Mrs. Veldman's 1st Grade Classroom Blog

We were just informed by our Technology Department that the software responsible for our report card data base has crashed. The system will be down this weekend and likely into next week.

Since I wanted the most up to date grades on the report cards, I planned to use this weekend to finalize scores and add comments for each student. Since I  cannot access my report cards, I will not be able to share the report card with you during conferences this coming week.  I am greatly disappointed that I will not have your child’s report card to give you.

Once the Powerschool software is repaired, report cards will be completed and sent home.  During conferences, I will have my comment section available to highlight your child’s strengths and goals for the coming marking period.

Thank you for understanding .

Time is running out.  Our Governor and legislative leaders in Lansing are proposing devastating cuts to public education.  In addition to the $165 per pupil cut to all public schools, the State Budget Director has notified school leaders another $127 per pupil cut is coming in less than 30 days.  The only way this will not happen is if our Governor and legislators can agree to a funding solution addressing the revenue shortfall.  To find out how to help prevent this funding crisis, please listen to my message and visit the links here:  FUNDING CRISIS

To find out more about the history of school funding, FIVE DAYS TO FIX SCHOOL FUNDING, GR PRESS

Nicholas Ceglarek, Superintendent

Our science unit continues this week as we spend time looking at matter, properties of matter–magnetism, bouancy–and reporting findings to our science question.

I am excited to share with you all of the great things your child has been doing. November 2-4 is when we have set aside time after school and in the evening to meet for conferences. I am looking forward to seeing you! I emailed your conference date/time on Friday this past week (10/23), but I will send home a paper reminder this week. I am looking forward to seeing you!

November 2-6 is our Fall Book Fair date. Students will be given an opportunity to preview books on Tuesday and to purchase books on Thursday. The Book Fair will be open during Parent-Teacher conferences for your convenience. Happy Reading!

Just a few bits of information about our upcoming Halloween Celebration. We will begin the party about 3:00-ish. Students will begin to dress in costumes when they return from Specials. Costumes are optional. Please be sure that your child will be able to put his or her costume on independently. I do ask that you keep in mind that costumes should be appropriate for the younger children that are in our wing–no blood, gore, weapons. Many of the kiddos in our wing experience great anxiety around people in costume, especially with masks.

We will enjoy a game or craft and, of course, yummy treats! Our party will wrap up around 3:25, so that we can get our bus riders out in time. We would LOVE to have you join us!

Parents:  Important details about the Box Tops Labels competitions has been posted on the school blog.  To find out about competition dates and how to cut labels, click here.

Click on the following link to read about Hudsonville Public Schools protocol for H1N1

We enjoyed popcorn on Friday afternoon, thanks to the Parent Club and your donations. What a yummy treat to finish out the week!

Earlier this week, we started our first science unit by taking a walk in the tall, tall grass on the other side of the walking path near the pond. As scientists, we tried to find out what lives in the grass by coming up with a plan, making predictions, investigating and reporting what we found. What a cool thing to see everyone with magnifying glasses and clipboards, walking in the tall, tall grass. Be sure to ask your pint-sized scientist what we found…..or THINK we found.