Merry Christmas to YOU!

We've had a great day of celebrating all that is good!  Below, you'll find pictures from our day.  We were able to read Christmas stories, have holiday muffins with fruit, have a book exchange, make gingerbread homes, and watch the Polar Express with 1H.  We took time to talk about the power of giving and that happiness exceeds all.  We also discussed all of the wonderful things we have in our lives to be thankful for.  I am so thankful to be able to spend my days with your bright children.  Thank you for all you do to support what we do at school.  I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.  

January Important Dates/District Restructure Updates/Delays and Cancellations

January’s Important Dates:

5^th – PTO Meeting @ VHE @ 7pm

9^th – Book Orders Due

14^th – 1:00 Dismiss/Professional Development

19^th – NO SCHOOL/Professional Development

22^nd – TENTATIVE 100’s Day – Weather Dependent

Keep watching our blog for the latest and the greatest from 1U.  Be sure to watch the short weekly videos.  They tell what we’re working on!

http://teachinginthe21st-anna.blogspot.com

Watch the Benton website for updates on the district restructure.  This information is updated very often!

www.benton.k12.ia.us

Sign up for school alerts if you have not already done so.  We’ve been very lucky to not have to worry about this so far!  You can access this information from the Benton homepage.

Scholastic Book Clubs Ordering Information
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: KXJMN

REMINDERS FOR TOMORROW

Here is a few reminders for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 23rd:

• 1:00 Dismiss
• Holiday Party 
• Students may wear pajamas (Keep in mind that they may be going outside.  No slippers or stuffed animals, please.)
• Book exchange (Please send 1 WRAPPED book priced between $0-5.)
• Book check out (Have your child bring his or her books back so new ones can be checked out before break!)

PLEASE make sure your child is reading and writing over the break.  When students get back to school, we will be administering the FAST assessment.  Students will be assessed in fluency, sight words, nonsense words, and word sounds.  Please have your child read his or her take-home books and write at least 3 journal entries.  I can't wait to read them and hear about their time off!

I don't like to send very much "Holiday Homework" because I feel as though this time should be spent celebrating with family.  The memories your children make during the holiday season stay with them forever.  This year, I had students come to me individually and choose a book.  I will be sending the book that your child chose and one sheet that your child needs to complete about the book.  Please send these back to school with your first grader on Monday, January 5th.  We will doing a book talk activity with their work.  

I have also included the link to the BC Elementary Christmas Symbaloo.  There are both educational and other fun holiday activities on this page. 

Click HERE to a link that helps students with math facts.  We are working on memorizing as many facts as possible.  

PBS Turns 45 - Objects With 45

Iowa Public Television is celebrating their 45th year of service.  Children from all across the state have been counting out 45 objects and putting them into the shape of the number 45. We decided to participate as well.  Counting the objects didn't seem to challenging, but shaping them like the number 45 and using ALL 45 objects was a challenge.  Many of them said, "This is harder than I thought it would be!"  Here is a look at some of our creations with 45...

HOLIDAY PARTY

On Tuesday, we will be having our holiday party.  Students are welcome to wear PJs.  We will be having a breakfast snack and participate in holiday themed activities.  At this time, students will have their book exchange.  Please be sure to send a book priced between $0-5 to school on or before Tuesday.  All books need to be WRAPPED with YOUR CHILD'S NAME on it.  This way we know who to thank!  

Caroling at the VH Community Center

We went caroling at the Van Horne Community Center today.  Here's a look at the caroling kiddos.  They've got actions for their songs, too.  Maybe you can get them to share with you!  :)

Santa Left 1U a Message

Santa left our class a message via PNP.  

Click HERE to view our video message from him.  

"I can..." Statements - Week of December 15th - VIDEO and PICTURES

Here is a quick look at what we'll be focusing on this week.  

Last week, the students wrote letters to Santa for Macy's Believe Campaign which supports the Make A Wish Foundation.  I got to drop them off while visiting the NYC Macy's this week.  

I had had so much fun chatting with the students via FaceTime while I was away.  Hopefully they told you about seeing the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline.  I missed them while I was away and was excited to see their smiling faces when I returned today.  

We went caroling at the Keystone Care Center today.  Everyone enjoyed this PBIS reward.  Students sang and then read Christmas books to the residents. 

Old Creamery Theatre - Thank You, PTO and Student Council!

The performance, Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, that we saw at the Old Creamery Theatre was hilarious!  Everyone really enjoyed the show, children and adults alike.  Thank you to the Old Creamery Theatre for accommodating us and to the Keystone/Van Horne PTO and Student Council for sponsoring our trip!

CHRISTMAS STORE

Reminder:  

The PTO Christmas Store is at VHE on FRIDAY.  All items cost $2.  If your child would like to participate, send a list that contains the name, age, and gender of the individual he or she should be shopping for.  The PTO sent a form you may use as well.  

"I can.." Statements - Week of 12/8/14

Check out the video to see what we'll be focusing on this week!  

FIELD TRIP - 1:00 DISMISS - OUT OF DISTRICT

A few reminders for the week...

Tuesday:  We will be heading to the Old Creamery Theatre tomorrow.  NO sack lunch is needed.  We will return to school by 3pm.  This will be a great opportunity for students to see a live performance in a playhouse.  

Wednesday:  1:00 Dismiss - K-12 Professional Development - If there are any changes in transportation, please CALL the VHE office at 228-8701. 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:  I will be out of the district.  My grandma will by my sub.  I will have some access to email if you need to contact me.  If contact is immediate, please call Mrs. Pealer at the VHE office.  I will be contacting students via FaceTime at least once while I'm away.  Be sure to ask them about our conversation and what they saw on Friday.  :)  

Comparing Numbers - Socktober Key Chains

We've been working on know how to compare two numbers using subtraction.  Key phrases we look for are "How many more/less?" and then check for partners.  Students created their own questions using math families erasers and then made ME use a strategy to find how many more or less they had in their first set compared to their second set.  

On Monday, we'll have an assessment around the topic of subtraction.  We've talked a LOT about how the whole is the biggest number and in subtraction we know it and it comes first.  We know we need to subtract when we know the whole and one of the parts, but are asked to come up with the missing part.  (Whole - Part = Part)

Strategies we've been using:

Count on - What is my whole?  What is the part that I know?  Draw a picture and count until until I reach my whole.  What did I draw?  (missing part)

Draw a picture - Draw my whole.  Cross off the part that I know.  What do I have left?  (missing part)  

We've talked about how this is a skill we will use for the rest of our lives.  Keep practicing these skills at home by having your first grader do some subtracting with a true purpose for you!

I hope you've seen that our Socktober key chains have arrived.  These were created by a group of first graders with 3D design software during our trip to the Scale-Up classroom at the GWAEA.  The GWAEA printed them for us with their 3D printer.  For a number of reasons... Please encourage your first graders to refrain from bringing these to school.  :)  

"I can..." Statements - Week of 12/1

I thought I would try something new as far as sharing this week's "I can..." statements.  Check out the video below.  I also included extra information about some of what your first grader will be learning this week and questions you can ask them to guide their thinking and learning at home.  

Story elements are parts of a story, including characters, setting, problem and solution.
Recognizing story elements enhances readers understanding and appreciation of a story
Understanding story elementary helps readers to create their own stories.

Information your first grader should be able to share after reading his or her take home book:  
The main character is...
A setting is when and where a story happens.  The story happens at...
The problem the characters faced was...
I can tell they solved the problem because...

Why is it important to identify and analyze story elements?
How does this help you as a reader?
How did summarizing and synthesizing help you understand?

DECEMBER - IMPORTANT DATES/INFORMATION

Below you'll find some information regarding important dates and holiday information for the month to come.  

December Dates:

1   -  K/VH PTO meeting at Keystone Elementary - 7pm
3   -  Conferences make-up from Monday, November 24th - 4-8pm
        Scholastic Book Fair - VHE Gym - 4-8pm
4   -  Scholastic orders due by NOON
9   -  K-4 field trip to the Old Creamery Theatre - No sack lunch needed
10 -  1:00 dismiss - K-12 PD
12 -  VHE Christmas Store
23 -  Book Exchange - Holiday party - 1:00 dismiss - Winter break

December 24th - January 4th - Winter Break 

School resumes Monday, January 5th.  

Holiday Party - VHE will be celebrating the holiday on December 23rd.  Please see below for information on the book exchange and snacks.  

Book Exchange - Please send a gender-neutral book (valued between $0-5) to school with
your child on or before December 22^nd.  Students will exchange books during our holiday party on December 23^rd.  The book needs to be wrapped with your child’s name on it so we know who to thank.  I have attached a few book orders.  If you are interested in ordering a book from Scholastic for the exchange, please order online or send a check (payable to Scholastic Book Clubs) on or before Thursday, December 4^th.   Also, if you are ordering any gifts through Scholastic, please email me and we can make arrangements to keep them a surprise.  Please contact me with any questions.

 Our classroom earns FREE books with every order! 

Scholastic Book Clubs Ordering Information
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: KXJMN

Holiday Snack - When a classroom celebration approaches, I ask different families to provide snacks for the day.  I rotate who is responsible for different holidays throughout the year.  If you receive a note about holiday snacks and are NOT interested in participating, please do not hesitate to let me know.  Notes for the holiday party snacks will be going home soon. 

1U is Thankful

1U is Thankful

Be sure to click on the link and watch the short video of your kiddos. 

Proud teacher moment.... As the students left today, I informed them that it would be awhile before we saw each other again.  FIVE whole days to be exact.  Immediately after I explained this, they started wishing each other a Happy Thanksgiving.  In our classroom, the students bicker AND love like siblings.  The sound of their cheerful, caring voices made my heart sing.  You all have truly wonderful children.  I am so thankful that I get to spend each day with them.  Thank you for sending them ready to learn and with a bright smile each day.  

I hope you all have a refreshing, blessed holiday.  

On a side note...

If you are looking for a family service project, the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is a great one!  If you're interested, follow the link to get your family signed up.  Let me know if you have any questions.  

1:00 Dismiss - Conferences

Just a reminder that today is a 1:00 dismiss due to parent/teacher conferences.  I still have quite a few openings tonight.  If your conference was cancelled last night and you can make tonight work, I'd love to chat with you about how much your child has grown this year.  Otherwise, all conferences from last night will be moved to December 3rd at the same time.  Please call with any questions.  

SCHOOL CLOSING AT 1:30 MONDAY - CONFERENCES RESCHEDULED

School will be dismissing at 1:30 today for weather. Conferences for this evening have been cancelled and moved to Wednesday, December 3rd.  If you are scheduled for a conference tonight and can make tomorrow night work, please call the office to set up a time.  If not, your time will remain the same for the December 3rd conference date.  Please let me know if you have any questions. 

PLEASE call the office if there is a change in your child's transportation.

THANK YOU for your help with this!

Veterans Day

As always, the Veterans Day program this year was amazing.  Mrs. Lampkin did an awesome job teaching your students beautiful songs to thank the veterans.  Below are a few pictures of students during the assembly.  If you've never been to a Veterans Day program at Benton, I strongly encourage attending one while your child is in elementary school.  This program is definitely point of pride for Benton Community.  

(Thank you to Kelly Barr for taking these pictures for us!)

Socktober Delivery

These pictures are pretty late (Sorry about that!), but I thought I'd share them anyway.  A few first grade families joined us in delivering the socks we collected through our Socktober project to the Olivet Neighborhood Mission.  We've got a few more socks to deliver.  Thanks again for all of your help with this project!

Readers' Theater - Benchmark Literacy

Last year, the district purchased a new literacy curriculum resource, Benchmark Literacy.  The materials that are available now is nothing short of extraordinary.  Students seem to really enjoy the variety of texts that BL offers.  One component of BL is a Readers' Theater every third week.  This helps students practice the fluency skills that they've been working on.  It also allows them the opportunity to understand the importance of analyzing character and being expressive and perform in front of an audience.   Above are a couple pictures from last week's Readers' Theater.  


The #BCTLT created this video for the school board meeting on Monday.  Feel free to check out the video to learn more about the positive impact these resources are having on your student(s) K-6 at Benton Community.

District Restructure

On Monday evening, the Benton Community Board of Education approved the closing of VHE.  They approved the restructuring of the Keystone (K-3), Atkins (K-3), and Norway (4-6) attendance centers with a 7-0 vote in favor of the change.  The board also approved the agenda item that called for a common schedule at the MS/HS.  

The district will continue to share information as we move forward in this process.  There is a tremendous amount of information on the Benton Community website.  All of the info on the restructure can be found on the left hand side of the homepage.  (See the picture below.)   The district updates this information regularly, so I encourage you to use this resource to help answer your questions.  If what you're reading doesn't make sense or you can't find answers to questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Junge.  

Feel free to talk about the change as much or as little as you'd like at home.  I haven't had many students bring up these changes.  When students did bring it up before, I usually approached their comments with something along the lines of, "We don't really know what will happen for sure."  If students bring it up now, I will make sure they understand that the environment where they feel safe, cared for, and valued will not change no matter what attendance center they attend.   I will help students realize that the group of Benton educators that cares about them and their learning extends far beyond those of us at VHE.  We will focus our energy on being "Bobcat Strong" and being a part of the "Bobcat Family."  No matter what happens, we will continue to strive to provide a quality education for a lifetime of learning for our students.   If there is anything I've learned in my time here, it is that Benton Community truly is a place to belong.    

1:00 DISMISS - CONFERENCES

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a 1:00 dismiss.  K-6 staff will be working on trimester report cards and 7-12 staff will be engaged in new learning at the MS/HS.  Report cards will come home on Friday.  Please sign and return the envelope.  

If you have not already signed up for a conference, please do so!  You can either call the office or email me to set up a time.  Thanks for your help with this!  

TURKEY & PICTURE on MONDAY

Just a reminder that your first grader needs to bring one or two pictures to school by Monday for his or her personal narratives.  Also, we'd like the Turkey in Disguise project back on Monday or Tuesday.  If you need another copy of the turkey, please let me know.  Have a great weekend!

PICTURE to School - Personal Narratives

We have been learning about how to write personal narratives.  A personal narrative describes an event if your life and includes characters, setting, a problem and a resolution.  Writing personal narratives is a power standard that appears on the first grade report card.  Students will work on drafting personal narratives throughout first grade.   

I would like each first grader to bring one or two pictures by Monday.  These can be of anything that involves the student.  Students do not necessarily have to be in the picture, but they need to be involved in the story behind the picture.  They'll be writing their memories around whatever the picture is about.  Their memory can be about the moment the picture was taken or tell of events that they remember from that day/week.  

For example, if they brought a picture of them on Christmas, they may write about who was with them, where they were, a "problem" that occurred throughout the day, and how the problem was resolved.  

I will stress the importance of being careful with the picture, but I cannot guarantee nothing will happen to it.  Things seem to get crinkled in backpacks, so please keep this in mind when you're helping your first grader pick their picture.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Thank you for your help with this project!

I can... Statements - Week of 11/10

Below are the "I can..." statements for this week.  My hope is that this will give you a clearer picture of what skills we are focusing on at school each week.  By no means is this list complete.  We work on a lot of skills in addition to our focus skills each week.  

The statements are displayed in our classroom and I have read and explained them to the class.  Please try to ask your first grader about one or more statement each evening.  Asking them questions about what the statement means, why it is important they have that skill, and what he or she is going to do to master the skill are great conversation starters. 

There is a LOT of research that shows sharing with students what and why they're learning increases understanding.  Some statements last a short time (students show they've mastered that statement) and some last for an extended period of time (more practice). 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  

I can...

• read words with sh and ch .
• spell words with sh and ch.
• read fluently and with expression.
• identify a sequence in text.
• find the important information in text.
• add two numbers.
• write an addition sentence (part, part, whole).
• write a personal narrative (characters, setting, problem, resolution).

RED, WHITE, or BLUE TOMORROW - Veteran's Day Program

Reminder:  Please make sure your child is wearing either red, white, or blue tomorrow for the Veteran's Day program at the MS/HS.  If you're interested in attending, it begins at 9:30am.  

TURKEY HOMEWORK - PLEASE READ

Today, we read the book Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano.  (Click on the title for an online version of this story.)  Your child is bring home a paper turkey.  Please work together to create a disguise that will keep the turkey safe from Farmer Jake.  The more he does not look like a turkey, the better!  Be creative and use materials you have on hand to create a turkey disguise.  (fabric, buttons, glitter, yarn, etc.)  It would be great if the turkey looked like another animal, person, or even a thing.  Please return your child's turkey to school no later than Monday, November 17th.  If you cannot complete this project at home, please email me and we will make other arrangements for your child at school.  These first graders are excited about this activity and would like to display them at conferences.  Thank you for your participation in this project!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  The fate of our turkeys depends on you!  

Fall Conferences

Fall conferences are on the days/times listed below.  PLEASE call Mrs. Pealer in the office to schedule a conference.  If none of the times work for you, please contact me and we can make other arrangements.  This is the perfect time for us to discuss your child's strengths, needs, goals.  

VHE - 228-8701

There will be a Scholastic Book Fair in the gym.  It will be open the same time as conferences.  

The PTO will be setting up a "Giving Tree" in the hallway.  There will be more information about this coming home soon.  

Monday, November 24th:  4 - 8pm
Tuesday, November 25th:  3 - 8pm (1:00 Dismiss for Students)
Wednesday - Friday:  No School 

Winter Weather

Based on what I heard on the news this morning, it sounds like winter weather will be joining us sooner than what I'd like.  This means we must be prepared for unexpected closings, delays, dismissals, etc.  If you'd like to received text messages when there is a winter weather delay, dismissal, or cancellation, follow the link below.  

I have encouraged my students to keep an extra hat and pair of gloves in their locker.  We have a few extras but students usually don't like wearing what we have.  Please make sure your child can zip his or her coat.  If you need tips or tricks on teaching this please let me know!  

Sign Up for
E-Mail Alerts when School is Cancelled or Delayed

Delays & Cancellation Information

Shrek the Musical - Tom Smith Benefit

Have nothing planned for this weekend?  I highly recommend attending Shrek the Musical that is being put on by Benton students at the MS/HS auditorium.  Tickets can be purchased online.  They are selling out quickly!    

BC Theatre presents "Shrek the Musical"

November 6, 7, 8 at 7 pm

November 9 at 2 pm

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

FIGHT WITH TOM!!!

Support 2014 Graduate Tom Smith
as he battles Lymphoma
Benefit:  Sunday November 9 -- 4-7 pm
Van Horne Community Center

1:00 DISMISS TOMORROW

Reminder:  There is a 1:00 dismiss tomorrow.  K-12 staff will be participating in professional development at the MS/HS.  Please call the office with any transportation changes.  

November's Important Dates - Book Order

November’s Important Dates:

11/3    PTO Meeting @ VHE @ 7pm

11/5    1:00 Dismiss – K-12 PD

11/7    Book Orders Due

11/11  Veteran’s Day Program @ 9:30am

11/19  1:00 Dismiss – End of 1^st Trimester

11/24  P/T Conferences 4-8pm

11/25  1:00 Dismiss
            P/T Conferences 3-8pm

11/26  No School

11/27  No School – Thanksgiving

11/28  No School

Your first grader is bringing home a Scholastic flyer.  Remember, there are many more options available on the website.  If you are ordering a gift, please email me and we can make delivery arrangements.  Our classroom earns FREE books with every order! 

Scholastic Book Clubs Ordering Information
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: KXJMN

FINAL Sock Count

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

We collected OVER 1,085 pairs of SOCKS from over 30 different states 

and 3 countries!

As our Socktober sock drive draws to an end, I want to extend many thanks to all of you for supporting this project.  This project couldn’t and wouldn’t have been successful without your support and participation.  We were able to find many outlets for children to be engaged in learning opportunities, work to help relieve a real world problem and instill the idea that the gift of giving is truly great.  The amount of time, energy and enthusiasm students and their families attacked this challenge with is truly inspiring and a moment in my career I will never forget.  It’s funny how children have a way of teaching the adults in their lives how important the simplest things really are. 

Most of the socks collected are being donated to the Olivet Neighborhood Mission Clothing Closet in Cedar Rapids.  The Olivet Neighborhood Mission’s purpose is to reach persons of all ages with programs and services to meet their particular needs, exhibiting the Christian ideal of serving out of love and compassion.  The Olivet Neighborhood Mission touches the lives of over 55,000 yearly.  Its targeted populations are individuals and families living in poverty, homeless, disabled, or single family units.  All services are provided without regard to age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.  All programs and services are offered free of cost to those in need. 

Mrs. Bishop spoke to the students about where the socks would be donated.  Although I only overheard part of their conversation, it was obvious that the students were extremely excited to give to those in need. 

Again, thank you for supporting your student through this project.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Shine on!

Ms. Upah

Socktober Map

Socktober States