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Hi KA families,

Here we are, almost to April!  I am so proud of all the work your children have been doing at home.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, for helping them continue in their learning during this challenging time.  I pray that I will be able to see you all in person soon, I miss the class so much!  I am so happy to see you reading your books, writing in your journals, practicing your math, playing outside for PE and recess, saying your morning prayers, and creating awesome art projects (many thanks to Mrs. Geppert for recording these!)  Keep sending me pictures and I will continue to add them to our “KA class family album!”  I love what you are coming up with for the heart challenge too- I will share these when they come in.

How are things going in week 3 of remote learning?  Is your family developing a routine?  Are new challenges popping up?  Please keep me updated about how things are going, both with school and with life.  I am here to support you in any way I can!

Friday we have a Zoom meeting scheduled at 12:00 noon.  It is one of our KA friend’s birthday on Friday- I am excited that we can come together and sing to her remotely!  This will be a “show and tell” sharing time as well, so please have your child think about something they would like to share- it could be a project, a toy, a pet, anything!  I know there have been lots of wiggly teeth too- any more lost teeth??  The information for the Zoom meeting is below.  I will post it in the google classroom as well. 

I will continue to pray daily for you, your children, and your families.  Stay safe and healthy, and may there be peace in your homes.

God bless,

Mrs. Katie White

 

Hello KA Families,

Keep up the great work at home, and please let me know if you are running into any difficulties.  I am here to help and support you in any way I can.

• I loved seeing many of our classmates in the Zoom meeting today- we will try to these at least once per week.  I will try to alternate morning and afternoon/evening times, just to accommodate different schedules.  These are optional, and just for fun!
• Tomorrow we will be observing the marigolds and sunflowers for “week 3”!  I can’t wait to see how they have been growing.  I usually suggest that the students continue to grow them indoors until the weather warms up a little bit (no more frosty nights!)  Then when the risk of frost has past, you can plant them outdoors in the ground or in a larger container.
• You may have noticed that the assignments have been “graded and returned” in google classroom.  Please note that these grades are just to show completion, i.e. if your child has turned everything in for the day he/she will have 100%.  However, if there are things your child needs to work on (backward letters or numbers, completing writing, etc.) I will usually type these in the comments.  If you have questions about this please let me know.
• There are some “extra resources” available in the google classroom- if your child is done quickly and you would like them to do some extra academic work, feel free to check these out.  However, don’t underestimate the power of playtime!  Be sure your child has plenty of time to explore and learn through free play – building, imagining, creating, etc.  I am happy to see all the great PE activities they have been doing as well!

Please keep me posted about how things are going! You are all in my prayers- praying for health and peace in all your families,

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten Teacher

Hi KA families,

How are you all feeling after the first day of online school?  How is your child(ren) feeling?

I have to give you all a huge THANK YOU for logging in today- EVERY KA student was able to log attendance!  Hurray, what a great start!

I received many of your assignments already, great job!  Remember you can upload a photo or scan into the google classroom to turn it in, or you can email it to me too.  (*If you upload through google classroom, make sure that file(s) attach.  There were a couple of people who submitted “empty” assignments accidentally.  I have emailed you if that was the case and you will need to re-send).  If you haven’t submitted today’s assignments yet, please do so by midnight tonight.

Each day, after logging attendance, please watch the MORNING MEETING video first, for prayer and announcements.  Then watch the NEXT video to hear instructions for written work and other activities for the day.  Please note that some of the papers have specific instructions that are detailed in the video.  Each day I will also include some supplemental links such as online activities, videos, games, or practice.

Some of you have asked about the monthly homework calendar for March.  Please continue to work on this as you would normally (calendar activities and reading log).  I will ask you to submit the homework at the end of the month.

I’d love to keep a social and emotional link among our class as much as possible!  If your child has news to share (lost tooth, etc.), a special prayer intention, etc. please let me know and I will include it in the morning meeting.  I’d love to hear about family activities you are doing as well- backyard games, cooking together, science experiments, etc!  We can share ideas and pictures for the class!

I welcome any feedback or input you may have.  This is new to all of us, and I am learning right along with you.  Of course if you run into any problems, or have questions, please let me know!  I am here to help you and support you and your family. 

Take care, stay well, and God bless,

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten Teacher

 

Hello KA Families,

As you have already heard from Mr. Ramseyer, SMM will be closed for the next two weeks at minimum.  It is very possible that this timeframe may be extended, so please check your emails from the school regularly.

Please rest assured that the teachers have been hard at work planning the best possible ways to keep your children engaged, learning, and moving forward in their academic skills while we are closed.  However, with our young learners in kindergarten, a parent partnership is vital!  I am here to support you as you guide your students, and please reach out with any and all questions that come up along the way.

Here is our current plan for kindergarten during the closure.

• Tomorrow (Friday 3/13) please come to the KA classroom to pick up your child’s papers for the next two weeks.  These packets will be available during my office hours of 8:00-9:30 am or 2:30-3:15 pm.  I will also scan these papers and upload them daily to google classroom.

 

• Make sure your family can log on to the KA google classroom, using your child’s log on information.  I sent this yesterday, but if you need me to re-send, please let me know.
• Each school day during the closure, your child will need to check in online to the google classroom for daily attendance.  This is mandatory.  Your child may check in for attendance any time before 3:00pm.  Attendance will be recorded each school day.
• Each day I will provide an daily outline of on-line learning for the KA class.  This may include links to videos, activities, resources, etc.  I will also outline which papers should be completed each day.  Online activities may be completed at any time during the day.
• Written papers and schoolwork should be submitted to the teacher via google classroom or email.  You may scan the papers or take a photo.  On-going progress checks will be recorded to demonstrated progress.

This is a new process for all of us, and please know we are doing all we can to ensure that learning can continue to prepare your child for the rest of the year and for their first grade year.  Questions will come up, so please don’t hesitate to ask.  I am here for your child and your family.

Stay healthy and safe, and please know that I will be missing seeing all the smiling faces every day!  God bless,

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten Teacher

Hello KA Families,

Next week in KA, we will focus on the letter Uu and the sight words “here” and “was”. (We are also practicing “this” and “what” which are sometimes tricky words to remember!) In math, we are working on larger numbers, including teens, twenties, and beyond.  We will also begin addition in March.   In science, we will begin our unit on plants!  In religion, we are working on memorizing the Our Father prayer independently.

Please note Mrs. White and Mrs. Geppert check homework each Friday, please make sure your child is completing the assigned activities!

Coming Up:

• • Friday March 13^th – no school (professional development day)
  • Tuesday March 17^th– St. Patrick’s Day, wear green!  Please join us in the afternoon for the annual SMM “parade”.
  • Friday April 10^th– Good Friday, Kindergarten will attend “Living Stations of the Cross” as portrayed by the 8^th grade class
  • Spring Break April 13-17, No School

• Wednesday April 22- Kindergarten will begin attending school mass in the church each Wednesday with the school.  We will sit with our 6^th grade buddies.  On Wednesdays please make sure your child arrives on time (the bell rings at 8:15!), uses the bathroom beforehand, and wears a full uniform, including a green vest. 

 

• Save the date!  Our Fire Station field trip is scheduled for Tuesday May 12^th.  If you would like to drive/chaperone please let me know ahead of time!  Thank you in advance.

Classroom reminders:

• Our class could use new batches of homemade play-doh!  If you would like to earn some volunteer hours, please consider make a batch (or a few) for our classroom use.  Thank you! There are many easy recipes online, here is one I have used before with success. https://www.iheartnaptime.net/play-dough-recipe/
• Please make sure to let us know if your child is sick or has an appointment.  If your child will be missing school, you can use the attendance link on the SMM website  https://stmarym.org/tardyabsent/ OR you can email Mrs. White and c.c. Mrs. Lupian in the office.
• Please remember our classroom is nut-free!  Please make sure your child has a weather-appropriate coat or jacket every day, and a refillable water bottle every day!  Thank you.

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

Hello KA Families,

Lent is here!  What does your family do to recognize this important liturgical season?  Students received Rice Bowls through Catholic Relief Services, and have been encouraged to do some extra chores at home to earn some coins for the Rice Bowl collection.  Rice Bowls can be returned to church during Lent, or to the classroom.  We will make sure all Rice Bowl collections are turned in by Palm Sunday.

KA will be attending the “Living Stations of the Cross” with the school on Good Friday.  Our kindergarten class is looking forward to joining the rest of the school for weekly Wednesday masses after Easter in the new church!  When we attend mass after Easter, we will sit with our 6^th grade buddies.

Next week in KA, we will focus on the letter Kk and the sight words “little” and “said”. (We are also practicing “this” and “what” which are sometimes tricky words to remember!) In math, we are working on larger numbers, including teens, twenties, and beyond.  We will also begin addition in March!   “Read Across America” Day is Monday March 2. Students are invited to bring books from home to read in class, and they may also bring a (small) pillow or blanket to cuddle up with while they read.

Please note Mrs. White and Mrs. Geppert check homework each Friday, please make sure your child is completing the assigned activities!

Coming Up:

• “Read Across America” Day is Monday March 2. Students are invited to bring books from home to read in class, and they may also bring a (small) pillow or blanket to cuddle up with while they read. 

 

• Save the date!  Our Fire Station field trip is scheduled for Tuesday May 12^th.  If you would like to drive/chaperone please let me know ahead of time!  Thank you in advance.

Classroom reminders:

Please make sure to let us know if your child is sick or has an appointment.  If your child will be missing school, you can use the attendance link on the SMM website  https://stmarym.org/tardyabsent/ OR you can email Mrs. White and c.c. Mrs. Lupian in the office.

Please remember our classroom is nut-free!  Please make sure your child has a weather-appropriate coat or jacket every day, and a refillable water bottle every day!  Thank you.

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

Hello KA Families,

We had such a great time celebrating the 100^th day of school today!  Our students are 100 days smarter, 100 days stronger, and 100 days closer to being first graders!  Check out our pictures on the KA Instagram, kakindofday. 

Lent is nearly here!  Although our class will not be attending school masses until the church construction is complete after Easter this year, we will still be learning about Ash Wednesday and Lent in the classroom.  (Please note that if your family is attending one of the Ash Wednesday masses, and you would like your kindergartener to attend with you, you may sign them out and then back in at the office.  There are masses at 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.  The school mass is at 11:00 and will be quite crowded!)  We will look forward to joining the rest of the school for Wednesday masses after Easter in the new church!

Next week in KA, we will review the letters Ee, Bb and Ll, and the sight words “what” and “and”. In math, we are working on larger numbers, including teens, twenties, and beyond.  In religion we will be learning about Ash Wednesday and Lent.  Please note that February homework is due on Friday.  Mrs. White and Mrs. Geppert check homework each Friday.  New March Homework packet will be coming home on Friday 2/28.

Coming Up:

-2/21 Movie Night Tonight!  Toy Story 4 in Parish Hall at 6:00 pm.  Movie is free.  Food for sale, proceeds to go the drama club.

-2/25 Peace Day: students may wear their blue SMM Peace shirts, or regular uniform. 

-2/26- Ash Wednesday

Classroom reminders:

Please make sure to let us know if your child is sick or has an appointment.  If your child will be missing school, you can use the attendance link on the SMM website  https://stmarym.org/tardyabsent/ OR you can email Mrs. White and c.c. Mrs. Lupian in the office.

Please remember our classroom is nut-free!  Please make sure your child has a weather-appropriate coat or jacket every day, and a refillable water bottle every day!  Thank you.

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

 

Hello KA Families,

Happy Valentine’s Day!  We had a great celebration today- making pictures for our families, frosting cookies, playing Bingo, and passing out Valentines.  Many thanks to our parent helpers for volunteering to help.  The kids had a wonderful time! 

Next week in KA, we will focus on the letters Bb and Ll, and the sight words “what” and “and”. In math, we are working on larger numbers, including teens, twenties, and beyond.  In preparation for the 100^th day of school, we have been working with a 100 chart to look for patterns and practice writing numbers.  In social studies, we will learn about our first president, George Washington, and discuss how life was different over 200 years ago. 

Coming Up:

-2/20 Be Irish Day: students may wear their green SMM Be Irish shirts, or regular uniform.

-2/21 Our 100^th day of school will be on Feb. 21^st.  This is an exciting celebration of math and learning!  Kindergarteners will have an (optional) opportunity to dress up too- like we are 100 years old!  We will get to have a counting parade, we will eat 100 snacks (!), and our class will even write 100 words! 

-2/25 Peace Day: students may wear their blue SMM Peace shirts, or regular uniform. 

Classroom reminders:

Please make sure to let us know if your child is sick or has an appointment.  If your child will be missing school, you can use the attendance link on the SMM website  https://stmarym.org/tardyabsent/ OR you can email Mrs. White and c.c. Mrs. Lupian in the office.

Please remember our classroom is nut-free!  Please make sure your child has a weather-appropriate coat or jacket every day, and a refillable water bottle every day!  Thank you.

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

Mrs. Katie White

Kindergarten Teacher

 

Hello KA Families,

Wow, we have officially passed the halfway point for the school year!  It is so exciting to see how much your children have already grown this year, in academics, social-emotional skills, and independence in the classroom.  They will be first-grade-ready before you know it!  What kind of growth have you witnessed at home since school has started? 

Next week in KA, we will focus on the letter Ee, and the sight words “this” and “do”. In math, we are working on larger numbers, including teens, twenties, and beyond.  In preparation for the 100^th day of school, we are have been working with a 100 chart to look for patterns and practice writing numbers.  In writing, students will be increasing their level of independence in writing, applying our knowledge of sight words, letter sounds, and best guess kindergarten spelling.  In religion, we will be learning about Saint Valentine and sharing love and friendship with others.  In science, we have been learning about pets. 

Coming Up:

-Tomorrow (Friday 2/7) is First Friday.  St. Vincent de Paul food drive is asking for soup or tuna, or any nonperishable food donatation.  Free Dress. 

-We will celebrate Valentine’s Day in class on Feb. 13^th.  If your child would like to bring Valentine cards for the class, please make sure they have enough for each students.  We have 16 students in class.  Students do not need to put names on each Valentine, but can if they would like to.  (If you would like a class list, please let me know.) 

-Our 100^th day of school will be on Feb. 21^st.  This is an exciting celebration of math and learning!  Kindergarteners will have an (optional) opportunity to dress up too- like we are 100 years old! 

-Thank you to those of you who already signed up to bring items or volunteer! Here is the sign-up link: https://signup.com/go/jeRWqvC   It looks like we could still use another volunteer for our Valentine Celebration- if you have taken the Virtus class and would like to help out, please let me know!

Classroom reminders:

Please make sure to let us know if your child is sick or has an appointment.  If your child will be missing school, you can use the attendance link on the SMM website  https://stmarym.org/tardyabsent/ OR you can email Mrs. White and c.c. Mrs. Lupian in the office.

Please remember our classroom is nut-free!  Please make sure your child has a weather-appropriate coat or jacket every day, and a refillable water bottle every day!  Thank you.

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

 

Hello KA Families,

The 7^th grade Medieval Guild Faire is this Monday Feb. 3^rd . They will be selling food and craft items, as well as have games and prizes.  We will visit the Guild Faire after lunch, and students will have a chance to purchase items and play games.  If you choose, you may send money (about $2 to $5 is probably plenty) with your child on Monday in a labeled baggie.

This week in KA, we will be reviewing the letters Hh, Dd and Rr, and the sight words “are, “for” and “you”.  In math, we are working on larger numbers, including teens and twenties.  In writing, students will be increasing their level of independence in writing, applying our knowledge of sight words, letter sounds, and best guess kindergarten spelling.

Coming Up:

-We will celebrate Valentine’s Day in class on Feb. 13^th.  If your child would like to bring Valentine cards for the class, please make sure they have enough for each students.  We have 16 students in class.  Students do not need to put names on each Valentine, but can if they would like to.  (If you would like a class list, please let me know.)

-Our 100^th day of school will be on Feb. 21^st.  This is an exciting celebration of math and learning!  Kindergarteners will have an (optional) opportunity to dress up too- like we are 100 years old!

-Thank you to those of you who already signed up to bring items or volunteer! Here is the sign-up link: https://signup.com/go/jeRWqvC 

Classroom reminders:

Please make sure to let us know if your child is sick or has an appointment.  If your child will be missing school, you can use the attendance link on the SMM website  https://stmarym.org/tardyabsent/ OR you can email Mrs. White and c.c. Mrs. Lupian in the office.

Please remember our classroom is nut-free!  Please make sure your child has a weather-appropriate coat or jacket every day, and a refillable water bottle every day!  Thank you.

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