A few announcements

Hello Families,
Here are so announcements:
-Dr. Swensen emailed the family email list that the box top dress down is THIS Friday so the 3 or fewer tardies dress down will be the day we return from spring break.

-We are starting a plant unit and are in need of small plastic cups, grass seed, and a bag or two of soil. We are also going to do an experiment on two plants that are already grown. If you would like to donate two of the same plants (like a small pot of flowers) or any other items, please let me know. I really appreciate it. We will be starting this after spring break.

-I am LOVING the fun stories the kids are writing and bringing in to share.

Thanks for all you do!

Scientific Investigations!

We are having a great time learning about the scientific investigation process and doing experiments! Ask your 1st grader all about it.

We did it!

Hello Families,
   Here are some notes and news from Room 122.

1. We did it! We raised enough money to purchase TWO wheelchairs for the Free Wheelchair Mission! Thanks to the 1st graders at Hawthorn, two people now have the gift of mobility. I thank you for helping teach your student about helping others. This is truly an accomplishment.

2. We are beginning our new IB unit on Monday. This one is all about How the World Works and features lessons about the scientific method and experiments. We will be having class caterpillars (which will become butterflies) in April. Be sure to ask your student about it.

3. Friday is the Hops for Hawthorn fundraiser after school. I highly encourage the students to participate. Please see the packet sent home at conferences or the HOPE website for more info.

4. Don't forget about the IB Leadership Award! If you have questions about the ones passed off at school, please let me know and I'll be happy to initial your student's paper. May will be here before we know it.

5. Tuesday, March 24th are spring pictures. These are not mandatory, but if you'd like your child to participate, information went home in the folders on Friday.

6. Check out the scholastic.com site for great book deals. Our class code is KGKTL. https://clubs2.scholastic.com/

7. I am collecting small dollar store or Target dollar spot items for our class treasure chest. Your help is appreciated. Thank you!

10 more school days until spring break! We can do it! Thank you for all you do.
-Mrs. Steele

We are called to action!

Hello Families,
   One of the most important steps in the IB "Inquiry Cycle" is the final step: A Call to Action! Once we have done all the learning, we are motivated to do something with it. This unit was no exception! We are learning about healthy lifestyles and wellness. On Monday we had a visit from Molar Man from Burg Pediatric Dentistry. We had so much learning about having "Superhero Teeth!"

We also have discussed how not everyone in the world is as fortunate as we are in America. We learned about an organization called Free Wheelchair Mission that helps provide wheelchairs for people who cannot afford one. We looked at the map and found some of the places where the wheelchairs are sent. We brainstormed as a class and the kids decided we needed to do something. All of the 1st graders will be collecting money to purchase a wheelchair to send to a developing country! The collection jar will be in the main office and students will be issued a receipt at the time of donation. Funds will be collected Monday through Friday of next week. I reminded the students that any small bit helps and loose change that they have or money from allowance or chores might be nice as well. We figured if each 1st grader brings about $1.00, we can purchase one wheelchair. We are so very motivated and the kids (and I!) think it's amazing someone will have a wheelchair thanks to Hawthorn's 1st grade! Check out the organization at freewheelchairmission.org.

These kids make me beam with pride every day! :)