Fields’ Focus

Play Dough Recipe

            Today in social studies, we created Navajo pots using play dough I made with my grandmother’s recipe.  Here’s the recipe, in case you would like to use it.  It is MUCH cheaper than buying it, and I know I loved it dearly as a kid!  J

Grandma Burge’s Play Dough

1 cup flour

1 Tablespoon alum

½ cup salt

1 cup water

1 tablespoon oil

1 tablespoon vanilla

Food coloring

Mix all ingredients.  Add oil and water.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Divide into balls and work in food coloring by kneading.  Keep in a plastic bag or Tupperware.

Well, it’s been a wonderful week again!  The kids are so motivated to learn!  They seemed to have fun with our “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh” song this week.  I know I loved to sing it as a kid.  They got to listen to Allan Sherman, the artist who wrote the song, sing it yesterday and today.  Then they made little puppets and a “stage” to show character and setting.  We didn’t get to act in the “play” until today, but I think they loved it!  (I know I’ve been hearing that song sung under their breaths all day!  )

Have a fantastic three day weekend!

I have had requests from several parents for the Specials Schedule, so here it is:

Day 1 - Art

Day 2 - PE/Music

Day 3 - Music/PE

Day 4 - Writing

Day 5 - Technology/Guidance

Day 6 - Technology/Library

Today, Monday, August 18th is Day 4.

What a great first week!  The kids are so excited and motivated to learn!  It just makes a teacher so happy!  :-)  This second week of school, we will begin easing into our regular schedule.  This Monday we have also begun passing out money as incentives.  Right now, each child will receive three pennies a day, and he or she will have plenty of opportunities to earn more throughout the day. 

Wow!  Orientation last night was so fun!  I had 22 out of 25 families show up, so that was very exciting.  It’s always very hectic, but I love meeting my students and their families.  I am sure we’ll be getting to know more of each other in the future.

 I will attempt to send home a newsletter tomorrow, but it MAY be later.  The beginning of the year is always a little insane for me, so please be patient with me.  As for the first day, you are welcome to send in supplies (if you haven’t already), and I would like to have your forms as soon as possible.  If you did not get to make it last night, I will send home a “Dixie Folder” with important forms and a calendar in it.  Also, if you have any socks at home that you would be willing to donate, I would love to have them!  We use CLEAN socks to wipe off the children’s white boards.

 Remember that you are more than welcome to walk your child to the classroom the first TWO days of school.  I would love to see you all again! 

 If you ever have any questions, never hesitate to call, e-mail, send in a note, or stop by and visit me.  I am looking forward to working with all of you! 

Well, I haven’t been so great at the summer blogging, but I hope to get back into the swing of things soon.  School is literally just around the corner - can you believe it????  We’ll be seeing each other very soon!

I wanted to let you know about some things coming up at Dixie.  Our New Student Orientation will be Monday, August 11th from 5:30 until 7:00.  Our Lower Primary (kindergarten and first grade) informational meeting will start at 5:30, the Upper Primary (second and third grades) meeting will be at 6:00, and the intermediate (fourth and fifth grades) will begin at 6:30.

The first day of school is August 13th.  The building opens at 7:15, and classes start PROMPTLY at 7:45.

Also, there’s been a change in the building.  All second grade classes will now be in C-Complex, and all third grade classes will be in F-Complex.  I have moved to C-2, which was Ms. Noble’s old room.  I am really looking forward to meeting all of you!

Have a great last few weeks of summer!

Hi all,

Well, it’s been forever since my last blog!  Sorry about that.  The last part of the school year really did me in!  I hope everyone is having a fun, relaxing break.  Mine has been pretty busy.  I’m taking a class, teaching a class, and trying to clean my house!  (Ugh for the last part!)

Thanks again for a fabulous year.  My students and parents were simply WONDERFUL!

Hi all!! I meant to get a newsletter out today, but it just didn’t happen. I know the second graders are not testing, but it sure feels like we are. Things have been a little crazy here at Dixie!

I wanted to let you know about our crazy schedule the next two weeks. We will be staying together in our homeroom all day. Mrs. Curtis, our vice-principal , has come up with some fun activities for us to do. Because of the activities and the testing, we will have our Specials and Lunch at a different time. Specials will be at 10:45 now (for only 30 minutes), and Lunch will be at 11:35. Again, if you can, we would like to gather some snacks to give the children in the morning, so they don’t get hungry. We’ve gotten some snacks, but not enough to last us the two weeks. Anything would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks so much!

Also, due to testing, there will be no homework at all at Dixie for the next two weeks. We still ask for the students to read for at least 15 minutes a night.  Enjoy this little break!

Parents, I just received this information in an e-mail today.  I know some parents have asked about tutoring for their child during the summer.  Apparently, the Carnegie Center has some very good opportunities for this summer.  Call the phone number below for more information.

2008 Summer Tutoring Program at the Carnegie Center

Registration for summer tutoring will begin May 1!
Call or stop by to reserve your spot.
• Students will work with a tutor in small groups.
• $10 for the summer• Parents should register students for one of the slots below:

The Carnegie Center offers weekly, one-on-one tutoring for children in grades K-12th. The children will meet with volunteer tutors for one hour to receive extra help and support in reading, math, writing and more. There is a registration fee of $25 for the school year and $10 for the summer. For more information or to register, email or call Esther Edwards at 254-4175.

I showed this video to part of the classes today, and I told them I would put it on my blog for them.  I hope you enjoy it!!   It took MANY hours of hard, hard work!!!!

 Mayan Video