Country Clippings
March 2025
March is Reading Month at Country Elementary
Hi Country Families,
March is here, and that means it's Reading Month at Country Elementary. We were thrilled to kick off the celebration on Monday by revealing our 2025 One District, One Book selection: Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein. To learn more about this program, visit our webpage, where you'll find the reading schedule, trivia questions and winners, photos, and more.
Our school has been transformed into a carnival atmosphere, complete with tents in the library and games lining the walls. This month, our staff and PTO have planned numerous reading-centric activities for students, including weekly family challenges, our annual Book Fair, Special Persons Day, Family Fun Night, and engaging puzzles throughout our hallways for you to solve alongside your children.
In the classroom, our teachers are currently emphasizing student writing development through modeling, peer sharing, and vocabulary enrichment. In my November newsletter, I explained what writing looks like in the K-2 environment, noting that while it may not always meet adult expectations, our students are exactly where they should be developmentally.
Although March is Reading Month, reading and writing are complementary skills. Here are some enjoyable ways to foster writing at home: creating cards or notes for family and friends, making lists, keeping journals (pictures are perfectly acceptable), or describing objects in and around your home. These activities build vocabulary and make writing FUN. As someone whose passion is writing (it was my favorite aspect of teaching English), I welcome conversations about supporting young writers. Remember, the most important elements are enjoyment and choice.
Kindergarten, KinderReady, and Preschool registration opens March 1st. Easy links have been provided for your convenience.
Spring is just around the corner... after all the illness and cold, I'm ready for some sunshine on my face. Happy March! Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Kathleen Krill
Principal
810.225.6600
Safe at Home: Friday, March 7th
PTO Meeting: Tuesday, March 11th @ 7PM
Join us for monthly meetings in the Country library at 7 PM with free babysitting. We are always looking for moms and dads to help us collaborate with the staff to create memorable moments for our children. Our goal this year is to have one representative from each classroom on the PTO. Might that be you?
Visit our Facebook Page: Country Elementary PTO Rocks!
Mobile Food Pantry: Wednesday, March 12th
Students continue to make excellent progress in our coding curriculum:
- Kindergarten & First Grade: Students have advanced to the loops section of coding. Ask your child about "repeat blocks" to hear what they're learning.
- Second Grade: Students are completing the sequencing section. Consider asking your child about their favorite coding assignment (Angry Birds, Laurel, creating art with code, etc.).
Please contact me through Seesaw with any questions about our computer science program.
Thank you,
Cassidy Kamm
Kindergarten:
Our young artists created Hot Dogs and Cool Cats while learning how to use a palette. They experimented with mixing white and black paint with colors to create tones, tints, and shades. Students wore smocks and practiced drying their brushes to keep their paints clean. Up next, we will be learning about dandelions!
First Grade:
First-grade artists added Van Gogh-inspired skies to their cityscape drawings. They were introduced to the artist Vincent van Gogh and his textured painting style. The Starry Night served as inspiration for the swirling skies behind their buildings. We also explored pattern-making by designing and coloring windows for each building. Recently, we met the artist Pablo Picasso and discussed the concept of abstract art. Next, we will be creating Picasso-inspired portraits!
Second Grade:
Second-grade artists recently completed their patterned leaf drawings. They have also been working on symmetrical body drawings to complement the clay masks they created. Some students have finished this project and are now beginning their chalk landscape artworks, where they are learning to incorporate a foreground, middle ground, and background.
Throughout the art room, we continue to explore new materials, artists, and art vocabulary. Thank you for your ongoing support of your child’s creativity.
As always, you are welcome to reach out to me through Seesaw, and I invite you to join your child in the art room anytime to share in their creative learning experience!
Thank you,
Stephanie Couch
(810) 225-6443
