September 16, 2019

Hello Families, 

Thanks to all who have returned and/or purchased their ADmazing savings books! Additionally, thank you to everyone who has sent back their completed Lake Bonavista School paperwork including medical information, etc. 

Save the Date:
On Thursday September 26, 2019 there will be an Open House and Welcome (back) to School BBQ! Please mark this date in your calendar so you don't miss out on the festivities. There will be more information to follow. 

Additionally, at LBS we have a monthly sharing assemblies where different classes have the opportunity to share their learning with the whole school. Parents and family members are welcome to attend their child's assembly. Our class assembly (along with Rooms 8 and 9) will take place during the month of October. This will likely be at the end of October, I will post the date as soon as we have it approved to ensure you enough notice to attend if you'd like. 

Our animated literacy letters for this week are S (today), R (Tuesday), H (Wednesday), and J (Thursday). Today, we had a bonus challenge during our letter work for students who were seeking a spicy challenge. Using the Montessori moveable alphabet, students were challenged to spell words using only the letters we have learned thus far. They are up on a wall in the classroom for reference. Here are some pictures of the finished words they created. The moveable alphabet is a great tool for creating letter awareness and reminding students to look carefully at the letters to ensure the match the exemplars as they can be easily turned around, used backwards, etc. 

We continue to build upon our repetoir of Montessori responsible work choices. Today, we had an exploratory math learning time were students worked on different skills or had lessons on various Montessori materials. This week, we will be following Jo Boalers Week of Inspirational Math with a task about developing mathematical reasoning starting tomorrow. Here is the link to her fantastic website if you're interested in this kind of work at home: https://www.youcubed.org

Tens Board with the Golden Beads to practice skip counting by 10's 

Bead Houses to practice counting backwards from 10-1 and developing understanding of number flexibility :)

Last week we also celebrated International Dot Day with a collaborative art project between all grade 1/2 classes in the whole school! This work will be on display at the Open House and BBQ! As we continue to work on various art, today we added a self-assessment component to our work. Here is one portion of the Bullseye Rubric we created as a class.  To create this rubric we looked at exemplars for drawing and coloring. Ask your child to describe the criteria for best effort coloring and how we can use the Bullseye to help us do our best work.  As the weeks go on, we will continue to add criteria to our Bullseye. 

I hope everyone is adjusting well to the first few weeks of school. I know at this time of the year we start to see some kiddos who are getting sick or tired from the change in routine, it's all normal and totally expected September behaviour. Please feel free to let me know of any ongoing concerns, illnesses, absences, etc. :) Thanks! 

Take care, 

Lindsay Brown

ADmazing Savings Books

ADmazing Savings Coupon Books

Admazing Savings Fundraiser has begun! The proceeds from this fundraising activity will be used directly in your child’s classroom. 

Books are still available for $25.00 each, of which Lake Bonavista will use $10.50 for the benefit of our students.

If you wish to take advantage of these discounts, please complete the order form printed on the back on the ADmazing envelope, and enclose the correct amount of money - $25.00 per book ordered. - directly to your child’s classroom teacher by October 10 or earlier.

This year there is a free app included in each coupon book. Please ensure if you are returning the book that you have not scratched off the code area for the app, as the book will not be returnable if the code is visable.  If you do not wish to purchase the ADmazing book, simply return the book with your child.

Additional books for Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer or Southern Alberta may be ordered at $25.00 each for family, friends and relatives.  If you wish to order additional books, please send your order as soon as possible to your child’s teacher so that the order can be filled.  As a school, we discourage door-to-door solicitation.

Volunteer Google Doc!

Hello Families,

I have created a Google Doc for classroom volunteers this year. Please note that you must have a valid police clearance, and the office must have a copy on file. If you'd like to obtain your clearance for volunteer purposes please come into the school office and they will assist you.

There is information on the top of the google doc about how classroom volunteering works, if you'd like to sign up for the posted dates (there's only one so far) please email librown@cbe.ab.ca and I will update the document.

Here's the link for you to view the document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iVn40gFQRRU_BdpVTp8nAcOl6pOIe_-HLccNJAI3H-0/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks so much!

Lindsay Brown

September 9, 2019

Hello Families,

Today was our first Monday ever as a whole class, very exciting! I can already see students becomming more settled and familiar with routines. Last week, we learned the letters and sounds for P, U, and O. This week we are learning/reviewing letters M (today), X (Tuesday), A (Wednesday), D (Thursday), and T (Friday). Each day we read a story about our letter of the day and sing a song with actions. Feel free to ask your child to retell the story or share words that begin with the letter sounds daily.

We also read one of my favorite books, Rosie Revere, Engineer and connected its message to our STEAM challenge of the day. The message in this book is that even though sometimes we may fail, the only real failure happens when we give up. STEAM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. We looked at images of the Peace Bridge and discussed how this bridge is a real life exmple of STEAM at work in our city.  Todays tricky STEAM challenge was to build something that can lift a pompom off of the desk using only 20 peices of spaghetti, string, and tape. It was a great lesson in perserverance and problem solving.

I am collecting clean 4L milk jugs for a collaborative art project! I will need about 15 jugs for our project. If you have any can you please rinse them and send them in with your child? :)

Additionally, please continue to send back the student information packages as the office has been processing all of the paperwork to ensure we have the most up to date information. 

Thanks, 

Lindsay Brown

September 4, 2019

Hello Families,

We had another fun day today! We are reviewing our letters in the alphabet using a program called Animated Literacy. Today we started with letter P and the story and song about Polly Panda.  If you'd like you can ask your child tonight to retell the story of Polly Panda to you for extra review!

We also talked about kindness and what it looks like when we intentionally choose to be kind to others. We watched the short clip called Mr. Indifferent and students identified things that Mr. Indifferent could have done differently to choose kindness. We also played a game called "duotang heads" where we relied on each others kindness to continue playing the game. As a bonus, this game taught how to move around in a Montessori classroom.  Some students mentioned they wanted to watch the video again so here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLGNj-xrgvY

Please fill out and return the Guess Who Cards about your child so we can start our guessing game. Additionally, the LBS student information packages were sent home and will need to be returned once completed.

Thanks and take care,

Lindsay Brown

Welcome to Room 11

Hello Families,

It was a fantastic first day of school in Room 11! We read stories, played games, attended an assembly, and learned a lot about routines and procedures in our school and classroom. I loved meeting all the new friends that will be joining us for this school year, and seeing the familiar faces from last year! I know most kiddos were feeling pretty tired out by the end of the day, it will be an adjustment to get back into school routines. I hope everyone is able to get some rest tonight and share their experiences after day one.

Today I sent home some information in each students' yellow communication folder. The information is yours to keep. I will post the information in this blog post as well for future reference.

I look forward to reconnecting and getting to know of the families over the course of the year. I will keep my blog updated regularly (I usually post once per week) about our current learning. I will also use my blog to communicate when our library book exchanges will be once the schedule has been made.

On Friday, September 6th we are showing our Lake Bonavista School spirit by wearing blue or white (or both)!

Please do not hesitate to contact me via email with any questions or concerns. I look forward to an awesome year together!

Kind Regards,
Ms. Lindsay Brown


Here is the document that was sent home today:

Dear Families of Room 11,                                                      September 2019

Welcome to the 2019/2020 school year at Lake Bonavista School. We have a very exciting year ahead of us in grades 1 and 2, and I just can’t wait to get started! Please take the time to read over this letter as it contains important information that will ensure your child has a successful school year. 

Bell Times

·      Outside Supervision Bell 8:00

·      Morning 8:12 AM – 11:40 AM

·      Lunch break 11:40 AM – 12:26 PM

·      Dismissal 2:45 PM

Every Friday is an early dismissal at 12:15pm. 

Communication

There will be many forms coming home with your child in the next few days. Please read through the notices and return the appropriate forms to ensure we have the most up-to-date information on your child.

Your child will be supplied with a Communication Folder (yellow) to ensure important items get delivered safely to/from school. Please be sure to check and return the Communication Folders on a daily basis. 

Our class blog is a great place to understand what your child is doing in school. The blog is regularly updated to inform you of the activities and lessons that your child is participating in, as well as upcoming events that may be of importance. Pleae visit the blog to sign up for email updates: https://mslindsaybrownsblog.blogspot.com

You can access the blog through the Lake Bonavista School website http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/LakeBonavista/Pages/default.aspx, under Teaching & Learningthen click on Classes & Departments, here you will find a link labeled Blogbeside L. Brown. 

Email is the best way to get ahold of me. My email is listed below for your convenience. In the case of absences or changes in pick up/drop off – including bus routine – please call the office before 12:00pm, or use the Report an Absencelink at the bottom of the Lake Bonavista School homepage. 

Lunch and Snacks

On a regular day, students will have a morning nutrition break (snack) as well as midday lunch. There is outdoor recess in the afternoon, but no scheduled snack. Children are to bring their own healthy snacks and lunch to school as well as a water bottle. 

On Fridays, students will not eat lunch at school. A snack will still be required for our morning nutrition break. 

Allergies

We ask that nuts or food containing nuts are not brought to our school. See the Illness & Medicalsection on the Lake Bonavista School webpage for more allergy information. 

Additional information regarding classroom allergies will be provided in the upcoming weeks through the blog. 

Clothes and Shoes

Please send your child in comfortable clothing that they can sit on the carpet in, play in, and possibly get slightly dirty. Also, please send an extra set of clothing with your child in a labeled bag, to hang on their hook in case of accidents, spills or wet, rainy days. 

For safety reasons, children at Lake Bonavista School are required to wear shoes at all times. Please send a pair of shoes to school with your child (indoor shoes such as sneakers) that they can use for the classroom. Students participate in daily Physical Education activities, and sandals, crocs, etc. are not safe for these activities. If your child is most comfortable in dressier shoes for indoors, please consider also sending a pair of runners to be kept at school for them to change into for running and games. 

Please label all your child’s belongings. Two Lost & Found boxes are located in the main hallway if you find your child is missing an item. 

Book Exchange

Both the library schedule and Home Reading schedule are yet to be determined. Please watch the blog for information on start-up and our exchange dates. 

Technology

Students will have the opportunity to engage in the use of technology throughout the school year. I ask that you provide your child with headphones for minimal classroom disruption. 

Please label the headphones with your child’s name. They will be kept in their cubby for the duration of the school year

Volunteers

All volunteers are required to fill out volunteer registration forms in the office. These forms take time to process, so if you are considering volunteering at all this year, please fill out the forms at your earliest convenience. Information regarding Calgary Board of Education volunteer registration, ethics, and procedures is available on the school homepage.

There are many ways to volunteer – please check the blog and look for emails from our classroom Volunteer Coordinator (with your permission given) explaining opportunities that may be available and that fit a number of different schedules and lifestyles. 

If you are interested in being our classroom Volunteer Coordinator, please email me expressing your interest. 

I’m looking forward to a wonderful year with your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

Most Sincerely,

Ms. Lindsay Brown

librown@cbe.ab.ca

Complete and return this portion at your earliest convenience. 

Child’s Name: _______________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________

☐I give permission for my email to be given to the classroom Volunteer Coordinator.

_____________________________________________________________________

                                                   Signature

June 24, 2019

Hello Families,

This year has gone by so quickly, I can't believe the students of room 11 are getting ready to move on to grade 2 or 3! It has been such an incredible year, and I am so lucky to have a room full of respectful, caring, hilarious, and considerate kiddos! I am so impressed with all of the students and their ability to take responsibility for their learning. Each member of the class is truly all unique and special and adds so much value!

Here are some photos of our June learning about bees, butterflies, wasps, and spiders! We even had a pet tarantula in our classroom for a few days, her name is Miss Rosie.

Here are some important things to keep in mind for the final week of school:

Tuesday, June 25

- Please bring a bag to send all student items home in

Wednesday, June 26

- Year end assembly at 10:15am, parents are welcome to attend

- Board game day!  Please send a favorite board game from home that your child can teach to a small group of peers

Thursday, June 27

- Last day of school, early dismissal at 12:15pm

- Celebration picnic, if you'd like, send a snack food for students to enjoy

Take care!!

Lindsay Brown

Sports Day/End of Year

Hello Families,

Here are some important things to keep in mind as our school year comes to an end:

June 21, 2019 - Sports Day

Hello Lake Bonavista School!

Friday, June 21 is Lake Bonavista School Sports Day! The theme for this year is Colour Groups, so please dress in your colour if possible!  Students will have the whole morning to participate in awesome games like lacrosse, bocce ball, and island dodgeball. Each colour group will be creating their own team posters for the event.  

Thanks to our marvelous LBS School Council for providing a healthy, nutritious snack to all students on Sports Day. You may need to pack some extra snacks as it will be an active day!

If it’s sunny, remember to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, a hat, and proper footwear.

If it’s cloudy, remember to bring a jacket or sweater, a water bottle, and proper footwear.

See you at the LBS 2019 Colour Group Sports Day!

                                                 

The Active Living Committee

June 25, 2019 - Cubby Clean Out
Please send a large bag (reusable bag if possible for the additional strength) with your child on this day as we will be sending home everything from the school cubbies. Some things will remain at school for the following school year, (ie. personal words dictionaries, etc.).

June 27, 2019 - Celebration
If you would like to provide nut-free snacks for our final day celebration, we will use the early dismissal day on Thursday, June 27 to celebrate the end of an amazing year! We will likely (weather permitting) have a picnic outside and play some whole class games. Parents and guests with valid police clearance are welcome to join us for the festivities, we will likely begin our "party" around 10:30am.
Report Cards will be sent home with all students on Thursday, June 27th. 

Please let me know if you have any questions about the upcoming events.

Thanks!

Lindsay Brown

Sports Day Volunteers

Hello Parents/Guardians,

We are seeking volunteers for our LBS 2019 Sports Day! We are looking for parents who would be comfortable co-leading (with support from a teacher) a sports day activity. This year, sports day is happening on Friday, June 21st, 2019 from 9:30am until 12:00pm. If you’re available to join us please email Lindsay Brown at librown@cbe.ab.ca. Please note that a valid police clearance is required to volunteer.

Thanks!

Active Living Committee

Book Drive!

From Monday, June 10^th to Friday, June 14^th, Lake Bonavista School will be celebrating literacy and promoting summer reading through a Book Drive and Swap!

Throughout the week, student volunteers will be coordinating a Book Drive of gently used books that are no longer needed in your home libraries. Students will receive 1 ticket for every 2 books they bring in for the Book Drive. The Book Swap will take place on Friday, June 14^th where students will have the opportunity to go “shopping” for new-to-them books with their tickets. All additional books will be donated to a school in need.

In addition, on Friday, June 14^th we will be celebrating our love of reading by having a picnic with a book. Students will spend some time outside reading their favorite books with their buddy class.

June Scholastic

Hello Families,

June Scholastic's were sent home today! Please place all orders by Friday, June 14, so we can ensure the orders arrive before the end of the school year.

Thanks!

Lindsay Brown

June 3, 2019

Hello Families,

It's hard to believe we are already in June! With being out of the classroom so often in the month of May, please remember we have returned to our regular routines of word work (orange words this week), daily home reading practice, and library visits on Wednesday.

All of our larva have now entered the chrysalis phase! Likely before the end of the week our Painted Lady Butterflies will be out of their chrysalises. While we wait for the final phase to complete, we are continuing our learning about different types of bees, with a specific focus on mason bees, honeybees, and bumblebees. We have been creating Montessori nomenclature books to identify various body parts that allow us to classify bees as insects. Additionally, we have been looking at various invertebrates and determining their various characteristics. Once the butterflies arrive we will be able to build our understanding to compare and contrast the two insects.

Additionally, we are finishing up our exploration of shapes. Quiz your child at home to assess their knowledge of various 2D and 3D shapes in the environment. Some questions you could ask include:
-   What is this shape called? 
-  How many vertices does it have? 
-  How many edges does it have?

We have revisited some of our mental math strategies and connected various strategies to subtraction! Students are sharing their ideas in math forums called number strings. During the forums, each child has the opportunity to articulate their "just right" strategy so we can learn from one another. The interrelationship between addition and subtraction is becoming more obvious through repeated practice!

We are also continuing our collaborative story writing work with our kinder buddy class. Last week we watched the cute short film called Dustin [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5yunhX3FIE]and worked with our buddies to identify the characters, setting, beginning, middle, and ending of the film. Tomorrow, we will begin our final story writing task with the kinders, starting with a mini-lesson on creative story ideas and endings. :)

Take care,

Lindsay Brown