Connecting through Skype

Skyping with other students in the mainland helps us to meet boys and girls our age and discover how our lives are similar and different.
Last week our class connected with a Kindergarten class from Hartland, Wisconsin. We took turns  exchanging information about our schools.  For instance,  the name of their school was Hartland North Elementary.  Their teacher was Mrs. Atilano and there were 10 boys and 8 girls in their class.  Special classes included art, gym, music,  and library.
They have quite a bit of snow and wind right now.  In fact, it  was 4 degrees outside and because of the wind, it was even colder.  They could only have indoor recess. We wondered what would happen if we had snow in Honolulu!
They shared a January song with us  and sang very nicely. We sang 'Each of Us is a Flower' with hand motions.
It is exciting to Skype as we learn about  great things that others are learning about  and we don't even need to leave our classroom.  

Reminders to Parents

Aloha Parents,

A few reminders for you:

• Monday, January 23rd - Due date for 100th day project. Would you believe your children have been in Kindergarten for 100 days (on January 24th)?  Time flies when we're having fun. I'm sure your child has reminded you working together to create a free standing poster with 100 things about themselves (photos, cutouts, actual items). The numbers 1-100 should be handwritten, labeling each item. Please advise if you have any questions. All posters will be displayed outside of the three Kindergarten classrooms.
• Monday, January 23rd - RSVP for HMS Open House  due.
• Tuesday, January 24th - 100th Day Party with the Kindergarten classes.
• Tuesday, January 24th - Scholastic Book Orders due.
• Monday, January 30th - January due date for students to share a book with their peers.
• Monday, January 30th - Completion of assigned Mathletics online activities. All students were given a sign in card with their current username/password. Please assist your child in logging into the website so they can complete the activities.  We know this resource is beneficial to your child's development.

Mahalo for all cardboard tubes that were donated.  It was truly appreciated.

Time is running out to sign up for the Kindergarten 'Sweets -n- Treats' Bake Sale  at the HMS Fun Fair on Saturday, February 18th. Please open  the google doc sent by Ms. T. to select a time to work, or contact me.

Kung Hee Fat Choy!
Mrs. Lee

We Grow Plants from Seeds

This week we got  potting soil, planted some seeds, and watered them. Some of the seeds are  already starting to grow into plants. We'll  watch them grow big and tall.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Reminder for Parents

Aloha Parents,

Just a few items that should be brought to your attention.........

• Monday, January 16th - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
• Monday, January 23rd - 100th Day Projects due.  Each student is asked to create a free standing poster with 100 things about themselves (photos, cutouts, actual items). The numbers 1-100 should be handwritten, labeling each item. Please advise if you have any questions.
• Friday, January 20th - Due date for cardboard tubes, whether from wrapping paper or paper towels which  needed for an activity. I'd sincerely appreciate any donation.
• Monday, January 30th - January due date  for  students to  share a book with their peers.
• Monday, January 30th - Due date for Mathletics online activities. All students were given a sign in card with their current username/password.  Please assist your child in logging into the website  so they can complete the activities. I am very encouraged by the quick response on completing the  topic 'Getting Ready to Add and Subtract' by so many students. Wow! We know this resource is beneficial to your child's development.

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow." John Dewey

Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Foster Botanical Gardens

Today was a clear and sunny day for our walking field trip to Foster Botanical Gardens.  There were many huge trees and plants all around.  We've never seen so many different kinds of trees in one place before. When we returned to class, we used our leaves in a writing and art lesson. Take a trip with us back to nature.

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Reminders for the Parents

Aloha Parents,

Another year has come and gone in a blink of an eye.  I hope 2011 was a wonderful year for you and your family.  I wish you  happiness, health, prosperity, and bright dreams for 2012!

Please welcome Norika Christian who has joined our K-1 class. She is already getting adjusted to our routine and schedule with the help of the other students. Norika is a pleasant girl, always smiling, and willing to put her best foot forward.

Cardboard tubes, whether from wrapping paper or paper towels, are needed for an activity.  I'd sincerely appreciate any donation before January 27th. 

Please remember:

• Wednesday, January 11th - Hoonko Service at the Temple, 9:00am.  This memorial service observes the anniversary of the death of Shinran Shonin. Please dress your child appropriately.
• Friday, January 13th - Foster Garden Walking Field Trip. A reminder will be distributed on Thursday, January 12th.
• Monday, January 16th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
• Monday January 23rd - 100th Day Project due. Each student is asked to create a free standing poster with 100 things about themselves (photos, cutouts, actual items). The numbers 1-100 should be handwritten, labeling each item. Please advise if you have any questions.

Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Penguin Parade

Our class, together with Mrs. Heckman's  1-9 class, started a unit about Penguins. This is very exciting because we'll work together for the next few weeks with the first grade students to share thoughts and ideas about these birds who can't fly.  On Wednesday, after viewing a video and discussion ,we had fun creating a paper penguin and labelling it's body parts.