Reading Workshop

First graders have been super excited about reading workshop time. Learning time usually begins with a mini- lesson, time to practice a new strategy and independent reading time. This week, we are also learning about buddy reading.

The class has been engaged in independent reading and is working to build stamina.

Here are some voracious first grade readers:

School pictures are coming!

President Obama in elementary school !( looks like first grade teeth to me)

Picture Day is Wednesday, September 7.

Union Elementary School Picture Day: Wednesday, September 7 

Please visit mylifetouch.com for more information about online orders.

Our Picture Day ID is VJI76029Q0.

A Fantastic Launch!

We had a fantastic launch to our year! The day began with a bang as thunderstorms hit at arrival time! We then proceeded to the classroom to take a traditional first day of school photo. I wore my NASA flight suit, as all space camp grads are asked to do. ( more about that experience in another post)

We then had morning meeting, writing workshop and snack time. Everyone was excited to head to PE with MJ then a morning recess. We took a silly class photo on the playground. 

We read a great story about Anya's first day of school. Ask your child what happened when Anya woke up.

After recess and lunch we had a restful quiet time, then enjoyed math exploration time in small groups. 

We had a wonderful day of learning  today with many moments of kindness. What an exciting liftoff!!

Welcome !

                                                                              

Welcome to first grade!  I have been busy getting ready for the start of school, and I just can’t wait to see you on the first day of first grade.  I will meet you on the lower playground on Wednesday, August 31st at 8:15 am.  Please be sure to bring your backpack, snack, water bottle, and gym shoes.  You do not need to bring any other supplies.  I will have everything you need here at school.  If you have already bought school supplies, they will be great to use at home!  You can bring a bag of extra clothes to keep at school.  Please put them in a ziplock bag with your name on it.

Have you ever looked closely at insects? We will start the year by learning about insects.  Could you see if you can find a dried insect to share here at school? We will be looking closely at them and comparing all the types of insects that we see in Vermont.

Here are a few examples:

It will be so much fun to learn together this year. Don’t forget about our classroom Open House on Tuesday, August 30th at 3:00.  I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!             

               

                                                             

A big welcome to incoming first graders and families!

I am so excited to meet you and get to know your family.  I love being an educator and am excited to learn together.  It will be a year filled with learning, fun, and lots of adventures.  We will embark on a year long theme of community, which includes you, our school, and our city of Montpelier.  I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for all of us!

 I thought you may want to know a little about me!

I live right here in Montpelier with my husband Barry, and our silly dog Shadow. We have two daughters who went to school in Montpelier, and now are studying in Boston. Their names are Hannah( 23) and Amy (20). We love to get together for family activities such as skiing, camping, hiking , beaching, family reunions and visiting cities.  I love being outside, and look forward to learning outside with you and your family throughout the year.  

I have lived in Vermont for about 26 years, having grown up Connecticut. Most of my family is in Connecticut, so we often travel to see them. 

I have been a teacher for many years, and continue to love education passionately. I learn so much everyday and cherish  each day spent exploring together.  I look forward to instilling a love for learning, and helping your child become a life-long learner.  I believe open communication is important in a child’s education and invite you to share information with me. 

 We will have an Open House so we can meet each other and you can see the classroom on

 Tuesday, August 30th at 3:00.   

In the meantime, feel free to contact me via email susank@mpsvt.org

Community Visit- Vermont State House

We enjoyed our visit to the Vermont State house. Tour guide Alex showed explained the history of the Capitol building, shied us the chambers, and even shared the secret passage to the Battle of Cedar Creek room. It was a beautiful spring day, so we also explored the grounds of the State House.

Luncheon Invitation

Please join us:

Mrs. Koch’s “End-of- the Loop”

Luncheon Celebration
Monday, June 13 from 11:30-1:00

35 Bailey Avenue, Montpelier VT
We will have a salad/sandwich bar and snacks

Please bring one item to share:

(we anticipate 16 kids and at least 16 adults)

o Sliced avocado

o Tomatoes

o Cucumbers

o Cooked bacon slices

o Green Peppers

o Hard boiled eggs

o Cheese- sliced cheddar

o Cheese-sliced swiss

o Luncheon meat –ham

o Luncheon meat-turkey

o Rolls

o Ranch dressing

o Chips

o Pickles

o Pasta salad

o Macaroni and cheese

o Fruit salad

o Watermelon

o Dessert food ( nut free)

Just send me an email (susank@mpsvt.org)to let me know
what your family can add to this luncheon. I will providebeverages and paper goods. Thanks so much!!

*****If you would like to hike with the class in the morning,up through Hubbard Park, then down to my home, please
contact me********

Conversation opened. 1 read message.Please join us:

Mrs. Koch’s “End-of- the Loop”

Luncheon Celebration

Monday, June 13 from 11:30-1:00

35 Bailey Avenue, Montpelier VT

We will have a salad/sandwich bar and snacks

Please bring one item to share:

(we anticipate 16 kids and at least 16 adults)

o Sliced avocado

o Tomatoes

o Cucumbers

o Cooked bacon slices

o Green Peppers

o Hard boiled eggs

o Cheese- sliced cheddar

o Cheese-sliced swiss

o Luncheon meat –ham

o Luncheon meat-turkey

o Rolls

o Ranch dressing

o Chips

o Pickles

o Pasta salad

o Macaroni and cheese

o Fruit salad

o Watermelon

o Dessert food ( nut free)

Just send me an email (susank@mpsvt.org)to let me know

what your family can add to this luncheon. I will provide

beverages and paper goods. Thanks so much!!

*****If you would like to hike with the class in the morning,

up through Hubbard Park, then down to my home, please

contact me!!********

Displaying Please join us.docx.

Spirit Week Schedule

Spirit week is the week of May 15- May 20!

Here is the schedule for the week:

Monday - Mismatch Day
Tuesday - Hat Day
Wednesday - Color Day
Thursday - PJ Day
Friday - Sports Day

White House Ceremony

After extensive security checks, we entered the White House grounds on Tuesday, May 3rd.

We had some time to explore the White House, enjoy some lovely snacks and drinks, and practice lining up. First we lined up in state order, then by height.

There were some reporters!

Mr. Koch finally made it through security too!

We then got to meet with President Obsma for a few minutes. We shook hands and a professional photographer captured the moment. All of the Teacgers were then sent out to the risers for the NTOY award ceremony. 

What an exciting day, and an important  boost for education in our country!

This is George, the personal butler for President Obama.

My fist- bump with the President!

My favorite view from inside the White House.

Teach Like Me

Shawn Sheehan( OK TOY)  started the "Teach Like Me " campaign 3 years ago in Oklahoma. His goal was to highlight our awesome profession and to attract folks to teacher prep programs.

The NTOY16 group is dedicated to the campaign and wore t shirts together on "Teach Like Me" day!

For more information click here: www.teachlikeme.org

We had time for a quick walk and a visit to the Renwick museum and the exhibit called"Wonder".

Taking a few minutes to soak in the whole experience! Next stop- the White House!