Thank you for reading,
and Happy Mother’s Day to all of you amazing moms!

*Miss Kristen*

“Motherhood is being the exquisite inconvenience 
of being another person’s everything”

~Unknown

Geography Presentations

Today we completed our trip around the world!
From Alaska down through the west coast and into Central and South America, over to Europe and Africa, and ending in Asia … students presented about the place they wanted to know more about and researched here in class over the last few weeks with Miss Rachel.
Their posters and presentations were fantastic!

Thank you for reading.
*Miss Kristen*

“O world, I am in tune with every note of thy great harmony”

~Marcus Aurelius

Upcoming dates

Friday, April 21st – no school
Saturday, April 22nd – Creek Clean up (keep that change coming in, our class has raised over $200 in coins so far!)
Friday April 28th – Field Trip (details next week!)
Saturday, May 6th –  VILLAGE FEST!  (our students are officially invited to come up on stage with Ashley and me to sings some school songs at the event)

Thank you for reading,
*Miss Kristen*

“You can cut all the flowers 
but you cannot keep spring from coming”
~Pablo Neruda

Tuesday News – April 4th

Festival Attire: Pretty much the same as May Day last year – Those wearing skirts will have everything provided. 
Those wearing pants and vests should come to school ready to change into BLACK PANTS AND A WHITE SHIRT after school for the festival. Any kind of white shirt is fine. If you need some help acquiring these items please let me know, I’m sure someone will have extras!

Field Trip

We had a wonderful field trip last Friday!Thank you sooooo much to our drivers and chaperones, picture-takers, and to Ms. Parent for facilitating our amazing exploration of Armstrong Woods!

Next Field Trip

When: Friday April 28th
Where: California Academy of Sciences
What you need to know: We have all the drivers and chaperones we need at this time. This may be a longer day due to the drive to the city so please stay tuned for updates about departure / arrival times.

Thanks for reading!

*Miss Kristen*

“Honor the hands that harvest your crops”
“Si, se puede!”
~Dolores Huerta

Tuesday News – March 28th

Upcoming Dates

• This Friday, March 31st – Field Trip to Armstrong Woods! 
  Normal morning drop-off time, we aim to return to campus around 1:30. 
  This field trip includes a hike – please pack extra food for your student!
  Students MUST have rainboots and socks and a coat for warmth (and raincoats just in case!)
  
  
• Next Thursday, April 6th – Cesar Chavez Festival 
  The festival begins at 3:45, no need to pick up at 3:15 – check Friday bulletins for details.
  **Please let me know if there is a planned absence so that we can plan for our class’s dance/activities for the festival.. thanks!

New Moon News

Another issue was hot off the press just before spring break!We have inspired some students in Miss Barnum’s class to begin writing their own paper.. so proud of these journalists!

Thanks for reading!

*Miss Kristen*

“We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural
diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community — and this nation.”
~Cesar Chavez

Tuesday News – March 7th

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Due to the upcoming storms, we are postponing our field trip to Armstrong Woods until after our Spring Break. Please stay tuned for an update on the new field trip date. Thanks!

Compost Tea and Seed Balls with Reed’s Dad Erik!

Thank you Erik for leading an awesome garden center with the kiddos!

Thanks for reading!

*Miss Kristen*

“Alone we can do so little,
together we can do so much.”
~Helen Keller

(March’s life skill preview)

Tuesday News – February 28th

Tuesday News – On a Wednesday! – February 22nd

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. 
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
~The Dalai Lama

Tuesday News – February 14th

“If you have only one smile in you,
give it to the people you love”
~Maya Angelou

Tuesday News – February 7th

“My humanity is bound up in yours, 
for we can only be human together”
~Desmond Tutu

Fry Bread

Students read the book  Fry Bread  in class today with Miss Rachel and participated in discussion about cultural traditions and foods. 
Does your family have any cultural recipes you would like to share with us? We invite you to either come in or send some in with your student to share. 
Please email me if your family would like to participate and we can discuss/coordinate.

Friday Sharing

This week’s group: Moons – individual shares
A quick note about Friday Sharing: 
This year students may bring a pet in once for their friday share. If a student brings a pet, they should come prepared to talk about what they do at home to care for the pet. And most importantly,  I must know in advance and have it scheduled with you, the pet-bringer.

February Conferences

For this round of conferences, I would like to invite students along with you to be a part of the discussion of their growth and goals.
Conferences begin February 15th, you may sign up  HERE

This week’s art element categories are:

Color: Red
Line: Parallel
Shape: Cube

Thank you for reading!
*Miss Kristen*

“Teach us love, compassion, and honor
that we may heal the earth and heal each other”
~Ojibwa Prayer

P.S. – We had a FABULOUS time at our field trip Monday, what a show!

Tuesday News – January 24th

Appreciations

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to……..

Amy for coordinating our field trip drivers!
Stacey for classroom reading support|
Jesse for our new ball pump
Charlie S. for a new needle for the pump
Eva for checking in and fixing our classroom’s random broken things
All field trip drivers – we can’t do it without you!

Homework

Back to the choice board this week for homework! It’s been going well, and I’m loving the artwork and the creative ways students are showing what they know.

This week’s art element categories are:
Color: Green
Line: Horizontal
Shape: Triangle/Pyramid

Thank you for reading!
*Miss Kristen*

“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy, 
we can all sense a mysterious connection to each other”
~Meryl Streep

Tuesday News – January 17th

This Week’s Homework

This week’s homework is a bit different from the norm! No spelling words this week, but instead there are two alternative projects. Thank you in advance for helping your student this week. Please see some details below:

• Today’s page: Family tree! Students are working on a project with Miss Rachel related to their identity and heritage…. we are encouraging conversation at home about family members and ancestors. 
• Each circle is for the name and place of origin (where were they born) – you may help write this if needed.
• Maternal Great-grandparents and/or any other facts about family related to cultural/ethnic heritage that are not on the front may be written on the back.
• There is no right way to do this, it’s simply a visual tool to help guide your conversations at home and record the information. 
• Students should return it tomorrow even if not complete. Thank you!
• Tomorrow’s Page:  Movie review! Just like a book review but for a movie. Template will be provided, classroom-friendly movies only. Students may do a book review instead if they choose.

New Moon News

We have begun a big and exciting project! (See heading above for a hint)
To keep it a bit of a mystery, invite you to ask your student about it for details, and/or check it out in the classroom right after school on Friday for its unveiling!

Wishes and Fixes

Help, our ball pump broke! The needle snapped off, is this fixable?
Also, we would love a basketball and a kickball to add to our classroom’s ball collection.

Friday Sharing

We had quite the lively first round of Friday Sharing, complete with martial arts, comedic improvisation, STEAM skits, and lessons in slime!
This week’s share group is the SUNS – with individual shares. This can be coming they create at home and/or in class.

Thank you for reading!!!
*Miss Kristen*

“It takes empathy, patience, and compassion to overcome anger, hatred and resentment”
~Martin Luther King Jr.

Tuesday Newsletter – January 3rd

Happy New Year, and welcome back!

It was a wonderful, fun-filled and art-tastic last week before our holiday break!
Enjoy some photos of P.E. with Ms. Parent, crafts with big buddies, and personal pizzas!

Homework this week and looking ahead…

This week students are coming home with a book review for their homework, they can take their time this week to complete it and turn it in by Friday. I have explained in past emails how you might be involved in this task, but let me know if you have any questions.

Next week we will be shifting to our new homework format, so stay tuned for details!

Our lifeskill of the month is Empathy…. more on this later!

Thank you for reading, please stay healthy everyone!
*Miss Kristen*

“I think we all have empathy.
We may not have enough courage to display it”
~Maya Angelou 

Tuesday Newsletter – December 6th

Winter Solstice Festival

Our celebration of the darkest night and the return of the light is fast approaching!
Here are some details:

• Students may arrive in the classroom beginning at 6:00 and no later than 6:15, dressed and ready to go.
• We’ll be finalizing our final Solstice attire ideas this week, so please stay tuned for more details in next week’s newsletter (it won’t be super specific, so items already in the students’ wardrobe likely work)
• If I haven’t already heard from you, and your child will not be attending our festival, please let me know so I can plan accordingly.

Rainy Weather 101

What wonderful rain we’ve had! Hopefully it keeps doin what’s its doin….

• THANK YOU for sending your student to school on rainy days prepared, it’s allowed us to go outside and be in the fresh air and stay dry.
• Sometimes we have mishaps and puddles can mysteriously find their way inside boots, and nobody likes soggy socks!  Suggestion: Keep a pair of socks inside student backpacks for such occasions.

December’s Life Skill: Patience

We have been focusing on patience this month so far, and will be continuing to link this skill to the activities we do in class as well as talking about its role in having a growth mindset.
We’re all practicing this, aren’t we? How are you practicing your patience? (yes, I invite you to respond! With your permission I may share with the students)
More to come…

Thank you for reading,
*Miss Kristen*

“Have Patience with all things, but first of all with yourself”
~St. Francis de Sales

Progress Reports

Progress reports are in student homework folders! 
Please return the envelope to be used again.

Jars needed!

We are collecting glass jars to REUSE for a craft…
Please send them in with your student any day this week or next. Thank you!

Here is what we are looking for:

• Size: around 10-16 oz… all shapes
• Style: Preferably smooth glass, no words or bumps (think empty food jars, salsa, etc… no mason jars)
• Lids: No lids needed
• Label: If possible, peel off the label, but feel free to send in jars with the labels too.

Some Math News from the Archives:

Last month students reviewed their knowledge of 100s, 10s, and 1s by building $1000 houses with base-10 blocks, discussing strategy with their partner and presenting their houses with math-talk… check them out below!

Announcements and Appreciations

Pajama Day is this Friday!
THANK YOU to the Collins Family, the Palmer Family, and the Miller Family for donating books to our classroom from our  WISHLIST! There are still more available if you would like to donate.

Family Traditions – This Week’s Homework

If you have not already done so, please read the note in your student’s homework folder about this week’s assignment.
I will put homework folders of absent students out in cubbies today.
The page is due Thursday
I look forward to hearing about your family’s traditions!

Trimester 1 Project- SURVEYS!

One of my favorite ways to teach math skills during the school year is with our Surveys. Students all picked their own question and choices, surveyed ours and Ashley’s class, then practiced math skills such as tallying, graphing, and analyzing data.
Then they got to present their findings!

Surveys will be out on the green table outside the classroom from 3-4 every day this week if you want to check out the students’ awesome work!

Tuesday News – October 18th

Field Trip Next Tuesday

Our first field trip is next Tuesday, October 25th!
Although this first trip is a close one and a quick one, we appreciate your help in making this and all future trips go smoothly. Here are a few reminders:

• Have your child to school at the requested time so that they do not miss out on the fun.  I am asking that you bring students to school by  8:30 this Tuesday. This will allow more time for us to check in as a class and arrive to the LBC before the show’s start time. Please let me know if you have concerns about this timing.
• If applicable, please bring your child’s booster seat so that they may ride safely with our volunteer drivers.
• Send your student with plenty of snack and lunch. Field trip days are often very busy with a different eating schedule, and students may require more food on these days.

Hoedown!

I can’t wait to dance with the kiddos this Friday at the Hoedown!
Students painted some pumpkins today and we will put them on display at our festival. Students can take them home after the Hoedown OR the next week.

Reminder: This is a potluck and please bring your own plates and utensils! (check the Friday bulletin for details)

Thanks for reading!
*Miss Kristen*

Book Review (this week’s homework)

Students have a page in the folders that is new and requires some explanation. Here’s what you need to know:

Students have all week to complete it – it is not due until friday
No new spelling words this week, instead I’m encouraging everyone to READ!
Reading might look different for every student; reading a book or chapter book on their own, reading along with someone, being read to (ie: some families are reading books/chapter books together)
For a short book, students can read the book then begin to fill out the details on the book review. For a chapter book, the review can be written about one or two chapters.
Students should fill out the front side on their own (with support). Adults you may take dictation for the back side if needed.
I will be giving these periodically for the rest of the year, please let me know if you have any questions.
Homework folders are still due. back everyday they are given so that students practice the routine!

Community Book Library

Speaking of books, did you know our Village community book library is right outside the extended care room? You are welcome to add books for other students to enjoy, or choose a book with your student to read at home!

Thanks for reading,
*Miss Kristen*

Book Wishlist 

Students have been enjoying our quiet reading and our read-alouds in the classroom, and we would like to liven up our classroom library!

We would appreciate your thoughtful and generous support in building up our library with books that encourage academic and social/emotional learning as well as celebrate diverse characters.
Here is our current  WISHLIST through local booksellers Copperfields Books.

If you choose to contribute a book, I might suggest to look at the list with your student to make the decision together. Thank you in advance for your support and consideration.

Upcoming Field Trips! 

Field trips are back! We have two trips coming up in the next month, and we are excited to get out there to experience some art, culture, and science in action!

Here’s what everyone needs to know:
  ●  Be on the lookout for permission forms attached to your student’s homework folder next week
  ●  When applicable, you will need to bring your child’s booster seat to school on the day of the trip.
  ●  We rely on parent/adult drivers to help us get there: 
   ●  If you would like to be considered to be a driver on one of the field trips listed below (and have been cleared to do so by the office) please send an email to Amy @  amytanzman@gmail.com

When: Tuesday, October 25th
Where: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts – Sewam American Indian Dance Company       
(some drivers may be needed to shuttle or drop-off/pick-up only)

When: Friday, November 4th
Where: California Academy of Sciences

Tuesday News – September 27th

Growth Mindset

September’s theme: Everyone can learn!

 ● Today we participated in a class discussion about what is a Growth Mindset  versus a Fixed Mindset.  
● Students were also very courageous in sharing something for them that was difficult to learn.  
● I then interviewed students afterward about an area in which they  GLOW, and an area where they would like to GROW.   I look forward to sharing these at our conferences.

Conferences

If you have not already done so, you can sign up for a conference  HERE.
This is a chance for you to ask questions, as well as begin a discussion about your student’s progress and areas for growth, and how you can help support them at home. 
I look forward to talking with you!

Buddies with Ashley’s Class

Did you know our class is buddies with Ashley’s class? This means we get together every couple of weeks to share and collaborate in games, art, and other activities. 
Ashley’s class also hosts a monthly lunch with all the classes here at Village, and a few weeks back we all got to have our first lunch with them!
They were wonderful hosts, engaging us in fun get-to-know-you conversation.

Art Exploration

We have been exploring and practicing different painting techniques during art on Tuesdays. So far students have made a summer tree, the sunrise, and the sunset using the same technique. Last week they learned some new paint techniques to create their autumn trees.
I just love how different they all look when they’re TOGETHER…
“It’s like an autumn tree forest” ~Oliver

Thanks for reading!
*Miss Kristen*

“No matter what your ability is, 
effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment”
~Carol Dweck

Tuesday News – September 20th

Reminders & Upcoming Dates

This Friday, Sept. 23rd – No School
Beginning October 3rd – Conferences (see below for more information)
October 7th & 10th – Fall Break – No school
October 21st – Hoedown! This event is one of my favorites and should not be missed!

Selections from the STEAM Shelf

One of the shelves in the middle of our classroom is full of fun activities related to math, science, engineering and art. Students can build creations with friends, or choose to work on an activity alone. 
The STEAM shelf is available at choices time, as well as during some of our group rotations.

Fall Conferences

It’s that time already! I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your student’s progress and goals for the year so far.
See the link below to sign up for a conference day and time. 

Tomorrow our class will be celebrating the  International Day of Peace with a couple of activities… we briefly discussed today during circle that peace-related shirts/signs/flags, etc are welcome tomorrow (but not required).

*Miss Kristen* 

“I truly believe the only way we can create global peace is through not only educating our minds, but our hearts and our souls.”
~Malala Yousafzai

Here is a team creation by Levi and Ousei, and an individual mosaic project by Emmaline:

And now for this week’s installment of TUESDAY TWINS featuring Nayeli and Noa…

Thank you for reading!
*Miss Kristen* 

“I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you thought you could be”
~Ken Venturi