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Ethan and Jay enjoy lunch at the class picnic

FYI Last year, I started collecting activities to help

parents with things they can do with their child over

the summer break. As I was compiling a list

(specifically for kindergarten students moving into first grade) I found this all-inclusive document from Michigans Department of Education! Although it is from 2003 (and labeled as a pilot) the information is outstanding! It is full of fantastic activities,

suggestions, books for parents (several I read while in

graduate school), websites, etc. I made copies of this document which is in your childs gift bag. I also made everyone copies of a packet that first grade

teachers compiled for us to send home. I hope you

enjoy and find both helpful this summer!

I sent home everyones end-of-the-year journal yesterday in a big, white, three-ring folder. The

children were so excited about getting to take them

home. Please sit down with your child and look through it they are extremely proud!!

Several parents ask me what was used to make the

bubble solution we played with yesterday during the picnic. So I thought I would include the recipe for everyones enjoyment

4 gallons water

4 cups Dawn or Joy dish-washing liquid

cup glycerin

Your childs kindergarten checklist is in todays Friday Folder (I put in the gift bag in hopes it wouldnt get lost.) You do not have to sign or return

anything it is your copy to keep!! There is also a letter from our Title One teachers about DIBELS

scores from this past testing period. If you have any

questions, please let me know.

Today your child will receive a gift bag from me that includes a June and July journal. This is

completely optional to write in over the summer. If

you like, you can place these pages in their big journal binder that you received yesterday. I

included a divider page for those 2 months just in case.

NEEDED Over the summer break, if you find any of the Scott Foresman books I sent home in the homework folders, please swing by the school and drop them off in the office for me. Thank you so much and I

hope you have enjoyed them!

PARENT READING There are several articles on our classroom blog that

Ive not assigned as a parent reading this year; everything from in-depth research articles on reading

and writing to interesting parenting articles I have read since becoming a mother. These articles, plus

new ones, will remain on our classroom blog so dont feel rushed to read/print them. Please let me know if you have suggestions for how I can improve this part

of the newsletter or are interested in a specific topic

that I have not included.

ONE LAST THING I hope that you enjoyed reading the newsletters and keeping up with things going on in our classroom! I

appreciate everything you have done to make this

year so successful. I have become very attached to your children and love each of them dearly. I am sad

to see them go but excited to reflect upon their

progress through this year. I have accepted a new job

working with Alabamas DCA in the Office of School Readiness. My current email account will be

terminated June 22 but I am planning to send out a

new email address before thenwould love to hear from you!

Have a fun and relaxing summer!!! -S. Jones