Friday, September 29, 2023

25-29 de septiembre

 ¡Hola Familias!

What a fantastic week! From our Walkathon on Wednesday, to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday, to many exciting activities in between, we have been BUSY! I am so proud of the kids for working so hard, for being so flexible, and for always stepping up with enthusiasm. :)

Here's a glimpse of what we've been learning this week...

Reading / Lectura: We are getting close to the end of the alphabet! This week we learned the letters S, T, U, V, and W. We've also been learning how plural nouns have an "s" at the end, and we've been learning how nouns (sustantivos) are people, places, things, and ideas. Finally, we have been practicing using our imagination while reading on our own and with a partner.


Writing / Escritura
: In writing this week we have continued to practice stretching words to hear the individual sounds. The kids started out needing a lot of help with this, but we are slowly gaining confidence to try writing sounds on our own. ¡Bravo!

Math / Matemáticas: This week we started practicing adding and subtracting number tiles to make new numbers! We are also practicing recognizing and drawing groups of numbers.

Bible / Biblia: This week we continued to learn about God's faithfulness to Abraham y Sarah. We learned how God led them to a new land, gave them a son named Isaac, and then blessed Isaac y Rebekah with twins, Esaú y Jacob. We are starting to learn the story of how these two brothers fought when Jacob stole Esaú's birthright (bendición). Despite our flaws and imperfections, God is always faithful!

Social Studies / Estudios Sociales: This week we learned how to be a good friend, how to use kind words, and how to help each other. Of course, this is a process we practice every day, and we love to celebrate when we see our friends make good choices and act kindly!

Immersion Tip of the Week

You'll notice that some of Spanish reading instruction looks a little different from English reading instruction--for example, Spanish reading relies heavily on syllable blending. Even though some of the phonics and strategies are different from English, many strategies--such as comprehension of text and using picture clues--are the same and will transfer to English.

Reading Tip of the Week

Let's keep it simple this week--just READ together! Don't underestimate the power of reading with your child! If you have not already, incorporate reading books into your daily routine. Apart from its academic benefits, it is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and bond with your child!


Baby Pictures: Send ASAP!

We are going to read a book about babies in the next few weeks, and I always like to have the kids guess whose baby picture is whose (they LOVE it!). Would you please email me a baby picture of your child? Since Grandparents' Day is earlier than usual this year, could you please send it to me by Monday? Sorry for the quick turnaround, and thank you!!

Calabazas!

Fall is here! During the fall season, I like to set up some math centers with calabazas, or pumpkins, that can be used for different activities. Are you going to the Farmer's Market this weekend or somewhere with calabazas? If so, I would love it if you'd like to donate some mini pumpkins to the classroom! Any size or shape is fine. I'd love to do a pumpkin painting activity if we have someone willing to donate white mini pumpkins to our classroom as well. Please let me know if you are willing to help with this. ¡Muchas gracias!


Safety and Security

Holland Christian is implementing consistent security measures for all K-12 students (Preschool will continue their typical drop off and pick up with parents’ entry at both Rose Park and South Side). Now that school has been underway for six weeks, we are asking parent/student drop off and good-bye to take place at the front door. By October 9, we hope that all children will be able to navigate their way from the front door to their classroom. Teachers and staff will be readily available to support and cheer our independent students to their lockers and classrooms. This measure is important so that we do not have unknown or unexpected visitors accessing our buildings. This safety measure is consistent throughout all of our buildings. You’re still welcome inside as needed, please stop in at the office for a check in and name badge. Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions or concerns, please connect with Miska at mrynsburger@hollandchristian.org or Katelyn at kroskamp@hollandchristian.org

Photo retakes are October 25 - if your child will need retakes add that date to your calendar.

Grandparents Day is coming up on October 5 - the parent board is looking for treat donations and people to volunteer, sign up here! Please make sure to invite your grandparents and grand friends so they can join us!

Rose Park Fall Festival! Take a peek here for the exciting details! Thank you to our parent team for helping us celebrate our beautiful new playscape and ranch!

Thanks for reading all the way through! I hope you enjoy a relaxing weekend with family! Here are LOTS more pictures from our busy week...