The Edgartown School on Martha's Vineyard - a nationally-recognized blue ribbon school of excellence

You have reached the web page for Kate McCormick.
kate_mccormick (at) mvyps.org

March to the Sea: Friday, May 24 - 1 pm

Please remember to read the poem of the week with your child each night.

May 20, 2013

Hello Parents of 1Mc:

Last Friday we had a wonderful field trip to the MV Museum to look at farming tools. Thanks to the chaperones and Officer Stephanie who helped us safely walk over. This Friday, May 24 is March to the Sea.

Here is an overview of work covered in our class this week:

Reading: We are moving forward with Theme 8 of the Houghton Mifflin Reading Program. The theme is "Our Earth," with a focus on the story elements of problem and solution, as well as retell (characters, setting, problem/solution) and sequence (first, next, then, last). The phonics pattern is base words with the endings –ed and –ing.

Writing: This week our writing focus will be informational. We will read and write about a story about Johnny Appleseed. We will practice introducing the topic and providing closure at the end of our writing. We use a graphic organizer to support independence in this multi-step task. We will also work on our lower case letter formation.

Math: This week we will complete Unit 5 with an assessment. We have been practicing many strategies to determine the missing partner of a teen total in a math mountain, equation, and word problem.

Science: We will spend time in the garden on Thursday planting carrots.

PTA Update:

BOX TOPS FUNDRAISING: Final Spring Push! Friday June 14 is the last day to turn in box tops. The winning class treated to healthy popsicle party at recess.

Upcoming PTA sponsored events:

Garden Celebration – Friday June 7 (Parent Volunteers Needed)

Bike Rodeo – June TBD

PTA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: The PTA is looking for new members. The next PTA meetings are Tuesday May 14 and June 11 at 8:20 am after drop-off in the faculty meeting room in the cafeteria.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My email is kmccormick@mvyps.org.

All my best,

Kate McCormick

Our specials schedule this year:

Monday: Art

Tuesday: Music and Gym (sneakers)

Wednesday: Library and Computer

Thursday: Health

Friday: Gym (sneakers) and Computer

**Please be sure your child has his/her sneakers on Gym days!**

File Cabinet for Ms. McCormick's Class

September 30, 2012

Schedule 2012 Final.docx
This is our class schedule.
Click here to download.

September 5, 2012

Day 1 Note Home.docx
This contains general information about our first grade class (i.e. schedule, lunch, homework, dismissal).
Click here to download.

August 31, 2012

Summer 2012 Letter to Parents.docx
Here is a general overview of First Grade as well as a Student Information Sheet to be filled out by parents.
Click here to download.

Recommended sites

Bar Model Website
Students may use this website to practice solving word problems using bar models. This is a great way to help students visualize the math embedded in language as well as deepen their understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. We have been using this website in the classroom whole group on the smart board.

Kid Helper Project
Kid Helper is a teacher-created approach to encourage students to share and develop problem solving strategies. As a result, it empowers children to collaborate to address social challenges in school. The class takes on the role of Kid Helpers. Realistic (and age-appropriate) student problems are summarized and generalized in the form of a “Dear Abby” letter, which is addressed to “Kid Helper.” The problems come from the teacher's observations, actual students, as well as parent concerns. Students work whole group, in pairs, and individually to write a response to the letter, giving good advice and strategies. When necessary, a school guidance counselor serves as a Kid Helper consultant, providing support around problem solving strategies.