A FEW REMINDERS...

I am so glad to be back, I missed the kids so much!  They were all very sweet to me and filled my heart with joy with their hugs and well wishes cards!  Thanks for being so understanding and supportive!

A few things...

• We have started our listening center station during Daily 5 and the kids do use headphones.  I have enough for us to share but if you are concerned with "head lice" or are more comfortable sending your child their own pair to use that is great.  We will store them in their book boxes.  I do sanitize the general ones and keep in a plastic baggie but I just wanted to you to be aware of your options.
• This letter was sent home on Thursday.  We will be having a book exchange on Tuesday, December 23rd during our "Christmas Party."  Please send in a WRAPPED book ($3.00 or less) WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME WRITTEN ON THE INSIDE so they know who it came from.  Please make it a gender neutral book.  If you are unable to send in a book, PLEASE let me know ASAP and I will get one for your child.

• We have some special things coming up for your child.  We will be doing a "reindeer run" where we spend the morning doing reindeer crafts and making reindeer hats and then in the afternoon we will be "running" through the school singing "Rudolph."  This is the 2nd year we will be doing this, last year was such a success and the whole school really enjoyed it!  We are looking at either Friday the 19th or Monday the 22nd.  
• ALSO.....SECRET....PSST DON'T TELL YOUR CHILD, ITS A SECRET...WE WILL HAVE A VISIT FROM SANTA AS WELL!  
• Also on the 23rd we have our Polar Express Day.  We build a train in the morning and this year I am thinking about showing the movie in the afternoon.  Normally we just watch the book on video but I am considering showing the film this year while we eat popcorn and drink hot chocolate,  please let me know if you have any concerns about watching the movie.  
• We also will need help on the 23rd taking down the dec the halls decorations.  Thanks so much to those parents who came to help put it up, it brightened up our entire school!  I do have the forms from those of you who said you are able and willing to come back and take down, thank you!  If you are able to come on the 23rd to help out, just let me know! :)
• Book Clubs are up and running.  Your child will bring their book bag home every day, some times it might be the same book but have them reread it for fluency.  My schedule is set and I will be meeting with each child at least 2 times a week, some times 3.  Please sign showing that your child read the book in the "folder reading log."  If you have ANY questions please let me know.  I will be sending home a few books over Christmas break so you can continue to be reading with your children.  
• Holiday Homework- I will be sending home a packet called Holiday Homework. I will show the kids this packet.  If your child completes the packet and returns it after break, they will get to eat their lunch in the classroom one day.  

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR KIND WORDS AND SUPPORT WHILE I WAS RECOVERING, I AM DOING WELL!