A DAY EARLY!!!
 Just a reminder—I will not be at school tomorrow, so I wanted to get my newsletter out early.

DON'T FORGET...HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS TOMORROW!

IMPORTANT FUNDRAISER INFO
Your child brought home a fundraiser packet today. All students will attend an assembly tomorrow to explain the details of the fundraiser. Our Fundraiser will conclude on OCTOBER 3rd. There is something new this year that you will want to make special note of even if you do not want to participate…
Inside of your child’s packet there is a coupon book. Every student MUST bring their coupon back in original condition unless you plan to purchase it. Our school will be charged for every missing coupon book. If you do not plan on participating you may send the entire packet back anytime after Monday (I would rather my sub not have to collect these if possible).

READING ASSESSMENTS
I will be giving each student the DRA over the next two weeks. This is the formal assessment we use to determine what instructional level your child is currently reading. We have started guided reading groups based on where each child ended in kindergarten. This will just help us be sure they are placed with the correct group and reading at the correct level. After I am finished assessing, I will let you know what level your student is reading so you can help them select appropriate books. Students should be reading at a level 20 (K) at the end of first grade. 

HELPER SCHEDULE
Mon.– Audrey
Tues.– Cassidy
Wed.– Cozette
Thurs.– Dominick
Fri.– Ethan

This week we worked SUPER hard on our habitat posters with our groups. We became experts on our assigned habitat and designed a poster to present to our class. Some of us got a tad nervous having to teach our friends but everyone did a GREAT JOB!!! 

We were asking such great questions and Mrs. Kramer didn't always know the answer - so we inspired her to start a "question book." When someone comes up with a great question they write it in the book. Then, Mrs. Kramer helps them find the answer and we write it down to share with everyone. So far we have two outstanding questions:
1. How are crocodiles and alligators different?
2. Why do the lights flicker when there is a storm?

This week we wrapped up a two week study of habitats and we started a two week apple unit! Students learned about wetlands, rain forests, deserts, ocean, and the forest. We talked about the conditions of each habitat as well as the animals and plants that live there. We utilized a great new (to our school) internet resource called Pebble Go! We also used a variety of library books and other websites to research. We finished our study by working in teams to make habitat posters.  {Check out some pictures below!}

We started off the week by completing the first two steps of a K-W-L chart. The "K" stands for what we already know about apples and the "W" stands for what we want to know about apples. This will help guide the rest of our apple unit as we go into next week.  We also read one of my favorite apple books, What's So Terrible About Swallowing an Apple Seed by Harriet Lerner and Susan Goldhor. In the book, Rosie accidentally swallows an apple seed and her older sister, Katie, warns her that an apple tree will soon grow inside of her stomach. Rosie begins to worry about all of the things she won't be able to do because of the branches that will grow out of her ears. There is a great place in the book to stop and let students predict what problems Rosie may encounter. The students enjoyed the book and came up with some very creative problems!

Next week we will watch as apples decompose (don't worry, I am sure I'll have plenty of pictures to share!) We will make note of how our apples change over time by exploring with our senses. And next week we will complete the "L" portion of our K-W-L chart by sharing what we have learned about apples!

SPELLING WORDS
no, not, we, with, ran, run

DON’T FORGET
School will not be in session on Monday!
Teachers will be participating (and leading) a technology training at the High School

TIGER PRIDE ASSEMBLY
Our first Tiger Pride Assembly will be next Friday at 2:30 in the gym. After the assembly we will walk to the football field for our all school picture. Students will receive their new Tiger Pride T-Shirt at school on Friday morning. Please encourage your child to wear the shirt each Friday and show Tiger Pride!

VERY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
On Wednesday, Trudy's Kids, will be at Willard East. This is a traveling medical bus that will provide your children with any needed medical care FREE OF CHARGE. There is NO co-pay and you will not owe anything. There are no strings attached at all but you do have to fill out a form if you would like your child / children to be seen by the doctor and / or nurse. Please contact the office if you have questions! This is a great opportunity for our school.

HELPER SCHEDULE
Mon.– No School
Tues.– Emerie
Wed.– Hayden
Thurs.– Hope
Fri.– Maggie

On Wednesday night, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law welcomed a new addition to their family! Meet my new nephew, Alexander "Alex" Henry Kramer! I will have to wait until November to squeeze on this new little cutie (because they live in Iowa) but I had to have an "aunt" moment and show him off a little!