Math Today

We have really been enjoying our afternoon Math Centers.  Last week we worked on sharing and exploring our math manipulatives. Today we started doing some activities which involved sorting and copying patterns.

Late Start Tomorrow

This Wednesday is our first late start.  Although teachers will be in meetings, kids get to sleep in.

School starts at 10:00.  Buses will be running two hours late as well.

http://www.sophieblackall.com/bedtime.html

What Mr. L. is Reading

What We Are Reading This Week

We made it through most of our "starting Kindergarten Books"this week.  Since Kindergarten is all about learning how to make and keep friends - next week we will be reading several books on friendship.  We will also be reading some books that deal with number and number order as part of our math unit.

100% ATTENDANCE FOR OUR FIRST WEEK OF KINDERGARTEN!

We are off to a great start this year in Kindergarten!  Great job parents getting your Kindergartener to School EVERY DAY THIS WEEK!  Daily school attendance is the best way to make sure that your Kindergartener gets ahead and stays ahead!

READING BUDDIES!

Today we our Reading Buddies from Ms. Keeler's class came in.  We love reading with our 5th Grade Buddies!

 

PTA Back To School BBQ & Open House

Come out to the James John PTA Back To School BBQ & Open House 5-7:30 Tomorrow!

Lions Learning In The Library!

Today we had Library with our fabulous Librarian Ms. Rolfe

Come To Our Open House This Friday (after our PTA BBQ)

A Very Busy First Day!

Today was the very first full day of Kindergarten.   They kept me VERY busy- so I had a hard time getting photos.  Here are just a few of the things that we did:
 After a very tearful farewell from our parents we read some really good books.

We had a great time singing and dancing with our new music teacher, Ms. Porterfield!

We ended the day exploring some of the materials that we are going to be using in our math centers.

First Day of Kindergarten - A Poem

First Day of Kindergarten

Everyone has a first day

When they feel sad and all alone

It can be scary

when you are on your own

And I know that a first day

Can be full of doubts and fears

But they are full of new beginnings

Take my hankie, dry your tears

You'll find lots of things to do

And you'll probably make new friends

I promise we'll be together

When the school day ends

Here comes the teacher

Blow your nose and be brave

Come on now and wipe your eyes

This is no way to behave

Well, Good Morning, Teacher

We really do beg your pardon

No, Mommy doesn't always act this way

But it's my first day of Kindergarten!

Author unknown

Always be in "the Know" This School Year!

There are a lot of events coming up, always be "in the know" as to what is happening in our classroom and at James John School by importing our calendar into your calendar.  
*Link to our Classroom Calendar
*Import our calendar onto your Apple devices

*Import our calendar onto your PC or mobile device calendar

Kindergarten Bibliotherapy

@MultCoLib

Hello KinderParents-  Here are a few of the books that I will be sharing with your Kindergartner as they start their first year of school.  All can be found at your fabulous Multnomah County Library!  Know any great Kindergarten books?  Let me know!

Successful School Year? Clean Hands, Warm Heart.

Thank You Jordan!

Jordan (one of our amazing University of Portland Field Experience Students) stopped by our room today to help get our classroom library in order.  

Mr. L's Kindergarten Assessment Schedule

Hello Kindergarten Parents,

As many of you already know, school starts tomorrow.  However, for our Kindergarteners, this first week of school is set aside for assessment.  Here are the kids that we have scheduled so far for our class.  If you don't see your Kindergartner- please contact Karen.
Our first day of Kindergarten is Monday, September 9.

Wednesday September 4
8:00    Sage
8:30    Bayari
9:30    Alice
10:00  Jaeson
10:30  Raven
11:00  Taylor
12:00  Gregory

Thursday September 5
8:00    Trenton
8:30    Sophie
9:00    Jeremiah
10:00  Evan

Friday September 6
8:00    Omar
8:30    Yoana
9:00    Alexandra
9:30    Enrique
10:00  Talea
10:30  Owen
11:00  Taylor
12:00   Gus
12:30   Reese
1:00     Simone

Twelve Years To Kindergarten?

The summer of 2001 I interviewed at every Kindergarten position that Portland Public Schools had open- without one job offer.  

I was disappointed. 

I had gone into education to be a Kindergarten Teacher.  I had my Field Endorsement in Early Childhood and had worked at the Nike Child Development Center after finishing my (Kindergarten) student teaching. 

I was lucky enough to be hired late in August of 2001 to teach a 4-5 Blend at James John School. 

I say lucky, because although it wasn't my "ideal" grade level, it turned out to be the ideal school.  I loved working with 3rd 4th and 5th Graders more than I ever thought anyone could.

After twelve years I am still just as excited as I was the first day I started here at James John.  I am very happy to be a Kindergarten Teacher and I am grateful that it took me only twelve years to do it.

Popsicles on the Playground This Thursday @ 1

Come meet your Kindergartner's Teacher and hang out with the other Kinder Kids at James John this year. 

Mr. Leach Isn't Still In 3rd Grade

After eight years in 3rd Grade I will be  . . . .

Congratulations to Aaliyah, Our Student of the Week!

Way to go Aaliyah!