by Scott Cleveland

September 14, 2009

Kindergarten

We are off to a great start. Our morning message has special letters for us to find.   In phonics our letters are L, O, G, H, T. We study a letter a week. Math is a little challenging, we have to listen and follow the directions because we are learning about same and different, before, after and between, sorting by color, shapes and size. Chapter 2 we will use that knowledge to make patterns by shape, color, and size. We are practicing our name almost everyday in handwriting and the letter we are learning in phonics. Soon we will be working in our journals and making predictable books. We're looking forward to the Ice Cream Social, Sept 8th so our parents can see what we have learned.

First Grade

School is off and running!  We have a tremendous group of first graders.  September has lots in store for all of us.  We will have a wonderful new reading series and will start our first spelling units.  In math, we will jump right into a short review of counting and then into our addition facts with sums up to six.  We begin the month with a farm theme and end with an apple theme.  In science, students will be learning about animals.  Social Studies brings about the topics of neighborhoods, our country, the 50 states, and beginning map skills.  We also have a very special day planned for September 11^th  – Grandparents’ Day.  This year, we will have Mrs. Gayle Powers and Mrs. Joc Kreuger working with us and focusing on reading, writing, and language skills.  We also have a foster grandparent, Rose Remmert or more commonly known as Grandma Rose.

Second Grade

Second grade is off to a great start!  We have a wonderful group of second graders.  September will be a very busy month.  In math we are going to be working on addition and subtraction facts.  Be sure to practice them each night at home.  For science we are studying animals and their life cycles.  In social studies we will again be using the Second Grade Studies Weekly.  We started off the year learning about our flag and the pledge of allegiance.  We will be working with maps and also learning more about our community.  Johnny Appleseed and apple activities will keep us busy, too.  We are excited about beginning our new reading series.  We are looking forward to “Back to School Night,” “Book Fair,” “WATCH D.O.G.S. Pizza Kick-off,” and “Family Literacy Night.”

Third Grade

Third graders are off to a very busy start.  We have been doing several getting to know you activities, which the children have enjoyed. We have written several poems already.  Students are enjoying learning their cursive letters and are having fun writing in a new way.  Math has found them reviewing time and money.  We are getting ready to start a brand new reading series called Reading Street. They will be reading stories from several different genres. The students have also been enjoying listening to numerous read aloud stories that deal with the beginning of school. The students are adjusting to third grade quite well.  The teachers are extremely proud of all the students and their progress thus far. The 3^rd Grade would also like to wish everyone a Happy Grandparents’ Day!!

Fourth Grade

We want to welcome you to the fourth grade.  We are very excited to have all of your children in our classes.  The year has gotten off to a great start.  In Reading we are practicing procedures for our whole group and small groups.   We have started a new series called Reading Street, which has many stories from all of the reading genres.  I know the students will enjoy the stories that are to come.  Spelling, phonics, and writing are all integrated in the reading series.  In math we are working on addition and subtraction.  Please work with your child on memorizing their math facts.  In Science the fourth grade will be focusing on ecosystems.  We will be doing many fun projects and experiments such as building habitats.  In social studies we will be studying the five regions of the United States and will be completing a book of all the information that we will be collecting. We are looking forward to a great year with you and your children. 

Art

We are looking forward to a colorful year in art. This month we will have a bushel of fun as we draw, stencil, paint, stamp and color apples.  Special activities will include creating Grandparent’s Day surprises.

Computer

Classes are off to a fine start in the lab. We are all getting back in the swing of things and STAR reading tests are behind us. Remember, you can visit our favorite links through the school website (www,elsberryschools.com). All you need to do is go to Elementary School, Computer Lab and click on: Visit our Favorites at Home.  Save the date! “Trunk or Treat” will be held Friday, October 30 from 6:00 until 8:00. Activities will be available for children through the fourth grade. Local businesses are invited to sponsor additionalactivities. Please contact Mary Ann Meives or Tracy Howard if you want to volunteer or support this “thrilling” event. Watch for a flyer soon with additional information. The proceeds will be used to continue improvements in technology at the elementary level.

Library

Read Around the World with our Scholastic Book Fair! We'll be in the Elementary School Library during Open House, September 8th; Grandparents Day will be Friday, September 11, and our Family Literacy Night will be Wednesday, September 16th. We will have fun literacy activities in the gym, a visit from Clifford, and refreshments in the art room on September 16th. See you at the fair!

WHO LET THE D.O.G.S. OUT?????

The WATCH D.O.G.S. program is coming to Cannon Elementary! What is WATCH D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students)?  It is the father-involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and enhance school security.  Who are the WATCH D.O.G.S.?  Dads, step-dads, grandpas, uncles and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day each year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal.  How can you become part of the WATCH D.O.G.S team?  Thursday, September 10^th Cannon Elementary will host the WATCH D.O.G.S. Kick Off Pizza Night.  Kids and their dads/father figures can come enjoy some great pizza while learning about the program. 

Important Dates

09/04-    Hat Day $1.00

Character Assembly 2:00

09/07-    No School – Labor Day

09/08-    Open House and Ice Cream Social  5-7 p.m. in cafeteria

09/10-     7 p.m.- Watch D.O.G.S. Kick Off Pizza Night in cafeteria

09/11 -    Grandparents Day

09/16-     PAT 8:30-2:00 Open Screening

               Book Fair Family Fun Night

               Progress Reports Due

09/17-    PAT 8:30-2:00 Open Screening

09/25-     No School – Teacher professional development in Bowling Green     

“CAUGHT YOU!” 

Kids at Cannon Elementary are starting off the year right by using their manners, being responsible citizens, and outstanding students!  When teachers catch students doing something above and beyond they give them a “CAUGHT YOU!” form and the students get to go to the office and share what it was they were caught doing right and add their name to the character train in the hallway!  We love to celebrate good decisions and in the first two weeks of school we already have tons of kids getting on board and doing the right thing!  Keep it up!!!!