July 24, 2012

Welcome to 1B

Welcome parents to First Grade!
I hope you are as excited for your child to be in First Grade as I am to have them.

This year our school theme is "SHINE".  Jesus is the LIGHT of the world and He fills us with HIS light so that we can SHINE for HIM and show others we have and awesome SAVIOR!

First grade is such a big year for your child.  I can't wait to be a partner with you as we help your child to SHINE spiritually and academically.

I look forward to seeing you Monday, August 13 at the Open House from 4:30-7:30.  

This will be an opportunity for your child to talk to me, see our classroom, pick out their desk, and bring their supplies to school.  Please label your child's supplies with his or her name or initials.  It is helpful to label each marker and crayon.  You DO NOT need to labels pencils as I will collect all the pencils at the beginning of school and we will share them throughout the year.

If you are a new family to Zion I would like to welcome you to our the Zion family.  I will be calling you soon to schedule a home visit.  If you are a family returning to Zion I would like to offer a home visit if time allows, please email me if you would like a short visit.

Parents also plan on attending the BACK TO SCHOOL night on August 21 at 6:30 where you will learn a lot about our First Grade class.

I hope you enjoy the last bit of summer and are ready for school!

See you at OPEN HOUSE.

In HIM,
Amy Bernhardt

abernhardt@zionharvester.org

May 18, 2012

Grow in the Grace and knowledge 

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:18

A Look Ahead: (ONE LAST TIME)

            Religion:            Tabitha shares her talents

            Memory:            we are done  :)          

            Grammar:            Writing Samples

            Spelling:            Review games

            Math:                        2 digit addition without regrouping

            Science:            we are done :)                      

Social Studies:            we are done :)

            Art:                          Review all artists learned this year

            Reading:            Review games at Literacy centers
                                         fun website: tinyurl.com/zioncookie

NO SCHOOL THURSDAY

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, FRIDAY MAY 25. 
Kids do NOT need backpacks.  

PLEASE JOIN US FOR CHAPEL AND CLOSING AWARDS CEREMONY, 

Chapel begins at 8:05 and SCHOOL IS DISMISSED AT 10:00.  

Following dismissal is the FUN FAIR.

Sign up for the FAMILY FUN FAIR, which will be held the last day of school.  $5 per chilld and baked items are due by Wed. May 23.

Please send an extra bag to school on WEDNESDAY to help carry all their desk goodies.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!  Come to Zion’s VBS and bring a friend or two.  This is an awesome experience and a great way for your child to be a witness.  
SKY VBS is June 11-15.  I hope to see you there!!!

ARTSONIA:  Watch for their end of the year sale on portfolio books.  This is a great way to ‘save’ your child’s artwork from this year.  By Monday all artwork from this year should be uploaded and published on Artsonia.  Remember Zion gets a percentage of each purchase and I use that to fund the art in first grade.

WE LIKE SHEEP DVD
In your Friday folder you will find a copy of the We Like Sheep Musical.  There is one per family.  Thank you to Mr. Desemone and Mrs. Gilmore for videoing and copying the DVD.  I hope you enjoy watching and sharing the performance!

SIX FLAGS TICKETS:
If your child completed and turned in the 600 minutes of reading for Six Flags the tickets are in your  Friday Folder!  Please look for them and get them out!!!

I am so thankful to God for this school year.  It has been an absolute joy to share your children this year.  I have seen them grow so much and feel blessed that I was given the opportunity to teach them.  This is a wonderful class full of so many talented and unique personalities.  Thank you for partnering with me this year.  I feel that your children and you have become part of my family.  I will keep you in my heart and prayers.  I am overwhelmed to be named “Teacher of the Year” for St. Charles County.  Thank you to the parents who nominated me.  I am truly blessed and love coming to school everyday.  To God all praise and glory.

Your children are very passionate about praying; I have talked to them about taking home the church’s prayer requests and continuing to pray for those in need.  Please help them maintain an active prayer and worship life this summer.  Remember to take advantage of the various services that Zion offers.

Saturday at 5:00, Sunday at 8 and 10:30 and Monday at 7:00.

Thank you to Samuel’s Aunt, Mrs. Paul, for coming to our class and sharing with us some of God’s creatures.  Please look at the pictures of the critters she cares for at her work at Animal Rescue.

Thank you again for a wonderful school year.
In HIM,
Amy

Mr. Drew Newlin (4th grade) Principal for the Day
takes time out of his busy schedule to read us a book!

A baby opossum

petting the opossum

baby raccoon

feeding the raccoon

playing vet

feeding baby opossums baby food

May 11, 2012

I can't believe we have only 2 weeks of school left.  These last 2 weeks will be filled with many review and hopefully fun activities.  


Thank you for the cards and gifts.  I feel appreciated!!  I have said it before, this class has been such a blessing.  I look forward to coming to work with them everyday.  What a joy and privilege it has been to be their teacher!

A Look Ahead:

Memory: we have completed memory

Religion: Stories of the early Christian Church

Grammar: Poetry

Spelling: Lesson 33 oa and o-e

Math: timed test over subtraction Wednesday

Science: TEST over changing Matter E30-E53 on Wednesday

Social Studies: being a good neighbor

Reading: We will be reviewing main concepts using centers and writing activities

Don't forget to turn in fourth quarter reading logs.  Due May 21

My daughter Hannah and I are planning on having a reading camp one day a week this summer.  The camp will run 6 weeks.  This would help students maintain their reading level over the summer.  We will meet for an hour on THURSDAYS from 10-11 and spend our time in guided reading and doing centers and literacy activities.  The cost will be $5 a week.  If you are interested please email me. Hannah will contact you with more information and starting dates. 

As it gets closer to summer I want to remind you not to take a vacation from God.  This class loves to sing the various liturgies used in church.  They also have a very mature prayer life.  I ask that you continue to nourish their faith.  Make a commitment to attend church weekly.  Show your children that nothing is more important than God, not vacations (visit another church where you are vacationing), not sports (take advantage of the various services times and days), not sleeping in or boating or golf (show that God is important to you and make a point to worship even when it isn’t easy).  Your child will be blessed by your faithfulness to worship and will follow your example.

He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young. 

Isaiah 40: 11

Happy Mother’s Day!!


Enjoy the pictures from this week!

In HIM,

Amy

Favorite Color Human Graph
Looks like blue won!

                                           Every Child is an Artist...Pablo Picasso

                CAN YOU FIND YOUR CHILD WEARING THEIR PICASSO PORTRAIT?

We went to a concert but on by the beginner strings.
In Second Grade students may take violin lessons here at school.

Crazy Socks

May 4, 2012

We Like SheepFriday, May 4, 7:00
Please have your child in the church basement at 6:30 to get on costumes.
Please have your child wear the black shirt and pants.

WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
MAY 7-11
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17

To CELEBRATE Week of the Young Child
Zion Early Childhood Teacher's will be provided our class with a pizza lunch on Monday.
1B doesn't need to bring a lunch Monday.  We will have a picnic with other early childhood
classes.  We will have pizza, fruit, and water.

SPECIAL DRESS DAYS for Week of the Young Child
Please wear your uniform bottoms and the fun dress items this week.

MONDAY : SUNGLASSES AND HATS

TUESDAY : SPORTS SHIRT

WEDNESDAY : FAVORITE COLOR

THURSDAY : CRAZY SOCKS

FRIDAY :  SCHOOL SPIRIT

A Look Ahead:

Religion: Pentecost

Memory: Third Article of the Apostle's Creed

Grammar: Poetry Unit

Spelling: Lesson 32  oy and oi  *NOTE we are skipping lesson 31*

Math: Timed Test over subtraction MONDAY 20 facts in 2 minutes

             We will work on money with quarters and problem solving

Science: Changes in Matter

Social Studies: Being a good neighbor

Reading:  We will be working on longer books that will last 2 weeks

Literacy Centers:  

     computers: tinyurl.com/zionspot

      phonics: sentence building

      alphabet: fact and opinion

      writing: super sentences

      math:  sink or float

      name: reading comprehension

      poetry: rebuild  a May poem

      

LIBRARY BOOKS MUST BE TURNED IN WEDNESDAY, MAY 9!

Please remember to bring library books on Wednesday as this will be our last library time for this year.

SPRING PICTURE PROOFS-  Please take a look at the spring pictures proofs that are in the Friday folders.

Proofs should be returned Thursday, May 10.  The proofs need to be returned even if you don't buy pictures.

First Graders becoming Second Graders:  In an effort to get the students ready for next year I have began taking some grades on center work especially the name and alphabet center.  These grade are entered into grammar.

Math Correct and Returns:  If your child misses 2 or more on math homework v will see a correct and return label.

Please correct the paper over the weekend and return on Monday.

It is hard to believe that we are almost done with first grade.  This class has been working so hard.  We have been working on paragraphs and I am so proud of the paragraphs these first graders are writing.  Mrs.  Masa took some of our writing to her Master's Class and other teachers thought it was third grade work.  Keep up the good work and finish the year strong!!

My daughter Hannah and I are planning on having a reading camp one day a week this summer.  The camp will run 6 weeks.  This would help students maintain their reading level over the summer.  We will meet for an hour and spend our time in guided reading and doing centers and literacy activities.  The cost will be $5 a week.  If you are interested please email me.  I am looking to see if there is an interest before we set up days and times.

These weekend we celebrate with Mrs. Glover her years of service and dedication to Lutheran Education.  Please spend a second and give her a retirement card.  She has been a faithful servant and a wonderful teacher to over 500 students!

Zion will have a special recognition for her at our 8:00 service with a short reception following the service.  If you can't make it send the note to school.

May God bless your weekend and may you be refresh in church this weekend!

In HIM,

Amy

April 27, 2012

                                     “I am the good shepherd. 
                    The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
                                               John 10:11
This week in church we will hear that Jesus is our Shepherd.  He sacrificed His life so that we would be right with God.  He died so that we would live.  He rose and conquered sin, death, and the devil.  Praise to Jesus our Good Shepherd.


WE SING SUNDAY AT 11:00!
Please have your child in the music room by 10:45!


WE LIKE SHEEP MUSICAL IS FRIDAY.  Please have your child in the church basement at 6:30.  They should be wearing a long sleeve black shirt and black pants.  We will put on the cotton ball shirt, ears, and makeup nose at 6:30. 
We can't wait to perform the musical! 


A Look Ahead:
Religion: Ascension and the Great Commission
Memory:  The second half of the 2nd Article of the Apostle's Creed.  A few kids said the whole Apostle's Creed and are now done with memory for the year!!  Check your child's memory sheet in the homework folder.
Spelling: Lesson 30  *remember there will be 5 words that follow the pattern
and five review sight words from previous spelling lists*
Grammar: Poetry Unit
Social Studies:  Family Traditions
Science: Matter Changes
Art: Pablo Picasso
Reading: Centers
     computer: tinyurl.com/zionpicasso
     phonics: sorting syllables
     alphabet: using er, est, ed, ing
     writing: writing a spring book exploring our senses
     math: measuring using inches and centimeters
     name: inference
     poetry: read, think, match
     creativity corner: check out the pictures of this week's creations


All creations were made by first graders who were given a bin of stuff.  After creating something the first graders then took a picture of the creation.
This is a new center and is completely independent!!

BOOK BINGO CARDS are due May 21, but you may hand them in when the card is complete.


LOVE AND LOGIC:  If you were not able to come to last week's class please join us this week.  We meet at 9:30 in the Discipleship Room in the church basement.  Even if you have taking the class feel free to come and refresh your  knowledge and skills.


Enjoy the video of our "gift of song" for Mrs. Adams on Administrative Assistant Day.  If you can't tell the song is to the tune of "The Brady Bunch"

I did not get many papers graded this week, due to missing school Thursday with an inner ear infection.  I will grade over the weekend and put the papers in next week's Friday folder.


I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday. May you have a wonderful weekend!


In HIM,
Amy

April 20, 2012

ALLELUIA CHRIST IS RISEN

HE HAS RISEN INDEED ALLELUIA!

Easter Sunday the woman were met at the empty tomb by an angel telling them that Jesus is no longer dead.  He is alive!  We celebrate Christ resurrection as He conquered sin, death, and the devil.  May we continue to celebrate the new life that Christ has won for us.  May we boldly tell others that Christ is Risen, He has RISEN indeed, ALLELUIA!

LOVE AND LOGIC CLASSES BEGIN

Where?  Zion Lutheran Church – Lower Level

Who?  Mrs. Bernhardt (First Grade Teacher) and Mrs. Kuhlmann (Early Childhood Director)

What?  A parenting method that gives you the tools to interact with your child in a fun manner

When?  Church Fellowship Hall (lower level) 9:30 – 10:30 AM Sunday starting April 22nd

Why?  Great fellowship and fun!

Join us at this new Love and Logic Parenting class.  I use this in my classroom and with my own children at home.  It provides great parenting techniques that help to end power struggles, make your child responsible, and show your child you love them.  I hope to see you there!!

A LOOK AHEAD:

Religion: Jesus appears to the disciples

Memory:  Part one of the Second Article of the Apostle's Creed

Grammar:  We will begin working on a poetry unit

Spelling: Lesson 29 

Math: graphing, measuring in metric units, geometric solids and begin subtraction fact tests

         timed test over addition facts on Wednesday

Science:  Test over Matter E3-E29 Tuesday

Social Studies: Family Traditions : on Monday a worksheet will be coming home about a family tradition you have, please fill this out with your child and send back by Wednesday.

Art: Picasso

Reading:  Literacy Centers

     computer: www.tinyurl.com/zionearthday1

     phonics: vowel teams

     alphabet: sentence order

     writing: paragraphs

     math:  working with money

     poetry: homophones

     name: combining sentences with -and

                        

WE SING IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY APRIL 29 at the 11:00 service.  Please note this is a different time than first published at the beginning of the year.  Please plan on attending our last time to sing in church.

MUSICAL MAY 4,  I know this is going to be a great musical, I have heard the kids sing the songs and they are fantastic.  Mrs. Gilmore has given me a list of props that are needed by each child.  Each child needs a party hat and a few feet of streamer.  Please send items in by next Thursday, April 26.

Administrative Assistant Day:  Wednesday April 25 is Administrative Assistant Day.  Mrs. Adams is so much more than just a secretary.  Much of her work goes unnoticed.   I would like to put a thank you basket together for her from our class.  I thought a basket to help her relax would be fun.  If you would like to give a little something to the basket please send the items to school by Wednesday.  Items could include: snack food, magazines, soda, fruit, lotion, candles, or if cash is easier for you I will put all the money together to get her a gift certificate.  Thanks for your help.

WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD MAY 7-11

"Week of the Young Child" is a special week for our young children in Parent's Day Out through 2nd grade at Zion Lutheran School.  This is the week that we celebrate them!  We celebrate the wonderful qualities that God has given to them and we thank God that He has blessed us all with these wonderful children!  There will be a special activity and dress up days during this week to help us celebrate.  Zion’s Early Childhood staff is excited to share this week with you and your child(ren)!

Special Dress-up Days for the week:

Monday, May 7th:  Hats and Sunglasses Day

Tuesday, May 8th:  Sports T-shirt day

Wednesday, May 9th: Favorite Color Day

Thursday, May 10th: Crazy Socks Day

Friday, May 11th: Bobcat Spirit Day-wear red, white or a Zion t-shirt

We had a great time learning about Alexander Calder.  Enjoy the pictures.

It seems that life is always busy especially in the spring.  This is a good time to show your child the importance of worship.  Even in busy times make a point to be faithful in worship.  

Plan on going to church this weekend.  Think about attending the Love and Logic Bible Class, I know the class will be informative and I hope entertaining :)

In HIM,

Amy

Alexander Calder's Lollipop
Mr. Calder wanted to show movement in his artwork.
He often used wire and metal.

We used pipe cleaners, beads, buttons, and foam.
We hoped to show movement just like Mr. Calder.

Alexander Calder began by making toys out of wood.

He made animals out of wire.

Our Birds on 'Calder Pond'