Important Dates/Information
 

May 24     DRESS DOWN DAY!  Please put comfy shoes on!  We will be outside playing today!
May 24     Send in a snack in a paper bag.  No backpack day!!!
May 24     Last Day of School for EC 4 11:00-12:30  Parents are invited.  Class/family picnic.  Bring chairs and/or blankets to sit on.  McDonald's for those who ordered.

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May 23

W were busy today!  The students completed the camping theme by making a fire with construction paper, cups, tissue paper and lots of other fun items!  We also went for a scavenger hunt outside, hiking around the campus.  We broke up into three groups and had to find items in nature.  It was such a FUN time!!!

                                                          NATURE HIKE
                     

Going home today are LOTS of items!!!!  Report cards are in their folders, no need to return them!  They all had a wonderful year, so everyone should be celebrating their GREAT academic progress!  I also sent home a graduation treat bag and two pre k certificates.  Towels, pencil boxes and books are also going home.  All of these items are ready to stay home.

                                         END OF THE YEAR CLASS PICTURE!

TOMORROW is another BIG day!  Here are a few reminders to make the day successful:

1.  NO BACK PACKS.  SEND SNACK IN A BROWN PAPER BAG.  ALL ITEMS WILL BE THROWN AWAY AFTER SNACK.
2. APPLY SUN TAN LOTION BEFORE SENDING YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL.
3. STUDENTS MAY DRESS DOWN IN COMFY PLAY CLOTHES.  PLEASE MAKE SURE SHOES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR OUTSIDE PLAY.
4. IF YOU HAVE A POP UP TENT FOR THE CLASS LUNCH FEEL FREE TO BRING IT .  IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOME SHADE. BRING TOWELS, BLANKETS OR CHAIRS TO SIT ON FOR LUNCH.
5. 10:45 YOU CAN BEGIN TO SET UP BEHIND OUR BUILDING.
6. 11:00 LUNCH. WE WILL SIT AS A CLASS.
7. AFTER LUNCH STUDENTS WILL HAVE RITA'S.
8. 11:30-12:30 Play Time.  Feel free to bring safe and appropriate items for kids to play with. Please remember we have 50+ five year olds running around.  Safety is always the number 1 priority.
9. 12:30 You are free to take your child and begin your summer!!!

Thank you for all you did this year to make the school year special!!!  It has been a very special year.  See you all tomorrow!
Mrs. Albert

May 22

Today we were BUSY!  In the morning as we started preparing a pretend fire, using, a cup, glue and tissue paper.  This was a sticky project but a lot of fun!  Tomorrow we will piece together the fire with wood pieces and a roasted marshmallow!  

After lunch we had indoor recess but we were happy for this time inside!  Every child had a chance to make a smore out of marshmallow, graham crackers and chocolate chips as a after lunch snack. I knew the kids would enjoy this BUT I found out they LOVED this treat!!!  They did such a GREAT job spreading the marshmallow and stacking on the chocolate chips.  

                                             THE EXCITEMENT IS REAL!!!!

          

                                      YUM!!!


                                             Rain can't stop us from making SMORES!
                             



Tomorrow we will be finishing up our camping theme with a scavenger hunt!  Please pray the weather is on our side!!!

In your child's backpacks are items that can STAY home.  I sent home all clothes items that were at school.  Your child is also bringing home a treat for their dad and pop pop.  This is to help celebrate father's day.  I hope all the dads and pop pops enjoy!!!

Tomorrow I will be sending home books and pencil boxes so please have backpacks emptied and ready for me to fill tomorrow!  Thanks

Thank you for all your support.  I know it is a busy time of year!!!
Mrs. Albert
 
May 21

Can it really be true?  The last week of school?  I am filled with emotion as I bring the year to a close.  I couldn't be prouder of my students.  They have all grown so much in all areas, socially, emotionally and academically!!!  I have great confidence that every child will have bright futures.

Today each child was given their binders.  Each binder is filled with pre school memories.  I hope you can find some time to look at the binder with your child and see how much they have grown this year.

            

May 16

It may be wet and rainy outside BUt it is warm and sunny in the classroom.  We didn't let a little rain slow down our camping week!  The students came in built a fire, examined bugs and even caught a few fish.  Apparently the fish were easy to catch today, I told the kids great fishing happens early mornings even when it is cloudy and wet outside!  They thought that was pretty cool.

During tray work the students made a picture of them camping.  They had to cut our a tent, glue on a night sky and decorate the surrounding area.  They truned out so cute!  I hope you enjoy them.

Tomorrow is going to be Field Day.  However, due to the weather things have changed!!!  My parents that volunteered to walk the students around I will not need you until 12:00-1:30.  We will head over to the gym at 12:00 - 1:00 for activities.  If weather allows us we will do water balloons at 1:00-1:30.  I am so sorry for the change! Clearly mother nature has different plans.

1.  Dress: Sneakers, gym shorts, school shirt(walk a thon, gym shirt, blue ribbon shirt all allowed)  Sweatshirt(if it is cool please have your child wear a sweatshirt with their name on it) 


Students will be provided PIZZA for lunch.  Please send in a drink and other food to complete their lunch!

Rain or Shine we will be having fun!!!

Mrs. Albert


May 14

Welcome to camping week!  We were busy camping, researching bugs, cooking over the fire pit, fishing and singing around the campfire.  

                                                           FISHING
                 

                                                       BIRD WATCHING

 
                                                        Camping



                                                       Investing the Bugs



                                               We needed a latern!



                                               Songs around the Campfire



FUN MEMORIES AROUND THE CAMP FIRE


We will continue with our camping theme for the rest of the week.  It is going to be a GREAT time.

Today we also finished with the Walk A Thon!  It's true Mrs. Albert was dunked LOTS of times.  The students really enjoyed this!!!  Thank you for all who supported the Walk A Thon.

Thursday is our field day!  For those parents that are walking the students around please meet the class by the playground on the black top at 7:45.  (Ayotte, Milshenock, Conner, Conley, Shepherd, Kaye)  Students may wear their gym uniform with snaekers.  Also, please apply suntan lotion if needed.  Send in a water bottle with your child's name on it.  

It will be another fun day!!!

Mrs. Albert

May 11

Our Mother's Day theme has come to a close.  The students were so busy learning about their mommies and sharing how our mommies are very important.  They do lots of things for us because they love us!  All of the students love their mommies so much!!!  Today your child is bringing home a special bag just for MOM!  They worked very hard on the items inside the bag.  I hope you love the gifts as much as the kids loved making them for you!

Today we had a few minutes outside on a different playground area.  The students were so excited they played on the grass area by the hoops.  The students shared balls to shoot the ball.  They had a GREAT time! I am sure you will hear about this new play area tonight!

Monday the Walk A Thon will continue.  This is the day many of the students have been waiting for.  They will have the chance to DUNK me!  Please pray I have warm weather because I have a feeling I am going to be DUNKED A LOT!!!

Monday is also a Tag Day.  The students may dress in beach attire.  Please make sure the kids are in comfy clothes and shoes.  We will still have recess and other school activities during the day.

I wish all the Mother's a Happy Mother's Day.  I hope you enjoy your day and find a little time to relax!

Mrs. Albert

May 9

Today was a special day for our class.  We attended May Crowning.  We have been learning about Mary and how she was chosen by God to be Jesus' mother.  At mass the 2nd graders and 8th graders entered the church with Mary.  During the mass Mary was crowned and presented beautiful flowers. It was such a special mass that we were able to be part of.

Today during our morning circle we also crowned Mary and presented her with flowers.  We will continue this throughout the month of May to recognize our mother Mary.  The students really enjoyed this.  Here are a few pictures.

                              Crowning Mary


                                  Presenting the flowers


                                             What a Joyus Moment
          


Enjoy the night!
Mrs. Albert

May 8

What a great and busy day!!! Yes, we were busy preparing special treats for our sweet mommies!!!
Things are moving along!  The kids are doing a nice job and taking pride in all of there work!  That's all I'm going to share about our special Mother's Day week:)

Before lunch we were able to get a little extra recess time.  The students really enjoyed the weather and all the flowers that were in bloom.  All of the students had a chance to make a wish blowing a wish flower.  The students also learned about a butter cup flower.  We had a chance to see in our friends liked butter!  We would put the flower under our chins and see if the flower reflected yellow.  If it did we like butter!  So much fun to be a KID and PLAY and LEARN at the same time!!!

                                             WISH UPON A FLOWER (WEED)


                                       The boys joined in the fun with ONE BIG WISSSHHH!

Tomorrow the students will be attending May Crowning Mass.  This is such a special mass as we honor Mary.  The students will watch the 8th graders carry Mary in, Crown Mary and see all the 2nd graders dressed in their commuinion clothes.  Please remind your child to be respectful as they attend mass.  Each time we attemd I am so proud of them!

Enjoy the lovely weather.  I'm sure I will be running into a few baseball players at the field tonight!
Mrs. Albert

May 7

Welcome to Mother's Day week!!!  This week the students are going to be very busy preparing items for their special lady in their lives.  You may not be hearing about the details about our daily crafts but Sunday everything will all make sense!  The students a loved the thought of creating items for someone they love.
This week I will continue to reinforce the skills we have learned this year.  Practicing our letters, letter sounds, numbers, cutting and writing skills.  I am so pleased with how much all of the students have grown.  We have come a long way!!!

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful week.  We will be spending time outside so if the sun is out feel free to lotion your child up before they come to school.  Have a wonderful night.

Mrs. Albert

May 4

Is it really Friday? The week went so fast with our Pond theme.  It must have been because we were so busy learning.  Today we read the story Around the Pond Who's Been Here.  We did a great job guessing the animal that was around the pond using clues from the book.  During tray work we completed our pond crafts.  Each child had to cut, glue and color today.  The end result was a turtle and a cattail.  Again I absolutely love them!!!
 

                                               OUR SWEET TURTLE




                                                             CATTAIL
                
Next week we will be having a Mother's Day theme.  There may be a chance that you don't hear a lot about our week as we will be busy preparing surprises for our mommies!!!

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.  It looks like spring is here to stay!!!
Mrs. Albert

May 3

I was so happy to see all of my friends today!  They all walked in with smiles and were eager to tell me about their great day they had yesterday. I was so proud of all the boys and girls.  However, I knew we were at the point in the year that they could follow the routine with or with Mrs. Ballintyn!!!  We have come so far!

Today we continued with our pond theme.  Each student had the chance to complete their lily pads.  The other day they used marker and sprayed the marker to have the color bleed on the paper.  Today they used tissue paper to make a flower that they glued on their lily pad.  They really turned out great!  

                                                           LILY PADS
                         

I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather.  I can tell you that your child is gets lots of fresh air throughout the day!  I hope they are all sleeping nice and sound for you all!!!

Mrs. Albert

May 1

We made it to May!  What a beautiful day it was.  The students were extra busy today preparing our crafts for our Pond theme.  The students had to paint, color and spray water to make marker spread.  They did a GREAT job!

Of course with the beautiful weather we jumped at the chance to get outside!  Today I introduced a parachute.  Yes I mean introduced :)  My friends had no idea what a parachute was!  We had to work as a team to make the paracute go up and down, keep a ball on in the middle and even sit inside the parachute.  It was loads of fun.  After the parachute I set up a little relay race where we cheered for our friends.  It was a great bonding day as we worked together and supported each other during our outside activities.  Plus we were able to have plenty of fresh air!!!  Here are a few pictures of the kids.  Enjoy

                                                        PARACHUTE FUN



     WORKING ON KEEPING THE BALL ON THE PARACHUTE!


EC4B GIRLS


                                                                   BUDS

April 30

Welcome to Pond week!  We are going to have a great time learning about ponds and the animals and plants that live around a pond.  Today the students had an opportunity to explore at the sensory table.  The table was filled with water and animals they may see at the pond.  Many of my friends loved playing with the water.  I have to say I was impressed with how well they explored and even kept the water in the table!  

The students also learned about the life cycle of a frog.  We learned that the pond is important for a frog because they start their life as a tadpole!  A tadpole needs the pond to survive.  During tray work the students were able to put the life cycle of a frog in the correct order.  They did a great job with this.  

It looks like the weather is going to warm up this week.  I am going to try and provide as much outside time for the students.  Feel free to send in a water bottle that the students can take outside with them.  I know the warm weather is going to feel HOT to them.  Also, if you have bubbles, chalk or fun activity items for the kids to explore feel free to send them in.

Have a wonderful night!
Mrs. Albert

April 27  WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!  THANK YOU TO ALL WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME TO MAKE OUR WALK A THON EXPERIENCE AWESOME!!!  The students are walking away with so many memories.  The smiles and laughs really show what a wonderful place SJB is!!!
 
                  FIRST THING THE SJB EAGLE MADE A VISIT TO OUR CLASSROOM!
                          

                       TIGER KICKS HAD US UP AND LEARNING A FEW MOVES!




OUR VERY OWN JULIA WAS SELECTED TO BREAK A BOARD!  OF COURSE SHE DID IT FIRST TRY!



                                              THE BOUNCE HOUSE!!!


Have a great weekend.  
Mrs. Albert



April 26 Tomorrow is going to be a big day rain or shine!  Walk A Thon Day!  We are so excited.  A few reminders.

* EC4 will have scheduled stations we will attend.Due to the weather it looks like the activities will be inside the buildings (lunchroom and our ec building)
* We begin our first station at 8:30 so have your kids at school normal time.
* Wear your decorated Walk A Thon t shirt with SJB shorts or sweat pants.
* Send your child in with a sweatshirt with their name on it.
* Send in an extra pair of socks in a baggie with your child's name on the bag.
* Send in a water bottle with your child's name on it.
* Chick Fil A for those who ordered, send in lunch if you didn't order
* Snack will be provided but you can still send in a snack for your child if you wish.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.  It is going to be a fun day regardless of weather!!!

Mrs. Albert



April 25

What a busy morning!  The students did a GREAT job coming in and getting ready for the book fair.  Bright and early we headed over to the library to shop.  All of the students did a wonderful job looking at the books and selecting the ones that interested them.  We thank you for supporting SJB and the book fair.  For those who bought today your child's change is in the bag with their books. Lastly, a big thank you to those parents that joined us to help the students shop.  You made the shopping experience a success.

                               WE HAD A SURPRISE VISIT FROM CLIFFORD!!!
       

We also continued with our zoo theme.  Today we read a story about zoo animals.  During tray work the students made a lion.  They now hang in the classroom right along with the silly monkeys from yesterday.  The classroom is sterting to look a lot like a zoo!!!

Tonight if you feel like taking a night off from cooking head over to Buffalo Wild Wings!  SJB is taking it over and the school will raise money.  A win win for everyone!

Fondly,
Mrs. Albert


April 24

Zoo week continues!  Today we learned about animals that live at the zoo.  The animals require special care by the zoo keepers.  The zoo tries to make sure the environment where the animals live are like their home in their own habitat.  

During tray work the students made a monkey!  The students told me that the monkey likes to swing from branches and eat bananas!  As we walked through the school we kept our eyes open for monkeys!  Some how they ended up hanging from our ceiling!!! They are so cute!!!

A reminder tomorrow the class will visit the book fair at 8!  Please try and have your students arrive to school on time.  If you would like to help your child shop feel free to meet us at the library.  We can always use extra hands when it comes to shopping!!!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Mrs. Albert


April 23

Welcome to Z week.  Our theme for the week will be Zoo.  What a fun theme for the week.  Today the students learned about animals that are at the zoo.  We learned that there are many people that are at a zoo to help care for the animals.  There are zoo keepers as well as vets that help keep the animals healthy.  Some of the students let me know that their pets at home go to the vet.  We were really making great connections between our home expereince and the zoo experience.  Today I wanted the students to walk in the zoo keepers shoes.  We took a virtual trip to a zoo.  We watched a zoo keeper care for the animals.  We realized a zoo keeper is really busy.  Many of my friends thought it would be really neat to care for zoo animals.  Other friends thought it may be a hard job. During tray work the students made a zoo keeper.  When they met with me they wrote about what they would do if they were a zoo keeper.  They did a GREAT job with this activity.

Special persons lunch was a hit for so many of my friends today.  This is really a special and exciting time for the students.  Special persons lunch will continue throughout the week for the rest of the students.  A reminder there is no hot lunch this week.  Keep packing those lunches if your child doesn't have special persons lunch.  

Friday is our Walk A Thon.  Please have your child wear velcro sneakers, Walk A Thon t-shirt, SJB shorts/sweat pants.  Please send in an extra pair of socks in a sandwich baggie with your child's name on it.  Send in a water bottle with your child's name on it.  If they have a sweatshirt on that day PLEASE make sure their name in on it!!! If your child did not order Chick Fil A please send in a packed lunch.

It is going to be a fun and busy week!!!
Mrs. Albert

April 20

What a fantastic Friday!  The students came in looking really CRAZY!  Hair was crazy, shoes were crazy and clothes were crazy.  What a fun way to start our day.

Also, I want to send out a BIG THANK YOU for your generosity.  We sent a folder filled with pledges for the Walk A Thon.  Again the money collected is going right back into your child's education.  With the support of families like you SJB is a great place to go to school!

Today we had two vistors.  Our star student for the week wanted the class to learn about her in a different way.  She decided it would be neat to share her pet parakeets with the class.  The students were so excited and may be asking for a parakeet tonight!  Every child had the chance to hold or pet the parakeet.  Yes, there were times that the parakeets showed off and flew around the room.  I felt like I was at a professional bird show!  It was such an amazing experience.  The students were so calm and gentle with the birds.  I thank Ava's mom and grandma for taking the time to visit us! 

                                           Introducing the birds!



                                   STUDENT OF THE WEEK AND HER SWEET BIRD

                    
A reminder Monday starts special persons lunch and the book fair.  When it is your day for the lunch remember to bring your tickets.  You will go right to the lunch room and sit down at your assigned table.  The students will be walked over to the lunchroom and brought to you at the table.  This was a preregistered event.  I will be given the list of students for that day you were assigned.  Also, many familes bring a fun lunch for their child that day (something different than their normal school lunch; mcdonalds, pizza so on).  You eat too!!!  Enjoy the time with your child.

Also, book fair goes all week.  Our class will attend Wednesday at 8.  If you would like to send money in we can help your child find a great book.  I can tell you there are a lot of books for $3.99 and $4.99 that the kids would love!

Have a wonderful weekend!  I think the weather may be looking good.
Mrs. Albert

April 19

Today I am updating with important news about upcoming events:

Tomorrow is a Tag Day.  Students are allowed to dress crazy; hats, glasses, bright colors and so on.  Have fun pulling together crazy/silly clothes for the day.  Just remember we will be having recess so shoes should be comfy and safe.

FORMS ARE DUE TOMORROW!  Send in your chick fil a order if you want your child to have it for lunch during the Walk A Thon.  

Walk A Thon Pledges are due tomorrow.  We have recieved a bunch of pledges today.  That you for supporting SJB.  I know the students who sent in the pledges will be excited to try and dunk me!!! As for me I'm praying for warm weather!!!

Lastly, WALK A THON T-SHIRTS are in your child's backpack.  You are allowed to decorate the t-shirt how you wish!!!  You may use fabric markers or even tye dye the shirt.  Have fun with it.  Your child will wear the t-shirt Friday April 27 for field day!!!

Book Fair will be next week!  The students are so excited about this, I have some excited shoppers in the class.  As a class we will be going to the book fair Wednesday April 25 at 8:00am.  If your child would like to purchase a book please send in money by Wednesday.  If you would like to help your child shop you may meet us at the library at 8.  Please sign in at the office before you go to the library.  

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.  I know it is a lot of information.
Mrs. Albert

April 18

What a Wonderful morning!  The students came in with huge smiles ready to explore our desert theme.  As the students came in the classroom they dug in the desert sand, painted with water colors and made a snake out of beads.  It was a busy morning but so much fun!

During tray work we continued to practice writing our letter Dd and discussed words that start with the letter d.  The students also made a Jack Rabbit.  Did you know that a Jack Rabbit can live in the desert?  Maybe your child can tell you about the ears of a jack rabbit and how they help the rabbit adapt to the desert!

Today I recieved lots of Chick Fil A orders.  If you would like your child to have Chick Fil A next Friday for Walk A Thon lunch please send in your order by this Friday.  I can't accept any orders past next Friday.

I also recieved Book Fair money.  If you would like to send in your money for your child early we can hold on to it for your child.  The kids are going to love shopping next Wednesday!

The sun is bright today!  I hope the warmth follows!!!  Enjoy the night.
Mrs. Albert


April 17

We are back on track.  Every child walked down the hall with a big smile.  They walked into the classroom tear free and were ready to work.  The students had a lot of activities to complete during morning work; signing in, coloring a snake skin and painting cactus.  The way they complete the activities is so fun to watch.  I am so proud how well the students have adjusted to routine.

Today the students learned about adaptation.  We learned in order to survive in the desert animals and plants had to adapt to the hot and dry environment.  The students did a wonderful identifing how the camel and plants adapted.  Maybe they can share some of those ways with you.  As a whole group we identified animals that would live on a farn vs animals that would live in a desert.  We quickly realized a desert would not have what the farm animals would need to survive.  The students also said that a farm wouldn't have the correct needs for the desert animals and plants.  

During tray work the students completed their snakes and cactus.  Outside the classroom we are displaying their desert art work.  It is really coming together!  The students also practiced writing the letter D.  With the correct pencil grip the students are doing a GREAT job writing.  The letter D uses a long line and a big curve.  The tricky part is to remember after they draw the long line they need to go back to the top of the line and begin the curve.  By the end everyone mastered it!!!

A Few Reminders:

AN EMAIL WAS SENT OUT ABOUT CHICK FIL A ORDERS.  IF YOUR CHILD WANTS CHICK FIL A FOR LUNCH NEXT FRIDAY(Walk A THON) YOU MUST SEND IN MONEY AND FORM BY APRIL 20th!!!

WALK A THON PLEDGE SHEETS DUE!!!  IF YOU SEND IT IN YOUR CHILD GETS AN EXTRA BALL TO DUNK ME!!!

FRIDAY: TAG DAY: May dress down in cray clothes, mismatch, bright colors, backwards shirt
MONDAY- THURSDAY: Starts Book Fair and special persons lunch.  There is no hot lunch those days!
WEDNESDAY:  Book Fair for our class: 8:00-8:30 if you would like to help your child shop please go to the library at 8:00, please sign in at front office first.
FRIDAY: Walk A Thon: Wear you walk a thon t shirt, sneakers to school.  Chick fil a for those who ordered. 

I know there is a lot.  If you have any questions feel free to email me.  As we get closer to the day I will provide extra details.

Stay warm and please pray for the warm weather to return.  Next Friday I am heading in the dunk booth!!!
Mrs. Albert


April 16

I know it wasn't easy to get out of bed this morning but we all did it!  Some of my friends weren't as happy as others but I can assure you that once in the classroom everyone fell right into place.  I heard so many stories about the weekend adventures.  It really is starting to be a busy and fun time as we near the warm weather!  

This week we will be learning about the Desert! Today the students learned what a desert is, some animals that live in the desert and how they are able to survive. We realized that it wouldn't be easy to live in the desert.  In the sensory table we have sand and some animals that live in the desert.  This seems to be a hit for the stundents.  During tray work the students made a roadrunner.  This little guy is fast and can zoom across the sand with his quick feet.

We are also learning how to write the letter Dd and words that start with the letter d.  The students are doing a great job with writing their letters. We are using lines and curves to form our letters.  We also gathered a lot of words that start with the letter d.  I am so proud of how well the students are doing with the their letter sounds.


Looking ahead Friday is a Tag Day.  Your child may dress crazy (mismatch, different shoes, bright colors).  Have fun with it!

In your child's folder their is a Walk-A thon Pledge Sheet.  This is a wonderful fundraiser for our school.  The best part about it; all the money raised goes right back to the school!  The school will be able to purchase items to enhance your child's education.  I have agreed to be dunked the day of the walk a thon.  I am raising the stakes: if every child in my class raises $50 I will give them an extra ball to dunk me (2 balls)!  If you raise $100 you will get an extra ball (3 balls).  I have a feeling I am going to be dunked a lot!!!

Next week we will be having the book fair in the library.  The class will be attending the book fair Wednesday April 25, 8:00-8:25.  The students love this.  A form will be sent hoem for you to send money in for your child to purchase a book.  You may also go to book fair with your child after special persons lunch.

I know that is a lot of info.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me.  

Mrs. Albert