Let's have some Christmas fun!!

The teachers and staff are going to dress in specific colors and themes during the last week

before the holiday break.  The first graders can join in the fun.  So here are the dates and ways to dress:  

Monday, December 18 - Grinch Day/wear green

Tuesday, December 19

Long winter's nap day/wear winter pajamas (Remember: You are still going outside for recess!)

No blankets or stuffed animals, please.

Wednesday, December 20 -  Holiday best to impress (Dress up day)!!

Thursday, December 21 - Dress up like your favorite Christmas carol or story.

Friday, December 22 - Best/Ugliest Christmas sweater/accessories

FYI:  There will be no blog update next week (Merry Christmas!!).  

Please return the take-home folder (tomorrow, Friday) so you do not have to keep track of it

 over the holidays!!! 

We will have spelling next week (fun, Christmas words!!).

No spelling when we get back from vacation (Wed., Jan. 3-Fri., Jan. 5). 

I am not sending the take-home folder home next Thursday, December 21.

I wish you and your family a safe, blessed Christmas holiday.  May the peace and goodwill of the holy season be with all of you.

See you “next year”!

Mrs. Levine

Advent Angel

Your child has been assigned an Advent Angel (older student in the school). 

Traditionally, the angels will eat a sack lunch together on the last day before

the Christmas break (Dec. 22).  Also, the Angels usually exchange a small gift with each other. 

I wanted to bring this to your attention so that you might help your child purchase

a small gift (usually candy).  Please keep the gift under $5. 

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Dates to Remember

Friday, Dec. 15 - Spirit Day

$1 to wear sweat/windpants

Saturday, Dec. 23 - Tuesday, Jan. 2

No School

Christmas vacation

Classes resume on Wednesday, Jan. 3 

Christmas Program

The annual St. Malachy Christmas program will be Wednesday, December 6 at 6 p.m. at the Creston High School auditorium.  Your child should be at the high school by 5:45 p.m. and in their assigned place.  Your child should be dressed in their "Sunday best".  Be sure to complete and sign the permission form for your child to ride the school bus to practice for the program on Wednesday afternoon.  Look for it in today's take-home folder.

Advent Activities

• Everyday in the classroom, we open our day by lighting and praying around the Advent wreath.  We try to focus our attention on the coming of Jesus into our lives.  At mass on Friday, December 8, our Advent wreath will be blessed.

• On Wednesdays during Advent, your child gets together with their assigned Advent Angel (older student in our building) and does a specially planned activity.  These activities include various activities centered around the meaning of the season of Advent.  Be sure to ask your child each week what they are doing in their Advent angel activity. 

• The school has adopted families in need.  There will be a noisy change collections during mass on Friday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 13. 

• On the final day of school before Christmas vacation, Friday, Dec. 22,  all students need to bring a sack lunch and drink (Please keep the drink to 12 oz. or less.  No pop, please).  After lunch, they will sing Christmas carols with their Advent Angel.  School will be dismissed at the regular time, 3:10 p.m..

Dates to Remember

Friday, Dec. 1 - Spirit Day

$1 to wear sweat/windpants

Wednesday, Dec. 6 - Christmas program practice

Christmas program at 6 p.m.

CHS auditorium

Friday, Dec. 8 -  Mass today (Please note change of day/date)

Remember to dress-up!!

Noisy Change collection at mass 

(for our adopt-a-family)

Monday, Dec. 11 - Friday, Dec. 15

COIN WARS for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

(local charity)

Friday, Dec. 15 - Spirit Day

$1 to wear sweat/windpants

Saturday, Dec. 23 - Wednesday, Jan. 3

No School

Christmas vacation

Thanksgiving Note

 Winter Gear

This is just a "heads up" for making sure your child is prepared for the snow and cold weather.  I always say that St. Malachy students are prepared!!  Just a couple of thoughts:  Please mark your child's name on their snow boots and snow pants.  It really helps everyone so no "mix ups" occur.  And, for your information, if the air or wind chill are below 0 degrees, the students stay in for an "indoor recess".  If both air and wind chill are 0 degrees or above, the students will bundle up and go outside.  I check very carefully to ensure that your child is zipped, snapped, and covered before they go out!!  I try very hard to see that everything goes home each day (items may need to be dried and/or laundered).  As always, if you have questions, please contact me.

    No Spelling next week (because of the very short week!). 

Also, no Take-Home folders will be sent home next week! 
And, no first grade blog update!
Enjoy the holiday!!!

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends!!

Dates to Remember

Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24

No School

Thanksgiving Vacation

Monday, November 27

No School

                                    Professional Development 

St. Martin de Porres

Since November is the month to remember and learn about the saints, the first graders have been studying these special people in religion class.  Here is one that they enjoyed learning about:

Saint Martin de Porres

The first grade recently learned about Saint Martin de Porres, a person who cared for the poor and unloved including animals.  We learned about mice that were nibbling all the linens in church and people wanted to rid the church of the mice.  Martin could not harm the mice so he called them together and promised to feed them in the barn everyday.  Martin kept his promise to the mice and they lived in the barn thus leaving the church linens alone.  

Dates to Remember

Friday, November 10 - Panther football to the Dome

Your child will attend the Pep Rally at the HS Football field.

Remember to wear Red/Black to support the team. 

Friday, November 10 - Veteran's Day program/1 p.m.

Wednesday, November 15

PTO/6 p.m.

Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24

No School

Thanksgiving Vacation

Monday, November 27

No School

Professional Development

Halloween Note

 No Spelling and no blog update next week because of the short week and conferences.

Halloween Afternoon (Reminder)

On Tuesday, October 31, the first graders will enjoy a Halloween afternoon of fun.  Your child may bring their costume to school to put on before the Halloween parade.  Please try to make the costume easy for your child to get on by themselves or with little help. (Hopefully, something they can put on over their clothes.) I am asking that no make-up be used to help make the preparation less difficult.  The Halloween parade will be at 2:30 pm and all are welcome to watch. You may take your child with you after the parade, but please pick them up from the classroom. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Please remember that the dress code changes slightly on 

November 1st.  No more shorts until March!!

Dates to Remember in October/November

Fri., Oct. 27 - Red/Black for Creston football playoff game

Tues., Oct. 31 - Halloween Adventure afternoon 

Mon., Oct. 30-Wed., Nov. 1 - Conferences after school

Thurs., Nov. 2 - Conferences (9 am-12 pm) 

No School

Fri., Nov. 3 - No School

Halloween adventure info.

 Halloween Adventure

On Tuesday, October 31, the first graders will enjoy a Halloween afternoon of fun provided by a group of teachers and the middle school students. The fun begins with planned Halloween activities. These activities could include some of the following: storytelling, cookie decorating, spooky house, and perhaps other activities yet to be announced. Your child is invited to participate in the activities, but will not be forced.  At 2:15 p.m., the students will get dressed for the Halloween parade. Your child may bring their costume to school to put on at this time.  Please try to make the costume easy for your child to get on by themselves or with little help. (Hopefully, something they can put on over their clothes.) I am asking that no make-up be used to help make the preparation less difficult. Parents are always invited to view the costume parade in the gym at 2:30 p.m..  And, if you like, your child may leave with you after the parade.  Just come to the classroom to pick up your child.  If you have any questions, please email or call!!

Please do not send treats on Tuesday, October 31. The students get quite a bit to eat on this special day.

Please remember that the dress code changes slightly on 
November 1st.  No more shorts until March!!

Dates to Remember in October/November

Fri., Oct. 20 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants)

Tues., Oct. 31 - Halloween Adventure (see above) 

Mon., Oct. 30-Wed., Nov. 1 - Conferences after school

Thurs., Nov. 2 - Conferences (9 am-12 pm) 

No School

Fri., Nov. 3 - No School

Parent/teacher conferences

Thank you to those of you that signed up for conferences.  There are still some openings if you have not signed up.  I look forward to visiting with you about your child's progress.

Be sure to check out next week's blog for information about some Halloween plans at school!!

Dates to Remember in October

Fri., Oct. 13 - No School

Professional Development

Fri., Oct. 20 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants)

Tues., Oct. 31 - Halloween Adventure

(more info. to come!)

Fire Prevention info.

Fire Prevention Week - The first graders are learning about fire prevention in connection with the annual observance of fire prevention week (which is October 8-14).  We will watch a very good video about fire safety (with a Halloween theme!) and make a fire safety packet that we will work through.  (Ask your child about crawling low in smoke and stop, drop, and roll.)  Please visit with your child about fire safety in your home.  Be sure to practice a fire drill at your home.  I will be asking each first grader where their home meeting place is.  I am also sending home a fire safety checklist for you and your child to complete and return.  And, there are plans for our Creston firefighters to visit during that week!

Language Arts - Please continue to review the high frequency word lists (also known as sight words) that I sent home at the beginning of the school year.  They are divided into the weekly lists we learn each week.  (We have worked on/learned all the words for Module 1.  Currently, working on Module 2.)  Go over these as often as possible.  These are the words that your child needs to learn.  Very few of them can be sounded out.  Have your child find them in stories when you read to them.  The more “frequently” they practice these words will make them a better, more confident reader.

Dates to Remember

Fri., Oct. 6 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants)

Sun., Oct. 8 - Sat. Oct. 14

National Fire Prevention Week

Tues., Oct. 10 - Thompson's Fall Festival Field Trip

Wed., Oct. 12 - School picture retake day

Field Trip - Be sure to check out today's take-home folder for information and permission form for a field trip to the Thompson's Fall Festival.  We will be traveling to the pumpkin patch on Tuesday, October 10.  

Religion - October is the month of the rosary.  Mrs. Meisenheimer will be helping your child pray a portion of the rosary during religion class.  This unit of study will continue throughout the month of October.  Ask your child what he/she is learning in religion class.

Hy-Vee gave every student in the school a free lunch bag (with coupons).  Enjoy!!

Dates to Remember

Fri., Oct. 6 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/hat/sunglasses)

Sun., Oct. 8 - Sat. Oct. 14

National Fire Prevention Week

Tues., Oct. 10 - Thompson's Fall Festival Field Trip

Wed., Oct. 12 - School picture retake day

 1st Grade Shirt - In today's take-home folder is an order form for a T-shirt for 1st grade.  We will designate some days during the school year to wear our shirts.  Please complete the order form/money by Thursday, September 28.  There are a variety of ways to order and pay for your convenience (as outlined on the order form).  If you are unable to order a shirt at this time, please reach out to me.

Language Arts - Your child is finishing their module in language arts this week.  Please be sure to review your child's language art's papers in the weekly take-home folder.  Please continue to review the high frequency words (sight words) for modules 1, 2, and 3 that I sent home at the beginning of the year.  Your support in helping your child learn to read these words will increase their confidence and fluency. 

Dates to Remember

Fri. Sept. 22 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/hat/sunglasses)

Creston Homecoming (12:10 p.m. dismissal)

Fri., Oct. 6 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/hat/sunglasses)

Sun., Oct. 8 - Sat. Oct. 14

National Fire Prevention Week

Wed., Oct. 12 - School picture retake day

 Homecoming - Next Friday, September 22, is red and black day. Your child is encouraged to wear red and black clothing to support Creston High School as they celebrate homecoming (It's also a Spirit Day. For $1, your child can wear sweatpants/hat/sunglasses to school.)  Also, school will be dismissed early/12:10 p.m.

Check for a field trip permission form (it's green) in today's take-home.  Please complete and return immediately.  The school has been invited to the high school to participate in some opening homecoming activities!!  Sounds like fun!!

GO Panthers!!

Dates to Remember

Fri. Sept. 22 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/hat/sunglasses)

Creston Homecoming (12:10 p.m. dismissal)

Fri., Oct. 6 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/hat/sunglasses)

Sun., Oct. 8 - Sat. Oct. 14

National Fire Prevention Week

Wed., Oct. 12 - School picture retake day

Chromebook Information

Social Studies - The first graders are spending time at the beginning of the school year talking about themselves and what it’s like to be in school.  Thank you for helping your child complete the "All About Me" sheet that I sent home before school started.  We have shared parts of that page for each student and now the sheets are on display for all to enjoy.  It helped us all to acquaint ourselves with each other.   We will continue discussing the “how to be a friend” topic in class.  As we progress through the school year, I will update you on their Social Studies topics.

Chromebooks - Your child has a Chromebook at school.  Thank you for reading through the technology use policy and having your child sign it.  It is important that each student understands their responsibility.  We started with how to unplug and carry the Chromebook carefully.  Also, each student has their headphones that they have learned to plug into the computer (Thank you to all for purchasing those!).  I am so pleased with all of the first graders as they have learned a rather difficult log in procedure to "get on" their Chromebook.  And, they also can "sign out".  The students also can plug in their Chromebook and put away their headphones.  One of the most challenging things to learn is using a keyboard and mouse pad.  (There is no "swiping"!)    I want all of the first graders to be able to do this independently with little assistance from me.  (And most have!!!)  Once all of that was accomplished, we have been to some "sites" on the computer.  This year, we are utilizing a program entitled Successmaker to work on math concepts and skills.  I have also bookmarked the language arts site so each student can utilize the many learning opportunites provided and assessments.  Your child has been introduced to Code to learn the basics of computer science.  And, the school has subscribed to the program Typetastic to learn keyboarding skills.  The first graders will be utilizing the Seesaw website to complete daily/weekly assignments in class.  It's amazing that we have already accomplished all of this!!!  If you have any questions, please contact me.

Dates to Remember

Fri., Sept. 8 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/a hat/sunglasses)

It's also Cy/Hawk day. Wear clothing to support your favortie team!

Thurs., Sept. 21 - PTO meeting (6 p.m.)

Fri. Sept. 22 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants/a hat/sunglasses)

It's also Red/Black day. Wear clothing to support Creston's Homecominng!

(Early dismissal/12:10 pm)

First Grade Special Classes (& more)

Spelling

Next week, the first graders will not have spelling.  It's a short week because of the Labor Day holiday and I am easing them into the language arts series by spreading the first week of instruction over two weeks.  If you have any questions, please contact me either by phone (782-7125) or email (alevine@crestonstmalachy.org).

Music 

Our school’s music instructor is Mrs. Warner.  Your child has music class every Tuesday and Friday with her.  If you have any questions about music class, Mrs. Warner would be happy to answer them.

P.E.

Our school’s physical education instructor is Mr. McCabe.  P.E. is every Monday and Thursday.  Always remember appropriate shoes.  If you have questions about P.E., Mr. McCabe would be happy to answer them.

Reading

Please keep your child reading at home.  Go over the word lists I’ve sent in the take-home folder.  Your child should be reading to you each night (at least a page or two).  Whatever you can do at home to support your child’s reading will make them a better, more confident reader!!

Dates to Remember

Fri., Sept. 1 - Professional Development (12:10 p.m. dismissal)

Fri., Sept. 1 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear sweatpants, wear a hat, or sunglasses)

Mon., Sept. 4 - Labor Day (no school)

Wed., Sept. 6 - Welcome Back Picnic (5-7 p.m.)

Fri., Sept. 8 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear Cyclone/Hawkeye clothing to support the "Big" game)

Thurs., Sept. 21 - PTO meeting (6 p.m.)

Fri. Sept. 22 - Spirit Day ($1 to wear red/black to support CHS)!

Creston Homecoming (12:10 p.m. dismissal)

Beginning of 2023 school year

Welcome to a new school year and a new grade for your child!

Take-home folder - The take home folder contains the papers your child has completed (and corrected) this week.  I will be sending this home each Thursday for you to familiarize yourself with your child’s weekly work.  Please sign the communication log each week and write any comments, questions, or concerns you might have (optional).  Please send the folder (and log sheet) back to school with your child the next day (usually Friday).  I am hopeful this method will keep you in touch with your child’s progress in first grade.

Special's Schedule - Parents often like to know some of the first grade schedule.  Every Wednesday is Liturgy in our gym at 9:15 a.m., which you are always welcome to attend.  Physical Education (P.E.) will be on Monday and Thursday (Please help your child remember to wear their tennis shoes on those days.  They could even leave an old pair in our classroom closet).  Music will be on Tuesday and Friday.  Sharing Time is on Friday (please read the sharing tab carefully).  Library checkout has been scheduled for Tuesday.  Your child should return their library books to checkout 1 more book. 

Spelling - Your child will begin spelling next week.  The number of spelling words will vary during the school year.  We begin the year with 6 words.  Usually the pretest is given on Monday.  Look for these papers in your child’s schoolbag as they are responsible for learning the spelling list by Friday of each week.  We practice in the room, but they need to practice at home as well (homework!).  

School Doors - The outside doors to our school will be locked during the school day.  You can come into the school through the front doors after ringing the bell and check in the office.

Email - You are always welcome to email me (alevine@crestonstmalachy.org) with thoughts or concerns.  If you are informing me of a change in your child’s schedule that day, you need to call the office as I do not always check my email during the school day.  Any time your child’s after school plans change, you need to send a note or call/email Mrs. Sanchez in the office.

Handwriting - In your child's folder is a copy of the handwriting chart that I teach in first grade.  This method is called the Zaner-Bloser method of handwriting.  Please encourage your child to use this method at home.

Religion - Mrs. Meisenheimer (the 2nd grade teacher) is also the 1st grade religion teacher.  She has a blog page with a 1st grade religion tab that has information.  You can access her blog either from my blog (There is a link on the right hand side) or the St. Malachy website.  Be sure to check it out today as she has posted some of the prayers your child is expected to know. 

I am here for your child and you.  Please email me (alevine@crestonstmalachy.org) or call me (school 782-7125) whenever you have questions or concerns. 

Thank you and let’s have a great school year!