WELCOME TO EC3A

2018-2019

IMPORTANT DATES:

October 19      Field Trip to Ramsey's Farm leave school at 8:30 
October 22      Special Pajama Tag Day
October 26      School Pictue Re-Takes 
October 26      Scholastic Order Due
October 29      Orange wear Day
October 31      Halloween Parade/Party Back Parking Lot 8:30

October 17, 2018,
Information about our Field Trip and a Special Tag day can be found in your child's folder.

This week we are still working on the letter "p" and having fun with Pets and Pumpkins.
We finger painted pumpkins

We worked on writting the Lettter "P"

We picked Pumpkins in our PumpKin Patch

We made pumpkins out of Playdough

We used teamwork to build a huge tower!

October 12, 2018,

We worked on various activites with the "5 Little Pumpkins" this week. I read the book and then we acted out the story with hand motions and flannel board props.

 

October 4, 2018,
This morning we were visited by firefighter Tim from the Wilmington Fire Department. He spoke to the children about how Firefighters are their friends and to not be scared. He dressed in full gear for the children and walked around the room giving each child a high five. We are so thankful that firefighter Tim took time to visit us today.

Our Saint of the week is Saint Francis. We spoke about how he is the patron Saint of Animals. We celebrated his feast day by saying a special prayer and making a St. Francis puppet.

We did a science experiment today. We made fireworks in a bottle. We used food coloring and oil. We observed the beautiful colors as I poured the two ingredients into warm water. We repeated the experiment with diffrent color combinations. 

During our circle time we palyed a fun game with STOP, DROP and ROLL. I also read the story My Mom is a Firefighter.

At our centers the children made a 5 little Firefighters craft out of their handprint. The children had fun together exploring with various firehouses, trucks and firefighters with the blocks.

Tomorrow is a half day with a 11:35 dismissal. Children will need a snack only. If your child is attending Eagles club...they will need a lunch and afternoon snack. Eagles club will do their best to follow our schedule and routine.

October 3, 2018,

For those of you that are having difficulty paying for the chaperone portion of the field trip. The link https://bngn.smarttuition.com/?id=4gqzcyp4a5g will take you immediately to the site for payment. I tried it myself this morning. You must click the green button until you get to the checkout screen. Please let me know if you are still having difficulties. 

During gym class the children played various games with balls and in Spanish they counted and learned words for different emotions. 

During circle time I read the story" Spot the Firehouse Dog". We also spoke about things that we safe and not safe to touch. We charted our responses.

My friends made a Dalmatian by fingerptinting spots during our center time. We also worked on cutting "thumbs up" by getting a firetruck to the fire. 

Tomorrow our class will have a visit from a fire fighter. We will also make a Firework in a bottle for our science experiment. 

October 2, 2018,
We went on a surprising adventure today. During our walk back from technology class we noticed big muddy footprints. We measured our feet to compare the size. We made a guess as to who's footprint it could be. We walked the same path and noticed the footprints disapeared. We found out at lunch that it was our maintance man who left the muddy footprints. This was a fun and very unexpected activity to tie in the letter "F".

During circle time Cooper shared all of the items he could find from home that began with the letter "F" for our letter Jar. Way to go Cooper! I also read the story "Fire Engines" and we sang our song and fingerpaly.

My friends sorted Fire Hats by color, counted spots on a dalmatian, used magnetic fire extiguishers to put out fires and created a fire truck during our center time.

October 1, 2018,
We had a fantastic begining to "F" week. Millcreek Fire Company visited us today after lunch. We had a chance to meet 3 firefighters, climb in a firetruck and learn all about how they are our friends and keep us safe.

During our clircle time I introuduced the letter "F". Freddie the Frog helped us name some objects that begin with the letter. I then read they story Fifi the Ferret's Flute. We played I spy and named some objects in the book that began with the letter "F". We also learned "10 Little Fire Fighters" finger play and sang the song "Hurry, Hurry Drive that Fire Truck"

Our dramatic play area has transformed to a fire station. My friends put out lots of fires today. We worked on making a fire fighter out of the letter "F" for our Alphabet book. At the sensory table , the children used spray bottles to squirt fire (Paper flames). They also completed the spot the dot and push pin activity. 

 

On Friday our class made butter and had a vegtable tasting to go with our Farm theme. Please take a look at all of the pictures from the week under the Photo tab. 

​​​​​​September 27, 2018,

RED wear day tomorrow for our class! No uniforms!

I am so proud of my friends. They did a super job in Church during our visit with the Bishop. We were in the church for about 45 minuites. My friends did so well singing and sitting quietly. When we came back into the classroom, we shared a group hug and a each enjoyed lollipop. 

I did not have a circle time today because of all the sitting we did in church. We did have centers and play in the classroom along with morning and afternoon recess.

I painted the children's hands to make horses and we created a cow out of a paper plate. 

Tomorrow we will be working on 2 science projects, making butter and vegtable tasting. We will be busy in the classroom.



September 26, 2018,

My friends did fantastic with our wild Wednesday (2 specials). We laughed that our animal train sure did take us on a lot of adventures today. 

During gym Mrs. Schock had the big screen set up for dancing. The children had so much fun dancing in the gym. I can tell this is going to be one of their favorite activites. In Spanish my friends counted to ten, worked on colors and the prayer "Our Father".

We had a short recess on the black top after Spanish class and on the playground after lunch once it dried in the hot sun.

During circle time today Meara shared all the items that begin with "H" she found from home. Way to go Meara! We read the stories 'The Big Red Barn" and "Piglet and Mama". Our question today was- Do you like the song: Old MacDonald? 10 friends said yes and 3 said No. Since there was more yes votes we sang the song using animal props.

For our center time the children painted chicks by using forks. We also used farm magnets and worked on simple AB patterns. The writing table has been very busy this week. So many of my friends are writing the letter "H".

​​​​​​Tomorrow morning we will be visiting the Bishop in the Church. Please take some time tonight to speak to your children about listening ears while we are in "God's House" thank you!
 

September, 20, 2018,

Happy Thursday! My friends became scientists as we explored apples and made them erupt. We used one red and one green apple for our experiment. I cut a hole in the Apple and the children took turns adding baking soda and vinegar. We then watched as the apple erupted. The children were so excited. We also took the seeds from the apple and placed then into wet paper towels. We are going to let them germinate over the wekend and plant them on Monday. They are at the Science table for my friends to explore.

During our circle time we learned about St. Anthony our patron saint of lost items. We played a game of hide and seek and watched a short You Tube video. I also read the Big book "Annie the Apple Farmer" We sang our apple songs and finger play.


The children painted with apple halves during center time. They also completed a search and find. We counted and sorted apples to number 5. We worked on a simple A/B pattern and used tweezers to add apples to an apple tree. This is a great activity to work on fine motor skills. 

Tomorrow we will use our apples form our classroom orchard to make applesauce.

See you all this evening for Back to School Night. 6:30 in our classroom (parents only). Please come directly to our building as the Main School building will be closed. Thank you

September 19, 2018,

Today was our very busy day with 2 specials.(Gym and Spanish) My friends did a fantastic job with all of our transitions today. I really am so proud of them. 

During our circle time I read the story "The Biggest Apple" and we learned a finger play "5 little apples" with a flannel board activity. Our question of the day was: Have you ever picked an apple? We graphed our responses.

The children painted an apple red, yellow and green using bubble wrap during our center time. We also played an Apple Picking ABC bingo game. My friends are really doing well recogonizing their letters. 

September 18, 2018,

What a fun day in ECP3-A! We started off our morning with Jacob sharing items from home that start with the letter "A" for our class letter Jar. Great job Jacob! We then had an apple tasting. We tasted green and red apples then graphed our favorite using stickers. The green apple seemed to be the class favorite. We spoke about how they tasted sweet and sour. 

We had technology class today. The children watched short video clips on "the letter "A" and apples.  After class we played outside with the chalk and monster trucks on the black top.

During circle time, I read the story "Im an apple". We discuused the life cycle of an apple, We then discussed our classsroom jobs, calendar and weather wall. We will start to do this same routine daily.

During our center time, the children sorted apples by color and counted apples up to number 5 for one to one coorespondence. Our Dramatic play area has been transformed to an apple orchard. The children went apple picking and weighed apples to be bought and sold at the market.
We also used stamps and q-tips to trace a letter "A" and created a tissue paper apple. They are displayed on our classroom windows. 


September 17, 2018,
I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weekend. My friends are doing so well with our morning routine. I am so proud of them. The good-byes are getting shorter and tear free. 

We started off our morning with music class. Mrs Wagner taught the children the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children". We will sing this song to the bishop during his visit.

I introduced our letter of the week "A" and apple theme today. We helped our friend Abby the aligator (puppet) name items that begin with the letter "A" using our letter jars. We then read the story "Abby's Adventure" and "Apples" We learned the song" Way up high in the Apple Tree"

During circle time we made an apple out of the Letter "A" for our alphabet book. (this will go home at the end of the year once all letter crafts have been completed). Our sensory table is filled with items to create an apple pie. This was a big hit with the children. We also worked on a push pinning and Spot the Dot activity for letter "A"


September 13, 2018,

The children looked fabulous for picture day! My friends did so well waiting for their turn to get their picture taken. I was so proud of them. 
After pictures and snack, we spent time outside playing with chalk on the black top. We made roads for our trucks. We even played a jumping and hopping game while counting to ten.

During circle time, I read the stories: "I'll Wait Mr Panda" and "Please, Mr Panda." We spoke about using manners and patience (which we had to use this morning with pictures). We made a coconut tree for "chicka chicka boom boom" and used stickers to spell out our name. Next week we will start working on name recognition by finding our name in the morning to sign in.

I have been slowly opening the centers in the classroom. This is so we all learn classroom rules and expectations. Today, the manipulative center opened. This was a big deal for my friends. The children did fantastic playing with a bin of toys and putting it away before they took out another.  Way to go!

September 12, 2018,

We had such a busy day! We made it to our first Gym class by 8:00 this morning! WOW! My friends transitioned very well. During gym, Mrs Schock played games with the children and had them running around the perimeter of the gym. She was so impressed with how well they did for their first class. After Gym we went to Spanish. The Children looked so cute sitting in the big desks. They were introduced to the "Our Father" in spanish and a few words. 

We celebrated Evan's Birthday during Lunch! Happy Birthday Evan!

During our circle time we read the story "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" and played a sound game to go along with the story. We worked on our Scholastic Magazine (In folder) as a class. My friends did so well following directions as a group. We watched a short video and played a game on the smartboard from the magazine.

We also enjoyed the weather and spent time outside on both playgrounds for morning and afternoon recess.

Picture day is tomorrow at 8:00. Please have your child to school early and ready for pictures. We have an early morning transition. Pictures are from the waist up so please have your child wear sneakers. Thank you for your cooperation.

We had our first Technology class this morning. My friends did amazing walking to the big building and up the stairs to class. Ms Luce was so impressed with how well the children listened and followed directions. 

During our circle time we read the story "Pete the Cat - I Love My White Shoes". and We played a "I spy color game". The children made a Pete the Cat by painting a small paper plate. they will be hanging in our classroom. We also played a Pete the Cat Groovy Button board game. This was a great game counting to the number 5 using one to one correspondance.

We played outside on the black top 2 times today. The children are playing so well with one another. It is so nice how fast friendships are forming among the class.

Our picture time has been moved to 8:00. Part time families please meet us in the Library with your picture form  by 7:55. thank you

September 10, 2018. 

We had our first Music class today! Mrs Wagner introduced my friends to scarves and sticks along with singing and dancing. 

We read the story "The Kissing Hand" during circle time. We spoke about how "Chester" the raccoon in the story was so sad and scared to go to school. His mommy kissed his hand so he would have a kiss to take with him to school. Whenever Chester was sad he could put his hand to his cheek and feel mommy's kiss.
We painted our hand and put our own special kiss inside. We also made a Chester the Raccoon craft that is on display in the hallway.
Our morning goodbyes are getting easier. My freinds are adjusting well. Please have your children finish their breakfast before entering school. It can be challenging when one Friend sees another eating. We have snack usually around 8:30. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Picture day is Thursday!
Picture forms are being sent home today in your child's folder. Please make sure they have this form or the online print out with them on Thursday.
If your child is a part time student and you would like them to get their picture taken, our picture time is scheduled for 8:30. You are welcomed to meet our class in the Library at this time. 

September 7, 2018,
What another great day! Our MWF friends started today! Everyone transitioned into the classroom well and began playing immediately after good-byes. I know it can be very difficult to leave your child when they are upset, but I promise you they become distracted right away and begin to play and have fun.

We had our first special today (Library). My friends did an amazing job walking in the "Big Building" to the Library. Ask them to show you how we walk in the hallway. (so cute) We walk with a finger on our lips and hand on our hips. This helps us to remember to stay quiet and keep our hands to ourselves while we walk. 

The children listened to a story and played a game "Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar" (this helped the teacher learn all of the children's names. (if you havent done so already please make sure your child has their name on the front of their shirt. thank you)
After Library we walked to visit the nurses office to visit with the nurse. I wanted the children to see the office so that if there was ever a reason for a visit they would not be scared.

We then took a walk around our school building to practice walking in a line behind a friend. We worked on walking on the crack of the side walk pretending it was a bridge and that there was water all around us. We even spoke about all of the sea life that might be in the water. The children had so much fun with this game they didn't even realize how well the were doing walking.

Once in the classroom we had a short circle time. We read the story "David Gets in Trouble" and charted poor choices and good choices. I held up a picture of a behavior (hitting, sitting on the carpet, quiet voice, pushing etc.) and my friends had to tell me if it was a good choice or poor choice. They did a great job!! Thumbs up! We then did some more playing in the classroom exploring more toys and painted a paper plate to make a David face that corresponded to our story.

We were able to go outside for morning and afternoon recess and use both playgrounds today. 
I will not be sending home crib sheets and blankets today because it was a short week. They will go home next Friday. 
Look for picture forms in your child's folder on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

September 6, 2018
We did it! We successfully completed our first day of school! My friends did such a fantastic job! There were a few tears this morining but the children transitioned nicely into playing and had a great day! 

The children had time to explore the classrom this morning while playing with playdough, cars, magnet blocks, kitchen and tool bench. Once we cleaned up the room (they are amazing helpers) we transitioned to our special animals on the carpet. We discussed a few classroom rules (after we clean up we always sit on our animal)  and then lined up on our animal train to use the potty. The bathroom today went well. My friends are very independant with their potty skills. After the potty, we ate snack. (please remember to label your child's snack). My friends sat at the table on their special animal chair and enjoyed their snack. We then went outside onto the "Big Playground" for about 10 minuites. Once the weather breaks we will enjoy more time outside. 

When we came back inside we had a short circle time. I read the story "No David" and we played a game with our special animals (to help us remember). I will slowly start to introduce more circle-time activites each day. We then moved onto more playing. The children made a special "David" craft to go along with our story. They are displayed on our classroom bulletin board.

The children did really well at lunch. We walked in a line, behind a freind,  staying on the sidewalk over to the lunch hall. The children did a great job sitting at the table waiting for all of their friends to finish eating. We did not have outdoor recess after lunch because of the heat. The children were happy to come back to the classroom to play. 

Before rest we used the potty, read  a Pete the Cat story and watched a short 10 minute Pete the Cat Video on our smartboard. My friends transitioned well into rest time. Please remember to bring in any item from home that will help with rest. Let me know if it is to be returned home at the end of the day.

Have a wonderful night!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Looking forward to a new adventure tomorrow.

               

Welcome to EC3-A. I, Ms Mekulski will be your child's teacher along with my para Ms Kavanagh. We have been very busy getting our classrrom ready for your arrival. I am so excited about this year and look forward to meeting you and your child at our small group orientations on Tuesday 9/4 and  Wednesday 9/5 . I will go over classroom and school information and answer any questions you may have about our upcoming year.

Please remember to bring:

 

• Child Information Sheet

• OWL ABOUT ME SHEET

• Change of Clothing (labeled with your child's name)

• Towel or blanket and crib sheet for rest (labeled with your child's name)

• 1 box of Tissues

• 1 clorox wipes

• 1 pack of wipes

 

BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION:

Anyone that is interested in participating in any school/class activities will need a background check (this include our loving grandparents that take part in our fun). I am including the steps needed to complete this check.  I ask that you take care of this ASAP.  I can not allow you to attend the first field trip if you are not given the OK. Each adult will need their own $30 check along with their own background check. If you have a background check please send an email to Mrs. Maltesta so she can update her information.

Contact person will be Marie Maltesta.  Please contact her at mmaltesta@sjbdel.org 
Send in a check for $30 made out to Saint John the Beloved.  Please send the check to Mrs. Albert in an envelope.  The envelope should be labeled BACKGROUND CHECK and who the background check is for. 
Once Mrs. Maltesta receives your check will be sent an email with the code and directions to complete your background check.   

I thank you for following through with this promptly.  The great thing is the background check is good for 5 years!!!  We have lots of fun activities planned and would love for you to be part of them!!! 

All school parents who wish to volunteer and participate in Field Trips, Field Days, Lunch/Recess Monitors, etc. must request a Background Check (if you have not already had one done).  Please submit your name, a $30.00 check made payable to "SJB", and your email address to Mrs. Marie Malatesta.  Her email ismmalatesta@sjbdel.org and her phone is 998-5525 ext. 205.