Christmas Concert

Our Christmas concert was a success this year!  The kids sang beautifully and even had a special visitor from the one and only Santa Claus!  Santa brought Mrs. Claus along too!  :)

December 2016

Boy oh boy has it been a fun (and busy) few months!!  I am learning to adjust to my new life with less sleep.  :)  I will be more diligent now about updating the blog after Christmas break.  For the time being, here are a few baby pictures to share some cuteness! 

I hope you all have a great holiday season and a fabulous new year!

Ms. Brittany

A little Mommy and Mason time.  :)

Mason enjoying his first snow fall.

October 2016

Can you believe it!?!?!?  October is right around the corner!  I am updating the blog a little early, since Baby Zenner could be making his appearance any time.  The kids are adjusting very nicely to school and have met Ms. Roxanne who will be the sub while I am on maternity leave.  They love her, and she is going to do a GREAT job!

We continue to work on following school rules and expectations and learning the routines of our days here.  The kiddos are working so hard!  Parent/Teacher conferences are right around the corner!  Conferences will take place next Friday, September 30th and Thursday, October 13th.  We look forward to meeting with each of you for your child's conference.  It is fun to share some of their work with you so that you can see the progress they've made in just a short time.  Please look for information in your child's folder regarding our first Families Being Involved workshop, as well as the Halloween parties, which will take place at the end of the month!

October 3-7: Leaves and Fall

*We will be learning about the fall season and all of the changes that occur preparing us for winter.  We will make some fun fall projects and finish up some testing before P/T Conferences.

*Our letter of the week is Ll.

*Familes Being Involved (FBI) slips will come home on Monday and Tuesday of this week.  We hope you can make it to our first family event, which will be pumpkin carving!

October 10-14: Hibernation and Migration

*We will be learning the terms hibernation and migration and making a fun book about bears.

*There will be no letter this week due to having only one day of school for each group.

*FBI slips are due on Monday and Tuesday.  Please let us know if your family will be participating in the pumpkin carving event.

*There will be no school for Pre-K on Wednesday, October 12th due to Child Development Day.

*There will be no school for all grades on Thursday, October 13th due to parent/teacher conferences.

*There will be no school for all grades on Friday, October 14th.  

October 17-21: Fire Safety Week

*We will be learning about fire safety and creating some fun projects including a fire house and a dalmatian!

*We will be learning about letter Ff.

*October's book order is due Monday and Tuesday of this week.

*On Monday, October 17th and Tuesday, Oct. 18th we will have our first Pre-K fluoride varnish.  Your child will participate if you have signed and returned the consent form.

*Our first Families Being Involved workshop will take place on Friday, October 21st beginning at 9:00 A.M. in the MAES Commons.  Families are invited to carve a pumpkin!

October 24-28: Halloween

*We will be creating fun Halloween projects this week.

*Our letter will be Jj.

*Our Halloween parties will be on Wednesday, October 26th and Thursday, October 27th in the afternoon.  More information will be in your child's folder.

*We will be finishing up re-testing quarter 1 skills for the report cards, which will come out in November.

Child Development Day Information

Please read below for information related to Child Development Day, which will take place this fall.  

What: Child Development Day for the Medford Area Public School District

Who: All children in the Medford Area Public School District who will be at least 2 years of age by October 12, 2016 but will NOT be 5 years of age by September 1, 2017. 

When: Wednesday October 12, 2016 from 8:00 am up to 6:00 pm.  Scheduled times will vary. 

Where: Medford Area Elementary School Gymnasium

How: Make your appointments by contacting the Medford Area Public School District Office at 715-748-4620 ext 534. Registration is open at anytime. 

Why: 

• Developmental readiness screening for your child(ren)
• Community early education and development resources available for your family
• Dental, Hearing, and Vision Checks
• Resource bag for each child
• Free books sponsored by the Taylor County Literacy Council
• DNA Safety Kits sponsored by the Medford Police Department
• Child Care Agencies Registration

September 2016

Hello Pre-K Families,
We are off to a GREAT start this year in Pre-K!  The kiddos are getting familiar with school rules and routines and are enjoying their time here.  Thanks for all you do at home to help prepare your child for school each day.

Please take a minute to check out the tabs on top and familiarize yourself with our classroom blog!  There is a lot of useful information as well as fun games for your children to play at home!  I will update the blog monthly, as well as add pictures of any fun projects or activities we may do throughout the course of the year.  These are the themes and letters we will be covering for the month of September:

September 12-16 : Shapes
*We will focus on the four basic shapes: circle, square, triangle and rectangle.  We will be making some fun projects as well as playing shape games and singing the Shape Hokey Pokey!  Our first family project is due back this week!  We will have a special visitor this week too!  

*We will have our first day of Library on Monday and Tuesday.  Your child will be able to check out a book during library time.  Please remember your child will need to return his/her book before a different library book may be checked out.

*Ms. Roxanne will be stopping in to meet each class and spend some time getting to know our classroom.  She will be the long term substitute teacher while I am gone on maternity leave.  She is going to be GREAT!

*There is an EARLY RELEASE day on Wednesday, September 14th.  Students will be dismissed at 1:52 P.M.



September 14-18 : Apples "Aa"
*We will be learning about where apples come from and how they grow.
*We will be learning about letter Aa.

*On Wednesday and Thursday morning we will be making applesauce!  Please send a baking apple with your child on or before Wednesday, Sept. 21st or Thursday, Sept. 22nd.



September 21-25 : 5 Senses "Yy"
*We will be learning about our 5 senses and taking a 5 senses walk on the Kuse Nature Trail on Monday and Tuesday (weather permitting).  If the weather does not cooperate, we will take our walk on Wednesday and Thursday.
*We will be learning about letter Yy.

*Ms. Brittany will be holding Parent/Teacher conferences on Friday, September 30th from 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM.

REMINDERS:  
Child Development Day is Wednesday, October 12th.  There is no school for Pre-K students this day.
Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled for Oct. 13th.  There is no school for all students this day.  
There is also NO SCHOOL for all students on Friday, Oct. 14th.

Welcome 2016-17

Dear Pre-K Families, 

I would like to welcome you to the Medford Elementary School and to my pre-kindergarten class!  I am really looking forward to meeting all of you at our upcoming open house!  The open house will be on Monday, August 29^th at 4:00-4:30 for the Mon./Wed. group and 4:45-5:15 for the Tues./Thurs. group. Upon arriving please join me in our classroom where I will have a short checklist of items for you to take care of before leaving.  You will be asked to fill out your child’s emergency contact information, make a deposit into your family's lunch/snack/milk account, confirm bus information, view the classroom and ask any questions you might have.  (Please come prepared to take care these items).  If you can’t make it you are welcome to come in on Thursday, September 1^st at 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM to complete the necessary paperwork before school begins.

The open house will be a great opportunity for me to meet you and your child.  Upon arriving please pick up your child’s folder and checklist.  Feel free to explore the room, however, please let your children know that they WON’T be able to play with any of the toys as our time together is limited.  We will get to play with all of the fun toys on the very first day of school!  You are also welcome to walk around the school to help familiarize yourself and your child with its layout.

Your child will not need to bring his/her backpack during the night of open house but can bring his/her rest items.  (Remember that if the rest  items do not easily fit into the cubby space you will be asked to take them home and replace them with something smaller.  A beach towel and small travel sized pillow are recommended.)

At Open House you will have the opportunity to sign up for fall Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Please know beforehand, that there will be two days you may sign up.  Friday, September 30th and Thursday, October 13th.  I am expecting our first child in early October and will no tbe here on the October conference day.  My substitute and Ms. Paula (our assistant) will be here to meet with you.  The same information will be shared regardless if you meet with the substitute or with me.  As we all know, the baby will make most of the decisions, so thank you in advance for understanding if changes need to be made to the conference schedule.  If you have questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to ask.  :)

  

I’m looking forward to meeting each of you and hope your child is excited for the upcoming school year!

Ms. Brittany

Goodbye Friends

I can hardly believe that another school year as come and gone.  Wow!!  It surely flew by.  I really enjoy seeing the progress that each of the kiddos have made from September until now.  They sure are ready for Kindergarten and will have a fabulous time next year.  

First off, I would like to say thank you for sending your child to Pre-K at MAES.  Without that first step, I wouldn't have been able to meet them, help them learn and enjoy their wonderful personalities.  I would also like to thank you for playing a vital role in the success of your child, in and out of school, and for encouraging them as they began their schooling venture.  Your support means a lot and it has been a pleasure getting to work with each of your families.

I hope you all have a safe, happy, and healthy summer and I look forward to seeing these kiddos next year in the hallways and at lunch as Kindergarteners!  

Happy summer,
Ms. Brittany

Scavenger Hunt

On Wednesday and Thursday our classes participated in a scavenger hunt on the Kuse Trail.  This scavenger hunt was to reward our positive behavior as the school year comes to an end.  We ended up at the Kuse Farm and were able to meet Hildegard and Loretta.  They were gracious enough to let us tour their farm and meet many of the animals they had.  We even stopped along the way on the trail for a quick picture.  Our goal was to see if everyone could fit on the bench at the same time.  We ended with a snack of trailmix and a juicebox.  What a nice end of the year celebration!

Meeting the Pups

Ms. Brittany has been promising since Pets week that Zoe and Addie would get to come in for a visit.  With the cold, snowy, muddy weather we've had this spring, the girls finally made it to school last week.  The kids were so excited to meet them and Zoe and Addie were on their best behavior.  Each child had the opportunity to pet the dogs and throw the ball for them.  What a fun activity for everyone!!  We have to send a special "thanks" to Mr. MJ for taking his lunch break two days in a row to bring the dogs to school!

Treyton's turn to throw the ball while the others watch.

Giving Zoe a little pat before she heads back home.

The M/W kids petting Addie.

The T/TH class getting to pet each dog before we played fetch.

Getting to meet all of the kids.  

Throwing the ball to Addie while Zoe watches.  :)

Highway Department Field Trip

In the beginning of May we ventured to the Taylor County Highway Department to learn about all the machines that the men and women use to make sure our roads are kept up.  Mr. Rick showed us all sort of equipment and explained what each piece was used for.  We learned how to be safe around these big machines if we see them on the roads and to be sure to stay out of the way if we see them coming.  Our favorite part was hearing the L-O-U-D horn on the snowplow truck!  

Below you will find each class in front of the snowplow.  You can click on the image to enlarge it.  :)

M/W Class with the big snow plow.

T/TH Class at the Highway Dept.

May 2016

May is just around the corner!  I can't believe how fast the months continue to fly by.   I keep telling the kiddos they're almost ready for Kindergarten...most of them have decided they are going to stay back in Pre-K with me.  :)  The month of May is packed full of fun and exciting things.  Please remember to check the blog or the Classroom Newsletters each week to find dates, times and information about upcoming events and field trips.  Below you can find a brief description of events in May!

May 2-5

*Our theme this week is Mother's Day and Transportation.

*On Monday and Tuesday we will be making our moms some special Mother's Day gifts.  

*On Wednesday and Thursday we will focus more on Transportation as we take a field trip to the Taylor County Highway Department.  There, we will get to hop in some big machines and learn how the Highway Department keeps our roads safe and clean.  Please have your child dress in older clothing this day.

May 9-12

*Our theme this week is Farm.

*We will learn about farm animals and make some fun projects.  

*On Wednesday and Thursday, Beth from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board will be coming to school to read us a story and to make a special snack with us.  Beth will help the students learn how things that are grown by farmers are turned into the foods we eat.  Each child will get a copy of the book to take home with them!  

May 16-19

*Our theme this week is Caterpillars and Butterflies.

*We will learn about the life cycle of a butterfly through many different activities.  

*Students will also be introduced to the term "symmetry" as they work to create their very own butterfly projects.

*On Wednesday and Thursday of this week we will be going to the Kuse Nature Trail at 1:45 P.M. for our PBIS Scavenger Hunt.  Please send students to school with rain boots in case the trail is muddy and wet.

May 23-26

*Our theme this week is Bugs and Frogs.

*On Wednesday and Thursday we will be taking a trip to the school forest.  There, we will look for bugs, frogs, plants, colors, shapes, etc. as we walk to the pond.  We will explore the woods and the pond and will finish up back by the hall for a snack!  Please dress your child for "the woods".  You may also spray them with bug spray before sending them to school.  To learn more about the school forest, click the link! School Forest Information

May 30 - June 3

*There is NO SCHOOL for all grades on Monday, May 30th due to Memorial Day.

*Our theme this week is Goodbye Friends. 

*We will work on cleaning up our classroom and sending home projects and belongings.

*We will also make some Father's Day projects for our amazing dads!

*On Wednesday and Thursday morning, we will be taking our final field trip to the City Park for some fun at the park and a picnic lunch.  We will be walking to and from the park so please have your child wear tennis shoes!  More information will be coming home to inform you about bag lunches provided by the school.

April 2016

Welcome to April!  Hopefully soon we start to have more spring-like weather!  I am amazed at how fast the months are flying by.  It is hard to believe in a few short months these kiddos will be heading out my door and onto Kindergarten!  :)  We have a busy April, followed by an even busier May!!  Be sure to check the Classroom Newsletter to find dates, times and information about upcoming events and field trips.  Below you can find info for the month of April!

April 4-8: Pets

*We will be learning about pets this week.  We will talk about animals that make good pets and how to take care of these animals.  Students will get to share stories about their own pets or about a pet they wish they could have.

*Our letter is Xx.

*We will be reviewing number 8.

*Our field trip to the Medford Veterinary Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6th and Thursday, April 7th in the morning.  If you need to know specific times for the field trip, please contact me.

April 11-15: Seeds and Flowers & WOTYC

*We will be celebrating The Week of the Young Child (WOTYC).  Dress up days are as follows:

--Monday - Crazy Sock Day

--Tuesday - Sports Day

--Wednesday - Wear an Animal Day (wear a shirt with an animal on it)

--Thursday - Beach Day

--Friday - Wear your Favorite Color Day

*We will be learning about Seeds and Flowers. 

*Our letter is Uu.

*We will be reviewing number 9.

*On Wednesday and Thursday of this week we will be going to the MAES gym for a special presentation of Hairy and Company.

*Thursday, April 14th is Pre-K registration from 3:30-5:30 PM.  This is also the evening of the Beach Party- Pre-K Pot Luck Dinner and Dance.  The dinner will be from 5:00-5:30PM and the dance will be from 5:30-6:00PM in the MAES Commons/Cafeteria.  If your family hasn't sign up, but would like to please do as ASAP.

April 18-29: Oceans

*Oceans is a two week theme where we will be learning all about the world under the sea.  

*Our very last letter of the year will be Bb.

*We will be reviewing number 10.

*Ms. Brittany will have a sub on Wednesday, April 27th and Thursday, April 28th for PALS testing.  

March 2016

Hello,

Just like THAT, March is here!  Hopefully the weather will begin warming up and spring will be on its way!  We can hope, right?  :)  Below you will find more information about our March themes and other events that will be taking place.  Please remember that even though the temps may warm up, our playground is still covered in snow.  This means winter clothes are necessary for recess.  Please continue to send winter clothing until you hear otherwise.  Thanks!!

February 29 - March 4: Dr. Seuss and Rhyming

*This week we read many Dr. Seuss books and continued to talk about rhyming.  We made many fun projects including a Cat in the Hat headband and the Cat in the Hat.

*We learned about letter Rr.

*We reviewed number 4.

*The Swimming FBI slips were due on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.  

*Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences are from 3:45-6:30 PM on Thursday, March 3rd.  These conferences are only for those requested by a parent or teacher.

March 7-11: Zoo

*This week we will be learning about animals that live in a zoo and why we have zoos.

*We will be learning about letter Zz.

*We will be reviewing number 5.

*March's family project, The Rhyming Chart, is due back on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

March 14-18: St. Patrick's Day

*This week we be learning about St. Patrick's Day by making leprechaun projects and by talking about shamrocks and luck.  I wonder if that quick and quiet leprechaun will visit our classroom!?!?!

*We will be learning about letter Qq.

*We will be reviewing number 6.

*March's Families Being Involved workshop will be held on Friday, March 18th from 1:30-2:30 PM at the MASH pool!  Students and families are invited in for an hour of swimming and pool fun!  If your family signed up, you'll be receiving an informational sheet in your child's folder.

March 21 - April 1: Easter and Spring

*Easter will be a two week theme.  During these weeks we will make spring and Easter projects, play a fun Easter memory game, and share our own experiences about Easter.

*We will be learning about letter Ee.

*We will be reviewing numbers 7.

*Information about April's Families Being Involved workshop will be coming home and will be due back before Easter break.  We will be having a pot luck dinner and dance!

*There is NO SCHOOL for all students Friday, March 25th  - Tuesday, March 29th due to teacher inservice and Easter break.  School will resume on Wednesday, March 30th.  HAPPY EASTER!!!

Games Week

Recently we had Games Week in Pre-K.  During this time, we learned how to play numerous board games and worked on rule following, turn taking, being good sports and congratulating others when they won.  On Wednesday and Thursday of Games Week, we had older students come and play board games with us in the Media Room.  This was sure a lot of fun!

A Visit from the Dentist

On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, we had two special visitors from the Gelhaus Dental Clinic in Medford.  Dr. Sally and Dr. Ben brought in some fun activities to teach us about our teeth!  The students learned about the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth, knowing which foods and treats are better for our teeth than others, and what to expect at a visit to the dental office.  The Gelhaus Dental Clinic generously donated goodie bags to each student too!  What a great Valentine's treat!