We have been having a super week! Our class has been working on patterns and graphing in math, writing short sentences in Reading/Language Arts and have completed our second round of DIBELS testing. We have also been reading about different holidays celebrated in the United States during the month of December.
Today we had a visit from a Queen Creek children's author, Kathy Ferguson. The kids enjoyed hearing her story "The Extra-Ordinary Hat"! She is a retired teacher from our district and has been a substitute in our class. It was great having her here to share her book with us! The kids also enjoyed a fun craft. I am sure you probably noticed the cool hats they made with Kathy.
Next week is jam packed with fun. Thursday (12-17) we will be watching Polar Express and will take an imaginary ride on the train. Please send your kids in p.j.'s and slippers on Thursday. Friday (12-18) we will be having our holiday party. All parents are invited to attend. The first portion of the party will be a holiday singing concert with the all day kinder classes and the remainder of the time will be spent making gingerbread houses. Please join us for a great time.
Well, with 7 days left until our winter break we will be busy! I hope you all enjoy this time of year and find several reasons to celebrate the season!
Mary Wolters
Hi! My name is Mary Wolters. This is my seventh year teaching at Simonton. I taught second grade for four years and this is my third year teaching Kindergarten. I have 3 children; ages 22, 20 and 17. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Reading Endorsement and an ESL Endorsement. I am looking forward to an awesome year with your children!
Trisha Wright
Welcome to kindergarten students and parents. It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you. My name is Trisha Wright and this is my sixth year teaching kindergarten at Simonton. I am a graduate of Arizona State University with my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Kids and teaching are my passion and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. I am excited to start a fun filled school year with your child and would like to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s first year in school.
Kelly Trowbridge
Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Kelly Trowbridge and I was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2006, a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education in 2008, and a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement in 2009. This will be my third year of teaching at Simonton. This is my second year of teaching kindergarten but my first year of teaching an am/pm session. Teaching is my passion and I cannot imagine doing anything else. I am very excited and enthusiastic about getting the opportunity in helping your child start or continue his or her educational career.
Joline King
Welcome Kindergarten at Kathryn Sue Simonton Elementary School. We are so excited to be your partner in educating your child. My name is Joline King and this is my twenty-first year teaching, my eighth for the J.O. Combs District. I am a fourth generation Arizonian and have made the East Valley my home with husband, three children and our beloved dog Salvador for the past twenty-three years. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood after completing an Associates Degree from Eastern Arizona College. I also have a Master's Degree in Adult Education and Distance Learning. My children, both at home and at school are my greatest joy! I have three children that are almost grown: Matthew 24, Jennifer 20 and Bryant 18. I look forward to a great year full of fun and lots of learning.