02+01+2008

=   Kindergarten News     = = February 1, 2008 = =  from Mrs. Knee, Mrs. Neily = =  and Mrs. Shepard =

We have definitely enjoyed the snow this winter. We have gone outdoors almost everyday. The children have built snowmen, explored new areas of the school grounds, climbed huge snow banks and learned to snowshoe. Last week, we trekked down the back trail and spent over an hour on the snowshoes. This week we took a shorter hike and we hope to use the snowshoes next week too. We are so fortunate to have the property around the school that lends itself to hiking. We are also fortunate that Deb Campelia, one of the phys. ed. Teachers wrote a grant to fund the purchase of the snowshoes.

On Thursday, February 14, we will exchange valentines in class. Please send cards to school by Wednesday, February 13. A class list is in your child’s folder to help with labeling Valentine cards. Please work together with your child on their cards. Give your child many opportunities to work on them. Help your child establish good "homework" habits by working at a table and by making sure there are no distractions like the television. Help your child work carefully and slowly. For some children this is a difficult task. Please help your child to try to write the letters in a conventional way. This is the perfect time to practice handwriting skills. Smooth and efficient writing takes lots of practice. Use oral directions and demonstrate how to write a certain letter whenever necessary.

We will have a small lunchtime Valentines Day celebration. Our room parents will contact you for donations. Our holiday celebration in December was well received by the children. Thank you, in advance, for our upcoming celebration.

FYI • Progress Reports – February 11 • Early Release – February 15 • Winter vacation begins – February 25. • Curriculum Night – Thursday March 6