The Beginning

So it is 10:30 AM, and the first day of school ... I wonder how the day is going ... Here is a sneak peak of our first hours together ...

We started our day, on the rug, introducing ourselves. We had a birthday, so we learned the class birthday song (sung to the theme of the "Lone Ranger").

We watched Announcements. There is a GREAT introduction this year!! Here are some images we viewed:

Captain Olweus and Friendship Girl

From the Grand Opening of the New Playground in July

Then our reporters started the newscast. What a GREAT start to our first day!

Today's Reporters

Our weather forecast.

A message from Principal Mr. Voshell and Assistant Principal Mr. Meyer

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a kindergarten class from last year

The final message of announcements.

After Announcements, we practiced our safety expectations. We practice for a fire drill, severe weather, and a lock down. Starting the day with some movement is always welcome.

Where we stand during a fire drill.

What a Severe Weather Plan looks like.

Next, Mr. Lyon and Mrs. Arens brought their fourth grade classes into our room. Ms. Leom had to leave for a meeting with Mr. Voshell, and in her absence arrived, K.I.Dee. This "new student" needed A LOT of help in learning about the classroom expectations. Eye rolling, huffing, stomping your feet, chewing gum, spitting your gum on the table, feet on the desk, interrupting, taking selfies, listening to music, turning in ripped homework, and so much more ... is not acceptable fourth grade behavior. Once the students straightened her out, we were able to talk about our Responsibility Cards and how they work. We will be using them on a trial basis this week, with "that would be a punch" or "that would be initials" examples given in class. 

K.I.Dee, a new student, captured a selfie of her shenanigans

 As students are working on Family Posters, we took First Day of Fourth Grade pictures. We LOVE all these smiling faces!

Other conversations this morning ...

- making our room a safe place to make mistakes

- passing gas is natural, normal, and it happens. Say, "excuse me". Be forgiving of others. Move on.

- our peanut-free classroom and what it means for us. There is a hand-out coming home.

- being smart isn't a test score. It is being open to learning and working hard.

- where things are in the classroom

We started Specials at 10:30. Mr. Narveson is our Phy-Ed teacher.

Check back later to see more highlights of our first day. :)