NAP partners with Montpelier Home Tour

Dear Parents,

By this time, many of you will have made it out into the woods with your Kindergartner or first grader.  I hope that your first day went well and that you had as much fun as my daughter's class did!

Your time, energy, and input as a parent is critical to the success of this program. With that in mind, we would like to schedule two meetings - one in the fall (mid-November) and one in the spring -  to share experiences, learn from each other, iron out bumps in the road (yes, there will be many), and make recommendations that will improve the program.  

In addition, we would like to invite you to participate anyone who is interested in developing the program to participate in other ways as well.  Below are some options that the advisory team discussed:
1.  Events - we would like to plan 2-3 events per year - each with multiple goals - community-building, education, and fundraising.  Last year, we had a viewing & discussion of the movie, "Mother Nature's Child" at the Savoy, a year-end celebration & plant sale with the Dave Keller Band, and a garage sale.  We;ve also talked about a winter celebration with hot cider and perhaps a moonlit snow-shoe hike.  So, if you have some good ideas - let's hear 'em.  If you like to organize and run events - then step right up, we need your help.
2. Grant Writing - I have two kind souls pegged for this, but if anyone else wants to be involved in the future, let me know.
3.  Fundraising Committee - Really, number 1 and 2 fit under fundraising.  With this in mind, it would probably make sense to meet periodically to discuss fundraising goals and ideas.
4.  Advisory Committee Input - If you have an interest in helping us mold this program, at a strategic level (eg - determining if/how we can expand into 2nd grade), please be in touch.
5.-100.  Other ideas
We have an immediate opportunity for a few people to help out with the Montpelier Home Tour on October 15th.  Through a very generous offer, we will be able to use this event to raise my for the Nature Adventure Program.  Please contact first grade teacher Susan Koch at susank@mpsvt.org, if a have a little time on October 15th. 
I look forward to seeing everyone in November or around the school.
http://www.montpelierchamberorchestra.org/montpelierhometour2011.cfm

Laury  Saligman
Parent Coordinator for NAP

Birthday Breakfast tomorrow

Please feel free to join us as we celebrate all of our September birthdays tomorrow! We will have a morning snack time from 8:30-9:00 to honor those friends. If you would like to send a special snack, we would appreciate it.


September Birthdays
Jade
Rowan
Anthony
Cokie

Informal Class Picture

The photographer used an iphone to get an informal shot for us on school picture day! She used her big camera for our real class picture!Orders should be coming next month. Retake day is near the end of October. Will keep you posted.

Remember, you can click on any photos in this blog to make them larger.

Six Legged Races ( Just like insects)

BUG FEST!

We went to  the Vermont College Green for outdoor games in the morning. We did relay races together and practiced moving like bugs. Cue cards signaled the ways to move. First graders hopped like grasshoppers, danced like honeybees, buzzed like mosquitos and moved in many different ways. Team spirit was evoked as children cheered each other on. "Go praying mantis, go, go!" and "Slither like a centipede, slither, slither."
                                               

 We had a visit from baby Vince on the college green. The class was so excited to see their"baby brother" that they accidently scared the little guy. Fortunately ,mom was not too far away!

In the afternoon, we planned bug costumes, and then created our own bugs.Mr. Jarrad said it looked like

 "UNION SCHOOL WAS INFESTED WITH BUGS!"

We had a great Big Fest, and learned how to identify the parts of an insect, create a plan, and how to cooperatively create, and assist. Our next goal is to determine the needs of living things, and to become expert labelers.

Many thanks to all of our impromptu helpers for Bug Fest! We also had a great collection of craft supplies- thanks to all who sent items in. I will hold on to all extra supplies for our next "Create Day".

Voracious Readers and Writers!!

   
Today we were able to have sessions of "Daily 5" where each student was engaged, and building endurance. Students were able to choose "read to self" or "work on writing" during "Daily 5". It was just amazing! The room had a hushed sound, children were peaceful and busy practicing and learning. I was able to conference with a few students at a time! Hooray- first grade is rocking!

Monthly Birthday Breakfast Days

We will have a community breakfast each month to honor the birthdays that occur. All families are welcome to join us from 8:30-9:00 on the last school day of each month( even if your child does not have a birthday that month).Please let me know if you would like to contribute a snack. Breakfast dates: September 30, October 31, November 30, December 23,January 31, February 24, March 30, April 30, May 31, June 19

Our Visit to Hubbard Park

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Nature Adventure Program is coming!

We will be heading up to Hubbard Park on Monday with naturalist Amy Butler. We will be taking our lunches with us( some bag lunches have been ordered already). Please let me know if your child would like a bag lunch. Choices include Yogurt or PB and J. Chaperones should bring lunch too!

Our plan is to head up there at 11:30 and eat once we arrive.

Please help your child dress in layers on Monday. Also help your child choose good footwear for hiking. Sneakers and hikers are great!

Thanks for your help!

Please let me know if you will be joining us. I am expecting Berenice, JJ, and Jen M.

Parent Info Night

UES Parent/Caregiver Info Night is Wednesday, Sept.14, from 6:30pm - 7:30 pm. This is different from Open House, which is October 19th. Wednesday's meeting will focus on curriculum; Responsive Classroom and our behavioral expections; homework and other issues and policies.

Wednesday's meeting will start in the UES auditorium from 6:30 to about 6:45. Parents, caregivers and staff will then go to classrooms until 7:30. Just a reminder, this evening is for parents and caregivers only. Students will be invited to the UES Open House on Oct. 19th.

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Childcare is available in the big gym for a donation of $5.00

New Faces in Our UES Community

A big welcome goes out to the folks who are new to our learning community. We are so excited to have these educators here at UES  to help us learn.

Ms.  Kristina Shultz is our new art teacher.

 

Ms. Hilary Sales teaches music now.

 

Marissa and Marlena will be supporting a first grader through the ALMC program.We are so lucky to have them in our classroom each day to help good learning happen!