Happy Birthday Rikuto

Two birthdays in one week! There has been a lot of excitement and anticipation in our class for these events. We celebrated Rikuto's birthday this Friday. The class was excited to have Rikuto's mother join our class after art to share in the birthday celebration. We sang and enjoyed some delicious cake. Happy Birthday, Rikuto!

Happy Birthday Angus

Today the class celebrated Angus' birthday. It was the first birthday of the year and we were happy to have the chance to celebrate the day together at school. We were also thankful to Angus' parents for bringing in a birthday cake. The children sang happy birthday to Angus in English and Chinese. We all enjoyed a very yummy cake. Happy Birthday Angus!

International Day of Peace

The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.

Our class participated in recognizing this day by making windmills for peace that were displayed in the garden in front of school. We had a class discussion on what peace stands for before completing the project. We talked about the fact that some people in the world live each day without feeling safe and that some are hungry. From our discussion we defined peace as wanting everyone in the world to be safe, healthy and happy.

The students enjoyed completing this project and took great pride in displaying their windmills in the garden yesterday.

Getting Started

The students are becoming adjusted to Grade One. The students are arranged in the classroom in groups of four. They are learning to help each other transition between subjects and stay on task. Each morning the daily schedule is reviewed with the class, so that the students are fully prepared for the day. The students are learning to use the schedule independently. A Table Caption is assigned each week through a rotation. The Table Caption's responsibilities include receiving and returning the materials needed for each subject from the table's cubby. The students are learning to work together as a team and help one another accomplish the goals for each day.

Welcome to Grade One

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Kelly Egan and I will be your child’s classroom teacher for this school year. I have my Masters in Elementary Education, along with an array of teaching experience in diverse classrooms.

I am a strong believer in children’s ability to learn when placed in an environment that motivates them to do so. I am looking forward to teaching your child and getting to know their individual needs to help them reach their highest potential in the First Grade. I am also looking forward to getting to know the families so that we can work together to meet each student’s academic needs both in the classroom and at home.

As part of our routine, we have a healthy snack break that takes place at 10am daily. Please help to promote good eating habits by providing your child healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, crackers and granola bars. In cooperation with this routine, I ask that no candy be included in your child’s snack. To increase our communication throughout the year I have created a blog for our classroom. Please visit this website regularly: http://mskellygr1his.blogspot.com/

Listed below you will find the classroom supply list so that your child can be prepared to start the new school year. I am a firm believer in having an open-door policy in my classroom, so please do not hesitate to come to me with any questions or concerns. Please also feel free to contact me via e-mail at egan.his@gmail.com or at the school.

I look forward to meeting you and your student next week!

Best Regards,

Ms. Kelly Egan


Classroom Supply List

1. Pencils – 5
2. Erasers – 2
3. Coloring pencils – set of at least 12
4. Scissors
5. Markers – set of 12
6. Glue stick
7. No spill water bottle (please, fill with water only)
8. School bag
9. One folder to be used for homework only
10. Individual white board with 2 markers and an eraser
11. One warmer shirt/sweater to be left at school to help your child when they find themselves chilly in the classroom. This will assist the class in meeting the individual comfort needs of each student.
12. Box of tissues
13. A top to be used for protecting clothes when using paints throughout the year

* Please, clearly label all items.