Last Blog! Use Hillmond Home page instead!

The Hillmond Home page is now set up for teacher information so I will now be using the home page. You can access my information through Classes on the Home page. Select Mrs. Burzynski and then go to 'News" at the bottom of the screen.

Below is the information I added to the home page today:

Hope to see many of you tomorrow at Muffin Morning! Grade One - Today we worked on the color word blue. We are reviewing red, yellow, and blue. Also, we have been learning " the, I, a, etc. Look for the Book Bags to come home on Friday. Please check the agenda pouch for all the information for the Book Bags. Grade Two - we began learning the essential parts of a story: Characters (Who?), Setting (Where?), Events (What), Problem (Why?) Solution (How?)We discussed the Rubric for writing as well as the students know the expectations of our marking scale. Another week almost finished and we are beginning to settle into a routine! Make sure to email, phone or write in the agenda if you have any questions big or small!

Wednesday Day #1

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. - Robert Louis Stevenson

A great quote for teachers and parents! Let's all try to plant lots of seeds of learning this year!

We have been making some really lovely fall reflections art work. The grade 2's made tree reflections and the grade 1's made leaf reflections. Make sure to come see them at Muffin Morning on Friday. The grade 2's also will have some AUTUMN acrostics to display.

Grade One - we have begun to review the Jolly Phonics program introduced in Kindergarten. This is a review as the students should know the letters and sounds. So, please review s, a, t this week. We will review all the letters first and then I will send the duotangs how later. Check the agendas and backpacks for work. I also hope to send a Book Bag home for Friday.

Grade Two - today we wrote an AUTUMM acrostic poem. Easy for some students and difficult for others. It was modeled on the board so they only needed to write endings for some sentences. The grade one focus changes from predominantly reading and sight word learning to writing and using sight words and phonics in writing assignments. You will notice a greater emphasis on composition this year. However, we will still be reading frequently and the Grade 2's will continue to have a Home Reading Program.

Hope to see you Friday!

Muffin Morning on Friday! See note in agenda.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

Please help me track down who sent me $10.00 cash in a white envelope labelled School fees.  It was taken out of the agenda and put on my desk.  There is no name on the envelope.  If you sent $10.00 please email me.  I have received money from:  Corb, Kolbi, Dyson, Keenan, Izzy, Jonathan, Tori, Aiden, Austin.  Thanks!  A reminder to please put a name on any money or forms because sometimes the students do take them out of the agenda or they fall out.

2nd Week!

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.”
― William Cullen Bryant

So we are beginning our second week!  Some things to look for this week.

Grade One:

We are learning color words and some common sight words.  Last week we learned 'red, I, a'.  This week we will learn 'yellow, blue, green, the, see, to, it, in, is, you, and, that."  Of course, we will be practicing these words for a while.
Please do Homework:  reading the  color books as they come home.  Next week I will be sending 'apple' words to begin practicing.

Also, look for Book Bags this week.  They are a very simple book to read with your child and a fun activity to do.

Grade Two:

As the experienced students, grade two's have the responsibility of the classroom job chart.  They are doing Grade One review at this time but quickly moving into grade 2 phonics skills, reading and writing expectations.  We will begin Spelling next week.  Those grade 2's who did not finish all the sight words last year will be receiving review sheets and sight words again.

The grade two's have done an excellent job of modeling good listening skills for the grade one's.  I appreciate their patience!

Everyone:

School fees are due:  $15.00 which includes $5.00 agenda fee and $10.00 SRC fee.
Mr. Feil sent home a PE letter outlining his expectations.  Please return the signed paper to show that you read and understand the information.

Microwave:  keep microwave food to a minimum this year.  With 23 students, there is not time to heat up food and eat it in the time given.

Concession:  YOU MUST WRITE IN THE AGENDA IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO CONCESSION!  Otherwise, he or she will not be sent.  Also, keep concession going to a minimum.  It takes a long time for them to go and get food which leaves them with little time to eat it.  The school concession is mainly intended for the older students.

If you have any questions, please note in agenda or send me an email.  The blog can now be accessed through Classes on the School Home page.

September 4 - 2nd Day!

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
― Emilie Buchwald

 

I have to share a funny story!  Yesterday one of my Grade One's did exactly what I told him to do!  When I said, "If you have boxes of Ziplocks bags, give me the boxes."  And he did exactly that - he put the boxes in the tub - without the ziplock bags!

Which reminds me that:

1.  They ARE listening!

2.  They do exactly what teacher says!

3.  I need to be careful what I say!

 

We are slowly settling in.  The first 5-6 days are about learning routines, adjusting schedules etc. 

 

Please:  check the agenda and Blog each day.  As I have time, I will write notes etc but mostly I will use the blog.

 

 School fees:  School fees are $15.00 which is the $10.00 SRC fee and $5.00 agenda fee.  If you wish to purchase a Yearbook they need to be preordered and the cost is $30.00.

 

Have a great week!

Mrs.  B.

Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire. ~William Butler Yeats

Welcome to the combined Grade One and Two class! 

This will be a very busy but rewarding year as your child learns to read and write and so many more things!  I always consider myself the luckiest teacher at Hillmond because I teach Grade One and this year I also am delighted to continue to teach my favorite grade one’s in grade two!  I am very excited to help the Grade 2’s read chapter books, write long stories and grow as learners.

This is my 18^th year at Hillmond School!  I came to teach here in 1996 for a ‘few years’ but loved it so much I have stayed.  In fact, my youngest daughter was just a year old and she is heading off  TODAY……Sob ….. with her older sister, to attend the University of Alberta!  Today I feel a bit like the ‘emotional’ Walmart mom from the commercials!!  So if you are feeling a bit sad, I understand!   Time flies, as you are realizing!!

The Grade one’s and Two will actually have many teachers this year!  They are going to be delighted to have the crazy Mr. Feil for PE!  Also, they will be taught by Ms April for Science, Mrs. Hunter for Health etc, and Ms Hermanson will teach the Grade 2’s math.

1.      Agendas/email/Blog – Please make sure to check your child’s agenda each night.  Please initial to let me know you have read it.  You can write a note in the agenda or place a note in the pocket at the front.  There will be many days without much in the agenda but as the year progresses your child will write more and more in the agenda.  Put any envelopes of money, notes etc in the pouch and write in the agenda that I need to look in the pouch.  Thanks.

We strive to be PAPERLESS at school now.  This helps to avoid wasting paper as well as saves a great deal of school instructional time.  Please get in the habit of checking my Blog each day for information. www.mrsburzynskiclass.blogspot.com/  This address is accessible through the Hillmond School Home page.  Go to Parents and My classes and shortcuts..  If you do not have access to the internet, please let me know ASAP as most information will be sent ONLY through the blog and email.  I check my email each morning and periodically throughout the day as I have time.  This really is the best way to communicate with me as I am often on supervision or teaching throughout the day.  I usually am able to respond to emails promptly.  Of course, you can always call me in the morning also or at home in the evening.

2.      Money – please put all money in an envelope and put in the pouch of the agenda.  Label with your child’s name and indicate what the money is for (ie;  Book Order, etc).  Don’t forget to put your child’s name on/in the bag. 

3.       Scholastic Book orders – are generally sent once a month and are a great opportunity to build a reading library for your child.  Cheque only please!  Made out to Scholastic Canada.  I am unable to accept cash for Scholastic orders.

4.      Hand washing – we will be emphasizing hand washing and use of Kleenex a lot this year to try and ensure the good health of students and staff.

5.      Sight Words – Grade One – we will begin learning Sight Words this week.  I will be sending home ‘Apple Words’ shortly. You will need to cut these flashcards out for your child to use.  Please make sure to do this.  These are the first 25 Fry sight words for Grade One.  We will begin with only 10 words initially.  I will indicate in the agenda this week which 10 words we will practice first.  Please keep the ‘Apple words’ in a safe place. Note:  These first 25 words take about a month to learn so be patient!  Then rest of the words will be learned more quickly, I promise!

Grade Two – we will continue to practice sight words from where your child left off last year.  For those finished there will be no further sight words.

6.      Spare clothes – please send a spare set of clothes if you haven’t already (pants, underwear, socks, top).  Label the bag with your child’s name.

7.      Parent Helpers – The students love to have their parents volunteer in the classroom and it gives you a better sense of what happens in school.  If you would like to volunteer in the classroom we’d love your help with reading and materials preparation.  Just like me know a day in advance so I can have things ready for you.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  I can be reached at the school, at home at 825-3371 or by email at ellen.burzynski@nwsd.ca.

SOOOO, my next information letter will be posted on my blog (this one will be as well) at www.mrsburzynskiclass.blogspot.com/.  Remember, check the blog!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to a great year!

Mrs. Burzynski

“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!”
― Kenny Chesney

 

Sorry, haven't blogged lately!  But... reports cards, cum files, year end reports, DVD etc are all finished!  Now I can concentrate on a milestone in my family's life as our youngest daughter and child graduates from high school!  She was 15 months old when I began teaching at Hillmond!  The years fly!

So, make sure your summer focuses on what is important.....family!  Weeds, mowing, housework really can wait!  Enjoy the summer with your kids and make some wonderful memories!

 

You should have received a DVD in your child's agenda.  Please view it and if there are any difficulties let my know and I will make a new copy for you.  I hope you enjoy it!

 

Very, very happy to have Grade 1 and 2 next year!  I love this group of kids in particular and I am excited to see how much they achieve and grow and change next year! 

 

Report cards go home on Tuesday.  Please check the very fat envelope for school supply list, ERI report (if applicable), fee schedule for next year, GRADE reading report, and certificate of placement. 

 

Tomorrow, Sandy Beach!  Bring a lawn chair, your item for pot luck lunch, sunscreen, bug spray and maybe an umbrella!  If it is very rainy in the morning we will cancel and call parents.  If not, we will see you at Sandy Beach at 10:00.  Remember, no inflatable toys or waterguns!

 

Big Spelling Test on Monday, Sandy Beach etc!

Spelling Test Review – any 50 words

Test date:  Monday, June 17

Unit #20

late	gave	cone	line
snake	feet	jeep	use

Unit #21

ropes	bones	kites	bees
cakes	boxes	foxes	roses

Unit #22

went	sent	ant	bend
find	mind	kind	want

Unit #23

fast	last	nest	must
most	step	stamp	still

Unit #24

day	may	stay	play
away	boat	coat	toad

Unit #25

all	wall	call	will
tell	well	small	smell

Unit #26

cow	now	down	town
brown	show	row	low

Unit #27

car	jar	far	star
start	farm	harm	are

Unit #28

funny	bunny	puppy	penny
happy	kitten	mitten	little

Unit #29

saw	paw	law	lawn
fawn	then	this	what

Unit #30

book	good	look	wood
took	take	stood	stand

Sandy Beach Form in Pouch - please return ASAP

Reminder:  Please send a lunch as the concession as very few items in it.

Sandy Beach Field Trip Information and Permission Form; Library books

Wow!  The time is flying by!  That was a great field trip yesterday.  Thanks very much to parents who came and special thanks to Pam Rollheiser for her help!

Sandy Beach Field Trip - I wanted to wait until after our Field Trip yesterday to send this out.  I will send a paper copy home tomorrow.

The Grade One and Grade Two classes plan to go to Sandy Beach on

Wednesday,  June 26, for our year-end field trip.  We will leave from the school at approximately 9:30 to arrive at Sandy Beach at 10:00.

Please note:  We will not be taking a bus this year.  We will require parents to transport their own children to Sandy Beach if possible.  We will be able to transport a few students in teachers’ cars (Ms Hermanson and , Mrs. Burzynski)

If your child is unable to travel with you or another parent, we will need to know this so transportation can be arranged.

 We will leave Sandy Beach at 2:00 to return to the school.  In case of poor weather, we will decide whether or not to cancel in the morning after the students arrive.  Then parents can transport their own children to school instead, if they wish.

We must have Parent Volunteers for this trip.  Northwest School Division Policy requires 1 adult for each 4 students.   We will NOT be providing a lifeguard so parent help is essential.

Attached is a Permission Slip and Transportation form.  This needs to be returned by Monday, June 17. If we do not have enough parents willing to help supervise and transport students we will cancel as of Wednesday, June 20. 

Each parent supervisor will be required to supervise their own children.  We will also ask parents to supervise 1 or 2 additional children as needed. You must have your full attention focused on the children you are supervising so we ask that you do not bring pre-schoolers unless you have made arrangements for another adult to supervise them for you.

Potluck Lunch – in the past our Potluck lunch has been a big hit!  Each family provides a small plate of food such as meat and cheese, crackers, cut-up fruit, veggies and dip, pizza slices, sandwiches, cookies, etc.  The school will provide juice, plates, and cups.  Please be aware that the ‘Nut-free” rule applies to all food.

Beach Rules – we ask that students come to school with sunscreen already applied.  If you feel your child needs a lifejacket, please send one.  They may bring sand toys such as buckets, pails, shovels etc.  Please do not send water toys such as inflatables, beach balls, water guns etc.  They will not be able to bring them to the beach. We need to focus on the children in the water: not rescuing toys or watching for water guns.  Parents will also want to bring a chair to the beach, etc.

Allergies –If your child has an allergy to bees, etc and requires an Epi-pen, please make sure his or her teacher is aware of it and an Epi-pen is sent from home.

Thank you for your cooperation.  This is a really enjoyable activity for the children but, of course, our first priority is for the safety of the students.  Please call us if you have any questions.

Mrs. Burzynski and Mrs. Hermanson

____________________________________________________________

Permission Form - complete and return please

My child ______________________________

in Grade ______________ will /will not be attending the Sandy Beach Field trip.

Please check, sign and return form by Monday, June 17.

_______I will be transporting the following Hillmond School students to Sandy Beach in my own vehicle.  I will be supervising the following Hillmond School students. Please list school age children and grade.  Please note that preschoolers cannot be supervised with Hillmond School students.  Please make other arrangements for your preschool students that day if you are transporting Hillmond Students besides your own children.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______My child will arrive on the school bus and need to be transported to Sandy Beach by a teacher. My child will take the bus home after school as usual.   I give permission for my child to be driven by either Mrs. Burzynski, Mrs. Hunter or

Ms Hermanson.

If my child is not taking the bus home after school but is going home with another adult I must notify the classroom teacher of the arrangements in writing by Monday, June 24

Parent Signature:________________________________________

 Library Books:  All library books are due this Friday, June 14.  A few children had a note in agenda regarding overdue books.  I don't teach library so please contact Mrs. Hunter or Mrs.  Shirtliffe if you have any questions.

Lots of Information!

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.  ~James Dent

Well, we have two lawn mowers working each night and can't keep up with the grass!  I am sure you can all relate!  But not complaining as summer is right around the corner!  Yippee!

Thank you for sending in the field trip money and waivers so quickly.  I will be sending home the re-order for Macdonalds on Friday.  Please try to return on Monday.

Also, if you are joining us on Tuesday please note it in the agenda or send me an email.  

The students just completed the GRADE reading standardized test.  They tried very hard!  It's a tough test but gives the school data for planning for next year as well as student strengths and weaknesses.  A copy will be sent home in the report card.  

Sight words - congratulations to Jonathan and Hailey W.  who have completed all Level 1, 2 and 3 words.  An outstanding achievement!  A few more students are very close as well.  Our last test will be Friday, June 14.

Spelling -  I will be sending home a review sheet on Friday of the last 10 lists.  I will be giving a test on Monday, June 17 of 50 words.

Tired kids - as you have surely noticed, the students are tired!  So, the last few weeks are less academic and more play!  We are going to join the grade 2 class and do some Arts and Crafts to enter in the Lloyd Fair!  Also, we will be joining grade 2 for a Camp/Canada theme full of crafts, songs, games and 'camp' like activities!