It is an Alta Vista tradition to have class shirts for each classroom with their class mascot on the shirt. These shirts are worn for spirit days (Wednesdays), field trips, and other special events. These shirts are paid for and provided by the Home & School Club. So that we order the correct size for your child, please go to this link to order your child's class t-shirt. **Class t-shirts are mandatory for field trips, so please fill out this form ASAP so that we can get the shirts ordered in time for our first field trip, and in a size that is comfortable for your child. Thank you!
Language Arts
We will launch the Fundations program this week! Fundations’ multimodal approach to reading, spelling, and handwriting makes learning to read fun for students. It lays the groundwork for lifelong literacy through a proven approach to Structured Literacy that is aligned with the science of reading.
We will use our Fundations whiteboards and notebooks to practice correct formation of the letter t. You can learn a bit more about the Fundations program and what we are covering each week in the Fundations Home Support letter. We will share these home support letters weekly with you-- they are definitely worth checking out.
We will also continue with our drawing unit. This week, we will be working on drawing a house, a car, and even a park.
Math
This week, we will wrap up Topic B and move onto Topic C. In Topic C, students begin to write numerals and experience more complex counting situations, like counting sounds and words that can be heard but not seen. They count out objects to match a given number. They also count to find out whether they have enough of something.
Kimochis
This week, we will introduce our first Kimochi (Kimochi means "Feeling" in Japanese), Lovey Dove, who will teach your child about the feelings proud, kind, and friendly. Lovey is the Character who is sweet and nurturing. She is very wise and calm. She likes to cuddle and make everyone feel better when they are upset. But sometimes Lovey Dove worries. Children who have a temperament like Lovey’s can benefit from staying compassionate and learning to worry less. Lovey will teach your child how important it is to greet people using their name and a “Friendly Signal.” Friendly Signals are communication tools, such as a smile, wave, head nod, or saying hello. Being friendly is a rewarding habit that children can learn to develop and use throughout their lifetime.
Classroom Help Update
Last week, I sent out the sign-up for library readers & check-out desk helpers. There are still a few openings left for this trimester, if you'd like to join us in the library.
Thank you so much to the many parents who have volunteered to help with schoolwide programs such as Art Vista, Garden Club, and Clay. The training schedule for these programs can be found here. These great school enrichment programs are funded by your generous donations to AVHSC through the CAGE drive. it's not too late to donate! Your donations help make these extra programs possible at Alta Vista, and any amount is greatly appreciated. Please consider donating here if you haven't already.
Be Seen & Heard Assemblies
As you have heard in communications from Union School District, the district will be hosting the "Be Seen & Heard" assembly virtually (we will view the livestream in the classroom) this Thursday, 9/11. Here is a brief summary about the K/1st grade content: This assembly will address the dangers of child sexual abuse, the differences between a safe and unsafe touch and a safe and unsafe secret, strategies to stay safe, and how to identify trusted adults. The phrase “sexual abuse” is not used. Please refer to the message sent through ParentSquare if you have any further questions about this assembly.
Library
This week your children will visit the school library for the first time! They will check out one book, which they will bring home on Wednesday. This book is due back by the following Wednesday. Children must bring back their book to check out a new book the following week, so please make sure you send back your child's book each week-- they get very disappointed when they can't check out a new book.
This Week's Helpers
Wednesday: Library: Mary (Reader), Eva (Check-Out)
Upcoming Events
Thursday, 9/11: Be Seen & Heard Assembly
Friday, 9/12: Alta Vista Movie Night
Friday, 10/10: No School: Staff Development Day
Monday, 10/13: No School: Federal Holiday
