October 29, 2021

This Week in Our Classroom

This week the children experienced their first Fire Drill! During morning messages and large group time we have been practicing what to do if we hear the fire alarm go off. I played a recording of the sound for the children and talked about how we need to line up quickly and walk to our safety spot outside. Then I played the recording of the alarm again and we lined up as a class and walked to our safety spot so the children would know where to go. On the way we counted the number of fire alarms and smoke detectors we could find in our hallway. Later in the week we had our first official fire drill! I was so proud to see our class lining up and walking safely like we had been practicing. Preschool and Kindergarten even got a complement from our Principal Ms. Srour for how well they were behaving!

Two new materials were introduced during small group time; water color paint and hole punches. Children used their hand muscles to punch holes in thick paper while counting how many times they squeezed the handles. Many children mentioned how “hard” it was to squeeze or that the hole punches “hurt” their hands. This is a sign that children’s hand muscles are in the developing stage. Exercises like squeezing hole punches, cutting with scissors, and using playdoh help children to improve muscle tone. Strong hand muscles are essential for children to be able to hold a pencil correctly and write letters. Using paint brushes helps children develop hand-eye coordination which is another important tool for developing writers.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Homework

This weekend’s homework is to continue practicing putting on jackets independently. As the weather gets cooler we are wearing jackets more frequently. Over the new few days give your child to practice putting on their jacket by themselves. At school we have learned two ways; Superhero style and tag to toes. Here are two videos to help you when working with your child.

No School- Tuesday, November 2nd: Election Day

All Dearborn Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, November 2nd for Election Day. Enjoy the day at home with your children and remember to go Vote!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on the following days:

• Thursday, November 4th – 4-7pm
• Tuesday, November 9th – 4-7pm
• Thursday November 11th – 9am-3:30pm

Conferences will be held In-Person at School or Virtually on Zoom depending on family preference. If you choose an in-person conference only parents/guardians will be able to attend. Due to Covid-19 Protocols I will be unable to accommodate extra family members or siblings in the classroom.

Please plan for your appointment (virtual or in-person) to take about 45 minutes. We will be discussing how the children are adapting to the routine at school, the results of your child’s beginning of the year assessment, student goals for the upcoming school year, as well as ways to support your child’s academic development at home.

I will be sending out Conference time reminders in your child’s folder and on Remind Monday afternoon. If you cannot make your appointment for any reason please make sure to send me a message on Remind so I know not to wait for you.

Week of November 1 -November 5th

Monday 11/1	Tuesday 11/2	Wednesday 11/3	Thursday 11/4	Friday 11/5
Full Day Drop off- 8:35am Pick Up- 3:20pm @ Door #3	No School-Election Day Don’t Forget to Vote!	Full Day Drop off- 8:35am Pick Up- 3:20pm @ Door #3	Full Day Drop off- 8:35am Pick Up- 3:20pm @ Door #3 Evening Conferences by Appointment 4:00-7:00pm Enter through main Office	No School on Fridays Have a great weekend!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Stortini