How Santa got His Job

Have you ever wondered what kinds of jobs Santa had before he became Santa Claus? He tried all sorts of jobs....from a chimney sweep to a cook to a circus performer.  But, he wanted to do something more.  He was able to find his dream job after meeting some elves!
We enjoyed tearing paper to create our own Santa Claus.  It was fun to listen to the story, fun to tear paper, and fun to share our writing! Just watch our slideshow..........

How Santa Got His Job on PhotoPeach

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo for the empty Campbell Soup cans needed for a Christmas project.  Your donations were greatly appreciated!

The keiki will be working on another craftivity next week. They will need  a 7"x10" piece of holiday wrapping paper for part of it.  Please have them bring it to school by Thursday, December 11th. Arigato!

• Tuesday, December 9th - Library Books due
• Wednesday, December 10th - Buddy Ornament due
• Thursday, December 11th - Honolulu Hale Visit from 9:30-12:30.  Attire - HMS t-shirt and sport shoes. A hearty breakfast is suggested as they won't be having a morning snack at school.
• Thursday, December 11th - Holiday gift wrap (7"x10") due
• Friday, December 12th - Kuakini Hale Pulama Mau Walking Trip from 9:00-11:00.  Attire - HMS t-shirt and sport shoes.
• Tuesday, December 16th - Book Shares, myON, and IXL (Category G) assignments due
• Friday, December 19th - Winter Program starting at 8:30 in the Social Hall.  Mrs. Hirata has information about the Holiday Luncheon.  School dismissal at 11:30.

Stay tuned,

Mrs. Lee

Who is Santa?

Santa is about the spirit of giving, putting smiles on little people's faces, and bringing joy and hope to their lives.  It is wonderful that this magic is kept alive in the home as long as possible.  When your child realizes the truth, your household might change, and you will long to have those magical days back again. Listen as our keiki share their ideas about who Santa is.

Customize your own picture collage A note from Mrs. Lee:   Mahalo to our Room Parents for organizing a wonderful event following our Winter Program. There were so many exciting activities for the children to participate in.   What child doesn't love to decorate cookies, especially holiday ones? Now that they have mastered the techniques of decorating cookies, you can have more fun at home during the holiday break decorating your own cut out cookies!   The grab bag game with a 'left and right' switch twist was hilarious. But they were all tickled to receive a little gift to remember this day.   The potluck was simple and filled with great food.  The leftover fruits, noodles, and pizza were given to the Office Staff who enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for bringing all the delicious food.   Having you attend our class event made it a memorable day for your child!! They love these special times with their parents.   I appreciate your thoughtfulness in remembering me with the Christmas tree with all those gorgeous homemade ornaments that will be keepsakes. It is a great way to share the holiday spirit with the children.  The holiday gift is also much appreciated and will be opened at Christmas.   If you and your child wish to share holiday goodie bags with their classmates, please bring them in by Thursday, December 13th.  All goodie bags will be sent home in the blue recyclable bag on Friday.    Dates to remember: Monday, December 10th - Library books due. Wednesday, December 12th - Last day for Fort Gakuen Thursday, December 13th - Deadline for those who wish to share goodie bags. Friday, December 14th - 11:30am, Early dismissal. No after school care.  Please pick up your child from our classroom. Cheers, Mrs. Lee       

Gingerbread Children

Gingerbread Baby, by Jan Brett is a delightful story about a spirited and bouncy Gingerbread Baby created by Matti in his kitchen in a Swiss village. This 'baby' was chased by many people and animals, including Mother, Father, cats, dogs, goats, villagers, etc. The Gingerbread Baby was able to stay just out of reach from being caught, but finally ended up in the best home he could ever ask for.
This story was a perfect introduction for a literature based activity creating gingerbread children.


Gingerbread Children - slideshows


If your child wishes to decorate and print a Gingerbread House of their own, click here.

A note from Mrs. Lee:
 It is hard to believe that December is upon us! Can you also believe that we've been in school for 75 days?  Time just flies by!

All the keiki are confident skip counting by 10's.  However, please continue to practice skip counting by 2's and 5's with your child whenever possible.  It takes time for them to master these math skills and practice makes perfect.

Mahalo nui loa for the generous donations received for the Lokahi Tree-Laulima Giving Program the Preschool and Kindergarten classes have chosen this holiday season.  There is still another week to take the opportunity to brighten these needy families' holidays. All donations are truly appreciated!

There will be no Book Sharing for the month of December.  It will resume in January.

Dates to remember:

• Monday - Friday, December 3rd-7th - Collection of canned goods by the 7th Grade Paramitas Promoters
• Monday, December 3rd - Library Books due.
• Wednesday, December 5th - Bodhi Day Service.  Please dress your child in appropriate attire.
• Friday, December 7th - Donations for the Lokahi Tree-Laulima Giving Program due.
• Friday, December 7th -  Winter Program
• 8:00 - The Kindergarteners are asked to be in their classrooms.
• 8:30 - The PreK and K Winter Program in the Social Hall begins.The K classes will be the 3rd group of performers on stage.
• 9:30 - The class activity, cookie decorating, and Potluck will commence.
• Attire - Girls: Party dress, Boys: Collared shirt with long pants/jeans.

Cheers,
Mrs. Lee

A Festive Week

Everyone had fun this week.  Math topics such as lines of symmetry, equal parts, and fractions were introduced and/or reinforced. Besides  working on 'free write' stories, watching Brainpopjr. and Discovery Education videos, we sang Christmas Carols daily.  We ended the week with a holiday party.
A special thanks to all of you who shared goodie bags with the class. The children were thrilled with their heavy load that was to be brought home.

Mahalo nui loa for all your support you have shown to K-1 this year.We look forward to an exciting 2011.

A Festive Week - slideshow with music