Monthly Archives: October 2011

Fire Trucks and Pumpkins

What a cute group of fire dogs!

We finally made it to the Nahant Fire Station yesterday for a presentation on fire safety. Thank you to fire fighters Josh and Dave for giving our kindergarten students such a complete presentation! Children watched a short fire safety video, asked questions to the fire fighters, saw a suited up fire fighter and even got the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a real fire engine.

Fire Fighter Josh explains the different nozzles on the fire engine.

All children went home with a bag of goodies and a fire helmet from the Fire Department. While it is fun to see all of the equipment at the station, it is important to remember why we go. Take time to make a family escape plan that your child understands in case of an emergency.

We are also having some Halloween fun in class. Children answered the survey question, “What kind of pumpkin face should we make?” on our class pumpkin. The winner – a scary face! We started the process of craving yesterday afternoon (Ms. Purdin drew the face, Mrs. Clark carved) and children had the opportunity to pull out the goop! It’s always interesting to see who really likes the feel of the “goop” and who doesn’t.

Scooping out the fun!

In Math, we were “coin detectives” this week and have been looking at the differences between nickels, dimes and pennies. We also passed 40 days of school this week (crazy!) and are continuing to practice rote counting. Use all that Halloween loot to have your child practice sorting, counting and even reading (young children often don’t realize they are reading when they recognize environmental text!)

Have a safe and happy Halloween! Please remember, Kindergarten children do not come in costume on Monday. Thank you!

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When Ms. Purdin Stays Home From Kindergarten

Dear Families,

As I am sure you are all aware, I have been absent from school due to illness all last week and now today. This has never happened to me in my seven years of teaching kindergarten. (Usually it’s 1-2 sick days in a school year!) I am beside myself for missing so much school, but as many of you who are helping your own sick children can relate, my body has just not been cooperating. I have been in touch with Mrs. Clark, who has been following my plans and keeping the class going very well. My plan is to be back this week. After two trips to the doctor, a diagnosis and some medication, I am feeling better and stronger each day.

I hope your child told you about the new program to our school called Campfire that started on Wednesday. I heard it was a great program. They will be coming to our classroom every Wednesday for the next several weeks.

I have just spoken with the Nahant Fire Department and we will be going to there on Friday morning for our field trip.

Over the weekend, our classroom received “extra” cleaning treatment to help control any more unnecessary spreading of illness. When working with young children it can be difficult to control germs, but we are doing our best. With that, I am looking for the following:

1. Small dixie cups for children to get drinks in the classroom (our classroom bubbler is out of order).
2. Purell (or other brand) hand sanitizers (while I still like baby wipes, not all brands are antibacterial, so this will help as we get into winter).

I appreciate everyone’s understanding during my absence. Remember, your child’s health is most important. Please take heed of Mrs. DiLisio’s email to Kindergarten families and if your child exhibits those signs of illness, take appropriate measures.

I am missing all my little friends and hope to be back as soon as possible!

Stay Healthy-
Ms. Purdin 🙂

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Smile! Picture Day Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is school picture day! If you haven’t done so already, please send back your child’s picture form in his or her home-school folder tomorrow. Thanks!

We are beginning a unit on Nursery Rhymes. If you have a nursery rhyme book your child would like to share with the class, please send it with them in their backpack. We will be sure to read and return. 🙂

We have library every Tuesday. It is no fun to go to library and not be able to check out a book! Please help your child to remember his or her book. Books can come back at any point during the week.

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Mid Week Notes

Special thanks to Mrs. Clark for keeping our classroom morning routines in place while I was stuck in traffic yesterday morning due to the flooding in Swampscott. As I told the kids, it’s good to know if you have to be out that things will still run smoothly. I made it in by snack time, and we had a pleasant rest of the day.

We have moved on in math to our second unit. This week we are focusing on shapes and their attributes. We have also started to practice number writing informally at morning circle time. As we do the calendar, school day count, and the weather, children practice writing the temperature and day on their dry erase boards. This keeps us focused and busy! 🙂

We will be discussing Columbus Day tomorrow and Friday in class. One of the Kindergarten frameworks for social studies is to know the national holidays.

Just a reminder Friday is a 11:30 a.m. dismissal. Also, children must wear sneakers on P.E. Days (Mondays and Wednesdays). Mrs. Spencer does not let them participate without proper footwear! We will have Library on Tuesday when we return from the long weekend!

Ms. Purdin 🙂

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