses that weren't really being used and are still in decent shape. It you have anything like that I would gladly take donations!! If you happen to get shopping and see any new games that are reasonable I would gladly accept those as well :)

2nd Trip to the Nursing Homes

We went to the nursing homes again today to deliver our Christmas presents, sing songs, and read to the residents. Everyone did a fabulous job!! I split our class into 2 groups again and one went with me and the other group went with Deb. I took pictures of the students that were in my group.

Thanks to everyone who bought presents for the residents. I appreciate it and the nursing homes appreciate it as well!!!

Libby

Libby read Never Babysit the Hippopotamuses and did an excellent job. She must have practiced a lot because she was very fluent and used good expression. Great job Libby!!

Taree Jo

Some of your children may have mentioned that Taree Jo moved away...this is true. She and her family moved up near Minneapolis to be closer to her mom's family. She moved right before Thanksgiving break and we never got to really say good-bye to her because her mom was also quite sick at the time. A lot of students are really sad that they did not get to say goodbye to her.

On a sad note, you may have also heard that Kim, Taree Jo's mom passed away last Friday. She had been battling cancer for quite a while. We had a class meeting today and discussed what it feels like to lose someone close. I shared a book with the students and I explained that it's OK to be sad and even cry when someone passes away. Students did quite well with this and they knew it would be OK to have special memories and pictures of a lost family member or friend. I did have some students that were upset and sad that Taree Jo's mom had passed away.

I talked with Terry, Taree Jo's dad today and he said they are having a celebration of life for Kim. It will be this Saturday, December 11th, at The Oaks restaurant in Decorah. The celebration ceremony starts at 1:30 and Terry said that will last about an hour. Following the ceremony will be time to visit with the family. Terry said anyone from Taree's Jo's class is welcome to come and see Taree Jo.

Brrrrrrr!!!

Welcome to winter!!! I guess winter decided it needed to arrive with a bang this year!! Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for recesses. Proper clothes need to include snowpants, boots, a warm coat, hat, mittens, etc. I still have kids coming to school without boots and/or snowpants. Unless the temperature is -0 we will always go out for recess.

Also, our building is usually cold in the winter so it's a good idea to keep an extra sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt at school. Finallly, it might be a good idea to send extra clothes to school in case their others get wet: socks, gloves, pants.

Thanks for your help and support!!

Jenna

Jenna was our mystery reader on Friday. She did a great job!! I have decided to do 2 mystery readers each week from now on. Good luck readers!