Our World Travelers!

Bittersweet Goodbye

My time here at Archway Arete has been short but ever so sweet!  From the elaborate class parties and rich Socratic dialog supported by 7 year olds, found in the heart of sweetest first grade souls I have ever worked with, this 16-17 school year is one I will hold close to my heart forever. I found myself making my way back home about a year ago this time, with a feeling of such excitement and gratitude as I was welcomed into the Arete family.  This past year has opened many doors and shed so much light on classical education and the magic of Great Hearted leadership that guides the great hearted scholars, found at Arete especially. I admire the guidance and insurmountable support I received all year long from Headmaster Gillingham and Assistant Headmaster, Ms. Pantanlena. I was jumping into a new form and way of education, one that I had to trust that I should be a part of. With their consideration and seeing the big picture, I was able to be a part of it.  Now reflecting upon this opportunity I know that this year is a small but mighty part in my teaching journey.  I had the chance each and every school day to not only instill rigorous academics, but also nurture all my scholars in a way that they developed kind hearts and a strong moral compass for what is true.  It has been such a blessing to be apart of your child’s educational journey and hope I leave them with the confidence and happiness to achieve any goals they have set their minds on! I have seen all of them grow into strong, smiley, and smart 2^nd graders. The joy that walked through the door each morning made it all the more rewarding, I can honestly say I looked forward to the day, everyday! The next stepping-stone for me resides at 7,000 feet as I make my way up to fabulous Flagstaff; I have a chance to start my graduate program through NAU. I will be going back to school for Administration, specifically in the area of Principalship.  I was guided so professionally and have been inspired this past school year; that I know it is where my heart leads me. I will be saying goodbye to faculty, families, and most of all scholars with a sadness to leave but know amazing things will continue for them all. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to support and love your child! I encourage all families and students, as I always do after another school year, to reach out to me at any time at my personal email, caseyn1320@gmail.com. I wish all my families a summer full of sunshine and a 2^nd grade year filled with much success! 

-Ms. Reger 

Ocean research

 Our scholars have been working very hard reading and writing about an ocean plant or animal! The project was complete with a file folder photo collage and illustrations! 

Ending the year feeling thankful!

Our last Monday of first grade has come and gone so quick! I am thankful that our sweet kids have the ability to try new things while having joyous attitude! Our last two small groups performed "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", I am always impressed with how supportive and kind they all are with one another. Showing encouragement and respect has really helped our class cluture be a comfortable one! I look forward to our next few days together.

A Few Reminders...
Half days on Wed-Fri.
We will be having a fondue party on Friday, please send in something yummy to dip.
Empty backpacks nightly, we are slowly starting to send items home.

Weekly update for.... THE FINAL WEEK!

·      The kids have LOVED their “Boy Who Cried Wolf” play! Thank you volunteers for taking the time and energy to make this a really fun and interactive way to end the year! We will be performing in class tomorrow afternoon.

·      Just a reminder Monday and Tuesday next week are full school days, Wed-Fri are half days.

·      Spelling Bee! Next Friday, the last day, we will be doing a class spelling bee, covering all spelling words from the year. Spelling homework will consist of writing words they might need a little extra help with, word choices are all theirs!

·      World Travels: We are partnering up with the kinder classes and all sections will be traveling the world on Wednesday. Each class will represent a different continent; each section will stamp passports and provide a reading and craft/snack. I look forward to the travels!

·      Mrs. Smith and myself are soaking up every minute with our sweet kids; we are sure going to miss them. This school year has been jam packed with learning and FUN!

·      Please check your emails for a parent survey. You will be completing a teacher survey, I appreciate all comments and constructive criticism to better my methods each and every year. If for any reason you did not receive a survey you can contact the office  or email Mr. Gillingham directly with comments. :]

·      I would like to inform all families that we will be hosting a “Farewell to First Grade Fondue” party! This will take place on the last day of school. Please send in something sweet to dip into our chocolate fondue pots!

Next Week

History

More historical figures, we will also be making small group assembly lines as we read about Henry Ford!

Science

Wrapping up our ocean studies.

Literature

Reading together for the love of it! Also, practice those spelling words for our bee!

Math

Review, review, and more review.

Free choice math centers

Pioneer Day!

Weekly Update for Week of 05-16

·     10 more days of first grade! WOW!

·     Parent volunteers, this week we have a few parents coming in to help with a Readers Theater this week.  Thank you for your time and help, we will see you tomorrow!

This week:

History

As a class we will review the legend and reality of Sacagawea while finishing our pioneering journals.  We will also spend a few days reading and writing about historical figures such as Henry Ford and Amelia Earhart!

Science

Continuing with our ocean review. The assignment was not placed on their weekly agenda but your scholar will be assigned an ocean animal. In class we will complete the research, but we would LOVE some pictures of their animals. After animals are assigned please take the time to print 3-5 pictures of their ocean animal!

Math

Review, review, review! Students will also be working with their favorite math centers!

Literature

In small groups students will be reading, practicing, and performing “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”.

We LOVE Mrs. Smith

Today at Arete we are showing our appreciation and love for the best TA under the sun!

Dressing up!

We have wonderful news to share.... Scholars may embrace the Frontier Friday while dressing up as someone might dress in the pioneering days! Your child may dress as a pioneer, Sacajawea, Daniel Boone, or any other influential person of that era. For a few ideas, boys can wear denim jeans, boots, with a button down plaid shirt, fur/cowboy hat, and/or a bandana. For the girls, long dresses or skirts with a white shirt, apron, bonnet, and/or braid. If your child does not have any of the following items, uniforms need to be worn as usual.

Book reports

Frontier Friday!

The week is finally here, we are SO looking forward to celebrating on Friday. We are still in need of a few more helping hands and supplies. If you are able to provide any or both, many thanks! Please send in all supplies this Thursday, May 12th to be sure we have everything we need for Friday. I ask that items are not sent in any earlier due to storage space :] 

THANK YOU!!! 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ca9ab2ea2f94-1stgrade1

Pioneer Afternoon!

Weekly Update for the week of May 9th

·      Frontier Friday will be next week, on May 13^th! From 8-11:30. A signup genius was sent out earlier this morning, supplies and volunteers are much needed. If you could provide us with a supply item or two, or your time it would be very much appreciated! We are looking forward to celebrating together!

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ca9ab2ea2f94-1stgrade1

·      Scholar Store, the scholars have LOVED earning fun money this week. Mrs. Smith and myself have been keeping an extra eye out for friendship, integrity, and responsibility! They will have a chance to spend their earnings tomorrow afternoon!

·      Teacher appreciation week has been filled with so much love! Mrs. Smith and myself would like to kindly thank families and scholars for taking the extra time and effort to show much they appreciate their teachers and school.  It has been our pleasure to be apart of the happy and healthy 1A section. We have been spoiled with cards, candy, candles, coffees, and fresh flowers! The book we received today was over the top AMAZING! We looked at our year of memories as soon as we opened the present. THANK YOU!!!

·      Save the Dates:

Friday, May 13^th- Frontier Friday 8-11:30

Friday, May 20^th- Last day of clubs

Wednesday, May 25^th- Traveling the world

May 25^th-27^th- Half-days

Friday, May 27^th- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Next Week:

Math

As a class we will review concepts that need a little fine-tuning!

Science

We loved learning about the ocean layers and the interesting plants and animals living in this ecosystem.  We only had one week of ocean studies at the start of the year, these next 2 weeks we will recap our layers and the students will be assigned a layer or animal to research. Within the next 2 weeks your scholar may need to spend some time finding and printing pictures to bring in for their research project.

History

Continuing with our Lewis and Clark expedition, we will add to our pioneer journals. Pictures will be posted this afternoon of our whittling and apple drying activities!

Literature

Onto our last and final story, Pinocchio! We will be making Pinocchio puppets and focusing on character traits. I look forward to reading this classic together!

Pioneer Projects

Thank you families for bringing in the Dove soap bar (or multiple) and apple! If you have not already done so please send them in tomorrow for our pioneering projects. :] 

Teacher Appreciation

We are feeling loved beyond words! Thank you families and students for the flowers, books, cars, and pictures!