Week of April 11-15, 2016

Here’s a peek at next week:

Spelling words: eight, seven, four, nine, one, twenty, forty, thirty, fifty, number

Phonics- review

Reading: Daily 5 with emphasis on beginning, middle, and ending, finding evidence in text to support answer and retelling the story. What was the author's purpose? This week we will be reviewing skills we have already learned (comprehension strategies, parts of information text, things to learn from pictures, questioning strategies).We will talk about figurative language (idioms, similes, metaphors, and personification), as well as, poetry.

L.Arts:  We will review skills already covered this year. 

Writing Workshop: Students will review and continue writing an opinion piece. Students will form an opinion and write a review about a book, movie, restaurant or store. They will have the opportunity to choose what they would like to write about. What are some important details I need to include in order to convince my reader?  How should I introduce my topic? Should I share how I feel about it? Should I compare it to other like places? We will look at mentor texts to get ideas and compare them. 

Math: Students will continue going over MAP review skills. We will review addition, subtraction, even, odd, polygons, number lines, story problems, time, graphing, base ten, etc. 

Science: Students will continue to learn about seeds and flowers. They will have the opportunity to observe what happens when  plants are not given light, soil or water vs. others that are cared for. Students will be able to label the parts of the plant and observe the inside of a seed. We will think about what plants need to grow and live.  We will have the opportunity to learn about the life cycle of a plant.

                                             Homework 

1. Practice Sight Words 

2. Reading Passage (Tulips)

3. Math (Spring Word Problems)

4. Read 

Check Spelling City out to practice your spelling words for the week. :)

Link to Spelling City

Thank you so much everyone for helping make our 1st grade play a success! We really appreciate all volunteers, parents and grandparents! Without you it would not be possible to put on a production like this! :) 

We are gearing up for our final MAP Math assessment. Our class will take the assessment on April 15th at 10:00. It is important that ALL students attend this day. We suggest getting a good nights sleep and breakfast so that all students can be focused and ready to do their best. 

Parent Survey

In an effort to improve system practices, Oconee County Schools is conducting a parent survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. The web survey will be available until April 25, 2016.

In order to complete the survey, please go to: http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/9422178

*****Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated.*********

We will have the opportunity to go on another field trip to Bear Hollow on Wednesday, April 27th. Please fill out and sign the permission to return as soon as possible. :)  

We have snack every day. Please encourage your student to pack a snack each day. Lunch time can be a long time to wait to eat. :) 

Upcoming Events

~ 4/12  PTO Meeting at 6:30

~ 4/14  RBES Sonic Night

~4/15  Math MAP at 10:00

~4/19  Rocket Relay

~4/27  Field Trip -- Bear Hollow

~4/29  Reading MAP at 9:30

Have a great weekend!!

First Grade Play Information

First Grade Play

Dear Parents,

The students are working hard as they prepare for the play. It is going to be a great show! Because the students will be very busy next week (March 28-April 1^st), the first grade team has decided there will be NO HOMEWORK and Spelling Test. Please keep the following information for your reference.  Thank you and let me know if you have any questions.

                                                                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                                                            Claire Ashley

Tuesday, March 29- Dress Rehearsal Day –PTO makes the photo DVD

*Students will need to wear jeans to school. They will put on the rest of their costume at school.

Thursday, March 31- Performance Day

*Students will need to wear jeans to school. They will put on the rest of their costume at school.

Morning Performances

9:00- First Morning Performance

10:15- Second Morning Performance

Night Performance

6:15 –Meet in first grade classrooms

6:55- All first grade students in place on risers

7:00- Performance

Week of March 28 - April 1, 2016

Here’s a peek at next week:

Spelling words: NO Spelling Assessment this week!

Phonics- None

Reading: Daily 5 with emphasis on beginning, middle and ending, finding evidence in text to support answer and retelling the story. What was the author's purpose? This week we will be reviewing skills we have already learned. (Text features and comprehension strategies) We will also learn about poetry ( Haiku/Senses and Emotions poems as well as cinquain and autobiographical poems.)

L.Arts:  We will review a sentence. What does it need? What is a subject? What is a predicate? How can I signal my reader that I am starting my thought? How can I am show them that I have finished my thought?

Writing Workshop: Students will review and begin a new opinion piece of writing. Students will form an opinion and write a review about a book, movie, restaurant or store. They will have the opportunity to choose what they would like to write about. What are some important details I need to include in order to convince my reader?  How should I introduce my topic? Should I share how I feel about it? Should I compare it to other like places?

Math: Students will continue going over MAP review skills. We will review addition, subtraction, even, odd, polygons, number lines, story problems, time, graphing, base ten, etc. 

Science: Students will begin to learn about seeds and flowers. They will have the opportunity to observe what happens when  plants are not given light, soil or water vs. others that are cared for. Students will be able to label the parts of the plant and observe the inside of a seed. We will think about what plants need to grow and live. 

                                             Homework 

No homework this week! Enjoy your time reading a good book! 

Be on the Look Out

Please see the report card for permission slip. First graders will have the opportunity to go to  The University of Georgia Vet School for the day on April 1st. We will be gone from school from 8:30 until 1:45. We will take our lunches with us to enjoy a delicious sack lunch together. 

 Please sign and return permission form ASAP.:)

                                 First Grade Play E-I-E-I-OOPS!

The first grade students will present three performances of the musical drama "E-I-E-I-Oops" on Thursday, March 31st. Our performances will be at 9:00, 10:15 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. 

** Students will need to wear jeans for dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 29th and they will need to wear jeans on Thursday, March 31st, the day of the performance. ****

Spring Break

Rocky Branch Elementary School will be out of school from April 2nd to April 10th. We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Spring Break!

Upcoming Events

3/25--Miss Donna from the Bogart Library will come for story time

3/31-- E-I-E-I- Oops Play at 9:00, 10:15 and 7:00 pm

4/1--1st Grade Field Trip Vet School

4/4-4/8-- Spring Break

Have a great weekend!!

Parent Survey

This information just came out from Mrs. Wages.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

In an effort to improve system practices, Oconee County Schools is conducting a parent survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. The web survey will be available until April 25, 2016.

In order to complete the survey, please go to: http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/9422178

(If this link does not work by clicking on it, please copy and paste it into your browser.)

Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

If you have any questions about this survey, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Evelyn Wages

Principal

Rocky Branch Elementary School

March 21 - 25, 2016

Here’s a peek at next week:

Spelling words: fable, cuddle, little, puzzle, able, title, cradle, middle, shuttle, battle

 

Phonics- "le" ending pattern

Reading: Daily 5 with emphasis on beginning, middle, and ending, finding evidence in text to support answer and retelling the story. What was the author's purpose? This week we will be reviewing skills we have already learned. (Text features and comprehension strategies)

L.Arts:  We will focus on things that are needed in a sentence. What is a sentence? Is this a sentence? What is a fragment? What is a run on?

Writing Workshop: Students will review and continue writing their own animal teaching book. Students will have the opportunity to research information about an animal, write about it and present it to the class. We will focus on finding the important parts in our text. How can we share information from the book we are reading without plagiarizing?

Math: Students will continue going over MAP review skills. We will review polygons, 2-D shapes and 3-D shapes. What is a polygon? What is a non-polygon? How are 2-D and 3-D shapes alike and/or different?

Science: Students will continue to investigate different animal habitats. They will learn about the Rainforest, Wetlands, Oceans, Arctic and Desert. We will look at what animals need to survive in each area and why other animals from other habitats would not be able to live there. ( Ex: polar bear would not be able to survive in the desert) This week students will begin to build a habitat for the animal they have researched. They will need their shoe boxes and other materials from home to build at school this week. :)

                                             Homework 

1. Practice your Sight Word List

2. Reading Passage ( Rabbits)
3. Math (Review)

4. Review your spelling words nightly

5.READ! :)

Check Spelling City out to practice your spelling words for the week. :)

Link to Spelling City

Be on the Look Out

Please see the report card for permission slip. First graders will have the opportunity to go the the University of Georgia Vet School for the day on April 1st.

 Please sign and return permission form ASAP.:)

                                 First Grade Play E-I-E-I-OOPS!

The first grade students will present three performances of the musical drama "E-I-E-I-Oops" on Thursday, March 31st. Our performances will be at 9:00, 10:15 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. 

*** Please send in your student's shirt in a ziploc baggie to school ASAP for the play.***

Calling All 1st Grade Parents!

Ms. Granger needs volunteers to help with the 1st Grade Musical, "E-I-E-I-Oops!"  Help is needed with the scenery and costumes for this performance.  Workdays to help with both will take place on the following days:

Monday, March 21

If you are able to help, please come to the Art & Music rooms from 2:45-4:00 pm.  Children are welcome, and they can even help, so you can write a note for any school-aged children to stay after school on any day you are able to work.  You may want to bring your child a snack for after school.

We are also asking for donations of gallon Ziploc bags.  We will need one for every 1st grade student to keep each child's costume in one safe place.  If you are able to send in any with your child, it would be greatly appreciated!

If you are interested in helping or have any questions, you can contact Lindsey Pollack at LHPollack@hotmail.com.

          

 Upcoming STEM UNIT
In preparation for our next STEM unit: Building an Animal Habitat, we are collecting shoe boxes and building materials. Each student will be a creating diorama that will represent the habitat for their animal. The students will research facts and become experts on their animal during our writing time. 

Every student will need a shoe box and any other materials that would be helpful in creating their habitat by Monday, March 21st. You can send your child's shoe box and building materials in a bag to school that is labeled with their name. 

Building Material ideas: clay, toilet paper roll, tissue paper, sandpaper, items from nature (rock, sticks, leaves, rocks), stickers, scrapbook paper, cardboard pieces, etc.

Thank you so much for your continued support of our STEM activities.

Upcoming Events

3/22--We will go to the library to check out new books

3/23--Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 8am to 9am

3/25--Miss Donna from the Bogart Library will come for story time

3/31-- E-I-E-I- Oops Play at 9:00, 10:15 and 7:00 pm

4/1--1st Grade Field Trip Vet School

4/4-4/8-- Spring Break

Have a great weekend!!

March 14 - 18, 2016

Here’s a peek at next week:

Spelling words: rainbow, cupcake, butterfly, ladybug, 

friendship, sailboat, starfish, cowboy, sunflower, goldfish.

Phonics- compound words

Reading: Daily 5 with emphasis on beginning. middle and ending, finding evidence in text to support answer and retelling the story. What was the author's purpose? This week we will be reviewing skills we have already learned. (Text features and comprehension strategies)

L.Arts:  We will focus on compound words, synonyms and antonyms.

Writing Workshop: Students will review and begin a new teaching book. Students will have the opportunity to research information about an animal, write about it and present it to the class. We will focus on finding the important parts in our text. How can we share information from the book we are reading without plagiarizing?

Math: Students will review double digit adding and subtracting, measurement, and 2-D and 3-D shapes during number talks. We will focus on finding the perimeter of a shape, identifying coins and their values, as well as, adding the coins together, and elapsed time. 

Science: Students will investigate different animal habitats. They will learn about the Rainforest, Wetlands, Oceans, Arctic and Desert. We will look at what animals need to survive in each area and why other animals from other habitats would not be able to live there. ( Ex: polar bear would not be able to survive in the desert)

                                             Homework 

1. Practice your Sight Word List

2. Reading Passage 
3. Math

4. Review your spelling words nightly

5.READ! :)

Check Spelling City out to practice your spelling words for the week. :)

Link to Spelling City

Class Pictures
Please check your student's homework folder for individual and class picture order information. The class photo can be ordered for $15. All orders are due back to school by March 17th.

Last Chance to Order

Don't forget this is your last chance to order a yearbook. They are $23 and must be ordered ASAP! :)

RBES BOOK FAIR

It is time for the RBES Spring Book Fair!  The dates for this exciting event are March 10, and 14-18 (No school/Make up day on March 11). The Book Fair will be open March 10, 14, 15, 16 and 17 from 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM, Tuesday night from 6-8 during the STEAM Night/Ice Cream Social, and on Friday, March 18 from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.   Grandparents and special friends are invited to lunch and the Book Fair any day, March 10 and Monday-Thursday, March 14th-17^th. The Book Fair provides students, parents, grandparents, and special friends an excellent opportunity to purchase great books that your children will love to read.  This is also a wonderful way to help support the RBES Media Center.  All proceeds go directly to the RBES Media Center.

We need volunteers!  Please go to Volunteer Spot to sign up! http://vols.pt/HbvcDj

I Scream, You Scream,

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Please send in ice cream toppings to your child’s homeroom teacher before March 13^th.  Sour gummi worms, caramel, sprinkles, strawberries, bananas and cherries are among the favorites!  All proceeds from the Ice Cream Social will benefit the Media Center. Thank you so much! 
RBES STEAM Night and Icecream social will be on Tuesday, March 15th. Looking forward to seeing everyone there! :)

                                 First Grade Play E-I-E-I-OOPS!

The first grade students will present three performances of the musical drama "E-I-E-I-Oops" on Thursday, March 31st. Our performances will be at 9:00, 10:15 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. 

*** Please send in your student's shirt in a ziploc baggie to school ASAP for the play.***

Calling All 1st Grade Parents!

Ms. Granger needs volunteers to help with the 1st Grade Musical, "E-I-E-I-Oops!"  Help is needed with the scenery and costumes for this performance.  Workdays to help with both will take place on the following days:

Thursday, March 17

Monday, March 21

If you are able to help, please come to the Art & Music rooms from 2:45-4:00 pm.  Children are welcome, and they can even help, so you can write a note for any school-aged children to stay after school on any day you are able to work.  You may want to bring your child a snack for after school.

We are also asking for donations of gallon Ziploc bags.  We will need one for every 1st grade student to keep each child's costume in one safe place.  If you are able to send in any with your child, it would be greatly appreciated!

If you are interested in helping or have any questions, you can contact Lindsey Pollack at LHPollack@hotmail.com.

          

 Upcoming STEM UNIT
In preparation for our next STEM unit: Building an Animal Habitat, we are collecting shoe boxes and building materials. Each student will be a creating a diorama that will represent the habitat for their animal. The students will research facts and become experts on their animal during our Daily 5 time. 

Every student will need a shoe box and any other materials that would be helpful in creating their habitat by Monday, March 21. You can send your child's shoe box and building materials in a bag to school that is labeled with their name. 

Building Material ideas: clay, toilet paper roll, tissue paper, sandpaper, items from nature (rock, sticks, leaves, rocks), stickers, scrapbook paper, cardboard pieces, etc.

Thank you so much for your continued support of our STEM activities.

Be on the Look Out

Information will be coming home next week in your child's report card about the 1st grade field trip. First graders will have the opportunity to go the the University of Georgia Vet School for the day on April 1st.

Upcoming Events

3/13-- Daylight Savings Time

3/10, 3/14-3/17-- Book Fair at RBES

3/15--STEAM Night/Ice Cream Social/BOOK FAIR

3/17-- Individual and Class Picture Orders due

3/23--Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 8am to 9am

3/31-- E-I-E-I- Oops Play at 9:00, 10:15 and 7:00 pm

4/1--1st Grade Field Trip Vet School

4/4-4/8-- Spring Break

Have a great weekend!!