Can't keep up on emails! I know the feeling. Don't worry! I will add the whole-class emails here once they have been sent.
Sent April 22 I am sending a copy of our Pod Sharing costume notice out again (see attached image or it is also on the website). It is really important that each student has a pair of black pants and a white shirt at school in a bag (this is not their change of clothes for emergencies) so that they can put it on when we are filming our pod sharing and performing live. The recording will be a video keepsake. If your child has the signed form for no media release, they will not appear in this video but are able to do the live performance. Please send your child with a pair of black pants and a white shirt as soon as possible. Also, it appears as though our class photo day has had to be rescheduled. I will update you with the date when it is confirmed. I am also attaching the image of the pod sharing date and time as a reminder.
Thanks, Jenn Coates
Sent April 21 Pod Sharing: Just a reminder that our pod sharing will be on May 9 at 6:00pm. Everyone has received a paper copy and email copy of the pod sharing information of what to wear and what to expect. I am also attaching the formal invitation to this email. I have copied this notice to our Emails tab of the class website. Bannock Sale: A notice is coming home for a bannock sale. These must be preordered by April 26. Each piece of bannock is $2. Look for this notice on Tuesday! Upcoming dates for April:
Home Reading: Home reading packages are sent home each time a student brings their current package back to school. If you do not want your child to bring home any more home reading packages, please just attach a note to the current package that you do not need them anymore. I seem to be getting less back right now, so I am making sure that it is this program is helpful to those who want it and I am not losing packages. It is totally your choice to do this program. If your child returns the package without a note, I will assume you would like to continue. I usually stop the home reading program June 1 so that I can organize and redo lost packages.
Pod Sharing: Our pod sharing will be on May 9. Everyone has received a paper copy and email copy of the pod sharing information of what to wear and what to expect. I have copied this notice to our Emails tab of the class website. We usually do an evening performance on the 9th at 6:00. We will have another notice coming to remind you of this date and time.
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Sent April 2 I hope everyone had a restful break. This time of year brings drastic changes in weather. Please make sure your child knows to bring a warmer coat for the mornings, a change of clothes for the rainy weather, and rain boots for those wet days. There were a few students who needed to bring their shoes home for the break for activities and some grew out of their indoor shoes. Please remember to bring an indoor pair of shoes back tomorrow.
Upcoming dates:
3rd - back to school after Easter break
22nd - Professional Development day - no school
25th - Class photo day!
We are heading to the Wildlife Park on May 21 and we will need volunteers. If you would like to come, you will need to have a criminal record check done through our website. This is a protocol set out by the district. Please see the link here. The process to get this confirmed at the school level takes a few weeks, so please plan ahead if you would like to come.
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Sent March 10 We are going to the Big Little Science Centre on Tuesday. We do not need volunteers for this trip. If you have not returned the permission form, please send it back tomorrow (Monday). I had one come back with a signature, but no name or number. If you feel this was yours, please email me.
We are heading to the Wildlife Park in May and we will need volunteers. If you would like to come, you will need to have a criminal record check done through our website. This is a protocol set out by the district. Please see the link here. The process to get this confirmed at the school level takes a few weeks, so please plan ahead if you would like to come.
Our pirate theme has begun, as well as some seasonal themes such as growing and Spring. The pirate theme will be the focus for our main pod sharing in May. This is a literature focus where we will be exploring more story elements, as well as a focus on teamwork!
Upcoming dates for March:
12th - Big Little Science Centre
15th - Report Cards go home
18th - Spring Break (returning April 3)
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Sent March 3 We plan on visiting the Big Little Science Centre and the Wildlife Park. We will need volunteers for the Wildlife Park. If you would like to come, you will need to have a criminal record check done through our website. This is a protocol set out by the district. Please see the link here. The process to get this confirmed at the school level takes a few weeks, so please plan ahead if you would like to come. Our Big Little Science Centre trip is on March 12. A permission slip will be coming home this week.
Our pirate theme has begun, as well as some seasonal themes such as growing and Spring. The pirate theme will be the focus for our main pod sharing in May. This is a literature focus where we will be exploring more story elements, as well as a focus on teamwork!
Upcoming dates for March:
12th - Big Little Science Centre
15th - Report Cards go home
18th - Spring Break
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
I have loaded new videos for the week on our reading tab on the website. We integrate our learning through the arts all the time. A new favourite is the movement rhythm and phonics combination. Feel free to come and see it in our classroom or look at the post on the PAC facebook page.
Sent February 25 The last week of February is here! In the upcoming months (dates to come), we plan on visiting the Big Little Science Centre and the Wildlife Park. We will need volunteers for the Wildlife Park. If you would like to come, you will need to have a criminal record check done through our website. This is a protocol set out by the district. Please see the link here. The process to get this confirmed at the school level takes a few weeks, so please plan ahead if you would like to come.
We are beginning a pirate theme, as well as some seasonal themes such as growing and Spring. The pirate theme will be the focus for our main pod sharing in May. This is a literature focus where we will be exploring more story elements.
We are continuing our focus on executive functioning skills. These skills are critical and a focus on understanding them and practicing them takes time. Click here for "What is Executive Function" by Harvard University.
Here are some upcoming for this week:
28th - Pink Shirt Day
29th - Leap Day! Dress like a "leap frog" day
Upcoming dates for March:
15th - Report Cards go home
18th - Spring Break
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Sent February 11 A list of names for Valentine's was sent home on Friday in the agendas. Please check the front pocket. We will exchange Valentines in the morning of February 14. In the afternoon of February 14, it is Hundreds Day!!! It is the hundredth day of school. We do not dress up on this day, but we do bring in 100 items. Please keep this small and send them in a baggy. Examples include, 100 paper clips, 100 buttons, 100 beans, 100 cheerios, or 100 feathers. Having your child count them is part of the fun. Upcoming Dates:
14th -Valentine's Day and 100s Day!!
19th - Family Day - no school
28th - Pink Shirt Day!
Agendas are needed every day. I remind the students that it is their job to remember this, but they may need some help making this a habit. I check them every day for notes from you and put any notices in the front. It helps teach students responsibility and keeps their supplies that need to go home safe.
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Sent February 5 February 7th is World Read Aloud Day! Your child is welcome to dress up as their favourite book character or bring their favourite book for World Read Aloud Day. Our February focus is finishing up our frogs theme and moving onto Healthy Heart Month. This includes a focus on healthy habits and friendships. Upcoming Dates:
7th - World Read Aloud Day - dress like your favourite story book character
19th - Family Day - no school
28th - Pink Shirt Day!
Agendas are needed every day. I remind the students that it is their job to remember this, but they may need some help making this a habit.
Sent January 28 Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Upcoming Dates:
2nd - No school - Professional Development Day
19th - Family Day - no school
Agendas are needed every day. I remind the students that it is their job to remember this, but they may need some help making this a habit.
Sent January 21 We are continuing our work with the MindUp program and have created self-regulation tool kits. We have a strategy book, sensory tools, and time built in to focus on using the tools (not toys) to understand how our brain is working. We are also focusing on executive functioning skills. Here is a great resource for understanding executive functioning skills: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-executive-function-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/
In Math, we are working on breaking numbers apart to understand them. 24 is 2 tens and 4 ones. This also helps us understand double digit addition with greater success. You can add 24 plus 32 by thinking of 20 plus 30 and 4 plus 2. In Science and Socials, we are now learning about frogs. Stay tuned for some interesting facts!
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Please remember that every child has a home reading pack. If they do not have one, please let me know. This may mean that they have left it in their locker or desk, or I have missed giving them a new one for the week. Agendas are needed every day. I remind the students that it is their job to remember this, but they may need some help getting back into the routine.
Sent January 14 January is an interesting month for learning. We are learning about solids, liquids, and gasses. We are also learning about the Western Painted Turtle, which is local to our area, and frogs. Exploring different ways of hibernating is proving to be very interesting. Do you want to know the favourite fact we have learned? Turtles breathe out of their cloaca when hibernating (yup, that is their bottom). They breathe through cloacal respiration.
January also presents some self-regulation challenges. In order to learn about how our brains work and deal with self-regulation, we are continuing our work with the MindUp program and have begun creating self-regulation tool kits. We have a strategy book, sensory tools, and time built in to focus on using the tools (not toys) to understand how our brain is working.
In Math, we are working on breaking numbers apart to understand them. 24 is 2 tens and 4 ones. This also helps us understand double digit addition with greater success.
Just a reminder that this is our weekly schedule. Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies
Please remember that every child has a home reading pack. If they do not have one, please let me know. This may mean that they have left it in their locker or desk, or I have missed giving them a new one for the week. Agendas are needed every day. I remind the students that it is their job to remember this, but they may need some help getting back into the routine. Have a great week. Sincerely, Mrs. Jenn Coates [email protected] https://mrscoatesclassksa.weebly.com/
Sent December 17 I will be trying to make this week routine and calm, while still adding in some seasonal spirit. Students this week can often become very over stimulated which can end up with some big emotions. I will do all I can to make this week calm, but fun. While we have many themed days this week, it is important that we remember that students still need to be going outside and participating in Gym so the holiday attire must still be feasible for these activities. Here are some upcoming dates:
18th - Christmas hamper donations due
Monday December, 18 Holiday Hair: Show us your silly hair, Christmas hairbands, Santa hats, take some inspiration from Cindy Lou Who
Tuesday, December 19 Twinkle Tuesday: Dress like a holiday tree, colourful light, tinsel, garland and ornaments.
Wednesday, December 20 Ugly Sweaters Day: Find or make a wacky holiday sweater
Thursday, December 21 Holiday Colours: Let's fill the school with red, green, silver, and gold
Friday, December 22 Hibernation Day: Get comfy in your favourite blankets, fuzzy socks, stuffed animals, and pyjamas
Sent December 10 This email is long but has a lot of important information in it! Sorry! All report cards went home on Friday. If your child missed that day, it will be coming home on Monday. Please sign and return the report card envelope (not the report card). These are reused each term for report cards.
On Thursday, December 14th, we will have our Christmas Choral Celebration at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Please make sure your child is wearing all black that day with a red accent (scarf, ribbon, tie, hair accessories) if you'd like. Please, no Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or hairbands that are raised, as it blocks the students who are behind them on the risers. The students have been working so hard to learn the words, actions, and follow along with the choir conductor and accompanist. They are so excited to share with you!!
For the evening performance please drop your child off at 5:30 pm at our classroom. The whole choir will then be warming up at 5:40 pm in Mrs. Richmond's room, so that we are ready for the show. After the performance, please let all students exit the gym, then pick them up in our classroom. Please don't pull them from the gym, as we will enter and exit together for safety and management.
Christmas Hamper Basics Hello families! We are collecting food for Christmas Amalgamated. This food drive is very needed this time of year. The following list is the items that go into each food hamper. If you can donate, we are grateful. If you cannot, it will never be mentioned who donated which items. I ask students to bring in an item or a toonie/loonie. I also don't have just one student bring in the bigger items. For example, I might have a few students each bring in 1/2 a dozen apples or oranges. The pick up date for the hampers will be Monday, December 18th right away in the morning. If you have any questions, please reach out.
$25.00+ meat certificate 3-5lbs of potatoes 1 box/package of stuffing 2 tins of vegetables 2 tins of soup 1 large juice 2 packages of pudding 1 tin cranberry jelly 1 doz. Oranges 1 doz. Apples Christmas cake Mixed nuts Candy or Chocolate Coffee or Tea
Here are some upcoming dates:
14th - Christmas concert 1:00 pm (no tickets needed) 6:00 pm (must have your tickets) in our gym. - Please have your child wear black with red accents (no hats, no lights).
18th - Christmas hamper donations due
Monday December, 18 Holiday Hair: Show us your silly hair, Christmas hairbands, Santa hats, take some inspiration from Cindy Lou Who
Tuesday, December 19 Twinkle Tuesday: Dress like a holiday tree, colourful light, tinsel, garland and ornaments.
Wednesday, December 20 Ugly Sweaters Day: Find or make a wacky holiday sweater
Thursday, December 21 Holiday Colours: Let's fill the school with red, green, silver, and gold
Friday, December 22 Hibernation Day: Get comfy in your favourite blankets, fuzzy socks, stuffed animals, and pyjamas
14th - Christmas concert 1:00 pm (no tickets needed) 6:00 pm (must have your tickets) in our gym. - Please have your child wear black with red accents (no hats, no lights).
18th - Christmas hamper donations due
Monday December, 18 Holiday Hair: Show us your silly hair, Christmas hairbands, Santa hats, take some inspiration from Cindy Lou Who
Tuesday, December 19 Twinkle Tuesday: Dress like a holiday tree, colourful light, tinsel, garland and ornaments.
Wednesday, December 20 Ugly Sweaters Day: Find or make a wacky holiday sweater
Thursday, December 21 Holiday Colours: Let's fill the school with red, green, silver, and gold
Friday, December 22 Hibernation Day: Get comfy in your favourite blankets, fuzzy socks, stuffed animals, and pyjamas
25th - beginning of Winter Break
Christmas Hamper Basics Hello families! We are collecting food for Christmas Amalgamated. This food drive is very needed this time of year. The following list is the items that go into each food hamper. If you can donate, we are grateful. If you cannot, it will never be mentioned who donated which items. I ask students to bring in an item or a toonie/loonie. I also don't have just one student bring in the bigger items. For example, I might have a few students each bring in 1/2 a dozen apples or oranges. The pick up date for the hampers will be Monday, December 18th right away in the morning. If you have any questions, please reach out.
$25.00+ meat certificate 3-5lbs of potatoes 1 box/package of stuffing 2 tins of vegetables 2 tins of soup 1 large juice 2 packages of pudding 1 tin cranberry jelly 1 doz. Oranges 1 doz. Apples Christmas cake Mixed nuts Candy or Chocolate Coffee or Tea
Sent November 27 Santa Parade: What an amazing school we have. Huge thanks to all the volunteers and participants in the Santa Parade. You made our school proud. Big Buddies: We are making a rocking chair project with our big buddies. Each child needs 40 clothes pins. If you can send your child with a pack of WOOD (not plastic) clothes pins, we will begin our project next Friday. The big buddies are responsible for the glueing part, and the little buddies help line the pieces up. If you love a little chaos and want to help on any Friday afternoon (1:00-2:30), let me know, and you are welcome to join us. Parents are not needed but welcome. This project is something that we do every year.
Sent November 20 Hello! Thanks to all who came out to the craft fair and helped out. It was a huge success! We sold nearly all of our carrots, applesauce and hot chocolate packs. Only 5 carrot jars left and 4 hot chocolates left. The money raised goes back into our classroom to buy needed supplies, such as books or learning activities.
Big Buddies: We are making a rocking chair project with our big buddies. Each child needs 40 clothes pins. If you can send your child with a pack of WOOD (not plastic) clothes pins, we will begin our project next Friday. The big buddies are responsible for the glueing part, and the little buddies help line the pieces up. If you love a little chaos and want to help on any Friday afternoon (1:30-2:30), let me know, and you are welcome to join us. Parents are not needed but welcome. I do have extra clothes pins for those who forget. This project is something that we do every year.
Everyone has received a mini update for reading, writing, and math. Please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or questions. If your child did not bring it home, please reach out, and I will send you another copy. Report cards come out in December.
Sent November 14 Here are a few notes for the week. We are in the KSA Craft Fair! We have made pickled carrots, applesauce, and hot chocolate bags. They are all amazing! We will be selling these products ourselves and ask if any parent/child combos would like to sign up to help fill the time slots. It takes place Saturday at KSA and we are looking for volunteers to help us run the table. If you are able to help please sign up through the link below. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hba_v25KSgK_taugApSPcscRqKAto6AvwI_wZ22NuJg/edit?usp=drivesdk
We are closing our eagle unit and moving onto Peace: peace in ourselves, in the classroom, and our school. This began with Remembrance Day and will be bridging us into the winter months.
Please remember that we are a nut and fish aware classroom. Nuts and fish can cause one of our students to have an anaphylactic reaction. This includes peanuts, cashews, Nutella, etc. Have a great week. Sincerely, Mrs. Jenn Coates [email protected] https://mrscoatesclassksa.weebly.com/
Sent November 5 This week we will have our Remembrance Day assembly on Friday. Please have your child wear black. We are performing and signing Oh Canada for the school. We are focusing on migration right now and eagles. Did you know that a bald eagle nest is about 2 metres wide and about 1 metre deep? We sketched out a full sized nest and a full sized eagle for students to compare and we can fit about 4 grade one students in our eagle's nest! Feel free to come in and see our bulletin boards.
Can you please make sure your child has a spare change of clothes at school. It is the wet season and we often have students coming in with wet socks or pants due to the weather.
Please remember that we are a nut and fish aware classroom. Nuts and fish can cause one of our students to have an anaphylactic reaction. This includes peanuts, cashews, Nutella, etc. Have a great week. Sincerely, Mrs. Jenn Coates [email protected] https://mrscoatesclassksa.weebly.com/
Sent October 29 This week, we are focusing on migration, fall, and Halloween (just on Tuesday). We are learning about animals that migrate and how the change in season affects the leaves, temperature, and animals. On Tuesday, your child can wear their Halloween costume to school - NO weapons, face masks, or clowns.
Please remember that we are a nut and fish aware classroom. Nuts and fish can cause one of our students to have an anaphylactic reaction. This includes peanuts, cashews, Nutella, etc. We have participated in the Card Project. This is where I send away one piece of artwork and the company turns it into cards, notebooks, and many wonderful gifts. You can order these in time for Christmas. All proceeds earned from the card project go back to the classroom to support our projects. Please see the attached notice. Sincerely, Mrs. Jenn Coates [email protected] https://mrscoatesclassksa.weebly.com/
Sent October 22 We have participate in the Card Project. This is where I send away one piece of artwork and the company turns it into cards, notebooks, and many wonderful gifts. You can order these in time for Christmas. Please see the attached notice. We would like to invite parents and children in grades one, two, and three to attend a short, in person workshop and learn some proven strategies for helping your child read at home. This session is free and you will receive a bag of resources to take home!
Just a reminder of our weekly schedule that is posted on our website home page: Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama (as well as Home Reading and Library books due if Monday is missed) Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies Although we have scheduled arts times, these are not the only times we learn about or through the arts. Our lessons in class are always integrated through the arts. Upcoming Dates
23rd-26th - Scholastic Book Fair! The book fair is set up in the library. We will be visiting during our library time on the 23rd. If you want to send money with your child, I will help them but please label what it is for (e.g. Book Fair, books, bookmarks, poster) and how much they are allowed to spend.
26th - Mrs. Coates, Mrs. Woods, and Ms. Richmond are hosting a course night for all grade 1-3 parents and students about how we can help our child read at home called, Reading Detectives. Stay tuned for more information.
Sent October 14 Hello families, I have sent home a bright orange pumpkin notice. This week, on Thursday, we are bringing the pumpkin patch to KSA! I have order pumpkins from NuLeaf Produce Market and they will be delivering pumpkins to us. On Thursday, we will use our pumpkins in science and math stations. Then they will get to go home. I recommend sending a reusable bag to bring the pumpkin home in for ease. The cost is $4 which is a great deal!
This week, I am away a lot which is very unusual for me. On Monday, I am attending a workshop at the Henry Grube on reading assessments. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I am in Vancouver with a KSA team touring 3 different arts schools! I am very excited for this opportunity! I have planned the days to be very routine and calm and the TOC has my number. Please still feel free to email if needed but phone the school with any changes in pick up schedules. The kids have been learning to be flexible and adaptable. "We can change our plan." We work on virtues throughout the year and adaptability and accountability are big for us. I will be back for our pumpkin day. We have participate in the Card Project. This is where I send away one piece of artwork and the company turns it into cards, notebooks, and many wonderful gifts. You can order these in time for Christmas. Please see the attached notice. We would like to invite parents and children in grades one, two, and three to attend a short, in person workshop and learn some proven strategies for helping your child read at home. This session is free and you will receive a bag of resources to take home!
Just a reminder of our weekly schedule that is posted on our website home page: Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama (as well as Home Reading and Library books due if Monday is missed) Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies Although we have scheduled arts times, these are not the only times we learn about or through the arts. Our lessons in class are always integrated through the arts.
On October, we are canning with our big buddies. Mrs. CJ leads this with our students every year. We are making our famous pickled carrots and applesauce! They are so good! We will sell them at the craft fair. If you would like to volunteer on October 17 from 10:30-1:30, please let us know. We would love about 4 volunteers to help the kids (thank you to two parents already!). My students do most of the counting and peeling type of jobs.
Upcoming Dates
20th - No school - professional development day
23rd-26th - Scholastic Book Fair! The book fair is set up in the library. We will be visiting during our library time on the 23rd. If you want to send money with your child, I will help them but please label what it is for (e.g. Book Fair, books, bookmarks, poster) and how much they are allowed to spend.
26th - Mrs. Coates, Mrs. Woods, and Ms. Richmond are hosting a course night for all grade 1-3 parents and students about how we can help our child read at home called, Reading Detectives. Stay tuned for more information.
Sent October 9, This week we have our parent teacher conferences. I would love for everyone to sign up for the open house or interview. If you cannot do this date, please let me know so we can book another day/time. It is important to meet with everyone.
We would like to invite parents and children in grades one, two, and three to attend a short, in person workshop and learn some proven strategies for helping your child read at home. This session is free and you will receive a bag of resources to take home! PLEASE JUST BOOK ONE TICKET NO MATTER HOW MANY PARENTS/KIDS ARE COMING.
Just a reminder of our weekly schedule that is posted on our website home page: Monday- Gym, Library (if Monday is a holiday then we may or may not make it up depending on time), Home Reading due Tuesday - Drama (as well as Home Reading and Library books due if Monday is missed) Wednesday - Gym, Art Thursday - Gym, Music Friday - Choir, Dance, Big Buddies Although we have scheduled arts times, these are not the only times we learn about or through the arts. Our lessons in class are always integrated through the arts.
On October, we are canning with our big buddies. Mrs. CJ leads this with our students every year. We are making our famous pickled carrots and applesauce! They are so good! We will sell them at the craft fair. If you would like to volunteer on October 17 from 10:30-1:30, please let us know. We would love about 4 volunteers to help the kids. My students do most of the counting and peeling type of jobs.
Upcoming Dates
12th - Parent Teacher Interviews Dismissal at 12:30
17th - Canning!
20th - No school - professional development day
26th - Mrs. Coates, Mrs. Woods, and Ms. Richmond are hosting a course night for all grade 1-3 parents and students about how we can help our child read at home called, Reading Detectives.
Sent October 6 We would like to invite parents and children in grades one, two, and three to attend a short, in person workshop and learn some proven strategies for helping your child read at home. This session is free and you will receive a bag of resources to take home!
Sent October 3 As promised in my first newsletter, I send home packages of home reading. I have started this today. Each student has brought home a package that contains books, activities, and a whiteboard marker. There is also a newsletter explaining everything as well. Each Monday, or the first day of each week, students bring back their home reading package. I will clean it and exchange it for a new one. Here are some notes: - If it is too easy or too hard, the child can return it for a different one but please send me a quick note in the agenda telling me why so I can tailor the next package to their needs better. Please be patient with me as I figure out the best fit for each child. I pride myself on differentiation and meeting each child where they are at so I continue to monitor this as we go along. Some students are very different at home (more or less motivated, more or less tired, use or forget strategies) so this information is helpful. No package is perfect but I try to offer a variety in each package. If they forget their package, please just return it when they can. -Please have your child erase their work. I will clean for sanitizing and repairing purposes but do not have time to be scrubbing marker off each one. If the marker does not work, throw it out. I will replace it. - Your child's home reading will be adjusted as their abilities in class change. Everyone learns at their own pace. This program allows each child to go as fast or as slow as they need. Please let me know how it is going at home as we move through the next couple of weeks. Thanks, Jenn Coates
Sent September 29 Next week we have a pep rally! On Tuesday, October 3, your child is asked to wear their house colour (Blue Coyote, Purple Orca, Orange Rattlesnake, Red Wolf, Black Raven, Pink Moose). If your child cannot remember which house team they are, please email me. This was also on the paper notice that came home about KSA Houses and had a highlighted team on it if you still have it. Our KSA houses meet once a month to build community and KSA spirit.
On Wednesday, October 4, Mrs. CJs class is hosting a bake sale to raise money for their class trips. If you want your child to buy ONE item, they can bring money that day. Items are all $1-$2.
Upcoming October dates:
2nd - No School National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed)
3rd - KSA Pep Rally - wear your team colour
4th - Bake sale - items are $1-$2
12th - Parent Teacher Interviews Dismissal at 12:30 (PTCFast link to come soon) - please see the blue notice that was sent home in agendas. Please let me know what the daycare/pick up plans are that day in the agenda if they are different than usual.
9th - No school - Thanksgiving
20th - No school - professional development day
26th - Mrs. Coates, Mrs. Woods, and Ms. Richmond are hosting a course night for all grade 1-3 parents and students about how we can help our child read at home called, Reading Detectives. Stay tuned for more information.
Sent September 24 Here are a few notes for the week. Just a reminder that tomorrow (Monday, September 25) is a Pro-D day so there is no school. Upcoming dates for September:
September 22nd to September 29th donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/42475 to support our local family literacy programs. Raise a Reader 2023. Be a part of it!
25th - Pro D - no school
28th - School Photo Day (see this website's home page for more information)
29th - Wear orange
30th -National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Upcoming October dates:
2nd - No School National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed)
12th - Parent Teacher Interviews Dismissal at 12:30
9th - No school - Thanksgiving
20th - No school - professional development day
26th - Mrs. Coates, Mrs. Woods, and Ms. Richmond are hosting a course night for all grade 1-3 parents and students about how we can help our child read at home called, Reading Detectives. Stay tuned for more information.
31st- Halloween - wear costumes to school
I will be sending a September snapshot home this week just as a quick check in for you about your child. EVERY child has a learning journey. EVERY child has learning needs and wants. I will do my best to meet every child where they are at academically and socially and help them create goals to work toward. Just a reminder that you will be getting a notice about parent teacher interviews very soon. I do a double format to hopefully accommodate all families. Students are dismissed on October 12 at 12:30. I will have an open house from 12:30 to 1:30 where you can pop in anytime within that hour to see your child's work and speak with me. After that, I will be running interviews at 20 minutes each. I need to respect the time of others so if we need more time, I will ask to rebook another time/day. Stay tuned for more information.
Sent September 16 I hope everyone was able to enjoy a lovely, sunny weekend. This week we have our Terry Fox run on Thursday so please make sure your child brings a water bottle with their name on it and dresses for the weather. Primary students stay on the field. We are asking families to donate a toonie for Terry or donate online: Kamloops School of the Arts is proud to be participating in the Terry Fox School Run. Please join us and continue the legacy of one of our greatest Canadian heroes. Donate at:https://schools.terryfox.ca/KamloopsSchooloftheArtsThank you for joining us in the fight against cancer! #terryfoxschoolrun @theterryfoxfoundation
The cold and flu season is upon us. When your child is away, I will save any pencil and paper work and send it home when they return. Please know that I do this as some parents want it and others may not and I will leave the decision up to you whether or not you want your child to complete the work or recycle it. Anything of great importance will be held back with me and I will help them complete the work. Some things just cannot be caught up on, such as arts integrated activities and larger art pieces. These will have to just be missed. I load my instructional phonics and word videos each week on the READING tab on our website so if you want your child to practice these things, they are available.
Paperwork: Thank you for the return of all the paperwork. I know it is a lot but it is so important and helpful. Please follow the PAC and school facebook pages for their information as well. I have posted these links on our home page on the website.
Upcoming Dates for September:
21st - Terry Fox Run (we stay on the field)
September 22nd to September 29th donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/42475 to support our local family literacy programs. Raise a Reader 2023. Be a part of it!
28th - School Photo Day (see this website's home page for more information)
29th - Wear orange to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
30th -National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
You will be getting a notice about parent teacher interviews very soon. I do a double format to hopefully accommodate all families. Students are dismissed on October 12 at 12:30. I will have an open house from 12:30 to 1:30 where you can pop in anytime within that hour to see your child's work and speak with me. After that, I will be running interviews at 20 minutes each. I need to respect the time of others so if we need more time, I will ask to rebook another time/day. Stay tuned for more information.
I will be sending a September snapshot home at the end of September just as a quick check in for you about your child, but will also speak with you or email you sooner if I have concerns or wonderful stories to tell you.
Sent September 10 Welcome to our first full week! It is still expected that the students may be tired as getting back into routine takes a few weeks. I will be having certain show and share days. This happens when your child brings home a show and share envelope. It is large and labelled so you can't miss it. When they receive this envelope, they may bring in one item. Please avoid sending toys with your child otherwise as they are often lost or become distractions which cause big emotions.
Agendas have come home. Please help your child remember them each day. I check them each day and sign them. You can write me notes if needed. If your pick up schedule is changing, a note in the agenda is very helpful! If you have not returned the package of papers, please do so this week.
Upcoming dates:
21st - Terry Fox Run (we stay on the field)
September 22nd to September 29th donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/42475 to support our local family literacy programs. Raise a Reader 2023. Be a part of it!
28th - School Photo Day (see this website's home page for more information)
Sent September 7 Hi everyone, Tomorrow, we are having an assembly to sort students into KSA houses (like Harry Potter but no sorting hat!). These houses provide a sense of community, focus on team building, connects them with friends who are not in their class, and gives students a network of support. Since our KSA colours are green and blue, we are asking students (if they want to and remember) to wear green and/or blue. Agendas have come home. Please help your child remember them each day. I check them each day and sign them. You can write me notes if needed. Your child may be tired this week and next week. This is to be expected. I build in break times and we take it slow to start. It may take a few weeks to get everyone working at their own level but I promise you that this is always a goal, regardless of grade. The first few weeks is learning how we do things and some strategies before becoming more independent and varied in their learning. Thanks, Mrs. Coates
Sent September 6 Hello parents and guardians, I am so excited to send this email to you! I am your child's teacher this year. I hope that everyone had a safe and happy summer and is looking forward to a new year of school. I have sent some very important papers home. Please fill those out as soon as possible and return them with your child to the classroom. I know it is a lot of them. Things you should know:
I send home weekly emails. It is my intent to keep you informed and updated. If at any time you feel that you need more information, please catch me after school or email me. I am happy to stay connected. Communication is key. I love hearing happy stories and am here to help with any issues that may arise.
I keep a class website. I will keep instructional weekly videos uploaded, extras for if your child wants more, an email tab that records our emails if you feel that you have missed one, and a calendar. This is a huge part of our classroom. We use it in the class as well. Please feel free to send me feedback if you feel something is not working or I am missing something. https://mrscoatesclassksa.weebly.com/
I would love to show you our classroom so please feel free to pop in after school with your child. They are excited to show you their space. I know, however, that many people do not have time to come in after school. There are pictures on our website.