Miss McGinnis’ First Grade Newsletter
Week of: May 15 , 2017
School #: 304-326-7525
Email: [email protected]
Language Arts
We will be reviewing sight words and
spelling words that have been learned
this year.
Skills: nouns and verbs, contractions,
reading with fluency, sight words, short
and long vowel patterns, abc order
Comprehension focus: compare and
contrast, retelling, monitoring and
fixing while reading
Writing: journal writing, writing stories
with a beginning, middle and end,
capitalization and punctuation, narrative
writing
Science/Social Studies: Spring, animals,
weather, life cycles, America
Math
Time to the hour and half hour (Topic 15 in
the at home workbook)
Fractions (Topic 19 in the at home
workbook)
Addition and subtraction facts to 18
Identifying numbers that come before,
between and after
*****Counting to 200******
Number Recognition
Solving story problems
Number patterns- Place value (tens and
ones), 1 more, 1 less, 10 more, 10 less
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Everyone Can Win
I balance courage for getting what I
want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank
Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.
Reminders and Important Information:
*Book club bags won’t be coming home the rest of the year. We will still meet in our reading groups, but won’t
have the book for homework. If your child still has their book club book at home, please return tomorrow.
Thank you for your help with homework! I am so proud of their reading growth!
*Leadership Day will be on Friday, May 19. We will be celebrating the goals we have met this year with a
western round up! If possible, please have your child wear some type of “western” clothing (jeans, jean shorts,
boots, white t-shirts, etc.) We have bandanas for all students to wear. 
*Our America Play will be on May 24, with a rain date of May 25 at the VA Amphitheater. Families and
friends are invited to attend the play performance at NOON at the “amp”. Students may wish to wear
something red, white or blue for the play. Following the performance, we will play at the park until it is time to
return to school. Students may be signed out by a parent at the park. Please send in a note prior to the field
trip to let me know if you will be signing your child out at the park. 
*We are practicing daily for our America Play. Please continue to practice speaking parts at home, as well.
Students that have a speaking part brought a slip of paper home with the part printed on it. 
*Field Day will be on May 26. Please have your child wear yellow shirts like we did for the field trip to
Carneige Science Center. More information about this activity will be coming home. 
Upcoming Dates and Activities:
May 19- Leadership Day May 22- PTSO meeting
I believe my students can…Do, Create, Dream, Become…Anything!!!
May 24- America Play and park field trip (rain date May 25)
May 30 Last day of school
May 26- Field Day
Habit 1: Be Proactive
You're in Charge
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.
I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked,
even when no one is looking.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
Have a Plan
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am
an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I
look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Work First, Then Play
I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I
know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am
disciplined and organized.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Everyone Can Win
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I
make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for
third alternatives.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen Before You Talk
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints.
I
listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people
in
the eyes when talking.
Habit 6: Synergize
Together Is Better
I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even
people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s
ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create
better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
I believe my students can…Do, Create, Dream, Become…Anything!!!
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Balance Feels Best
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with
family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I
find
meaningful ways to help others.
I believe my students can…Do, Create, Dream, Become…Anything!!!