March... in like a lion

March has certainly come in like a lion, I hope it goes out like a lamb.    

We are "marching" on with our learning this month.  We have started our recycling study.  We learned what the word recycle means and what types of things can be recycled.  We have also begun collecting round plastic lids for a recycled art project.  As we get more lids in, we will begin to sort them by color and size.  We will also be doing a recycled crayon project later this month.  As we get closer to the dates, I will be asking for parent volunteers. 

The children really enjoyed playing on the playground this week.  It seems like forever since we have been able to spend any length of time outside.  This week, we will be taking a litter walk.  We will walk around our school community and pick up any litter we see (with gloves on).   


Several students have been working with the 100 board, cube chains, and bead bars.  The children are practicing linear counting, counting with 1 to 1 correspondence, putting numerals in order, and skip counting.  A few children have also started some addition work with the bead bars.  I have also been giving the children a "challenge work" each day.  I am suggesting a work that the children don't typically pull off the shelf on their own or that is a little bit more challenging.  I've been encouraging several students to choose the moveable alphabet to work on building words. I'm so thrilled with the progress the children are making and all the new things they are discovering.   


I enjoyed meeting with many of you during parent-teacher conferences over the last few weeks.  Thank you for your flexibility in rescheduling.  3rd quarter report cards will be sent home at the end of the month.  If at any time you would like to discuss your child's progress or any other questions, please feel free to contact me.  

IMPORTANT INFO...

• The Preschool Parent Information Meeting has been rescheduled (again) for Thursday March 26th.  This is the time to register NEW preschool students.  Currently enrolled preschool children who will be returning next year do not need to register.  (You will need to re-enroll at a later date.)  
• A blue form will be in your child's folder with details for the Parent Information Night.  You do NOT need to fill this form out for your currently enrolled child.  The form is for new students only and can be turned in at the Parent Information Night or afterwards.  Please feel free to invite other Norwood families to the Information Night.  
• The Classroom Open House is rescheduled for Friday March 27th.  This is a time for new families to tour a play-based and Montessori classroom before enrolling their child.  
• Kindergarten Information Meetings - 
• An orange flier was sent home with information for Kindergarten registration.  If your child will be attending Kindergarten next year, please be sure to attend the meeting at your neighborhood elementary.
• Family Fun Activity
• The Preschool teachers are hosting a Family Fun Activity on Friday May 22nd.  Please check your child's folder for more information.  Be sure to fill out the form to let us know if you will be coming.   

Other News...

 * Norwood City Schools will (finally) have a preschool website!!!!  It will be hosted on the Norwood City Schools website along with the other schools.  If you have web design talent or knowledge that you would like to share, please let me know.  When the site is up and running, I will share the information with you.