5/12 Classroom Update!

This week, we learned all about the letter T and focused on Mother's Day! We read lots of Mother's Day stories, wrote about why our moms are special, took care of babies in our kitchen, painted tulips, and much more. We also loved having our moms and other special guests visit the classroom for a Mother's Day celebration!

This was a very exciting week on the baby front with a little "false alarm" on Thursday. I am officially due this coming Monday, May 15th, but Baby B could be here any day now. I will send out an email to update everyone once he decides to officially make his appearance! While I am on maternity leave, Ms. Anne Murkowski will be my long-term substitute teacher. Many of you have met her already, and she has been a wonderful addition to our classroom. Ms. Brittany will also continue to help out in our classroom as well. If you need to contact Ms. Anne while I am out on maternity leave, she will have access to my email at kbillmei@egrps.org or you can contact Ms. Jackie in the office and she will pass your message along!

Important Reminders:

Dairy Discovery Field Trip: We will be visiting Swisslane Farms on Tuesday, May 16th to tour the farm, see where the cows eat and sleep, feed newborn calves, watch as cows are being milked, ride on the "Goin' Green" hayride, and have a special snack. The morning class will be leaving school promptly at 8:40 am, and the afternoon class will be leaving promptly at 12:40 pm. We will be returning back to school by our usual dismissal times. Please remember to send your child's booster seat on Tuesday, as well as to dress your child in layers and boots/shoes that can get muddy!

Field Trip Drivers:  If you have not already, please fill out the volunteer form here. Per new state and licensing requirements, all drivers must stop in the office to fill out a driver self-report form prior to the field trip with Ms. Jackie. You will need your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance to fill out the form. There is also a fee of $5 per adult which can be paid directly in cash to Ms. Katie or Ms. Anne (long term substitute) prior to or on the day of the field trip.

Progress Reports/Student Work Portfolios: Progress reports and portfolios will be coming home the last week of school, along with your child's letter book!

End of the Year Preschool Picnic: Please join us for the last 45 minutes of class on Thursday, June 15th (PM class) or Friday, June 16th (AM class) to reminisce, share summer plans, and say goodbye to friends. All you need to bring is a picnic blanket and a smile!

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

5/5 Classroom Update

This week, we learned all about the letter I and insects. We learned that insects have 6 legs and 3 body parts, and are now able to use that information to identify whether or not "a bug" is an insect. We focused on the story of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," practiced sequencing the story events, as well as learned all about the life cycle of a butterfly. 

Next week, we will be learning about the letter T, as well as focusing on Mother's Day. We will be reflecting on all the wonderful things our mothers do for us, prepare for our Mother's Day party, and read lots of fun Mother's Day stories, 

I also wanted to let everyone know about a really fun, upcoming event at the East Grand Rapids KDL library branch. On May 24th, KDL is hosting a "Touch a Truck" event from 10:30-11:30 am. There will be an assortment of awesome trucks and vehicles for kids to explore, along with the pros who operate them. Kids can also decorate their own hard hat at the event!

Important Reminders:

Mother's Day Celebration: We invite our moms to our classroom this coming Thursday, May 11th for a special Mother's Day Celebration. Our morning class will celebrate our wonderful moms from 10:45-11:15, and our afternoon class will celebrate from 2:45-3:15. We are so grateful for all that our moms do for us!

Dairy Discovery Field Trip: We will be visiting Swisslane Farms on Tuesday, May 16th to tour the farm, see where the cows eat and sleep, feed newborn calves, watch as cows are being milked, ride on the "Goin' Green" hayride, and have a special snack. The morning class will be leaving school promptly at 8:40 am, and the afternoon class will be leaving promptly at 12:40 pm. We will be returning back to school by our usual dismissal times. Please remember to send your child's booster seat the day of the field trip, as well as to dress your child in layers and boots/shoes that can get muddy!

Field Trip Drivers:  If you have not already, please fill out the volunteer form here. Per new state and licensing requirements, all drivers must stop in the office to fill out a driver self-report form prior to the field trip with Ms. Jackie. You will need your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance to fill out the form. There is also a fee of $5 per adult which can be paid directly in cash to Ms. Katie or Ms. Anne (long term substitute) prior to or on the day of the field trip.

End of the Year Preschool Picnic: Please join us for the last 45 minutes of class on Thursday, June 15th (PM class) or Friday, June 16th (AM class) to reminisce, share summer plans, and say goodbye to friends. All you need to bring is a picnic blanket and a smile!

Have a great weekend!