PC Pierce, Author at Fresno Christian Schools

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So far PC Pierce has created 445 blog entries.

Mr. Matthew Weimer – August 26, 2013

Dear Parents and Students,

Well, what a week it has been. I am convinced GOD is at work, if for no other reason than I can see the backlash. Self-control, patience, reverence, and co-operation are all growing in this mix. For those of you with kids who are already strong in these, encourage endurance. GOD reigns, and this will become more and more evident in the lives of our kids and their teacher as we settle into what GOD has planned for us this year.

Thank you for coming to Back to School Night. It was a special time that we shared. Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers.

BIBLE

We are reading through The Story For Kids on Mondays, and then following it up with significant stories from that section on Tuesdays through Thursdays. This week we have focused the follow up time on Jacob and his relationship to GOD. It is an amazing story of faithfulness. Your kids are being encouraged to choose to follow GOD in spite of their imperfections, just like Jacob.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Starting next week, September 2^nd, I will only be sending out one monthly newsletter announcing the activities and events along with all the Bible Verses and Spelling Words for the entire month. Much of the information is repeated each week and this will also give you an overview of what’s coming each month. You can access it online each week and I will also be sending a hard copy home as well.

HEAD ROOM MOM

If you are interested in serving this class in this capacity this year please contact me.

POWERSCHOOL

Please check your child’s grades on Powerschool weekly and let me know if anything needs to be changed. I am not the only one grading assignments; we are only human and will make mistakes. Please save your child’s work each quarter in a file at home and send in anything that doesn’t jive with Powerschool. I will correct the mistakes. Also, be checking to see which assignments your child might be missing and have them complete them for a grade. By 4^th grade they are responsible for remembering to turn in their homework.

HOMEWORK

Any work not completed in class, such as math, reading. language or spelling, is considered homework and needs to be returned the following day. Students not finishing their work that night are subject to finishing it the next day at recess or lunch before they play. Please communicate with me if there was a valid reason as to why a child was not able to complete an assignment. Thank you for your partnership in this area.

HONOR ROLL/MERIT LIST

At Back to School night I handed out the requirements for the Honor Roll and Merit List certificates. If a student receives honor roll all 4 quarters, they will also be awarded with a trophy at the end of the year awards ceremony! Please note that citizenship grades will count towards earning Honor Roll, as well as academic grades. If your student has N’s or P’s in their character development grades this will disqualify them from earning honors.

GRANDPARENT’S DAY

Grandparents Day is on Friday, September 13, 2013. It is a fun day for the children to spend with their grandparents. If their grandparent is unable to come, feel free to invite a close family friend. It is a long, hard morning for students who have no one to fill this role in their lives.

The schedule is as follows:

9:30-9:50 AM K-12 Pick up schedules

9:50-11:40 AM K-12 Visit classrooms

11:40-12:25 PM K-12 Lunch

12:25 PM K-12 Say Goodbye to grandchild

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent conference forms will be coming home next week on Tuesday, September 3. Please sign and send your form in before Monday, September 16th. Early dismissal will begin on Monday, September 23rd at 12:00. Early dismissal will be each day of the week through Friday, Sept. 27th. Please assist each other by being on time to the scheduled conference as we have only 20 minutes per conference. At conference time we can focus on strengths and areas for future growth together. I am looking forward to seeing each of you.

STUDENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT

Student Council is a team of students who play a vital role in every school. Participants share ideas and interests to promote school wide events, fundraisers, and service projects. Student council promotes responsibility, commitment, and collaboration among students. On Monday, students in grades 3-6 will be given the opportunity to apply. Those who desire to be an active leader must complete and return their application by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29. Those who are elected must be willing to commit to the following responsibilities for the 2013-1024 school year.

Responsibilities of Representatives:

-Attend meetings twice a month to discuss ideas

-Work at special events

-Help with school service projects

-Serve as a positive role model to other students

-Maintain excellent academic and behavior status

-Pray together and for our school

A total of 12 students will be selected based on academic performance, availability, leadership and demonstration of responsibility.

Thank you,

Mrs. Hancox

MATH

Last week we continued our math lesson on place value and rounding and this week we will be finishing it up. Our first test will be next week. Students will receive a “Chapter Review” to complete at home to help them review the skills in Chapter 1. Please look over it once they have completed it and have them fix their mistakes to make sure they understand the concepts. These will be due on Wednesday, the day of the test. They may need to bring their math books home to use as a guide.

At Back to School night I also addressed the Math 4×4 Rewards, which are as follows:

4^th grade Math Club (Pass multiplication facts)= Ice Cream Party & Lifetime members (Pass through Mixed Facts) = Pizza Party

LANGUAGE

The first week of school we began reading a historical novel as a class titled, The Courage of Sarah Noble. We are completing a literature study guide together in class so that the students can recall how to answer questions in complete sentences and use proper grammar and punctuation. We reviewed vocabulary and also learned to locate similes and the use of personification in the text. The next novel we will read together and discuss, but more and more they will learn to answer questions on their own.

WRITING
This week students began their first Expository Writing piece on a “Summary of a Story” to prepare them for their first benchmark test. We completed a practice summary after reading a familiar story, The Three Little Pigs. We will continue using familiar children’s stories or novels to help them learn to summarize using an opening sentence, a key word outline and proper grammar and punctuation.

READING COUNTS PROGRAM

The Reading Counts Program has now been updated with the new classes. I have encouraged children to continue to read books and then, during Computers they can take their quizzes. They may take quizzes in class or online at home with adult supervision. They are not allowed to use their book to answer the questions. Go to Fresno Christian’s website and choose Grades K-6 on the home page then SRI & SRC and then click on Scholastic Reading Counts. They will need their username and password to access this from home.

At Back to School night I also addressed the Reading Counts Rewards which are as follows: 100 points= Ice Cream Party & 500 points=Pizza Party

BIBLE VERSE

Bible Verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Reference: Proverbs 9:10

Character Trait: Wisdom

SPELLING WORDS

Week 3-Pattern Words-Short e

1. hotel
2. selfish
3. meant
4. breath
5. instead
6. several
7. leather
8. Mexico
9. protect
10. already
11. connect
12. pleasant
13. seventeen
14. everybody
High-Frequency Words
15. music
16. during
Vocabulary Words
17. envelope
18. entrance
19. expedition
20. exclamation
Challenge Words
1. obedience
2. authority
3. character
4. Hebrews
5. bonus

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 2 NO SCHOOL-Labor Day

September 10 Elementary Pictures

September 18 School dismissed @12:00 PM Teacher In-service

September 23-27 Parent Teacher Conferences-Noon Dismissal

Remember us in your prayers whenever we come to mind. The needs represented in this classroom are important. They are the things chains can be made from. GOD desires these kids to be free and to live and love boldly. The work needed is work of the heart. It’s work only He can do. Please, I beseech you, knock on Heaven’s door for His blessing in our lives. In truth, you’d be praying for your own good, as whatever these kids choose will effect you. May we, like Jacob, choose to follow the GOD of his father Isaac, and his father Abraham.

Mr. Matthew Weimer – August 26, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:24-08:00

Mrs. Fraser, August 26, 2013

CHARACTER TRAIT: Respectfulness

Reference: I Peter 2:17

Bible Memory Verse:

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King.

Definition:

Showing honor and love for everyone God allows in my life, because every human being bears the image of God

Opposite: Lack of reverence for God and others

SPELLING WORDS

LESSON 3: Long e: ea, ee, ei

1.   leaf
2.   beat
3.   easy
4.   jeans
5.   steep
6.   really
7.   mean
8.   eager
9.   reach
10. queen
11. speed
12. street
13. please
14. breeze
15. receive
16. deceive

17. cleaned

18. between

HIGH-FREQUENCY WORDS

19. said

20. says

CHALLENGE WORDS
* carnivore
* herbivore

PARENT CORNER

MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE STARS!

It was great to see so many of you turn out for the first ever Movie Night Under the Stars! The weather was perfect and the fellowship was GREAT!!

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Thanks to all who were able to attend the Back to School Night last Tuesday. It was a wonderful evening getting to know you better. If you were not able to come, a Back to School Packet was sent home with your child the following day with content on curriculum, schedules, dress code, field trips, and other items. You may wish to take time to look through the packet when you have a quiet moment. Thanks so much!

STUDENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT

Student Council is a team of students who play a vital role in every school. Participants share ideas and interests to promote school wide events, fundraisers, and service projects. Student council promotes responsibility, commitment, and collaboration among students. On Monday, students in grades 3-6 will be given the opportunity to apply. Those who desire to be an active leader must complete and return their application by 8:00 AM on Wed., August 28. Tweleve students will be elected to represent the 2013-2014 FCS School Year. Those who are elected must be willing to commit to the following responsibilities for the 2011-2012 school year.

Responsibilities of Representatives:

-Attend meetings twice a month to discuss ideas

-Work at special events

-Help with school service projects

-Serve as a positive role model to other students

-Maintain academic and behavior excellent status

-Pray together and for our school

A TOTAL OF 12 STUDENTS WILL BE SELECTED BASED ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, AVAILABILITY, LEADERSHIP, AND DEMONSTRATION OF RESPONSIBILITY.

Thank you,

Mrs. Hancox

POWERSCHOOL

Remember, your child may re-do any assignment below a 70% that comes home in Monday’s packet for a better grade. If they are going to make changes, please return it to me by the end of the same week so it doesn’t pile up at the end of the quarter. Thank you for your support and for helping your child succeed!!

HOMEWORK

HONOR ROLL/MERIT LIST

At Back to School night I attached the requirements for the Honor Roll and Merit List certificates. If a student receives honor roll all 4 quarters, they will also be awarded with a trophy at the end of the year awards ceremony! Please note that citizenship grades will count towards earning Honor Roll, as well as academic grades. If your student has any N’s or P’s in their character development grades or academic subjects, this will disqualify them from earning Honor Roll. They will still be able to qualify for Merit List.

FIELD TRIPS/DRIVER’S CLEARANCE FORM

Parents, please note that if you plan on driving for field trips, you must have a Driver’s Clearance Form on file in the Central Office. Please see Kerry Roberts for the proper form and provide driver information needed for approval prior to driving on a school field trip. Thank you for your assistance with these matters.

FALL FUNDRAISER

We are off to a great start with the fall fundraiser! Students are busy at work placing orders. All checks are made payable to “Fresno Christian PTF” and orders are due no later than September 5. Students are excited about earning the COOL prizes! Keep up the terrific work!!

LOCKED DOORS

We wish to maintain a very friendly welcome to parents when you come on campus. Thank you for understanding that our classroom doors must be locked at all times for security reasons. If you knock on the door, students and teachers are not permitted to open the door. So please report to the office and an authorized personnel will escort you to the room if necessary for entry.

VISITOR PASS

Be sure to check with the office and obtain a visitors pass BEFORE entering the classroom.

PORTRAIT DAY

Picture Day is coming soon! Elementary pictures will be taken on Tuesday, September 10. Watch for order envelopes in the near future.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Conferences are the week of September 23rd-27th. Monday through Friday of that week will be minimum release days at 12:00 noon. Parent conference forms will be coming home next week on Tuesday, September 3 with your child’s Homework Folder. Please sign and send your form in before Monday, September 16th.

Early dismissal will begin on Monday, September 23rd at 12:00. Early dismissal will be each day of the week through Friday, Sept. 27th. Please assist each other by being on time to the scheduled conference as we have only 20 minutes per conference. At conference time we can focus on strengths and areas for future growth together. I am looking forward to seeing each of you!!

GRANDPARENT’S DAY

Grandparents Day is on Friday, September 13, 2013. It is a fun day for the children to spend with their grandparents. If their grandparent is unable to come, feel free to invite a close, senior family friend. The schedule is as follows:

9:30-9:50 AM K-12 Pick up schedules in the Peoples Courtyard

9:50-11:40 AM K-12 Visit classrooms

11:40-12:25 PM K-12 Lunch provided for you and your grandchild

12:25 PM K-12 Say Goodbye to grandchild

Shuttle service will be available from parking lots “A” and “F.” For maps and further information, visit www.fresnochristian.com

SPIRIT DAY

Show your school pride each Friday and wear your favorite FCS shirt!

COMING ATTRACTIONS

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 14 – Happy Birthday Micah!

Thursday, August 15 – Happy Birthday Macie!

Saturday, August 24 – Happy Birthday Diego!

SEPTEMBER

Monday, September 2 – Labor Day/No School

Monday, September 9 – Happy Birthday Joshua!

Tuesday, September 10- Elementary Picture Day

Friday, September 13 – Grandparents Day

Wednesday, September 18 – Half Day/Staff In-Service/Early Release at 12:00 PM

September 23-27 – Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Mrs. Fraser, August 26, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:25-08:00

Mrs. Ferguson, August 26, 2013

Dear Parents and Students,

It was so great to see you last Tuesday night at Back To School Night!! Thank you for coming and sharing your time with me! I know that God has placed each and every one of you and your children into my life for a reason and I really look forward to seeing what He has in store for us. We have had a great time of laughing, learning and worshipping our God! I have tried to re-cap a few important things in the newsletter for those of you who were unable to attend.

At Back To School Night I had parent sign-ups to work in the classroom and still have some openings for those of you who are interested. Please e-mail me if any of the times below work for you. Those who already signed may begin this week!! 🙂 Also, don’t forget to get a visitor’s pass from the office before entering the classroom. Thank you!!

Monday 10:30-11:30 Cheryl Higginbotham

Tuesday 10:30-11:30 _____________

Wednesday 10:30-11:30 Eunice Evans

Thursday 10:15-11:00 Jaime DeGroot (every other)

Friday 10:30-11:30 Dawn Thompson (every other)

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

HEAD ROOM MOM

A BIG thank you to Jennifer Singer (Dawson’s mom) who is serving as our Head Room Mom this year!!! You may contact Jennifer by e-mail at jennifercsinger@gmail.com or call or text her at (479)-774-8419. I appreciate your kindness, loving spirit and giving of your time to serve our class!

POWERSCHOOL

Please check your child’s grades on Powerschool weekly and let me know if anything needs to be changed. Remember, I am not the only one grading assignments and we are all human and will make mistakes. Please save your child’s work each quarter in a file at home and send in anything that doesn’t coincide with Powerschool so I can make the change. Also, be checking to see which assignments your child might be missing and have them complete them for a grade. By 4^th grade they are responsible for remembering to turn in their homework. Remember, your child may re-do any assignment below a 70% that comes home in Monday’s packet for a better grade. If they are going to make changes, please return it to me by the end of the same week so it doesn’t pile up at the end of the quarter. Thank you for your support and for helping your child succeed!!

HOMEWORK

HONOR ROLL/MERIT LIST

At Back to School night I attached the requirements for the Honor Roll and Merit List certificates. If a student receives honor roll all 4 quarters, they will also be awarded with a trophy at the end of the year awards ceremony! Please note that citizenship grades will count towards earning Honor Roll, as well as academic grades. If your student has any N’s or P’s in their character development grades or academic subjects, this will disqualify them from earning Honor Roll. They will still be able to qualify for Merit List.

GRANDPARENT’S DAY

Grandparents Day is on Friday, September 13, 2013. It is a fun day for the children to spend with their grandparents. If their

grandparents

grandparent is unable to come, feel free to invite a close, senior family friend. The schedule is as follows:

9:30-9:50 AM K-12 Pick up schedules

9:50-11:40 AM K-12 Visit classrooms

11:40-12:25 PM K-12 Lunch

12:25 PM K-12 Say Goodbye to grandchild

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent conference forms will be coming home next week on Tuesday, September 3 with your child’s Communication folder. Please sign and send your form in before Monday, September 16th. Early dismissal will begin on Monday, September 23rd at 12:00. Early dismissal will be each day of the week through Friday, Sept. 27th. Please assist each other by being on time to the scheduled conference as we have only 20 minutes per conference. At conference time we can focus on strengths and areas for future growth together. I am looking forward to seeing each of you!!

STUDENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT

Student Council is a team of students who play a vital role in every school. Participants share ideas and interests to promote school wide events, fundraisers, and service projects. Student council promotes responsibility, commitment, and collaboration among students. On Monday, students in grades 3-6 will be given the opportunity to apply. Those who desire to be an active leader must complete and return their application by 8:00 AM on Wed., August 28. Those who are elected must be willing to commit to the following responsibilities for the 2013-1024 school year.

Responsibilities of Representatives:

-Attend meetings twice a month to discuss ideas

-Work at special events

-Help with school service projects

-Serve as a positive role model to other students

-Maintain excellent academic and behavior status

-Pray together and for our school

A total of 12 students will be selected based on academic performance, availability, leadership and demonstration of responsibility.

Thank you,

Mrs. Hancox

MATH

Last week we continued our math lesson on place value and rounding and this week we will be finishing it up. Our first test will be $Math images$ NEXT Wednesday. Students will receive a “Chapter Pretest” to complete at home on Tuesday night to help them review the skills in Chapter 1. Please look over it once they have completed it and have them fix their mistakes to make sure they understand the concepts. These will be due on Wednesday, the day of the test. They may need to bring their math books home to use as a guide.

At Back to School night I also addressed the Math 4×4 Rewards, which are as follows:

4^th grade Math Club (Pass multiplication facts)= Ice Cream Party & Lifetime members (Pass through Mixed Facts) = Pizza Party

LANGUAGE ARTS

The first week of school we began reading an exciting novel as a class titled, Trouble River, which ties into our 4^th grade Social Studies curriculum! We are completing a literature study guide together in class so that the students can recall how to answer questions in complete sentences and use proper grammar and punctuation. We reviewed vocabulary and also learned to locate similes, metaphors and uses of personification in the text. The next novel we will read together and discuss, but more and more they will learn to answer questions on their own.

WRITING

Last week students began their first Expository Writing piece on a “Summary of a Story” to prepare them for their first benchmark test. We completed a practice summary after reading a familiar story, The Three Little Pigs. We will continue using familiar children’s stories or novels to help them learn to summarize using an opening sentence, a key word outline and proper grammar and punctuation.

READING COUNTS PROGRAM

As I mentioned at Back To School Night, the Reading Counts Program has not yet been updated with the new classes. I have encouraged children to continue to read books and then as soon as it is set up, they can take their quizzes. They may take quizzes in class or online at home with adult supervision. They are not allowed to use their book to answer the questions. Go to Fresno Christian’s website and choose Grades K-6 on the home page then SRI & SRC and then click on Scholastic Reading Counts. They will need their username and password to access this from home. They will only be required to take 5 quizzes this quarter as part of their Reading grade.

At Back to School night I also addressed the Reading Counts Rewards which are as follows: 100 points= Ice Cream Party & 500 points=Pizza Party

bible-cross

BIBLE VERSE

Character Trait: Wisdom

Reference: Proverbs 9:10

Bible Verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

SPELLING WORDS

Week 3-Pattern Words-Short e

1. hotel

2. selfish

3. meant

4. breath

5. instead

6. several

7. leather

8. Mexico

9. protect

10. already

11. connect

12. pleasant

13. seventeen

14. everybody

High-Frequency Words

15. music

16. during

Vocabulary Words

17. envelope

18. entrance

19. expedition

20. exclamation

Challenge Words

1. obedience

2. authority

3. character

4. Hebrews

5. bonus

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 2 NO SCHOOL-Labor Day

September 10 Elementary Pictures

September 14 HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!

September 18 School dismissed @12:00 PM Teacher In-service

September 22 HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAWSON!

September 23-27 Parent Teacher Conferences-Noon Dismissal

September 25 HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE & SKYLAR!!

Thank you all for continued prayer for our class, for me, and for our school. I am so blessed to be part of your lives this year!

MRS. FERGUSON

Mrs. Ferguson, August 26, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:26-08:00

Mrs. Witters August 26, 2013

Dear Parents, August 26, 2013

Thanks for coming to Back To School Night. I enjoyed meeting you all and telling you about our wonderful year in “K”. I gave you a lot of info so if you have questions don’t hesitate to ask!

HELP!!!! I need another mom/dad helper on THURSDAY and FRIDAY. Please email or tell me if you can help. It is FUN!!!!! My email is awitters@fresnochristian.com

We talked about nursery rhymes last week. We chased the Gingerbread Man, and ate him. We had a yummy week! We will continue with nursery rhymes this week.

HOMEWORK folder is coming home today! Please return it on THURSDAY. Have fun!

…PICTURE DAY is on September 10. More info coming soon!!

Our character trait for this week will be “Friendship”. Please send us good notes if you see your child displaying any of our character traits. Our memory verse this week is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31

EVERY Friday is Spirit Day. Wear a Fresno Christian shirt or a shirt with our school colors – Maroon, Black and White. Our class t-shirts will be coming soon.

We love your children, and pray for all your families.

God Bless You,

Mrs. Witters

and your friendly Kindergartner

Important Dates

September 2 NO School – Labor Day

September 10 Picture Day

September 13 Grandparent’s Day – (see attached info)

September 18 ½ Day – Teacher Inservice – kids come 8:00 -12:00

September 23-27 Parent Conferences – kids come only 8:00-12:00

October 16 ½ Day – Teacher Inservice- kids come 8:00-12:00

October 18 Pumpkin Patch – 8:00 – 11:30ish!

October 25 Field Trip to Jordyn’s Dairy Farm – 8:00 – 11:30ish!

Remember….. Homework is due on THURSDAY (in the big, brown envelope)

Peoples Campus

Grandparents Day Invitation Friday, September 13, 2013

Lunch provided for you and your grandchild.
Shuttle service will be available from parking lots “A” and “F.”

For maps and further information visit www.fresnochristian.com

FRESNO CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

9:30 – 9:50 am	K-12 Pick-up Schedules	Peoples Courtyard
9:50 – 11:40 am	K-12 Visit Classrooms	Peoples Campus
11:40 – 12:25 pm	K-12 Lunch	Peoples Campus
12:25 pm	K-12 Say Goodbye to Grandchild

Mrs. Witters August 26, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:27-08:00

Mrs. Vander Kooi August 26, 2013

We Are One: Growing in Christ

Dear Parents,

I enjoyed meeting you at Back-to-School Night and hope that the information provided was helpful. The class continues to be enthusiastic about learning and we’re having fun along the way, too!

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Grandparents’ Day is on Friday, September 13th. A shuttle service will be available from parking lots “A” and “F” to transport grandparents to the Peoples Courtyard. Student schedules may be picked up at the Courtyard from 9:30-9:50 and grandparents will visit classroom from 9:50-11:40. Lunch will be provided for grandparents and students. For maps and further information, visit www.fresnochristian.com.

STUDENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MRS. HANCOX:

Student Council is a team of students who play a vital role in every school. Participants share ideas and interests to promote school wide events, fundraisers, and service projects. Student council promotes responsibility, commitment, and collaboration among students. On Monday, students in grades 3-6 will be given the opportunity to apply. Those who desire to be an active leader must complete and return their application by 8:00 AM on Wed., August 28. Those who are elected must be willing to commit to the following responsibilities for the 2013-2014 school year.

Responsibilities of Representatives:

-Attend meetings twice a month to discuss ideas

-Work at special events

-Help with school service projects

-Serve as a positive role model to other students

-Maintain academic and behavior excellent status

-Pray together and for our school

A TOTAL OF 12 STUDENTS WILL BE SELECTED BASED ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, AVAILABILITY, LEADERSHIP, AND DEMONSTRATION OF RESPONSIBILITY.

HUME LAKE FOR 6TH GRADERS:

This year we will be going to Hume Lake for 6th grade camp October 14-18 to study Outdoor Education. Thank you to those parents who have volunteered to be counselors for the week. Per Hume Lake policy, parents are welcome to visit campers during the 2 hour afternoon free time only. They may not attend classes or eat meals with the students.

A NOTE FROM MRS. AINLEY ABOUT CHOIR UNIFORMS:

Parents, please check to see if you have any piece of the choir uniform at home. Last year’s uniform included a maroon skirt/skort, a maroon vest (boys), and a black bow tie (boys). Please send to school ASAP. Thank you.

WRITING:

This week students will continue writing summary and opinion paragraphs about stories and books. This is in preparation for the 1st Quarter “Response to Literature” summative writing assessment.

READING:

This week I will continue the read aloud novel entitled, The Case That Time Forgot: The Sherlock Files, by Tracy Barrett, which ties into our Social Studies curriculum. Students are required to independently read one book of their choice during the month of August and will write a “Response to Literature” for it, due September 3rd. Students need to bring a book to school each day to read during S.S.R.

MATH:

On Monday and Tuesday we will review place value, exponents and expanded form and the students will take a quiz on each Tuesday and Wednesday. We will also continue our study of whole numbers, decimals and problem solving. Students will utilize the online Khan Academy program to practice and reinforce concepts.

SOCIAL STUDIES:

This week we will travel in our newly designed time machines to ancient Mesopotamia! Students will write farewell letters to their families asking them not to worry while they’re gone. Students will also review basic map skills.

BIBLE:

This week we continue our study of the Bible, focusing on the Writings in the Pentateuch and Books of History.

BIBLE MEMORY VERSE:

The memory verse for this week is Romans 3:23 and the test will be this Friday, August 30. Students will be graded on writing the verse accurately, including correct wording, spelling, grammar and the scripture reference.

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

SPELLING:

Lesson 3 words will be tested this Friday, August 30.

Lesson 3: Words with Variant Vowels and Diphthongs

All Students

authentic
launch
boycott
turquoise
withdrawn
awkward
faulty
applaud
jigsaw
curfew
pound
awesome
corduroy
shrewd
soothing

6^th Grade Only

booklet
drowsy
moisture
flaunt
ointment

Challenge Words for All

Mesopotamia
Tigris River
Euphrates River
Mediterranean Sea
irrigation

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Happy Birthday to Max Munoz: August 31
NO SCHOOL Labor Day: September 2
Happy Birthday to Faith Monroy: September 5
Happy Birthday to Marin Sue: September 7
Happy Birthday to Harmanpaul Gill: September 11
Elementary Pictures: September 10
Half Day: September 18 – Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Parent/Teacher Conferences: September 23-27 – Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Hume Lake: October 14-18
Happy Birthday to Izabella Arballo: October 23
Happy Birthday to Anthony Ellis: October 23

Mrs. Vander Kooi August 26, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:28-08:00

Mrs. Tally August 26, 2013

Dear Families,

It was great to see everyone at Back To School Night. It was a wonderful evening. Hopefully, it gave you a greater understanding as to the functioning and routines of the classroom. It has been an adjustment, but they are all making a smooth transition. Our parent helpers will continue this week from 8:30-10:15 which is our Reading Language Arts Block and 10:40 – 11:35 for Math. We are still in need of parent help during our Reading/Language Arts Block. There are many children who need a great deal of guiding, so I will be putting up another sign-up sheet and adding some more spots. If you have already signed up, I will just transfer your name to the new paper. Thank you to those who volunteered to help us . It is so appreciated and we couldn’t do it without you.

Vocabulary & Reading – Your child has the first vocabulary words that go along with our first reading experiences. He/she should spend some time each day on these, however, some children will need more time and others less, depending on how easily the words go into long term memory. You will soon be able to tell what your child needs.These should be recognized quickly, even though some of them can be sounded out. Spelling of the words is not required. We began our weekly vocabulary units this week which focus on the meaning of the word and it’s part of speech. Some of these words are familiar to them, however, many are not. There will be a new set of words each week. We discuss these words during our carpet time.

Word Builders– Some have started on these and they are doing a wonderful job. Mrs. King will hear your child blend every day if they didn’t finish the word builder packets last year.They will NOT be writing them or doing the work on the back. You received the new packet at Back To School night, however many are still on the word builders from 1st grade. We will start the new set after completing last year’s word builder skills.

Math – We will complete Chapter 1 this week. The chapter review will come home on Wed Aug. 28th, and will be due on Wed. Sept. 4th. Our test will be on Wednesday as well . We will begin Chapter 2 on Wednesday which will be Number Patterns to 1000. Math drills came home in the envelope last week. Please do a 4 minute drill each night. Just let me know when you need more drills at home. The children are very excited about the Math Club and are anxious to become a member. Requirements for first grade club are addition and subtraction facts to 10, Second Grade is addition to 18 and hopefully subtraction to 18.

Bible– This week we focus on Noah. We will be discussing what it means to trust and obey God even when we don’t understand what the plan is. We will talk about what it means to walk by faith and not by sight. Noah was a great example of that even in the midst of ridicule from the naysayers.

Social Science – We will start the first chapter in our book entitled “Families Now and Long Ago.”

Work Envelopes – Completed work is sent home on Mondays. Unfinished daily work will also come home to be completed and returned to school by Friday.. If this is often, you know your child is not using his/her time wisely. There are many who just sit and do nothing, unless prodded. They do get reminded to focus and begin working, but are unable to see the task through to completion. This is an important skill that we will continue working on. Envelopes are due by Friday, but can be returned any day during the week. When your child has any homework to finish up at home, PLEASE take a look at it when completed and have your child fix any mistakes before you return it.

Homework Folders – Homework folders are due every Friday. They will go home with new work each Friday as well.In this Friday’s homework folder will be the first Book Report project, The genre will be fiction.Th rubric will tell them the requirements for this project. With the rubric, there is no guessing as to the grade or number of points earned. The due date for this project is September 27th.

Grandparent’s Day –Grandparents’ Day is on Friday, September 13th. A shuttle service will be available from parking lots “A” and “F” to transport grandparents to the Peoples Courtyard. They will visit classroom from 9:50-11:40. Lunch will be provided for grandparents and students. For maps and further information, visit www.fresnochristian.com.

Show and Tell– Team B has Show and Tell this week.Your child can bring it twice during the week.

Fall Fundraiser – Our fall fundraiser kicked off on August 16th and will conclude on September 5th. There are variety of items for sale and there are some great prizes so sell, sell, sell. All the profit will benefit your children and programs at FCS. Our goal is that each child would sell $75 worth of items. I think Tally’s Treasures can achieve that goal!!!!! They are enjoying their prizes each day. Many have lanyards with frogs on them already.

Sustained Silent Reading – As a way to wind down and cool off, we are having a Sustained Silent Reading time of 15 minutes after lunch recess. The children will need to bring a book from home to keep in their backpacks. Thanks!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK !!

8-26 – Happy 8th Birthday Colby Poplin

9-2 – Labor Day – No school

9-10 – Elementary School Pictures

9-13 – Happy 8th Birthday Sanjay Stephen

9-13 – Grandparent’s Day – 9:40 AM – 11:40 PM

9-18 – School dismissed at 12:00 PM – Teacher Inservice

9-23 – Happy 8th Birthday Kaleb Marquez

9-25 – Happy 7th Birthday Mallory Loeffler

9-27 – Happy 8th Birthday Paige Deffenbacher

9-23-27 -Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences- School dismissed at 12:00 PM

Spirit Day is every Friday. Please wear your favorite FCS shirt.

Bible Verse- August 26 – August 30

Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:22 11 pts.

Second Grade Spelling – Lessson 2

this

must

will

puppy

little

under

print

block

lost

contest

spell

ever

friends

Mrs. Tally August 26, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:29-08:00

August 26, 2013 Mrs. Hancox

Dear Parents and Students,

My heart rejoices over our dynamic group of students. Each unique child has brought together a body of one in our classroom of learners! I must say that I am truly impressed by their desire to learn and participation with learning.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT: It was a pleasant evening at Back to School night. Thank you to all for taking the time out on a hot evening to visit your child’s classroom. If you were unable to attend, please e-mail me and I will send home the information from the evening.

STUDENT PICTURES:
Student pictures will be Tuesday, September 10th. The pictures are for the year book and an opportunity for you to purchase portraits. An envelope will be sent home before picture day offering you a picture package option.

STUDENT COUNCIL:

Student Council is a selected team of students who play a vital role in every school. Participants share ideas and interests to promote school wide events, fundraisers, and service projects. Student council promotes responsibility, commitment, and collaboration of students. On Monday, students in grades 3-6 will be given the opportunity to apply. Those who desire to be an active leader must complete and return an application by 8:00 AM on Wed., August 28. Those who are accepted must be willing to commit to the following responsibilities for the 2013-2014 school year.

Responsibilities of Representatives:

-Attend meetings twice a month to discuss ideas

-Work at special events

-Help with service projects

-Serve as a positive role model to other students

-Pray together

A TOTAL OF 12 STUDENTS WILL BE SELECTED!

6th GRADE HUME LAKE: Oct. 14-18

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

ACADEMIC GOALS/STANDARDS FOR AUGUST;

Bible: We will be studying the Psalms and applying them to our lives. This week’s verse is:

Psalms 8:3-4

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Math: Students took their unit 1 quiz on Thursday. Students will take their test (add/subtract/multiply decimals on Monday). A new rubric for unit 2 will be handed out on Tuesday. The area of study will be long division with decimals.

Social Studies:

Language Arts:

1. We will begin a study on subject and predicates. Students will be given a rubric for the assignments

2. Reading: Teacher read aloud: The Case That Time Forgot

3. Student reading: Independent choice of MYSTERY. Students need to choose a mystery book to read for the month of September. They are to write a formal Response to Literature along with Author’s Purpose. A rubric will go home showing details of the writing assignment.

Spelling: Students will study with an understanding of root, prefixes, suffixes, homophones, homographs, high frequency words, and syllabication. The intermediate grade levels offer fantastic integration for grades 4-8 in these areas. The weekly spelling lessons will be designed to assist students with transfer of spelling knowledge to independent writing, reading comprehension, language arts, and speaking.

Week 2: root words of: -ology plus pattern of VCV

-ology: study of

biology
cardiology
dermatology
ecology
geology
graphology
psychology
sociology
zoology
anthropology
archaeology

VCV patterns

climate
ego
retail
future
robot
humane
tiger
laser
lemon

SOCIAL STUDIES:

As we dig up the past, we will uncover ancient civilizations and cultures. This week, students will take a look at a timeline and map of the ancient world. Terms to know:

Archaeologist
Artifacts
Culture
Dendrochronology
Excavation
Fossils
Prehistory
Mesopotamia
Egypt
Greece
Romans
China

Students will write out these terms and places in class this week. A quiz on the terms will be given on Friday.

SPIRIT WEAR: Students will be given a class t-shirt. You may also purchase additional Spirit Wear online at our FCS website. Simply click on the FCS Eagle Logo in the bottom right hand corner!

STUDENTS wear your FCS shirt on Fridays and show off your FCS school support! Please be sure to wear your FCS class shirt on field trips too!

Thank you for your prayers and partnership during our 2013-2014 school year!

Current calendar:

September 2-No School, Labor Day

HAPPY August birthdays:

Abigail

Taezon

BIRTHDAY’S ARE A SPECIAL OCCASION! WE CELEBRATE 10 MIN. BEFORE RECESS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING IN A TREAT FOR YOUR CHILD, PLEASE E-MAIL ME A DAY OR SO IN ADVANCE!

August 26, 2013 Mrs. HancoxPC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:33-08:00

Mrs. R’s Super Stars August 26th, 2013

Good Morning Parents!

I trust everyone had a wonderful restful weekend with friends and family!! We had a great week diving into learning!

Thank you to all the parents who attended back to school night last week. I trust you received all the information you needed about what our little ones are doing in class. It was great to meet some of the other parents and family members who I had not met yet.

Spelling Tests

This week I will be sending home their spelling tests. They will get a point for each word they spelling correctly. At this point I will not mark them wrong for reversing letters, however as we get more comfortable with our writing, if they reverse the letter in a word they will get it wrong. For the sentences; Convection is starting with an upper case letter and ending with a period. Since there are 3 sentences they can get a total of 6 points for this. Dictation is if they wrote all the words from the sentence. They will get 1 point got each word they wrote correctly. If they misspell the spelling word in the sentence they will not get credit for it.

Vocabulary & Reading

Last week I began working with students in their guided reading groups. In this weeks homework I have included sight words for the students to practice. Most of these words are decodable (you can sound them out), the goal is to recognize them and know them quickly. These are great to put on index cards and make flash cards for your child to have. The goal of timing your child to read the sight words is to encourage fast recognition of the word without having to sound them out. My goal is to continue to adding words each week to the list. This will not only help build vocabulary of the class, but is a great aide in helping the children read fluently. As we get going I will be sending books home with students so they can have more time for reading at home. Also, When our new beautiful library reopens for use, our kiddos will be able to go to the library once a week to get some books!

Take Home Folders

It is important that these folders go home and return to school everyday. Please remind students to bring their folders to school everyday. This is where I send home work that we are doing in class for you to see along with any important notes that I may need you to see. Also, if you need to send me notes such as transportation changes, Dr appointments, or emergencies please place it in your child’s take home folder. I check them every morning. I do tell the kiddies that it is their responsibility as a 1st grader to remember their folders everyday, not their parents. However, since it is early in the school year please guide them in bringing it to school daily as they get use to our routine. Also, please empty the notes sleeve as well as the stays at home side. I notice some of their folders getting full.

Homework

Homework will continue to come home every Monday. Please do not send pages back individually through the week. Keep the entire homework packet at home until Friday. I will collect everything on Friday from their take home folders. Again, its important the students complete their homework. This is reinforcement of what they are learning in class. Again, as we get into our reading and I get comfortable with their reading levels I will be sending books home for the students to read at home. As that time comes I will give more instruction.

Math

We spent all last week reviewing our addition concepts with the students! They are doing a great job with what’s being taught in class. Students will be bringing home work pages that we complete in class for you to see what they are reviewing and learning. If students finish their seat work early in the mornings they are also given extra math sheets to do in class.

Spelling

This week we will begin working on lesson 7 in their spelling books. The spelling words for August were sent home the first week of school. If you misplace them they will be posted online in our news letter as well as included in their homework packet. Spelling tests will be given each Friday. Students will have to know how to spell their words as well as writing dictation sentences with each test. The students do not know what the sentences will be before the test, so they do not have to study them at home.

Bible

Students will still be required to recite their Bible memory verse to me every Friday. We will cover the verse everyday in class, and reciting it at home everyday will be great for them. Last week we finished our unit on creation. This week we will move into learning about Noah, Abraham, and Isaac. How exciting!!! I still get so exciting about the freedom I have to read God’s word in school!! What a blessing!

Writing

Last week the students were able to start writing in their journals. Boy was I impressed!!! We will be working on writing a description about a real person as well as writing using our daily journal prompts. Students will be assessed on this during our first benchmark in October.

Parent Helpers

Last week I put up a sign up sheet for the month of September at back to school night and it was filled up! We use parent helpers Monday-Thursday from 9-10:15am. We do not use helpers on Fridays since we do not do stations. If there is a day that is already full for parent help, and you would still like to come in, please do so!

Show and Tell

We will start having our show and tell groups every Monday and Friday. Please remind the children to only bring out their show and tell during our show and tell time. They are not allowed to have them during class or out at recess.

Teddy

The kids are loving having Teddy in our class! I get so excited to read all their adventures and begin to watch the progress in their writing. In the beginning if your child needs assistance on their writing that is fine. However, they do need to write it. You can help them dictate. Please remind them to write complete sentences with finger spaces in between each word. Teddy will not go home on Fridays. He will stay with me and get a bath 🙂

Fundraiser

We are in the middle of our fundraise that began Last week and will finish in September. There are some great items for sale, and cool prizes for the little ones. Our goal is that each student sell $60 worth of items. All profits will go to FCS to benefit our children. Sell! Sell! Sell!

Reminder

One of my responsibilities at FCS is being the cheer advisor for high school. I do have practice to run after school on Mondays and Wednesdays, with games on Fridays. So I will only be available for a short time after school on these days.

Have a fruitful week!!

Bible Memory Verse

“Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” Genesis 6:22 (11pts)

Spelling Words

not

got

top

mom

God

job

hop

fox

and

over

good

Important Dates

9-2 Labor Day. No School

9-10 Elementary Pictures

9-10 Elementary Chapel

9-13 Grandparents Day

9-18 – Half Day. School dismissed at 12

9-23 – 9-27 – Parent Teacher Conferences – School dismissed @ 12:00 PM

9-24 Elementary Chapel

9-26 New family partnership dinner

10-8 Picture retakes

10-11 First quarter ends

Spirit Day is every Friday. Please wear your favorite FCS shirt

Mrs. R’s Super Stars August 26th, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:33-08:00

Mrs. R’s Super Stars August 19th, 2013

Wow! What a great first week we had! I hope you had a wonderful, restful weekend! I thank the Lord for our time together and pray for a wonderful year! I am looking forward to seeing these little cuties grow in Christ, and grow in academic knowledge! Because God is gracious we were able to finish all our assessments in week 1! Phew! Now its time to dive into learning.

Spelling

This week students will begin working on their spelling words for the week, and will be tested on Friday. Be sure to work on these at home with the homework.

the

had

man

has

ran

cat

can

did

will

Bible

This weeks memory verse can be found in Genesis 1:31a

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”

We will be going over this everyday in class. First graders will recite the verse to me every Friday to receive their points.

Homework

Homework will be coming home this week. Please check the front of the August letter, this will give you updates along with a pacing guide on which to complete the homework. Homework will go home each Monday, and must be returned each Friday.

Reading

We will begin working in our reading groups this week. I will be sending home some sight words for the students to be working on along side our reading time in class. Its essential for them to work on these words at home and at school. The more easily recognizable they are, the more fluent their reading will become.

Take Home Folders

Please be sure to check your students yellow take home folders everyday. Anything that is on the “Stays at Home” and “Notes” side needs to be emptied and kept at home. Please be sure this folder comes to school everyday.

Teddy

This week we will begin sending Teddy home. Encourage your child to take Teddy where ever they go after school. If you desire you may take pictures and include it in Teddy’s journal. At the end of the day help your child write about the adventures they had will Teddy in his journal. We will be reading this in front of the class each day at calendar time.

Show and Tell

This week I will be sending out a list of who has show and tell on what day. We will do show and tell every Monday and Friday.

Thank you so much for a great week! If you have any questions please email me at craymundo@fresnochristian.com

Mrs. R’s Super Stars August 19th, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:34-08:00

Mrs. R’s Super Stars August 12th, 2013

Dear Families

Welcome back to school!! I hope you all had a wonderful summer vacation. I am looking forward to an amazing journey this year in first grade. Just to tell you a little bit about myself, this is my second year teaching 1st grade and I couldn’t be more excited to be at Fresno Christian where I can speak God’s name freely. I graduated from Fresno State in 2009 with my BA in Liberal Studies, and then graduated with my multiple subject teaching credential in 2010. I started subbing in Clovis Unified working in grades K-2. I was given the opportunity to work in an intervention program with 1^st and 2^nd grade helping them to become excellent readers. The Lord has blessed me with a very supportive husband, Gregg, a beautiful 3-year-old daughter Ayla Grace, and our newest addition that came this summer Dani Jewel. I am so excited to be working along side you this year as we play, learn, and grow together!

Newsletters will be posted online with information regarding class activities, curriculum, spelling words, and Bible verses. I will also inform you with any important dates that you will need to know about.

Please notice a few areas of importance:

As you all are aware we are on a new campus this year. There will be lot’s of new things for us to learn about this campus. We will be learning together! We will be going over this with the kids in class, and have lots of practice with our new campus rules and procedures.

Snacks:

Because we have children with various food allergies we do not allow sharing or trading food.

Milk and Juice cards:

Milk and Juice will be offered for K-6 students. Milk and juice are 40¢ each. You may purchase a milk and juice card for $8.00 each. Each card is good for 20 drinks. These are available in the elementary office. You will be notified when it is time to purchase a new one. This is offered as a convenience to you and is not mandatory.

Show and Tell:

During the year we will be doing show and tell. Students may bring anything that is meaningful to them. Show and tell will be every Monday and Friday. Each student will be assigned to a day. I will update you with this information soon.

Birthdays:

We will be honoring each child on his or her birthday. You may bring treats for the class, whatever your child chooses! It is not required that you bring something for your child’s birthday, but if you wish to do so please give me a few days notice so I can plan accordingly. We will celebrate birthdays at the end of the day around 2:00pm

Fire Drills:

We will be having monthly fire drills throughout the year and will be practicing during the first weeks of school. We will be practicing as a class how we act during these drills and why they are so important. Please reinforce with your children the importance of learning safety at school.

Parent Helpers:

I will send home a calendar at the end of each month. Please take the time to choose a day you are able to assist and return the calendar ASAP. We will use helpers Monday-Thursday from 9-10:15. If you would like to come help on certain days every week please let me know and I will put you down. This will be a first come first serve.

Room Moms:

We will be needing room moms who will help us with various activities and parties that we do throughout the year. If you are interested please come see me.

Teddy Journal:

Our class has a special friend named Teddy. Starting the second week of school Teddy will go home with a new student each day. Teddy will not go out on Fridays. If your child is chosen to take Teddy home I encourage your child to take Teddy with them wherever they go after school. Teddy comes with a journal. Your child must write about all the adventures they went on with Teddy. In the beginning you may assist your child with writing, but as the year goes on they will become more independent. This is a wonderful and fun tool for the students to practice their writing outside of school. I will be sending a letter home on Friday as a reminder and an explanation of our Teddy journal. Please remember to bring Teddy back the next day, as he will be going home with a new student.

Cheer:

As some of you may know, along with teaching 1^st grade this year, I am also the high school cheer coach at Fresno Christian. On Monday’s and Wednesday’s of each week I will not be available after 3:00pm. I have to be at practice at 3:15 for high school cheer practice. If you need to contact me during this time please email me.

BTSA:

Along with coaching cheer, I am apart of a program for beginning teachers. The BTSA program is something to aid in becoming a better teacher. With this program there are meetings that I must attend. I will have to travel to Sacramento once a month, as well as attend weekly meetings on campus. On the days I go to Sacramento I will only be teaching the 1st half of the day, the students will have a sub the 2nd half.

Back to school night will be Tuesday August 20th @ 7:00pm

I am so excited to start this New Year with your little ones! I trust the Lord that He will bless our time together as we learn and grow. With the Lord’s help and prayers we will work together in preparing your children for a life and service for Jesus Christ.

If you ever have questions please contact me by phone or email.

School phone: 299-1695

Email: craymundo@fresnochristian.com

I check my emails before school, during lunch, and after school. I will not be available to check my emails after 7:00pm, this is time to be with my beautiful family!

IMPORTANT DATES

August 12^th: 1^st day of school! Convocation at People’s Church @ 8:00am
August 15^th: PTF Fall Fundraiser
August 21st: School out at 12:00pm – Teacher Inservice
September 10th : Elementary school pictures
September 2nd: Labor Day – No School
September 18^th: School out at 12:00pm – Teacher Inservice
September 23rd-27^th: Elementary parent teacher conference. Half day all week. School out at 12:00pm.

Bible Memory Verse

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Students will be required to recite their Bible verse

No spelling words this week

Mrs. R’s Super Stars August 12th, 2013PC Pierce2016-11-16T22:22:35-08:00

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