Author: White, Katie

Hello KA families,

I hope you all have a blessed Easter and a great spring break!

There will be no homework over spring break; enjoy the extra family time together.

The parish is having an Easter egg hunt following the noon mass this Sunday for all children.

When we return, our new sight words will be “has” and “look” and we will be focusing on the letter Xx as an ending sound.  We will be learning about Earth day when we return on Monday the 24^th.

Hello KA Parents,

Wow, I cannot believe that it is nearly Holy Week!  This coming week, we will be learning more about Jesus’s last days, his death, and resurrection.  We will make a stations of the cross book, and attend the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.  Join us if you can, at 11:00 in the church!

In reading this week, we will be introducing the sight words “he” and “she” and focusing on the letters Gg and Ww.  In math this week, we will be working on larger number patterns, and we will continue to work on counting by twos, fives, and tens.  In social studies, Ms. Garcia will be talking to us about careers!  In science, we will complete our final plant observations and learn about caterpillars.  (Plants will be coming home this week!  They will do well by a sunny window until it gets warmer outside, and then can be transplanted outdoors if you wish.)

Report cards went home in folders today.  Please sign the envelope and return, you may keep the report card itself.

Scholastic book orders also went home today.  They are due next week, April 14^th.  This will be the last classroom order for the year.  You can order online with the code at the top, or return to Mrs. White with a check.

Rice bowls can be returned to the classroom this week, or bring to mass Easter weekend.

Thank you for returning all permission slips for our upcoming field trip!  I have the following parent drivers: Bindas (4), Cless (5) , Gade (3), Lam (3), Pierson(2), Siep (1), Thuyns (2).  Thank you for volunteering your time!

KA classroom request: We do our best to keep our classroom clean and healthy, but we are running low on paper towels!  Would you please consider donating a roll or two to help us get through the end of the year?

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Families,

Where did March go?  I hope that April brings more spring weather and sunshine!

We have been experiencing much excitement in the classroom, as our marigold and sunflower seeds have begun to sprout!  Each day brings new life!  The students are becoming experts in the life cycle of plants.  This week we will have a special culminating activity: we will “eat a whole plant!”  We will have an opportunity to eat foods that come from different parts of plants:  roots (carrots), stems (celery), flowers (broccoli), leaves (spinach), and seed (sunflower seeds.)  It is always a fun and memorable learning experience.  We will draw and label these, and write about our favorites.

In religion this week, we will be learning about Palm Sunday.  In math this week, we are working on larger numbers, number patterns, and counting by twos, fives, and tens.  In reading this week, we are focusing on the letters Kk, Ll, and Uu and reviewing the sight words “little”, “said”, “here”, and “was”.

Reminders:

• Class pictures are on Tuesday.  Students need to be wearing full uniform.  This includes a green uniform vest, sweater, or sweatshirt.
• If you would like to order pizza for your child on Wednesday, you must pre-order online by Monday.  Here is the link: https://stmarym.org/pizza-order/
• As the weather warms up, students often get warm and take off their jackets and uniform sweaters.  Please make sure to label all sweaters/sweatshirts/vests/jackets/coats with your child’s name!
• Also, make sure to send a refillable water bottle with your child each day;  We are active and busy, and students get thirsty throughout the school day!

Upcoming dates:

• Tuesday April 4^th– Class pictures (uniform).  Forms and money due by that morning if you would like to order pictures.
• Friday April 14^th– Good Friday.  “Living” Stations of the Cross at 11:00. Kindergarten will attend, please feel free to join us if you can!  The 8^th graders always do a very nice job reenacting the stations of the cross.  Early dismissal, 12:00.
• April 17-21- Spring Break
• Thursday May 4^th– Kindergarten Field Trip to Fire Station One.  (I am still missing 1 permission slip, please send in by Monday!  I also could use one more driver.)

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know!  Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Parents, and Happy Friday!

I hope to see you tomorrow evening at SMM Shenanigans!  If you haven’t already purchased tickets, there will be tickets available at the door.  Don’t have a babysitter?  (Neither do I!) Make it a mom’s night out and have dad stay home with the kiddos, or vice versa!

This past week we have been working on our third quarter assessments in reading and math.  It is apparent that the students have really “sprung forward” in their learning!  I am so proud of their hard work.  Report cards will be coming home April 7^th.

This week we will be focusing on the letter Uu and the sight words “here” and “was.”  In math, we will be working with numbers beyond twenty, and counting by fives.  In science, we will continue observing the seeds we planted (sunflower and marigold).  In social studies and religion, we will continue our kindness campaign and doing the work of Jesus with our hands, head, and heart.  We will have a counseling lesson with Ms. Garcia, and a special art docent lesson about Pablo Picasso.

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday April 4^th– Class pictures (uniform).  The photo order form went home in your child’s folder today.

Friday April 14^th– Good Friday.  “Living” Stations of the Cross at 11:00. Kindergarten will attend, please feel free to join us if you can!  The 8^th graders always do a very nice job reenacting the stations of the cross.  Early dismissal, 12:00.

April 17-21- Spring Break

Thursday May 4^th– Kindergarten Field Trip to Fire Station One.  (I am still missing 4 permission slips, please send these in by Monday!  I also could use one more driver.)

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know!

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Parents,

Please return field trip permission slips as soon as possible; I have only received half of the permission slips.  Also, we need more drivers!  If we do not get enough drivers, we will not be able to visit the fire station.

I hope to see you at “parents night out” at the SMM Shenanigans next Saturday March 25.  If you haven’t already purchased your ticket, here is the link: https://stmarym.ejoinme.org/2017

This week in reading, we will be focusing on the letter Kk and the sight words “little” and “said.”  We will be reading about different types of seeds.  In science, we will be observing seeds and soon will be planting seeds in the classroom as well!  In math, we will be working with dimes and pennies to count by tens and ones.  We will also begin our unit on estimation.  In religion, we continue our study of Lent and are focusing on showing kindness.

Have a great weekend, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns,

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Parents,

It must be almost spring.  The KA students are showing so much growth in their learning; they amaze me every day!  Independent reading and writing have really started taking off, and it is so exciting to see them wanting to write more and more!  I think they are experiencing spring growth spurts too.  If your child has been more hungry than usual, be sure to pack an extra bit of lunch or snack.  On a similar note, spring time often brings later bedtimes with more hours of daylight in the day.  Please make sure that your child is getting adequate rest at night, to be ready to learn and thrive at school each day.  Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that five-year-old children need 10-12 hours of sleep per night?

We have an exciting week coming up, with St. Patrick’s Day on Friday!  We will be learning about St. Patrick’s life and legacy.  On Friday, the school will have a parade at 1:15 followed by an assembly in the parish hall.  Be sure your child wears green!  Come join us if you can!  I’ll be sure to post photos on our class Instagram “kakindofday” as well.

In reading this week, we will be reviewing letters Bb and Ll, and sight words “and” and “what”.  In math, we will be working on teen numbers, and counting by tens.  We will have our second Touching Safety lesson, which helps students identify what to do if someone makes them feel unsafe.  We will also have a guest speaker, a dentist, who will teach us about dental health!

Planning ahead:

We will go on a Field Trip to Fire Station One in Everett on Thursday May 4^th.  We will leave at 8:50, return to school at 10:30.  Please complete the permission slip, and let me know if you can drive and chaperone!

Upcoming dates:

Fri. March 17- SMM Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, wear green!

Sat. March 25- SMM Shenanigans, an adults-only auction event.  Hope to see you there!  For more information or to buy tickets, click here: https://stmarym.org/shenanigans/

Fri. April 15- Good Friday. Kindergarten will attend the Living Stations of the Cross at 11:00.  Early dismissal at 12:00.

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!

Hello KA Parents,

Happy March!

Next week in reading, we will be focusing on the letters Bb and Ll, and learning the sight words “and” and “what”.  In math, we will be working on counting larger numbers and graphing.  Students will also take an addition/subtraction assessment.  In science and social studies, we will be studying weather.  In religion, we continue to learn about Lent.  We are learning how we all can use our hands, head, and heart to do the work of Jesus.

Your child brought home a Rice Bowl this week from Catholic Relief Services.  These are for the children to collect pennies or coins during Lent, to help feed the hungry worldwide.  If you choose to participate, children can bring these back to school any time before Good Friday, or your family can bring it to Easter mass and include it in the church collection basket.

KA Request:  We have been doing so many art projects this year, our watercolors are running low.  If you see Crayola Watercolors on sale, would  you please consider picking up an extra set or two for our classroom? Thank you!  (Bonus: every $15 spent counts as one volunteer hour!)

Upcoming Events:

• Saturday March 4^th– Free Family Event at SMM, Family Masquerade Ball 6-9pm in the parish hall
• Friday March 10^th– No School, Teacher in-service day
• Friday March 17^th– St. Patrick’s Day parade. Students may dress in green!
• Tuesday March 21^st– SMM school skating party at Skate Deck in Everett.  6:30-8:30 pm
• Saturday March 25^th– SMM Shenanigans- adults-only school auction event at Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish. I hope to see you there!  Link to purchase tickets: https://stmarym.ejoinme.org/2017

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Parents,

Lent begins this week, on Ash Wednesday.  We will be learning about the significance of Ash Wednesday, and receiving ashes at mass.  Kindergarteners will learn about how Lent is a time of extra prayer and thoughtfulness about Jesus.  We will discuss how many people choose to “give something up” as a sign of sacrifice, and how some people choose to “do something extra” as a sign of working to be more like Jesus. (* Please note that although the rest of the school will be attending Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent, kindergarten attends ONLY on Good Friday.)  Students will begin a Good Deeds Chart in class, which will last throughout the 40 days of Lent.

This week in reading, we will be working on the letter Ee and the sight words “this” and “do.” In math, we will be taking an assessment on addition and subtraction.  In social studies

we will learn about the life and work of Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss). On Wednesday we will make a special Cat in the Hat art project, read many classic Dr. Seuss stories, and have a “read in” with books from home for Read Across America day.  In religion, we will be learning about Ash Wednesday and Lent.  We will also have a lesson with Ms. Garcia, our school counselor, this week.

Coming up:

March 1- Ash Wednesday, Mass at 10:00

March 2- Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America day.  On Thursday, your child can bring a small pillow or blanket (must fit in their backpack) and some of their own books from home to read! 

March 3- SVDP Food Drive (they are requesting cereal, but will happily take any non-perishable food items).  Please note this is NOT a free dress day.

March 10- No School, teacher in-service day

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Parents,

I hope you are having a great weekend so far, and enjoy the President’s Day holiday.

We have a short but busy week coming up!  We are celebrating the 100^th day of school on Thursday!  Thank you to those of you that have already signed up to bring items for our special 100^th day snack.  There are still a few things we need, though!  Check out the sign up at http://signup.com/go/9zy3Sn .

On the 100^th day (Thursday), your kindergartener may dress up like he/she is 100 years old!  If they chose not to, they should wear regular uniform.  I will try to take lots of pictures of our costumes and activities throughout the day.  Check out our private class Instagram at “kakindofday” to see them all!

This week in math, we will be working on all things related to 100!  We will be counting by ones and tens, working on 100 charts, and playing many math games!  We will also begin learning about the relationship between addition and subtraction (continuing into next week).

In reading, we will be reading 100 books, writing 100 words, and writing about 100 things.  We will also introduce the letter Ee and the sight words “this” and “do” (continuing into next week).

In social studies, we will learn about Black History Month. We will also have a special lesson with Mrs. Geppert as art docent.

*Reminder!  Does your child have an overdue school library book?  Please send any school library books back by Thursday.  Check-outs are for one week only, and we have library on Thursdays each week.

Coming up:

No School Monday or Tuesday- see you Wednesday!

Ash Wednesday is March 1^st.  We will attend mass, and receive ashes, at 10:00 that day.

March 2^nd is Dr. Seuss Day/ Read Across America!  We will have a special reading celebration that day.

March 10^th– No school, teacher in-service day.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know!

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher

Hello KA Parents,

I cannot believe how quickly February is flying by!  This will be a fun and busy week, with Valentine’s Day on Tuesday.

This week in KA we will be focusing on the words “are”, “for”, and “you”, and the letters Hh, Dd, and Rr. We will continue to work on more independent reading and writing strategies.  In math, we will continue to practice subtraction, and begin learning about the relationship of composing/decomposing numbers using addition and subtraction. We have been using many different manipulative math tools such as counters and sliding number lines.

In science, we have been observing objects with magnifying glasses to compare their physical properties.  We also have been comparing the weight of objects using the balance scale.  This week, we will make predictions and test the buoyancy of objects in water.  In religion, we will be learning about Saint Valentine, and how Jesus teaches us to love each other as He loves us. We will also be discussing the part of the mass. In social studies, we will learn about Presidents Day on Friday, in preparation for the holiday coming up on the 20th.

Important reminders:

• If your child plans to bring Valentine cards for our party on Tuesday, please make sure to have enough for all classmates.  We have 20 students in our class.  Valentine’s Day will be a free dress day, if students wear Valentines Colors (red, white, or pink).  Thank you to those who signed up to bring items for our party!
• Remember the Capital Campaign penny boxes that were sent home in the fall?  These will be collected this week, and presented at mass.  If you have one at home, please send it to class by the 15^th!  If you no longer have your box, but would still like to contribute coins, it is OK to put them in a baggie as well.
• The 100^th day of school is coming up on Feb. 23!  Please see the green flier attached to your child’s homework packet for information about dressing up.  (This is optional.  If your child doesn’t choose to dress up, he/she can wear uniform). Also, please note the blank yellow cardstock paper in the homework packet: your child will count and glue on 100 of the same items.  These will be displayed in the hallway. Be creative and have fun!

Upcoming dates:

-Feb. 14^th– KA Valentines Party, 1:50 pm (free dress red/white/pink)

-Feb. 15^th– Penny boxes due

-Feb. 20^th and 21^st– NO SCHOOL, Presidents Day/ Midwinter break

-Feb. 23^rd– 100^th day of school (KA may dress up as 100 years old!)

-March 1^st – Ash Wednesday

March 10^th– No School, teacher inservice day

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know!

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten teacher