There is a lot going on this week, so please read this email to stay informed!
Volunteer Update
We AVHSC has begun holding the training sessions for schoolwide enrichment volunteers. Please go to avhsc.org for more information about trainings and how to get involved with our many schoolwide enrichment programs. One thing that is new this year: if you're going to be volunteering more than one hour per month at Alta Vista, you need to take the online Mandated Child Abuse reporter training. More details can be found when you fill out the Volunteer Code of Conduct. I recommend that anyone who is planning on volunteering regularly take the training.
While we're on the subject of AVHSC, please, please consider contributing to the C.A.G.E. Drive! The drive has been extended through this Sunday, and we really need your help. The CAGE drive helps to fund things like the crossing guards, our art, music, and clay programs, field trips, and for 1st graders and beyond, p.e. and recess programs. Currently, we are $125,000 short of our goal to continue funding all these programs. Please help spread the word and encourage others to make their donations-- we truly couldn't have all the programs that make Alta Vista so great without the support of parents like you. Please go to avhsc.org/cage to donate. Thank you!!
Picture Day
Picture Day is this Tuesday the 15th. Both the class picture and individual photos of each student will be taken on this day. There is no need to order ahead-- your children will come home with a small slip of paper on Tuesday that will have directions on where to login to see the proofs and order, if interested.
International Dot Day
On Tuesday, we will also be participating in International Dot Day. This is a day set aside to highlight creativity, courage, and collaboration. We will read the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds and then we will create a picture from one single dot sticker. These pictures will become our next class book!
Language Arts
We launched the Fundations program last week, and the children are doing so well with learning the routines and language of Fundations.
We used our Fundations whiteboards and notebooks last week to practice correct formation of the letter t. This week, we will be introducing b and f. Check that your children are holding their pencils correctly, as well as forming their letters correctly, by looking at the resources in this week's Fundations Home Support letter.
We will also continue with our drawing unit. This week we will be drawing some more animals and then putting it all together by drawing a picture with a character and a setting.
Math
This week we will begin Topic D: Decompose Numbers. Students explore number relationships. This begins with the familiar context of sorting and then moves to story problems. Students begin to use number sentences like 5 is 2 and 3. These early experiences with problem solving set the stage for work with addition and subtraction concepts in modules 4 and 5.
Buddies
We will have our second meeting with our 3rd grade buddies on Thursday! Each kindergarten student has one or two 3rd grade buddies. A couple of times per month, we will get together with our buddies for an activity and a story. We are looking forward to seeing our buddies again this week!
Library Books
Our first trip to the library was a success! Thank you to Sara for reading a story & Cherie for helping with check-out. Remember to return your child's library book by Tuesday at the latest, so that they can check out a new book when we go to the library again on Wednesday.
Be Seen & Heard Assembly
You should have received an email from the district about the Be Seen & Heard assembly this Thursday.. This is a sexual abuse awareness & prevention program. The live stream will be shown in class on Thursday morning. Information about how to opt out of this presentation should have also been included in the email from the district.
This Week's Helpers
Wednesday: Library: Matthew (Reader), Kira (Check-out)
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 9/15: Picture Day
Thursday, 9/17: Be Seen & Heard livestream
Week of 9/21: Walk to School Week
Friday, 9/25: Alta Vista Movie Night
10/9-10/12: No School: October Mini-Break
