One day down!

Hi parents! I hope your kiddos were as tired as I was when they got home.  I was exhausted! We all had a great day. I can already tell that this is going to be a fun class. I am very proud of my new kinder kiddos. There were a few tears this morning but nothing that lasted more than a few minutes once the parents left.

I think today went really well. We all made at least one new friend and everyone got along. We are learning the classroom, school, and playground rules this week. I am going to be firm but fair with the kids. We try to set high expectations in the beginning of the year to allow the rest of the year to run smoothly. Please be patient with the kids as they are learning the expectations. Our only hiccup today was that we ran out of time for snack! Oh man! Our end of the day routines took a little longer than expected. However, everyone had lunch, found the bathrooms, and got home the right way. To me, that's an awesome first day!!!!

Our remind 101 is now up and running. I will be sending a new sheet home explaining how it works. If you would like to sign up simply text @gaskins15 to 81010. Remember, it's free and it's a simple way for me to send you reminders about things coming up. Parents do not see each other's phone number. This is optional on your end. I have only had positive feedback in the past. You can cancel at anytime if you decide you do not enjoy it.

Thanks for a great first day!!!!

2015-2016 school year!

Happy last weekend of summer! I hope you are all enjoying your last days of summer. At least we got some much needed rain today. I hope the rain did not ruin any plans you had.

Thank you all for coming to meet the teacher this past Thursday. I was very excited to meet my new students and parents.

It has come to my attention that the Remind 101 link I sent home with you on Thursday did not work. I'm working with the Remind 101 team on getting that fixed. I did not have a single problem with it last year. Technology is so helpful but so fristrating at times.

I am looking forward to getting the year stared and getting my blog back up and running. I will be sending  a permission slip home soon for permission to use pictures of your children on my blog. The pictures will only be used on the class blog and no other forms of social media.

If you need to contact me for any reason please feel free to email me. Please understand that my conference is not until late in the school day so I may not see them until late in the day. Also, it is very important to remember that changes in transportation must be made by 2:30. Changes must be in written form. We cannot accept changes through email. This is for the safety of our students. Thank you for understanding.

Have a great last weekend together. I will see many of you Monday morning. There will be tissues by the door. ;)

The Houston Zoo

Today our class took a trip to the Houston Zoo. Due to traffic, alternate routes, and parking issues we had a shorter amount of time inside than expected. However, all of the kids loved their experience to the zoo. I got GREAT feedback from the parents that went and from all of the kids. Thank you to everyone that made today possible! Here are some pictures of the animals we saw and as we gathered together getting ready to go.

* Parents, if you took any pictures of your group at the zoo will you please send them to me? I am getting pictures together for our big end of the year slide show.  :)

Plants

We recently did a plant unit in science. The kids were so excited to see that real plants can grow in a Ziploc bag with a wet paper towel. We germinated the seeds by letting them soak in a wet paper towel first. Then, we put them in the bags in the hallway. They were all exposed to a little natural sun light but the ones on the top row closest to the florescent lights seems to grow faster.

Easter Egg Hunt

For Easter we made our own baskets for the big hunt. Parents came to hide the eggs, and we let the kids loose. They all had a great time finding eggs with their friends.

Character Traits

Each month we celebrate a character trait winner. Today, all of the winners we have had so far were presented with an award from the HOUSTON ASTROS! They also got a free ticket to an upcoming game as well. All of the future character trait winners will also be presented with an Astro's ticket and award.

Our school counselor teaches a lesson each month. The students practice that positive character trait for a few weeks then write about a time they used that trait. This month was responsibility. Congrats to my winners! I am proud of you.

Wanted Posters

All of the kids were able to create a Wanted Poster with their alter ego. They had fun making them and all of the adults in the school had a good time reading them! Here are a few to enjoy.