Author Archives: kb

Boo!

Posted on by

Get ready for some “spooktacular” fun in first grade! 

The Disney Halloween Carnival is coming! On Friday, October 29th first graders will visit the CAC for fun games and dancing. More details coming home in backpack mail soon. Here are some highlights:

  • Costumes will be worn all day. Children should arrive at school in costume.
  • No weapons or masks with costumes.
  • Label all small pieces (ie: crowns, gloves, capes)
  • Treats may be sent to school for take-home goody bags. All treats must be individually wrapped or non-edible (We have 29 students in 104.)
  • Volunteers are welcome to help at the morning Halloween Carnival. Check in at the main office and with Ms. Thompson for directions. Parents are required to have completed the online CPS volunteer process.

As always, please give me a call or send an email with any questions or concerns.

Reminder: No School Monday

Posted on by

 

There will be no classes for students on

Monday, October 11th

in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This holiday honors indigenous people and cultures around the world. While there is no single definition for indigenous, indigenous people maintain close ties to their ancestral land and traditions. In the United States, some Americans celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or along with Columbus Day.Enjoy the long weekend! – source: PBS

Progress Reports Today!

Posted on by

Your first grader has been working very hard these past weeks and it is time to celebrate that progress with a progress report!  The report includes your child’s current letter grade in each subject area, brief comments regarding his/her  strengths, and a recommendation of skills for home practice.

I am very proud of our class progress thus far and I thank you for all of your hard work at home each night.   We could not have accomplished so much in such a short time without your help!  Please sign and return the bottom of the progress report form as soon as possible.  If you would like to discuss your child’s progress in person I am available for brief conferences before school.  Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Arrrrr!

Posted on by

prt11_kids

September 19th is INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!

Room 104 will enjoy some pirate themed fun on Friday! We will learn to talk like pirates, read pirate themed books, and earn some pirate booty for good behavior.  Here are a few words and phrases to continue the pirate fun at home tonight: (from http://www.playcrossbones.com/)

Captain Booty’s – Talk Like a Pirate – Crash Course

Ahoy! – An energetic greeting to yer fellow mate… like hello.

Aloft – A reference to climbin’ to or being among the sails above or upper rigging overhead on yer ship.

Articles – An agreement of behavior between th’ Captain an’ his crew.

Avast Ye! – A stern request to halt yer activity and listen up.

Aye! – Yes or I agree…

Aye Aye! – Yes, Captain… I’ll take care of it…ye can count on me.

Arrr! (an’ variations) – Arrr or similar (interjection to show excitement or pause) – Yarrr (agreement on yer mates comments) – Harrr (expresses amusement or laughter)

Bilge Rat! – A scoundrel… an’ a general insult lashed upon a shipmate.

Black Spot – A mark givin’ to a pirate of an impending doom… the mark of cursed soul!

Booty – A pirates treasure… make sure ye get yer share while playin’ a game o’ Crossbones matey!

Broadside – A discharge of all cannons… attackin’ the main (broad) part of an enemy ship.

Cap’n – A reference to a superior officer… Captain o’ the ship.

Davy Jones’ Locker – A final restin’ place at the bottom o’ the sea for drowned pirates. – See more at: http://www.playcrossbones.com/Pirate_Talk.php#sthash.a9Krmy0z.dpuf

Return forms please!

Posted on by

jul09_kids2

Parents please take time this weekend to complete and return the school forms sent home the first day. I am collecting the emergency medical forms, medical information booklets, and the student signature page from the Code of Conduct book. Please contact me if you did not receive one of these forms. Have a great weekend!

UPDATE 9/10: Disney will pilot an online form collection program for the 2021-2022 school year. CPS will email families all Back-to-School documents and instructions next week.

Be Prepared! Be Safe!

Posted on by

Your child will be participating in three very important safety drills.  

SHELTER IN PLACE DRILL – CODE YELLOW DRILL

This drill will be used in cases of severe weather emergencies.  During this drill, students will evacuate their classrooms and go to a safe interior location.  Students are instructed how to best protect their body from possible falling debris.

LAW ENFORCEMENT DRILL – CODE RED DRILL

This drill is a “lockdown” drill and prepares students in the event of an intruder or unsafe situation within the school building.

BUS EVACUATION DRILL

This drill prepares students in the event that an emergency should arise during a bus ride to school or on a classroom field trip. A representative of the transportation company will instruct students how to safely use the emergency exits located on all school buses.

Your child’s well-being is my first priority.  If you have any further questions about these drills or any safety concerns regarding our school building please contact me by calling the school office or sending an email.

First Day News

Posted on by

bbf8_bee4

We were very busy bees today!  The kids did a great job transitioning to the first grade schedule and expectations. Thank you parents for all of your help unpacking supplies this morning.  We were able to play more fun learning games with the time saved. The children also had a chance to explore our classroom reading materials and new math workbooks too. Please check backpacks tonight for important school forms. Don’t forget to sign and return the first page of the “Student Code of Conduct” book.   I look forward to seeing all of my new first grade friends tomorrow another exciting day!

-Kate Brannigan

 

Classroom Handbook

Posted on by

aug09_kidsWelcome to the 2021-2022 school year!  A copy of our classroom handbook was sent home to families the first week of school.  Click below to learn more about our classroom and school procedures:

Welcome

Posted on by

Dear Disney Friend,

Welcome to first grade!  I am so excited for our new school year to begin.  Our first day of first grade will be Monday, August 30th.  Join your new first grade friends in the CAC by 7:30 am.

All first graders will enter through the CAC and come to pod 100 together. Your teacher will lead you to your new classroom.  We are room 104.  After a little while, we will say goodbye to the grown-ups and begin our school day.  We will play games, read stories and do some fun projects.  I can’t wait to hear all about what you did this summer!

Don’t forget to plan a yummy lunch for the first day of school!  We will be eating in the cafeteria before recess.  You can bring your favorite foods from home or our cafeteria helpers serve delicious hot lunches too.  All school lunches are free. Don’t worry if this is new for you,  I’ll be in the lunchroom to help you and the cafeteria helpers are really nice people too.

Our classroom is a very special place to learn and grow.  I know we will have great fun playing games and reading stories together.  This year we will laugh a lot, explore, learn new things, sometimes get messy, and be very good friends.  See you soon!

-Mrs. Brannigan

Let’s Eat!

Posted on by

     Although the lunch period is one of the shortest time slots on our schedule, it is the area that I receive the most questions from parents and an area that many children feel anxious about.  Below I explain the lunch procedures, provide links to the school menu, and outline payment options.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.LUNCH OPTIONS  

  • You may choose the school “hot lunch” with a drink.  All school lunches are free of charge. Children join the “hot lunch line”, tell your name to the cafeteria helper, select a tray,  and choose from the different menu items on display.  The cafeteria staff will assist your child in choosing a well-balanced lunch if needed.  Students are also given the choice of white or chocolate milk.
  • You may choose to pack a lunch and drink at home.  Send the lunch to school in an insulated lunch box labeled with your child’s name.  These boxes are kept in our class cubbies and brought to the cafeteria at our lunchtime. Please do not send “family size” bags of chips to school.
  • You may choose to pack a lunch at home and purchase milk at school.    Upon entering the cafeteria, students join the milk line to retrieve a carton of their choice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Where can I find the school lunch and breakfast menus?    Click the picture below for current menus at the Chartwells site

.

  • What time is lunch?  Our class assigned lunch period is 12-12:30. It can be difficult for first graders to settle in and eat lunch in such a short period of time.  Please encourage your child to eat their sandwich first.  I will encourage the children to take home any unfinished food so that you can see just how much is being eaten at school.
  • Will you be in the lunchroom to help my child?  Reassure your child that a friendly adult will be there to help them and answer their questions.  During the first week of school, I try to stay in the lunchroom until all of my students are settled at a table.  However, this is also the only time I have to eat lunch and prepare for afternoon activities too.  We are very lucky to have great cafeteria employees who are happy to help all students!
  • How does our school keep children with food allergies safe?  If your child has a food allergy, please contact the main office to arrange a meeting with the school nurse and support team.  An individualized 504 PLAN will be written stating your child’s allergies, emergency procedures and precautions.  For the safety of all students, we ask that children do not share food with friends.  Special cafeteria seating is available if needed.