Brown Bag Shares

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Update for Parade this Sunday

Hello SMS Families,

There seems to be some confusion about students participating in the Stratham community parade this Sunday, and we are writing to apologize for that confusion and to try and clear it up!

Not all staff members are participating in this voluntary event and students in need of supervision or support should have a parent/guardian with them. We want all interested students to be able to participate successfully; however, we want to make sure that expectations are clear for everyone involved.

1. The parade is almost 2 miles long. Students who walk MUST be able to walk on their own, for 2 miles, without stopping, using a bathroom, or resting. We will be part of a large parade procession and will not be able to slow down or stop.
2. From the time students arrive at 1:00, walk the parade, and return to the park on the buses provided by the parade, students are expected to be in charge of themselves. While the teachers and adults walking in the parade will support students, we cannot be in charge of every student’s behaviors and/or needs. The total time could be close to 3 hours.
3. If your child wants to participate but will need support for these issues – behavior, walking 2 miles, etc – please walk with them as part of the SMS parade procession. This way you can support their needs throughout the parade.

 We are excited to participate in such an important community event, and we want everyone who is interested to participate successfully. We thank you, in advance, for your understanding of these expectations.

Take care and see you Sunday,

Tom Fosher & David Goldsmith

Photos of Playground Fun and Reading Partners

A few items I forgot to mention last night...

1. We are in need of a Room Parent to help organize parties and be our liaison to the PTO.
2. Thank you for washing your child's water bottle each night and helping them remember to bring it to school each day.  I try to encourage them all to stay hydrated throughout the day.
3. If you didn't have the chance to sign up to volunteer for various activities in the classroom, please send me an email at jhackett@sau16.org and tell me which activities you are interested in. Also, please include the days you are available and how often you are available such as once a week, every other week, or once a month.   We need help with the following areas...Afternoon Centers 1:15-2:30... Readers' Workshop 10:30-11:00... Friday folder organizer and clerical help; anytime that works for you... working from home...and/or Room Parent.
4. We are not officially having Mystery Readers this year.  Second grade will continue with this activity.  If you would love to read to our class this year, please let me know throughout the year as it fits into your schedule.  
5. Volunteers will begin close to October.
6. I enjoyed seeing all of you last night.  I hope I answered many of your questions.  

We enjoy being outside!

Here we are reading during Readers' Workshop in our special partner spots!  This week we have been working on taking a sneak peek to help make predictions of what might happen in the story.  As we continue, the kids will learn how to check their predictions as they read, revisiting, or confirming them. 

We had so much fun making Lobster and Starfish Stained Glass for our classroom windows!  We can't wait until next Wednesday for our next time together during our Tide Pool Time! 

Picture Day

Bring your smile tomorrow!  It's picture day!  Please return your order forms, if you have not done so already!

Also, it's Curriculum Night tomorrow evening in the classroom at 6:30.  I look forward to seeing you then!

First Week of School

To view this blog on the actual site and to view photos that I will share in the near future...click on the gray words that state "The Lobster Class".

It has been a wonderful, four days in the Lobster Classroom!  The students are making friendships while learning the routines of the day.  I can't wait to spend another four days with your child this week!  We will continue to build upon a positive, classroom community while slowly working towards academic routines.  

I have already taken many pictures from our first days of school, and I can't wait to post them on our blog.  I will post the pictures once I receive permission from all families.

Ask your child to tell you about Quiet Time!  This is a very short time during the school day after recess/lunch to gear up for our afternoon activities.  It will be interesting to hear what your child says about it.  

This year Mrs. Murphy's First Grade Class and the Lobster Class are joining together every Wednesday afternoon for Tide Pool Time.  This allows us to build a larger first grade community.  During this time, Mrs. Murphy and I will plan activities to reinforce skills the students are learning.  This week the kids got together to play Back To School Bump and enjoy popsicles.

Important Dates are below:  

• Thursday, 9/15: Picture Day, Curriculum Night Grades K-2 @6:30
• Friday, 9/16: Dot Day, One World Language School Open House @ 6:30
• Wednesday, 9/28: Early Release Day (12:50 Dismissal) 

Here are some questions to ask your child to promote school talk...
1. Can you tell me who sits at your table?
2. Who do you like playing with at recess?

3. What does it mean to be a bucket filler?

4. Are there any Lobsters that ride the bus with you?

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to send me an email at jhackett@sau16.org. I'm looking forward to a successful and fun year with your family!