Dear first grade parents and learning buddies,

          Hooray!  We are nearing spring!  With the arrival of our new season we are reminded that we only have three more months together in first grade! 

Dates to Remember:

• April 2^nd:  12:00 dismissal for Good Friday
• April 2^nd:  12:00 dismissal for Good Friday
• April 5-9^th:  Spring Break
• April 21^st:  Miss Remington begins teaching. 
• April 26^th:  Mrs. Kilmer's last day before maternity leave (hopefully J)

Snacks

          Our classroom snack supply is again running low.  Please send in any healthy snacks you are able to provide ASAP.  Thank you so much!

Report Cards

          Report cards were sent home last Friday.  Everyone did an exceptional job this trimester!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns about your child's grades or progress.  Keep up the good work in the next trimester!!

DIBELS

          DIBELS reading assessments have been completed and scores will be sent home on Thursday.  The progress everyone showed was amazing! I am so proud of all the kids hard work this trimester!!   

IOWA Testing

          Each year Visitation students complete the ITBS test.  It is a standardized test used in the state of Iowa to determine student progress from year to year.  This year ITBS testing is scheduled from March 23^rd to 26^th.  However, because we take a bit longer than other classes to complete our test we have begun this week.  Testing takes place throughout the day with several breaks and "fun" times for the children to unwind.  As I have noted on the homework sheets, there will be no homework this week as I am not introducing any new material due to testing.  Enjoy!!

 Baby News

I have officially reached week 34 of my pregnancy.  Hopefully we only have about 4-6 weeks to go until our little man arrives!  Miss Brittney Remington is still set to be the full time sub to complete the school year.  As of right now she begins working on the 21^st of April with me.  We will complete the week together to help the children adjust to a new teacher while still having me here. Monday, April 26^th will be my last official day in the classroom.  Beginning April 27^th Brittney will take over as full time teacher and complete the year as I will not return to teaching until next fall.  However, plans may change if our little man decides to come into the world earlier than expected.  I will be sure to keep you updated on our pregnancy progress as we begin visiting the doctor every week from here on out!  J  

          Thank you so much for your continued support at home!  As usual, please feel free to contact me anytime with questions, comments or concerns!  I look forward to my last few weeks with your wonderful children for this year!!

With Love,

Mrs. Stephanie Kilmer