Gondek's Groovy Group

Picnic Reminder!

Mrs. Gondek’s End of Year Picnic

Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009

Time: 11:00am

Place:

East

Cobb

Park

3322 Roswell Rd

Marietta

,

GA

30062-5561

Who: Mrs. Gondek’s Class (Children and their Parents)

 

 

We'll see you there!

 

May 4, 2009

  

Dear Parents,

I will continue the end of year assessments and final elements of the first grade curriculum...we'll still we working hard!  Here's what we'll be covering:

Literacy - review spelling patterns, contractions, nouns, verbs, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, writing 5* sentences, punctuation, reading, comprehension activities.  Author study - Kevin Henkes.  Responding to literature.  Fact and opinion.

Math - math facts to 18 (addition and subtraction), addition and subtraction with 2-digit numbers (no re-grouping), measurement (length, weight and capacity).

Social Studies - American folktales.  Consumers and producers.  Benefits of saving and spending.

Science - Needs of plants and animals.

Character Education: Wisdom - Good judgement; ability to make reasoned decisions; insight.

Reminder for Field Day (Thursday)

Please remember to:

1. Dress your child in clothes that are appropriate for the temperature.

2. Make sure your child has on socks and tennis shoes.

3. Apply sunscreen to your child before school.

4. Some of the events may use water. Some students may need to bring extra

   socks/clothes.

5. Water bottles are optional.

 Important Information:

1. Homework due on Friday each week.
2. All library books are due THIS week. 
3. Please make sure that your child brings his/her guided reading book to school every day.
4. Field Day - You are welcome to join us from 10:40 - 11:40 am.
5. Lunch on Thursday - 11:53 - 12:23
6. Lunch on Friday - 11:47 - 12:17
7. Class picnic on Sunday, May 17 at East Cobb Park, 11:00am 

We Did It!

Dear Parents,

We made it through the CRCT's.  The children really tried hard and didn't complain at all!  Thanks for making sure they arrived at school well-rested, on time and having eaten a good breakfast.

The next few weeks will be filled with end of year assessments and final elements of the first grade curriculum...we'll still we working hard!  Here's what we'll be covering:

Literacy - review spelling patterns, contractions, nouns, verbs, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, writing 5* sentences, punctuation, reading, comprehension activities.  Author study - Kevin Henkes.  Responding to literature.

Math - math facts to 18 (addition and subtraction), addition and subtraction with 2-digit numbers (no re-grouping), measurement (length, weight and capacity).

Social Studies - American folktales.  Consumers and producers.  Benefits of saving and spending.

Science - Needs of plants and animals.

Character education: Patience/Moderation - The power to wait calmly without complaining; avoiding extremes.

Important Information:

1. Homework due on Friday each week.
2. Please make sure your child returns his/her library book this week.
3. Please make sure that your child brings his/her guided reading book to school every day.

CRCT Week

Dear Parents,

This is the week!  We have studied hard all year so if we stay focused the tests will be fine.  Please make sure your child eats breakfast on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, before arriving at school.  Also make sure that they get plenty of sleep the night before each test.  Please send a water bottle with your child each day...they will need it!   I have volunteers that will be providing snacks on the test days...thank you! 

Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for all the support this year!

Nes Gondek

Welcome back!

Dear Parents,

I hope you and your children had a wonderful spring break.  I spent five days with my cousin in Calgary...the Rocky Mountains are beautiful!

Sadly, my father in-law passed away on Saturday, so I will be in Michigan attending the funeral.  I will return to school on Thursday, April 16, 2009.

This week the children will be reviewing many skills that we have learned.  Make sure they rest and try not to mention the CRCT too much...we want them calm and relaxed!

Thanks for all your support,

Nes Gondek

Spring!

 Dear Parents,

Thanks for coming to the Straw Walk.  The children really walked a lot this month, and although we didn't win everyone is much fitter!  We had a lot of fun!

Encourage your child to finish their reading responses.  They only need a total of 25...that's it! 

 

Here's next week's plan:

• Long and short vowel sounds. Blends - bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl
• Digraphs - th, sh, wh, ch
• 'R' Controlled vowels - ar, er, ir, ur, or 
• Describing words (adjectives), Nouns (naming words), Verbs (action words)
• Contractions review - for example; he is = he's, we will = we'll, I am = I 'm
• Handwriting - D'Nealian style.
• Writing - Narrative story elements (characters, setting, plot (events), problem, solution. 
• Non-fiction text features (headings, bold writing, labels, photographs, true facts, contents page).  We will be making our own non-fiction books!
• Reading Comprehension - read a short passage and answer questions about it (Predict, cause and effect, main idea and details). 
• Math –  Create and interpret graphs, fractions (halves and fourths).
• Measurement (Non-standard units) - How do measure?  (Length, weight and capacity)
• Fractions - halves and fourths.
• Continue addition to 18 (use flashcards to learn the math facts).  Continue subtraction to 18.  Continue with Fact Families.
• Greater than > Less than < and equals =
• Math Vocabulary - add, plus, sum, is equal to, how many in all, how many all  together, total, +, odd, even, share equally. Subtract, how many fewer, less than, minus, take away, difference.
• Identifying tens and ones in a number (10-20 and then up to 99)
• Counting in 5's (essential for counting money), counting in 2's and 10's.  Fair trades using pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents).  Counting combinations of coins up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents and then to $1).  Identify bills and their values - $1, $5, $10, $20.  Make fair trades with the bills e.g. $5 = five $1 bills
• Buy items and give change from 25,50,75 cents and then $1
• Solving word problems using pictures, numbers and words.  Identifying a pattern to help solve a word problem.
• Time - Review O'clock an half past (analog and digital)
• Science - Plants.  What are the needs of a plant?   Experiment - setting up and observing a plant with water, light and air.  Then observing a plant with no air, a plant with no water and a plant with no light! 
• Social Studies - American Heritage (Patriotic songs).  American Folktales.

• Health - Daily hygiene (washing hands etc...)

Character Education - - Leadership - The ability to take on every task with a sense of purpose and caring for those around them.

 Important Messages:

  1. School closed for Spring Break - Monday, April 6 - Friday, April 10.

  2.  Homework folders must be returned every Friday!

   3. Information on The First Annual 25 Book Campaign was sent home in a blue folder.  This is an   optional activity but I would really like to get 100% participation!  Remember - a total of 25 responses by April 15, 2008.

March 23, 2009

Dear Parents,

Keep walking for Walking Wellness month…send in your miles regularly so that I can add them ours.  This is the last week...make it a good one! 

Encourage your child to finish their reading responses.  They only need a total of 25...that's it! 

 

Here's next week's plan:

• Long and short vowel sounds. Blends - bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl
• Digraphs - th, sh, wh, ch
• 'R' Controlled vowels - ar, er, ir, ur, or 
• Describing words (adjectives), Nouns (naming words), Verbs (action words)
• Contractions review - for example; he is = he's, we will = we'll, I am = I 'm
• Handwriting - D'Nealian style.
• Writing - Narrative story elements (characters, setting, plot (events), problem, solution. 
• Non-fiction text features (headings, bold writing, labels, photographs, true facts, contents page).  We will be making our own non-fiction books!
• Reading Comprehension - read a short passage and answer questions about it (Predict, cause and effect, main idea and details). 
• Math –  Create and interpret graphs, fractions (halves and fourths).
• Measurement (Non-standard units) - How do measure?  (Length, weight and capacity)
• Fractions - halves and fourths.
• Continue addition to 18 (use flashcards to learn the math facts).  Continue subtraction to 18.  Continue with Fact Families.
• Greater than > Less than < and equals =
• Math Vocabulary - add, plus, sum, is equal to, how many in all, how many all  together, total, +, odd, even, share equally. Subtract, how many fewer, less than, minus, take away, difference.
• Identifying tens and ones in a number (10-20 and then up to 99)
• Counting in 5's (essential for counting money), counting in 2's and 10's.  Fair trades using pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents).  Counting combinations of coins up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents and then to $1).  Identify bills and their values - $1, $5, $10, $20.  Make fair trades with the bills e.g. $5 = five $1 bills
• Buy items and give change from 25,50,75 cents and then $1
• Solving word problems using pictures, numbers and words.  Identifying a pattern to help solve a word problem.
• Time - Review O'clock an half past (analog and digital)
• Science - Plants.  What are the needs of a plant?   Experiment - setting up and observing a plant with water, light and air.  Then observing a plant with no air, a plant with no water and a plant with no light! 
• Social Studies - American Heritage (Patriotic songs).  American Folktales.

• Health - Daily hygiene (washing hands etc...)

Character Education - - Motivation - The desire to move towards a goal.

 Important Messages:

  1. Report cards go home on Tuesday.

   2.  Homework folders must be returned every Friday!

   3. Information on The First Annual 25 Book Campaign was sent home in a blue folder.  This is an   optional activity but I would really like to get 100% participation!  Remember - a total of 25 responses by April 15, 2008.

March 16, 2009

Dear Parents,

Don’t forget it is Walking Wellness month…send in your miles regularly so that I can add them to our weekly totals!  We are walking everyday outside…the children are highly motivated.

The Elementary ELA Adoption Committee has recommended that the following titles be submitted to the Board of Education for approval:
Pearson Learning - Good Habits, Great Readers
Zaner Bloser - Handwriting (K-3)
These materials will be on display for public review at the county office (514 Glover Street, Marietta, GA 30060) from March 9, 2009 to March 27, 2009 during regular office hours of 8AM to 5 PM.

 

Encourage your child to finish their reading responses.  They only need a total of 25...that's it! 

 

Here's next week's plan:

• Long and short vowel sounds. Blends - bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl
• Digraphs - th, sh, wh, ch
• 'R' Controlled vowels - ar, er, ir, ur, or 
• Describing words (adjectives), Nouns (naming words), Verbs (action words)
• Contractions review - for example; he is = he's, we will = we'll, I am = I 'm
• Handwriting - D'Nealian style.
• Writing - Narrative story elements (characters, setting, plot (events), problem, solution. 
• Non-fiction text features (headings, bold writing, labels, photographs, true facts, contents page).  We will be making our own non-fiction books!
• Reading Comprehension - read a short passage and answer questions about it (Predict, cause and effect, main idea and details). 
• Math –  Create and interpret graphs, fractions (halves and fourths).
• Measurement (Non-standard units) - How do measure?  (Length, weight and capacity)
• Fractions - halves and fourths.
• Continue addition to 18 (use flashcards to learn the math facts).  Continue subtraction to 18.  Continue with Fact Families.
• Math Vocabulary - add, plus, sum, is equal to, how many in all, how many all  together, total, +, odd, even, share equally. Subtract, how many fewer, less than, minus, take away, difference.
• Identifying tens and ones in a number (10-20 and then up to 99)
• Counting in 5's (essential for counting money), counting in 2's and 10's.  Fair trades using pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents).  Counting combinations of coins up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents and then to $1).  Identify bills and their values - $1, $5, $10, $20.  Make fair trades with the bills e.g. $5 = five $1 bills
• Buy items and give change from 25,50,75 cents and then $1
• Solving word problems using pictures, numbers and words.  Identifying a pattern to help solve a word problem.
• Time - Review O'clock an half past (analog and digital)
• Science - Plants.  What are the needs of a plant?   Experiment - setting up and observing a plant with water, light and air.  Then observing a plant with no air, a plant with no water and a plant with no light! 
• Social Studies - American Heritage (Patriotic songs).

• Health - Daily hygiene (washing hands etc...)

Character Education - - Respect for the Environment - The conservation and care of your surroundings and planet earth.

 Important Messages:

   1.  Homework folders must be returned every Friday!

   2. Information on The First Annual 25 Book Campaign was sent home in a blue folder.  This is an   optional activity but I would really like to get 100% participation!  Remember - a total of 25 responses by April 15, 2008.

 

March 9, 2009

Dear Parents,

 

The new homework folder seems to be working.  Please encourage the children to use each piece of paper completely...both sides!   Thank you for your help in implementing this new project.

I will be starting my end of the third nine weeks assessments, so do not worry if reading books do not come home, the children will be reading in class:)

Don’t forget it is Walking Wellness month…send in your miles regularly so that I can add them to our weekly totals!  We are walking everyday outside…the children are highly motivated.

Encourage your child to finish their reading responses.  They only need a total of 25...that's it! 

 

Here's next week's plan:

• Long and short vowel sounds. Blends - bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl
• Digraphs - th, sh, wh, ch
• 'R' Controlled vowels - ar, er, ir, ur, or 
• Describing words (adjectives), Nouns (naming words), Verbs (action words)
• Contractions review - for example; he is = he's, we will = we'll, I am = I 'm
• Handwriting - D'Nealian style.
• Writing - Narrative story elements (characters, setting, plot (events), problem, solution. 
• Non-fiction text features (headings, bold writing, labels, photographs, true facts, contents page).  We will be making our own non-fiction books!
• Reading Comprehension - read a short passage and answer questions about it.
• Math –  Create and interpret graphs, fractions (halves and fourths).
• Fractions - halves and fourths.
• Continue addition to 18 (use flashcards to learn the math facts).  Continue subtraction to 18.  Continue with Fact Families.
• Math Vocabulary - add, plus, sum, is equal to, how many in all, how many all  together, total, +, odd, even, share equally. Subtract, how many fewer, less than, minus, take away, difference.
• Identifying tens and ones in a number (10-20 and then up to 99)
• Counting in 5's (essential for counting money), counting in 2's and 10's.  Fair trades using pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents).  Counting combinations of coins up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents and then to $1).  Identify bills and their values - $1, $5, $10, $20.  Make fair trades with the bills e.g. $5 = five $1 bills
• Buy items and give change from 25,50,75 cents and then $1
• Solving word problems using pictures, numbers and words.  Identifying a pattern to help solve a word problem.
• Time - Review O'clock an half past (analog and digital)
• Science - Plants.  What are the needs of a plant?   Experiment - setting up and observing a plant with water, light and air.  Then observing a plant with no air, a plant with no water and a plant with no light! 

• Health - Daily hygiene (washing hands etc...)

Character Education - - Dedication/Loyalty - Sense of commitment and duty.

 Important Messages:

   1.  Homework folders must be returned every Friday!

   2. Information on The First Annual 25 Book Campaign was sent home in a blue folder.  This is an   optional activity but I would really like to get 100% participation!  Remember - a total of 25 responses by April 15, 2008.

Snowy Days!

Dear Parents,

 

Starting today a new Homework Folder will be coming home!  It will contain a calendar for the month of March and the children are required to complete four pieces of work each week (the Power Writing and Problem Solving are 'must do's' and alternate each week...they have 3 *** by them to indicate that they must be completed).  Paper will be placed in the folder and all work should be completed on the paper, dated,  and placed back in the folder.   If they wish to go ahead and complete pieces for the next week they may do so.  I think the children will enjoy this new Homework Folder.  It will be sent home on March 2, 2009 and should be brought into school each Friday so that I can check the completed work.  This is something new...we can make it work! 

 

There will also be a new monthly behavior sheet starting today.  You still need to check it for comments and sign it once a week!  

 

Encourage your child to finish their reading responses.  They only need a total of 25...that's it! 

 

Here's next week's plan:

• Long and short vowel sounds. Blends - bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl
• Digraphs - th, sh, wh, ch
• 'R' Controlled vowels - ar, er, ir, ur, or 
• Describing words (adjectives), Nouns (naming words), Verbs (action words)
• Contractions review - for example; he is = he's, we will = we'll, I am = I 'm
• Handwriting - D'Nealian style.
• Writing - Narrative story elements (characters, setting, plot (events), problem, solution. 
• Non-fiction text features (headings, bold writing, labels, photographs, true facts, contents page).  We will be making our own non-fiction books!
• Reading Comprehension - read a short passage and answer questions about it.
• Math –  Create and interpret graphs, fractions (halves and fourths).
• Fractions - halves and fourths.
• Continue addition to 18 (use flashcards to learn the math facts).  Continue subtraction to 18.  Continue with Fact Families.
• Math Vocabulary - add, plus, sum, is equal to, how many in all, how many all  together, total, +, odd, even, share equally. Subtract, how many fewer, less than, minus, take away, difference.
• Identifying tens and ones in a number (10-20 and then up to 99)
• Counting in 5's (essential for counting money), counting in 2's and 10's.  Fair trades using pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents).  Counting combinations of coins up to 30 cents (extend to 50 cents and then to $1).  Identify bills and their values - $1, $5, $10, $20.  Make fair trades with the bills e.g. $5 = five $1 bills
• Buy items and give change from 25,50,75 cents and then $1
• Solving word problems using pictures, numbers and words.  Identifying a pattern to help solve a word problem.
• Time - Review O'clock an half past (analog and digital)
• Science - Plants.  What are the needs of a plant? 

• Health - Daily hygiene (washing hands etc...)

Character Education - - Courtesy/ Civility - Polite, civil, and courteous behavior towards others in words and action.

 Important Messages:

  1. Early release day on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 (12:30pm).

   2.  Homework folders must be returned every Friday!

   3. Information on The First Annual 25 Book Campaign was sent home in a blue folder.  This is an   optional activity but I would really like to get 100% participation!  Remember - a total of 25 responses by April 15, 2008.