May 13, 2016
Dear Parents,
This week, we started the Planting Unit. In this Science unit, the children plant and care for their
Monday, I brought in 8 different types of vegetable and flower seeds for the students to plant in their own
gardens. The students sorted and observed the different shapes, sizes, and colors of the seeds. Many of
the students were surprised to see that the corn and pea seeds looked just like the corn and peas that
they have eaten as a vegetable! The students then took turns planting their own corn, peas, peppers,
pumpkin, beans, radishes, marigolds, and sunflowers. On Tuesday, the students illustrated the book
“Watch My Garden Grow”, and learned the different things plants need to help them grow and bloom into
a beautiful garden. On Wednesday, the students wrote a journal page about the parts of a flower. The
learned that the roots are like fingers that grow into the ground to hold the plant in the dirt, the stem is like
the straw that brings the water and nutrients from the soil up to the plant, the leaves use photosynthesis to
make food from the sun for the plant, and the petals or flower of the plant that will grow a fruit or the seeds
for a new plant. On Thursday, the students worked together to plant a class garden in our science table.
Today, the students illustrated a book about the important parts of plants. For homework this weekend,
please ask your child to read his/her two plant books illustrated this week.
Today, the students celebrated earning 100 Eagle Awards for good behavior. They had a fun
pajama day and watched the movie “Curious George” as a reward. Students will continue earning Eagle
Awards the rest of the year for being “Safe, On Time and On Task, Accepting Responsibility, and
Respecting Self and Others”. If your child brings home an Eagle Award in his/her backpack, please let
your child know how proud you are of him/her for making good choices at school!
We are continuing our daily practice for our Enormous Watermelon play with Mrs. Sparacio’s
Kindergarten class in the afternoon on May 20th. I am so very proud of all of the students for learning their
lines for the play. As of today, ALL of our students have their lines memorized and they no longer need to
read it off of their practice card! That is a huge accomplishment for all of the students to be able to say
their lines with expression and a proud smile! Please save the date for our Enormous Watermelon Play
on your calendar, all family members are invited to join us for the play and watch our students put on a
wonderful play based on familiar nursery rhymes. Doors will open at 2:00pm for seating for the play. The
play will begin promptly at 2:30pm, followed by a short video for the parents and family members in the
Library, while the students change out of their costumes. If you signed up to bring watermelon slices or a
treat for the reception after the play, please send it to school in the morning so we can have everything
ready to share after the show.
On May 23rd, Kindergarten will be going on a field trip to Morton Arboretum from 9:15am to
11:45am for our “Seed to Plant” unit. Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather on the day
of the field trip. The entire field trip will be outdoors.
Exploremore Day will be on Friday, May 27th. We would like all parent volunteers to arrive at
Emerson at 9:15am. The students will be going to 3 classes in the morning. After the morning session, a
catered lunch is provided for all parent volunteers. If you will be helping out our students that day, please
plan to stop in and enjoy a wonderful lunch before heading home. The All Day Kindergarten class will be
joining our class in the afternoon for a movie.
***Reminders***
May 20 – Kindergarten Enormous Watermelon Play
May 23 – Morton Arboretum Field Trip
May 27 – Exploremore Day
May 30 – Memorial Day – No School
Have a wonderful weekend!!!!
Miss Jen