Happy Colorado spring!  I’m writing this email while wondering what the weather will be bringing us. 

We kicked off our study of Lifecycles this week by talking about how we can be scientists. Scientists ask questions which is something we are really, really good at.  You might already know that!.  They also make observations so we are taking time to really pay attention to the differences we see in various bugs, plants, etc.  As scientists we will use what we observe to draw conclusions and then share what we learned.  The students had lots of ideas about what we could observe and learn about.  A few living things they suggested included sharks whales, frogs, ladybugs, and flowers.  Since it is hard for us to observe ocean animals, we agreed to study how bugs and plants grow and change.  They’ve been very excited making creatures for and exploring in our rainforest this week.  A special surprise Ms. Amy and I have for our classes should be coming next week – caterpillars with all they need for us to watch them grow!  It will be a great fun to see their excitement when they tell you about the surprise.  In other news, we have some important events coming up.  During the next few weeks, students heading to kindergarten next year will be given a PALS assessment.  This is not something they need to study for.  This will allow us to give you a clear idea of where your student is in their literacy journey and and provide you with some suggestions for what they could work on over the summer.  You should get a letter about your child’s learning in early May  Students with another year of preschool will wait until next year to do PALS. On the lighter side, don’t miss the Spark! PTO Carnival coming up in just two weeks on April 26.  This fun event features teachers and PTO volunteers leading a variety of carnival-style games as well as local vendors providing age-appropriate entertainment and food.  Look for information about the event and also about pre-buying discount tickets in your child’s Thursday Folder this week.  Please join us – this truly is one of the most fun events. As May is approaching we will begin talking about changes during our PATHs lessons.  These lessons help prepare students for the change to summer schedule as well as transitions to kindergarten and next year’s classes.  In order to help with these discussions, could you please let me know where your child will be going to school next year?  It can be very reassuring to children to know that they will know other students at their new school.  If you could get me that information by May 1, I’d greatly appreciate it. Please take a few minutes to update your child extra pair of clothes.  As we move into spring it is important to have both warm and cold weather clothing available.  I really appreciate you sending your children to class dressed for the weather.  These spring days can be tricky as the weather is cold in the morning despite the highs in the afternoon. Thank you as always for sharing your students with Ms. Tawna and I.  They always keep us on our toes and laughing. Sincerely, Ms. Kiersten Curriculum:                                  April 8               April 15                     April 22MWF and PM ClassesLetters                                         LEFH                 TIUC                        OQGSNumbers                                     11                        12                           13Sight Words:                                My                      Do                           MeShapes:                                       Review               3-Dimensional         Sphere Tuesday Thursday Class           April 8                 April 15                      April 22Letter                                          W                        X                               YNumber                                       1                         2                                3Color                                          orange                black                         yellow PS – Book orders are due April 17.