Ms. Bayha

Happy New Year! I hope the holidays have left you refreshed and ready to start the year. The students were amazingly ready to begin today. I was very impressed with how willing and prepared they were to get back to school and our routine. Your child may have a thank-you note for both him/her, and of course for you, for being so kind. We had a wonderful time the day before vacation. We had a wonderful assortment of goodies, and we all appreciate the lengths so many of you went to to provide us with treats for the day. From homemade fudge, to cheese and cracker platters, drinks, and lovely cookies, we all had more than our share of snacks. It was a fun afternoon to relax with the kids. Thank you!

We are continuing our study of the great state of Maine, and we’ll soon move into American presidents and a science unit on Matter. In math we began Unit 6 today; your child has a Family Letter that tells all about it. If a math Study Link is two sided, they should know which side to do on which night. I am hoping to conserve quite a bit of paper by making the Links two sided. In reading we began new Literature Circle books today; students had three choices of three very interesting books. A reminder to those who we able to join the Rules book club that it needs to be finished by next Wednesday in order to join the early-release day lunch group with Mrs. Neale. I will offer it as a Lit Circle book for those who weren’t able to get a copy of it for the book club.

Please remind your children to bundle up for outside, and remember shoes to wear in the classroom. We go outside unless it is bitterly cold, icy, or the wind creates an unsafe situation. Thank you, and again, Happy New Year!

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That was quite an ice storm last Friday! I hope everyone came out of it safe and sound. As I told the students, good thing it was a scheduled day off, or we’d be making it up in June!

The class was wonderful yesterday on our field trip. I would highly recommend taking your family to the museum if you are up that way some time. It is not expensive and is lots of fun. Their website is http://maine.gov/museum/.

I want to share with you a conversation the class had the other day. Somehow they got started on Santa, and it was the sweetest talk you could have imagined. Whatever you have done to create good memories for your children over the years, believe me, it’s sticking with them! We had stories about sleigh bells, seeing things in the sky, the lights going out at church, catching parents at midnight talking with Santa – you name it, they remember it! The traditions and special times will be with them forever. Good job, parents!

The kids are wondering what we are doing that is ‘special’ next week, and I’ve told them we’re going to try to keep it as normal as possible. However, on Tuesday we do have some time to hold a simple sharing of treats. We will celebrate all the hard work we have put forth in our work during the first trimester. We’ll also be making cards using the fronts of cards I’ve collected over the years, or with other materials. If you have good card-making supplies you can entrust with your child for the day, I will be sure they are used carefully and returned. If anyone does stamping or other card making crafts and would like to come in, please let me know.

If you would like to send in a healthy, easy-on-you treat, please do so by 1:00 on Tuesday. I know how busy we all are, so please do not succumb to your child’s pleas of  “but you have to make…..” Believe me, there are plenty of other opportunities during the year to send something in! Thank you, and I wish you all a happy, healthy, fun-filled time ahead with your families.

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Hope you had a fun Prelude weekend! Due to our schedule this week, I want to remind the students of a couple things. One that is news to the students is that Mr. Saunders requests that trumpets and percussion players go to band lesson on Wednesday. Please bring what you need!

 We have an early release Wed, as well as our WordMaster test. Thursday we have our field trip, and Friday there is no school for students. Please send in the report card envelope (keep the report) this week. Thank you!

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Today your child is bringing home the first trimester report card. Please look it over, discuss it with your child, and sign and return just the envelope Monday. If a box has no grade, it is because we did not cover that aspect of the curriculum this trimester, but will do so in a following term. The students worked very hard and have much to be proud of!

If you'd like to send in a book order please do so Monday as I will be calling it in that day.

 The students were so well behaved at the Holiday Fair yesterday. They seemed to greatly enjoy it: being so grown up, using money without parents to guide their choices, having the freedom to go to three separate sections (craft fair, bake sale, and white elephant), and making their own choices. They all had fun and helped make it fun for the vendors as well! Have a wonderful weekend!

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Thursday, December 4 from 9-5 is the Sea Road Holiday Fair. Your child may have requested some cash, but please know that a lot can be purchased from the white elephant sale for a handful of change! Our class will visit the Fair at 9:00. There are also crafter vendors, a bake sale, and things for adults such as a Chowder Luncheon and Silent Auction. We ask that no children stay after school unless you or an adult you designate (in writing) are planning to meet them at school AT 2:45. Please send a note or email if you are meeting your child; otherwise he/she will need to go home by bus.

A book order went home today; I will call in the order Monday so it arrives before vacation.

Next week please remember we have a half day on Wednesday, our field trip on Thursday, and Friday is off for students. Perhaps we'll see you tomorrow at the Fair!

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This is a short week but we have lots to do! First of all, your child will be bringing home apiece of writing entitled “What makes Thanksgiving Special?” to share with you. The students really seemed to enjoy writing about the upcoming holiday and are eagerly looking forward to it. The little bit of HW the students have this week will be math and their home-book report (book sandwich due 12/15), and to study their Word Masters words.

We must turn in our raffle basket the Monday after Thanksgiving break, and it is looking kind of empty. So far only 3 children have been able to bring in something to donate. If you are able to, please have your child suggest to you an art supply they would enjoy receiving in a raffle, or perhaps they have some unused item at home that they would be willing to donate. Thank you so much!

If you seem to collect paper, handled shopping bags throughout the year and are looking for a home for them, I could definitely use them for our white elephant sale. The children come to us burdened down with all of their “treasures” and sometimes the flimsy plastic shopping bags just aren’t strong enough. If you are able to send some in the children and I would be so appreciative!

It was wonderful to meet with each of you for parent conferences. The first trimester ends this week, if you can believe it! Your child’s report card will go home Friday, December 5. I hope you have a very special Thanksgiving with your children!

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