Au revoir!

Parents and guardians,

Here is my last blog post to thank you for all your kind words and gifts today. I would like to thank you for giving me the gift of working with your children over the last two months. They are all absolute gems!

Below are some photographs of our last art project together. These masterpieces were inspired by Van Gogh's The Starry Night. 

I have chosen to call our art, Lightfoot's Sunny Skies. Thank you very much to our resident artist, Ms. Carstairs for her leadership on this project!

We have sunny skies ahead of us and I am wishing you all a wonderful summer full of rest and family fun and adventure!

All the best!

Sharon Lightfoot

3-D Shapes Everywhere!

Parents and Guardians,

I hope that your child shared with you the 3-D shapes that they created that were sent home yesterday! During this unit of study, students learned how to compare, sort and reproduce 3-D shapes. They had a lot of fun making them and learning about their different attributes. Ask them what a face, edge and vertex is and be prepared... the students plan on testing you! 😃

IMPORTANT Report Card Information

IMPORTANT Report Card Information

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The end of the year is fast approaching and your child's report card 

will be coming home soon! To help you understand your child's literacy 

grades, please see below for information and expectations that are standard 

across all Grade One classes.

For reading; based on our Fountas and Pinnell assessment system, 

your child should be reading at a level H/I by the end of grade 1. 

The assessment is based on decoding (sounding out the words), 

fluency (expression and pace) and comprehension (does the student 

understand what they have read and some of the underlying meanings 

of the text?). They need to be proficient in all three areas to be 

considered 'at' this level. Here is an example of the text you would find 

in an I level book:

Students may need help with one or two words and their meaning but overall they
should be able to read this smoothly and be able to re-tell the important information
and key events.For writing, the students are expected to express ideas and information
in a way that is legible and have sentences that make sense. Here is an example of a
basic grade-level writing sample (2):

The child uses capitals at the beginning of sentences, periods at the end and spells
most common sight words correctly. There are some spelling mistakes but it is easily
understood by the reader. The picture matches the writing. The next sample is a child who
would receive a 3 at the end of grade 1.  In addition to the expectations above, this child
added some more interesting details, started sentences in different ways and used
alternate words for descriptive or action words. Notice the use of 'snap' and 'tuck':

Finally here is an example of a 4. The student came up with a story that follows a
logical sequence, used interesting vocabulary and started the sentences in different
and interesting ways. There is appropriate punctuation and spelling.

The above information has been clearly explained to your children so
that they know what to expect and so that they have a goal to word towards
throughout the school year. I hope this helps you, the parents, understand
our Grade One literacy goals.

End-of-Year Updates

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Home Reading

Thank you, parents, for supporting your children in this year's home reading program! Please note that the home reading program is done for the year. If you have not already returned your home reading books, please do so right away.

Reading levels in Raz Kids will soon be adjusted to reflect the students' current reading level, and students are encouraged to continue reading over the summer.  Students at Kenneth D. Taylor attended a presentation from a local Calgary Public Library librarian today. Ask your son/daughter about the special summer programs available at your local library!

Game day - Tuesday

We are going to engage in a cooperative game day in our class tomorrow (Tuesday) during which time students will practice sharing their favourite board games with their peers. Students will have an opportunity to practice their presentation skills as they explain the rules and objectives of their chosen board game, and will further enhance their team building and collaborative skills through community play. So, please send in your child's favourite board game and please ensure that the game is clearly labeled with your child's name.

Last Day of School 

Here at Kenneth D. Taylor School, students celebrate the end of the year by joining together at our year-end assembly beginning at 8:30 am. Parents are welcome to join us for this year-end celebration.  Thank you to all parents who have offered to bring in a special treats for all students. However, due to allergies and dietary restrictions, we will not be sharing treats. Students may bring their own individual treat that day if they wish.

Reminder: Wednesday is early dismissal and students will be sent home with their report cards, swimming reports and their Grade One masterpieces at 11:30 am.

National Aboriginal Day is June 21!

Parents/Guardians,

Tomorrow, June 21, is National Aboriginal Day and we will be celebrating with a school-wide Aboriginal-themed Sports Day.

Please send your son/daughter to school dressed appropriately in athletic-type clothing and running shoes. Weather permitting, we will be outside for most of the afternoon.

Swimming Lessons Start Again on Monday!

Calling All Student Artists!

Parents/Guardians,

Please see below for some important information regarding an opportunity for your son/daughter to use their art skills to contribute to our school's first yearbook!