August 16, 2026

My 25 new best friends and I had a fun few days getting to know each other. We reviewed SOARing behavior expectations for all around the school and learned procedures for our classroom. We listened to stories about respecting others and fairness, and one of my favorites: "My Mouth is a Volcano," about interrupting and how it feels being interrupted when speaking. We refreshed our brains and mouths on how to articulate different letter sounds and practiced writing capital letters using proper formation. We also solved a few addition problems within 20. 

We begin regular curriculum lessons this week. On Monday, students will begin bringing home folders with the behavior calendar every day. The folders should be reviewed and returned each school day. If there are any circles on your student's day, please initial to acknowledge seeing it. Although there is not a spot on the calendars to indicate great behavior, please know that excellent choices are acknowledged and rewarded in class and often with messages to you. I will also send home completed work in the folders, as well as other notices and forms. 

In phonics this week we will review short vowel sounds. In Arts & Letters, we will begin the first module, "A Season of Change." Weather permitting, we will take a nature walk around campus. In math, we'll begin Unit 1, adding and subtracting within 20. 

And speaking of weather, when weather.com reports the "feels like" temperature is 95 degrees or above (or in winter, 32 degrees or below), students must stay inside for recess.  

The week of August 25, PRP students will take the ATLAS Screener assessment to gauge skills in reading and math. Capturing this data will help me target instruction throughout the year to help every student succeed. See the "Standards, Curriculum, and Testing" page on my site for more information.

August 12, 2026
Welcome back, Blackhawks!