The One and Only Ivan

(We are using our LARGEST font today at request of the first graders.)


We are reading a new book called, The One and Only Ivan.  Ivan has a silver back.  He is a silver back gorilla.  Ivan lives at the mall.  Ivan doesn't have anyone to protect.  Silverbacks protect other gorillas.  We have been learning about gorillas in the wild, and the things that they like.  We are worried because Ivan doesn't have a lot of those things and he doesn't have a female or a family.  Ivan used to have a friend, the seal.  People tossed pennies into the seal habitat and the seal was so hungry it ate 100 pennies and then died.  

Today, we listened to the author of the book tell us a little bit about how she decided to write it.  We also heard the author read the first two pages of the book.  If you want to listen too, you can listen 
HERE.

Synonmyms

Today we learned about synonyms.   We matched synonyms (words that mean the same thing) and we also generated a list of synonyms. As part of our independent practice, we read our books and wrote down words we read and then thought of a synonym for that word.  Give your first grader a word tonight, and ask them to give you a synonym!  Brady was on fire with words today!  He came up with synonyms for SO MANY words!  The funniest part was when he was thinking of a synonym for annoying and we all thought he said "first grader" when he said "frustrating".  We laughed so hard when we realized our mistake!  

Lines of Symmetry

We are learning about lines of symmetry.  Today, we made designs that were symmetrical. Take a look at some of the first grader's work!  They are so impressive!  

We also had a wonderful Four Winds yesterday and learned more about the water cycle.  We were able to participate in many experiments.  Ask your first grader to tell you what they learned about the water cycle!

Spring is in the Air...

for today at least!  Tomorrow it looks like more cold and snow (?!?!), but the first graders wanted to make sure that I let everyone know that the Village Scoop is opening Saturday for the season!  We will be open (weather depending...) from 11am-8pm each day and I'm working both days so I'll hope to see many of you there!  If not, enjoy your holiday weekend to those who are celebrating!

Happy Friday!

Ready...Set...RUN!

It is BACK!  Here is a note from our Ready, Set, Run coordinator, Mrs. Connor:

Hello PPS,

We are excited to bring Ready Set Run back to PPS this year. It was a big hit last year and the kids are already asking about it. I am attaching the registration link:

http://www.runvermont.org/youth/ready-set-run/

The program will be on Wednesdays 3-4.

The first day is Wednesday April 15th.

 

Many coaches are returning from last year, but the more leaders we have is great. If anyone is interested in volunteering their time please let me know. You will need to complete some paperwork for Run Vermont.

**The best part is that there are scholarships available if needed for free/reduced students that would like to participate. See me for more details.

Looking forward to another great Spring of RSR !!

Thank you,

Kerry

Important Guidance Notice

Hi Everyone!  We're looking forward to heading to the Flynn today!  In the meantime, please read this important announcement from our Guidance Counselor, Mr. Kriger.

Dear Families,

 

During the month of April your child will be having guidance lessons focused on how they can stay safe.  Act 1 Section 3 of Vermont Law (V.S.A) states ALL Vermont schools (K-12) are required to provide instruction about how to recognize and prevent sexual abuse and sexual violence.  I know this is a sensitive subject, but this unit is a developmentally appropriate curriculum with an emphasis on equipping students with the skills needed to respond to unsafe situations.  Below you will find the topics covered for this unit according to grade level:  

·         Kindergarten

o   To use our words assertively to stay safe.

o   Being safe out in the community: How to handle those situations when you may feel scared such as getting lost in a store.

o   “Uh Oh” feeling and what those feelings tell us and how should we respond.

o   Safe touch; some touches makes us feel good, some touches makes us feel uncomfortable like a push, punch, or when someone touches any of our body parts that are private.

·         First Grade

o   Personal safety concepts: being safe around people you know as well as around strangers, checking with a parent or caregiver before going anywhere.

o   To be able to identify trusting adults in our lives and what things we need to tell them.

o   Comfortable touch verses uncomfortable touch:  How to respond to uncomfortable touch.

·         Second Grade

o   People are like the weather:  We make an analogy between the weather and people, how the weather is safe most of the time.  There are those exceptions when the weather is not safe.  Just like the weather, most people behave in safe ways, but there are times when people act in ways that are not safe. 

o   How to tell the difference between good (happy) secrets and bad (uncomfortable) secrets, and the importance of telling secrets that make you feel uncomfortable to a trusted adult. 

o   Practice telling an adult about unsafe situations:  We’ll use role playing to practice telling trusted adults about unsafe situations.

 

If you have questions or concerns about this unit I will have detailed lesson plans posted on my blog or you can feel free to email me at krigerg@csdvt.org or give me a call directly at 264-5927.

                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                       Greg Kriger