Happy February! This week we are working on some fun Valentine's projects. We are working hard at matching our letters, beginning sounds, and color words. We will also get to do some fun Valentine's Day patterns.
We have also started reading groups on Wednesday. I will be pulling small groups to focus on the skills that those individuals need to be successful this year and in first grade. The other students will be working in "fun centers" including playdoh, puzzles, listening centers, watercolors, and memory games. I am hoping that this will give each student the individualize learning time that they need with me to be successful.
In math we will be starting a new chapter dealing with measurement. We will get to figure out how long things are using unifix cubes as well as people and shoes! We will also get to weigh things and guess how many unifix cubes something weighs.
Yesterday I sent home a list of names so everyone can get started on their Valentine's cards. Please remember if you are going to do cards, a card must be given to everyone so no one gets hurt feelings. This is great handwriting practice so please encourage your child to write their own Valentine's. I tried to give everyone their list early so they would have plenty of time to write them all.
Please remember that our homework has changed to a two week calendar, I did not get very many homework packets turned in this last time. Homework is a very important part of kindergarten especially in a half day program. It is the supplement to my teachings and it is what will keep them up with the students in the full day program. Since your child is enrolled in a half day class, activities at home are essential to keeping your child on track to be successful in first grade. Please try your hardest to complete all the tasks on the homework and turn it in on time.
We are still in need of glue sticks and dry erase markers, if you can donate please send them with your child.
I hope everyone has a super week, if you have any questions, please contact me!
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.