K iMovie

Check out Ms. Dichter's awesome iMovie of the Kindergarteners at the Stone Zoo!

Wednesday 6/26

Many kids worked on their finish up work this morning. Ms Dichter read the Lorax aloud.

Some kindergarteners from another class came to visit the first graders and ask questions about next year. The picture shows what the first graders thought were the best parts of this year. We ended our sticky hot day watching the Lorax and going to an assembly about summer reading. Make visiting the library a weekly habit over the summer! 

Tuesday 6/25

Another hot day in Room 8! 

We spent some time today talking about shapes.  Some kids used shapes to create pictures while others were coming up with different ways to fill larger shapes with pattern blocks. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch in the classroom! 

Monday 6/24

Wow! What a hot day! 

First graders enjoyed their trip to the Franklin Park Zoo.
Thank you to our fantastic chaperones!! 

Kindergarteners were busy cleaning up Room 8!  

Can you believe there are only 4 more days of school left!?  11:30 dismissal on Friday.

Friday 6/21

We had a great turnout at our Author Celebration!  We are so proud of our authors!!  Thanks to everyone that brought in breakfast treats.  
Thank you very much to Deanna and Liz for being awesome room parents!!!
A big thank you to our volunteers-Liza, Maf, Tanya & Deanna-for helping us this year.

Fun and super engaging anti-bullying assembly today by Johnny the K!  You can listen to a sample of one of his songs on his website.

Wednesday 6/19

Everyone was busy today finishing up writing pieces that will be shared on Friday!
The kids had a special sub today-Mrs. Fischer-at choice time. They made her Bruins pictures!
We enjoyed listening to some more books written by Jarrett. We also had a dance party-Visit punkfarm.com to listen to the song at home.

Tuesday 6/18

We were so lucky to have Author-Illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka come to Stratton today!! He shared his first books with us, the steps to publish a story, and inspired us to never give up! He read one of his funny books to us-Punk Farm. Take a look at his books the next time your family visits the library.
Visit his website: www.studiojjk.com

Thursday 6/13

We all spent time on the iPads today.

Ks used Drawing Pad to create pictures of the ocean and tide pools. Many of their pictures are below.

1s worked on their books and had fun on some apps.

Monday 6/17

The Ks had a blast on their field trip to the beach. What a great way to end our unit on the ocean and tide pools. Thanks to the many chaperones for joining us on such a fun trip!

The 1s had a special day at school- Watching Charlottes Web, picnic lunch in the classroom, bring a stuffed animal to school day and creating & testing a windmill.

Wednesday, 6/12

The Kindergarteners practiced their songs and put on a mini concert for the First Graders today.... They sounded great!!  Ks are so excited to perform for their parents on Friday!  They also can't wait to share their most recent art projects with you--They are amazing!  

First graders continued to work on their animal research book on the iPads.  Today they learned how to take a screenshot from Drawing Pad and add it into their book!

Voice Thread: Poetry with Liza!

We hope you enjoy watching our poetry project! A big thank you to Liza for working with us every other week this year! The project came out awesome! :)

Tuesday 6/11

Ks made crabs today! Thanks to Mrs. Abbott's class for a fun buddy reading time this morning.
1s started to create a book on the iPad about their zoo animal. 1s joined Mrs. Frost's class for morning work today.

Monday 6/10

The first graders did research today on a zoo animal of their choice.
The kindergarteners are putting finishing touches on their ocean research book.
All kids spent time practicing math skills on the iPads.

Friday 6/7

What a rainy day!!!

The kids worked hard today at Friday finish-up time.

Some kids put on a show at choice time!

We ended our day listening to some great poetry.

Thursday 6/6

We started our morning with the end of the year writing prompt-we are impressed with the progress the kids have made this year!
1s made observations of the aquarium and terrarium. They listened to some more of Charlottes Web.
The Ks worked on their animal research. They had fun this afternoon in Ms Marsh's class for choice.
Thanks to the K parents that have come for conferences thus far! :)

Wednesday 6/5

First graders are working hard to publish a story for our Author Celebration.  They have begun the next Science unit on organisms- Our aquarium and terrarium was set up today.  The kids showed great focus  this past week and the first grade spelling assessment has been completed!

Kindergarteners are researching an animal and creating posters to share- Their posters looks great so far!  They continue to practice reading and writing words with many different word families.  Kindergarten conferences tomorrow!

Tuesday 6/4

The first graders had a blast on their field trip to the Apple store today!  The kids learned how to use iMovie.  Here they are with their t-shirts and certificates.... zip drive bracelets with their movies will be going home tomorrow.  

We ended our trip to the Burlington Mall with a special treat- a donut!  A big thanks to Liz and Jodi for chaperoning! 

Ks worked on creating their ocean habitats.  They also had buddy reading time with Mrs. Abbott's Kindergarten class!

Monday 6/3

Ask your child what happened to our seeds that we planted last week.  One was placed in the closet, the other one the windowsill.   Which container had one tall plant and two short plants?  Which container had plants that were dark green? Light green?  Which container had plants with more leaves?

All items left in the lost and found outside of the cafeteria will be donated on Wednesday morning.  If your child is missing anything, please have them check there tomorrow!

First graders will be going on a field trip tomorrow to the Apple store.  The kids will eat lunch at school at their regular time.

Friday 5/24

We started a science experiment today! We planted Lima beans in two containers. One will be put on the windowsill, one in the closet. The kids made predictions about what will happen to each.

We had a class game of kickball today!

The kids grass is growing!! Some kids took home their "hair" today :)

Have a nice long weekend!

Wednesday 5/22

We spent time this afternoon learning about the life cycle of a plant and the parts of a plant. The kids were creative making flower/plant collages this afternoon.

Monday, May 20

Thanks to everyone that joined us for our Math-In this morning.  The kids enjoyed teaching our visitors how to play some math games.

Ks observed seaweed today!
1s compared the weather in Arlington and Mexico City.

We ended our day with Open Circle.  We discussed the characteristics of a leader.  The kids then worked together and used their leadership skills to create groups of an assigned number.  The challenge was to be with different classmates on the next assigned number.  Ask your child to tell you a time they were a leader.

Remember to practice the problem-solving steps at home:

RED LIGHT = STOP

• Calm down.

• Tell yourself the problem and how you feel. (“I feel _____ because _____.”)

YELLOW LIGHT = THINK

• Think of many ways to solve the problem.

• Think of what would happen if you tried each one.

GREEN LIGHT = GO

• Make a plan and try it.

Monday 5/13

The kindergarteners learned about the ocean this morning.  They are increasing their background knowledge in preparation of the next Magic Tree House book- Dolphins at Daybreak.  Ask your child which fact they wrote and drew about today.

First graders worked on fact families- three numbers that can make 4 equations.  For example 2, 3 & 5. The two addition equations: 2+3=5 and the turn around or flip flop fact 3+2=5
The two subtraction equations 5-2=3 and 5-3=2.
First graders heard the first chapter of Charlotte's Web- a favorite first grade read-aloud at both Stratton and Thompson.


Both groups moved through math stations this afternoon.  Ask your child to tell you one station they worked on.
The day ended with a Time for Kids magazine about animals.

Week of 4/29

Check out the Movie of the week

Friday, 5/10

The kids had a fun time making something today :)

Thanks for making our teacher appreciation week special!

For all Room 8 Moms- Happy Mother's Day! :)

Thursday, 5/9

First graders finished listening to My Father's Dragon. Ask your child about the exciting ending!

Kindergarteners wrote great stories about their field trip to the zoo. Some kids shared their books this afternoon. Ask your child to share their book with you. They were sent home this afternoon in home/school folders.

Wednesday, 5/8

Ks had a fantastic time at the Stone Zoo! Thanks to Liza and Moriah for chaperoning.  Pictures to come later...

1s listened to a big book called How Many Legs?  They worked on making combinations to 10.

This afternoon the 1s taught the Ks how to use a new app to practice neat handwriting.

We ended our day with math stations and an art project.


Domino math

First Graders wearing their Mexican serapes!

Tuesday, 5/7

We spent some time revising our poems with Liza. There's a great variety in types of poems that the kids have chosen to publish.

Ask your child to tell you about one math station they worked at this afternoon.

Ks- zoo field trip tomorrow! :)

Movie of the week: 4/22

Please check out the Movie of the week: 4/22.

Assembly Lyrics!!

Monday, 5/6

We all watched Annie and Moby's clip about poetry and then listened to some published poems.  The students spent some time today writing poems.  Ask your child to tell you about their poem.  We will be working on revising our poems and publishing them with Liza over the next few weeks.

Thompson play this week!!

Calling All Screen-Obsessed Kids and Their Parents!

Parents: Do you need help getting your kids away from all those devices and screens?

Kids: Do you want your parents to lighten up about screen time?

"We'll Be Better Later - A Comedy for a Computer-Crazed World," this year's entry from the Thompson Drama Project, just may be the help you need. The play, featuring nearly 75 Thompson students (K-5), is set in a detention camp for internet-addicted kids whose parents have sent them away to get "better." Can forced exercise, small talk and sunshine wean the kids off of World of Warcraft, manga and Twitter? Or, will their parents learn to understand them better? Come and see the play to find out!Performances will be held on Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. at Arlington High School Auditorium. The suggested donation is $5 per person.

Show your Thompson pride and come out to support your friends and classmates! Be sure to bring your family and friends, too!

Friday, 5/3

We had a great morning at the spring concert!

Thursday, 5/2

The concert rehearsal was fabulous!  The kids are excited to go on stage to perform for you on Friday starting at 9am at Town Hall.

Kindergarteners had choice in Ms. Marsh's classroom for the afternoon.
The first graders finished up their crafts from their Mexican fiesta.

Wednesday, 5/1

We all had a fun special afternoon!

Kindergarteners worked on some animal projects in preparation for their trip to the zoo next Wednesday.  Poems with Liza, Animal sorting, and more!  If you would like to chaperone, please email Lynne.

First graders had a Mexican fiesta with many crafts- bark painting, god's eyes, painting serapes, bird maracas, decorating masks and more... They also tasted some Mexican foods and drinks.  Thanks to the parents who came to help out!!

Monday 4/29

The children started their morning with Writing.  Some first graders worked on their feelings books based on the book Courage.

There was a rehearsal for the spring concert today with another first grade classroom. We hope you can make it to Town Hall on Friday at 9:00.

Kindergarteners did some research about animals today to prepare for their trip to the zoo on Wednesday, May 8th.  Please send back the permission slip asap.  If you would like to chaperone please send an email to ldichter@arlington.k12.ma.us

First graders learned about food that is bought at a Saturday market in Mexico.  They will be recording the temperature daily both in Arlington and Mexico City for the week.

We split into two groups to learn new math games.  Tomorrow the kids will buddy up and teach someone else their game.

The day ended with Open Circle.

**Please send in empty toilet paper rolls and paper bags (the kind from Traders Joes and Whole Foods) for upcoming projects.**

Reminder-1:00 Early Release on Tuesday

Friday 4/26

Thanks to everyone that came to our Math-In!

After reading a Time for Kids, we spent time talking about how we can help- others, our neighborhood, our environment. Ask your child for one of their great ideas.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday 4/25

The Ks put on a wonderful assembly today!! First we listened to a story called Heartprints. Ask your child what they do to leave heartprints wherever they go. Then the kids surprised the audience with a catchy song. Finally we all sang the Stratton Pride chant.
We hope to see many of you at our math in tomorrow!

Wednesday, 4/24

We had math twice today!!  This morning the kids learned how to play Two Dice Toss.  Ask your child how they know when the game is over.  Some kids got to a place value activity as well.  Practice counting by tens at home.  This afternoon the kids moved through math stations and one art project.  The stained glass flowers look beautiful hanging up on our windows.  Ms. Serrao read a fairy tale with a twist- Princess Pigtoria and the Pea.  First graders learned about temperature today.

**Please send back the completed permission slip for the concert rehearsal and concert as soon as possible.  Thank you!**

Important Upcoming Dates

Friday, April 26th 8:10-8:45 Math-In

Tuesday, April 30th 1:00 Early Release

Wednesday, May 1st 12:00-2:00 First Grade Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Friday, May 3th 9:00 Spring Concert at Town Hall

Check this out!

After learning about African animals for a few weeks, the first graders created African Animal Research Books on Explain Everything.

Tuesday 4/23

**Pride assembly on Thursday. Please wear your pride colors**

wish list- glue sticks please!

During math, the kids were introduced to place value. When collecting cubes, the kids are learning to put 10 together in a tower of 10.
There are 10 digits. What if you have two digits-2 and 6. What two numbers can you make out of these two digits?

We had music this morning instead of afternoon. I stayed for the beginning of the special, and got a sneak peek of one of the songs for the spring concert next week. I hope you are able to come to Town Hall next Friday. The kids also moved to the high and low notes.

Monday, 4/22

Welcome back!  We hope everyone was able to find some time to spend with those they love.  The children had a smooth transition back to school.  Here are some resources from Open Circle if you need some support with the recent tragedy:

• A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - English

We started our morning with writing about our vacation.  It sounds like most families were very busy!  We spent much of our day learning about Earth Day.  Here are some of the ways we celebrated: 

--watching a video clip about the holiday (above)

-reading Time for Kids about reducing, reusing, and recycling 

-watching a clip about recycling paper

-playing an Earth Day game

-making an Earth Day bookmark

-writing about how we can help the Earth

-read-aloud of Miss Rumphius- Here's an online version if you would like to listen to the story with your child 

Ask your child one way they plan on helping our Earth. 

Some great ideas were: picking up litter at the park, using both sides of the page, helping the grown-ups bring the recycle bin to the street, turning off the water when brushing your teeth, donating toys when you are done with them.

**wish list- glue sticks :) 

Friday 4/12

What a fun day we had!!

We started our morning singing our moon song on the intercom after the pledge.

First graders finished publishing a story-They came out great! First graders are wrapping up their study of Africa.
Kindergarteners had finish up time and book time.
We had a mystery reader this morning-Jane's grandfather from Canada!

We had an author celebration this afternoon with 2 other first grade classes!

Our day ended with a visit from Jill's
Grandfather Tutti & Carol & their 3 day old chicks!!

**Wish list- glue sticks**

Have a wonderful week!

Thursday, 4/11

We had a blast this morning as we wrote a class song about travelling to the moon with Liza!!!  Is your child humming the tune of the song like I still am!?
Recording coming soon....
Ks watched a Magic School Bus video about space.  They also wrote another page in their space fact book. 

1s listened to Zomo the Rabbit and created puppets to act out the story.  They also took a Fundations test-Look for it in your child's folder tomorrow.
Ks spent some time in Ms. Marsh's Kindergarten class practicing for the assembly.  They also had choice in there for the second time!

1s spent their indoor recess time in Mrs. Frost's first grade class making new friends and seeing some familiar faces from last year.

It's hard to believe that we are already thinking about expanding our friendships groups to include people that might be in our class next year!

Note from Mr. Hanna: Changes in morning drop-off

Dear Stratton Community:

Some families have cited concerns about the safety of students when they arrive to and depart from Stratton School.  Specifically, the faculty and visitor parking lot is very active, with live parking, and many cars coming and going at the same time as many students are walking through it.  The School Council took up the issue at our January 14^th meeting.  Some members of the Council shared history of trying to make the drop off and pick up as safe as possible.  It was agreed that there are, and always have been pros and cons to any proposed solution.  However, it seemed prudent to the Council and to me to close the parking lot to entering cars at the times that are high traffic for children and their parents coming in and out of the building. So beginning on the Monday after April break – April 22 - we will block off the entrance and exit to the parking lot from 8-8:30 am, and again from 1:45-2:30 pm.  The Council and I believe that this will be the best way to improve safety for all children.  The following are some recommendations to families to prepare to adjust to this changed procedure:

·         Arrive earlier: Students can safely arrive on the blacktop or inside starting at 8am.  For this year, they may come between 7:45-8:05 to have breakfast in the Cafeteria.

·         If you must park in order to escort younger children, park further down on Mountain Avenue, or on Pheasant Street.  There seems to be some under-utilized parking on Pheasant near the blacktop

·         With the parking lot closed only to foot traffic at 8am, you could drop off on Mountain Avenue near the parking lot, and allow your child to walk to the blacktop or entrance

·         If you drop off in the Mountain Circle, make sure your parking is live

As with all procedure changes, this may cause some initial inconvenience.  I hope that it is clear that we are interested first and foremost with children’s safety, and it is for this reason that we are making this change.  Please call or write anytime with any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Mr. Hanna

Wednesday, 4/10

Kindergarteners were very engaged this morning during a read-aloud to gain more background knowledge about space... They are also in the middle of listening to Midnight on the Moon.

Ask your child to tell you one fact about space.

First graders listened to Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears.  They also watched a clip of it:

http://video.nhptv.org/video/1689064464/

Ask your child to tell you about one African folktale they have enjoyed.

Please help remind your child of good hygiene habits as many yucky bugs are going around our classroom!  Washing hands, sneezing/coughing into elbow, keeping fingers out of noses/pants, etc.

Have a great night!

Thompson Play: Looking for K-2 participants!

Dear Thompson K-2 families:
Thompson Drama Project is continuing with our 7th season of our wonderful school playtradition and this year's production, We'll Be Better Later - A Comedy for a Computer Crazed World, is in the works! The cast of 50 children from grades 3-5 as well as crew members, parent volunteers, costume sewers and set builders have been busy pulling together what promises to be an exciting production!
But we're missing a big piece: we need K-2 boys and girls to be a part of the CYBER DREAM TEAM! They will represent the dreams that the kids in the detention center are having about the technology (cell phones, ipads, computer games, etc) that they are missing. The kids will have costumes which include technology laden hats, and will walk about amongst the "inmates" during their dreams. While K-2 students traditionally have non-speaking roles, new for this year is that K-2 kids will appear ON STAGE (that is, on the big stage at Arlington High School)! It's a great way to introduce our younger students to the stage and hopefully many will want to continue in the years ahead. For K-2, no auditions are necessary; anyone who signs up will be a part of the dream scene ensemble. There is no fee to participate and a fabulous costume is provided (kids will need to wear either a black shirt and black pants OR a white shirt and white pants underneath).
The K-2 kids will need to come to 2 rehearsals and 2 performances, all at the Arlington High School (AHS) auditorium. We're hoping K-2 actors will be available to come to both rehearsals and both performances, but let me know if you have a conflict—if your child wants to participate, we'd love for them to be a part of it - however they can.
Rehearsals: 
Friday, April 26 at 3:30-5:00 at the AHS auditorium
Monday, May 6 at 4:00 - 5:30 at the AHS auditorium (this is the dress rehearsal)
Performances (K-2 kids will need to arrive at 6:15pm both nights): 
Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00pm at the AHS auditorium (play lasts approx. 1 hour)
Thursday, May 9 at 7:00pm at the AHS auditorium (play lasts approx. 1 hour)
And of course we can use some parental help in supervising kids and helping with costumes, so don't be shy!
To sign up your K-2 child and/or to volunteer, go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044AAAAD2-k2actors
Please add your child's name, grade & teacher to the "My comment" box. PLEASE SIGN UP BY FRIDAY, APRIL 12. Those who sign up will be contacted with further details after school vacation.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks. 
Angela Alton
mom of Eve (gr 5) & Hannah (gr 7)

Tuesday 4/9

Yesterday, our read aloud was The Listening Walk. We all went on a listening walk this afternoon! We also used our senses of touch, smell and sight.

Look at these scientists:

Monday, 4/8

Today the Kindergarteners were busy creating a huge outer space scene on the blacktop, complete with rocket ships and Pluto, which, as we know, is "not really a planet!"

First graders continued to work on their African animal research projects.