Welcome to December!
This week we welcomed our students back to an all-virtual classroom and we also welcomed the month of December. After the joy of Thanksgiving and time with our families, it's time to settle in for our final three weeks of first semester. Each week this month, I am reflecting on one specific aspect of our semester that was different from any other school year, and how we adapted to the changes. This week, I am reflecting on the virtual world, and how technology has become more integrated and more important than ever! In order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, we spent our first week this month in a completely virtual classroom. Our students adapted to this shift like champions. It was truly inspiring to me to watch our young and old students take on the changes and the challenges with enthusiasm. It made me reflect that we as adults have so much to learn from our children, and that we as educators have so much to learn from our students. Thank you to each and every student who made this a great first week of December, and I hope we continue to adapt as the year goes on!
Writing Prompts
Ms. Versen's daily writing prompt on the final day of November included new information about National Personal Space Day - a day to celebrate giving yourself some room to chill and feel comfortable! It was a perfect theme for 2020, where we have learned how beneficial physical space can be.
Ms. Wildermuth's Weather Report
When Ms. Wildermuth started the lesson on Monday, it was chilly but sunny....but by the time the class was working on their daily weather report, the first snow of the year had begun to fall! It was fun to learn about why snowfall at this time of the year is both surprising and expected all at the same time.
Ms. Teska's 2nd Graders
At this exact moment, students were preparing for the day and most couldn't even be seen on camera yet. But shortly after, students had their materials ready and were geared up to learn in their first virtual day! It was great to see how easily they transitioned and how well prepared they were.
Family Time
Ms. Bryant is somehow teaching art virtually from home while she makes sure that her son George is concentrated and focused in his own Patrick Henry virtual class! It was great to see George on screen!
Changing of the Season
Even though we are virtual, we noticed a major change as we transitioned from November to December this year with the first snow! I love checking in with our younger grades as they review the days of the week, the months of the year, the changing of the seasons, and the weather!
Lost Tooth!
Ms. Hammock's daughter Kayla made a special appearance on screen today as she lost another tooth! Even though we miss having everyone in person at Patrick Henry, the virtual classroom gives us opportunities to connect with each other on a different level. Hopefully the Tooth Fairy was also watching this virtual moment!
Extra Help
Ms. Versen and Ms. Norton-Young work together seamlessly to make sure all students are getting the support they need in the virtual world. Even though we miss both teachers in person, it's great to see them make things work in the virtual classroom! Also, congrats to Jersi, who is pictured here working on her morning writing assignment!
Ms. Butler's Letter Work
Pictured here practicing their uppercase and lowercase F's, Ms. Butler's first graders are working hard and concentrating!
Numbers numbers everywhere
Ms. Jackson's division lesson was an exciting affair on Tuesday when students were able to use their notes from Monday to attempt division problems on their own. It was a great way to build students' confidence as they practiced the many steps of division!
Writing Prompts
Dolton was hard at work responding to his virtual writing prompt and practicing his writing skills in his notebook.
Highlight on Parent Involvement
One of the most incredible things to see during this unusual school year is how hard our parents work to make sure our students are successful in the virtual world. Pictured here is Monty and his mom, who is ensuring that Monty follows along with Ms. Butler. It is so fun to watch parents work with their children directly, and it is also inspiring to us to see them work their own jobs from home while their children are there with them! We are really proud of our Patrick Henry parents for stepping up so well during these difficult times. Awesome job!
Student Shoutout: Jada Smith
Prior to Thanksgiving break, Jada assisted Ms. Brandon in rescuing a family of kittens who made Patrick Henry's property their home. Ms. Brandon treated Jada to a special thank you lunch for her service to the kittens, who now have comfortable new homes and families to love on them. Awesome job, Jada and Ms. Brandon!
December: Spirit Month!
Join us for our upcoming spirit days to celebrate our last two weeks of school before Winter Break! We hope you enjoyed our first week of Spirit Month!
- Dec 7: You Know Dasher and Dancer...(dress like a reindeer!)
- Dec 8: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (wear your favorite winter hat!)
- Dec 9: Twin Day (dress like your friend - bonus points if it's winter-themed!)
- Dec 10: Favorite Winter Plaid (wear your checkered shirts with pride!)
- Dec 11: Jeans + Holiday Sweater
- Dec 14: Movie Monday (dress in the theme of your favorite holiday movie!)
- Dec 15: Santa's Helpers (dress up like any of the friends who live at the North Pole!)
- Dec 16: Ugly Sweater Contest (wear your worst, most ridiculous holiday sweater!)
- Dec 17: Jeans + Holiday Sweater
Reminder that Thursday, December 17th is the last day of school for students. We wish you all the merriest of holidays, and hope you all stay safe and healthy!
