Dear Families,

Things in First Grade are really coming along nicely!  Our most exciting achievement this week was reaching the 25 minute mark in “Read-to-Self.”  The kids are becoming fantastic at sustaining a quiet working environment and concentrating on refining their reading skills with lots of independent practice.  I am so very proud!
<h2>This Week, We Learned</h2>
This week, we finished our chapter book called “Mr. Klutz is Nuts,” a funny story about a school principal who is forever injuring himself while performing stunts meant as incentives for the students to work harder.  Ask your child to tell you about it!

In math, we explored pennies and nickels and their relationship to one another.  We also talked about “Number Models” in both addition and subtraction and how we can use them to help us calculate everyday problems… for example, I had 6 dogs in the morning and, by the afternoon, there was one more.  How many dogs does Ms. Rosa have now?

<strong> 6 + 1 = 7   &lt;-- </strong><strong> Number Model</strong>
<p style="text-align: left">During our Daily 5, we are working on maintaining our stamina.  We also introduced “Read-to-Someone” – a time when we can share our favorite books in pairs with our classmates.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-32" src="http://emrosa.cuipblogs.net/files/2009/10/DSCN1050-300x225.jpg" alt="Read-to-Self" width="300" height="225" /></p>

In Science, we became “engineers” and used the solid materials we’ve been describing to build bridges. The kids really came up with some great ideas for how to do so. 

 
<h2>Next Week, We Will</h2>
Next week, we will complete Unit 2 of our math program with an assessment on Tuesday.  Monday will be a review day and Wednesday is our field trip - so please do not expect home links on those days.
<p align="center"><strong>Visit our Blog!</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>http://emrosa.cuipblogs.net</strong></p>

<h2>Reminders</h2>
<strong>There will be no school on Friday, October 23<sup>rd</sup>. </strong>

We still have some students who have not turned in their <strong>class fees!</strong> The school really counts on these fees to offer your children the most innovative programs available.

Our <strong>Field Trip</strong> to the Farm is next Wednesday! Please make sure you have sent in permission slips and fees.  Dress your child warm and pack a bag lunch – we will eat at the farm.  Also, please do not send money for your child to spend during the trip, they will not be allowed the opportunity to leave the group.
<h2> </h2>
<h2>Announcements</h2>
<em>Please sign and send in the bottom portion of the five-week Progress Report</em>

<em>Room 114 is in need of baby wipes and colorful rubber bands (for our Geo-Boards), paper plates and Plastic cups (for art and snack time). Thanks in advance!</em>
<h2>Birthdays</h2>
Gael – 4<sup>th</sup>

Lily – 21st
<h2>Thank Yous</h2>
Thank you to all of the parents who continue to send snacks and supplies.
<h3>emrosa@cps.edu</h3>