Summer Reading

Have fun this summer and read fun books!  Here's a great schedule to help you find a great book during the summer months!  Click to enlarge :)

Ron Clark Academy!!!

My school district invited Ron Clark to speak to all of our teachers and staff at the beginning of the school year.  Ron Clark is a middle school teacher in Atlanta.  But he is much more than that!  He has a phenomenal story and started his own middle school in Atlanta.

Just a little background…

Ron Clark was a teacher in his home state of North Carolina and wanted to make a difference.  He moved to Harlem and began teaching a group of students that had the lowest test scores in the school district.  In just one year he took this group of low performing students from the lowest in the school district to the top scoring group by the end of the school year.  He has written several books and went on to start the Ron Clark Academy.

He was even named Oprah Winfrey's first "Phenomenal Man" and also went to Africa to train the teachers at Oprah's school.  And they made a movie about him too!  "The Ron Clark Story" starring Matthew Perry.  Needless to say, he's kind of a big deal :)

When I heard Ron Clark speak to our school district in August I was so inspired by him and wished that I could visit his school one day.  Well, that day came!!  I had the privilege of visiting the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) over Spring Break.  And it was amazing!

When we arrived at RCA all the students were there to welcome us.  And this wasn't your normal "Hello", they were in full song and dance.  Ron Clark incorporates movement, innovation and creativity into all aspects of his teaching and into the school.  He brings the learning to where the students are and makes it relevant.  All the students are brilliant and are extremely articulate and well spoken.  It is like a dream school!

More celebration and dancing to get the day started.

Ron Clark welcoming us!

We were some very excited teachers!

Throughout the day we were able to visit the classrooms at RCA.  We were able to sit in on one of Ron Clark's classes and see how he teaches.  His enthusiasm is contagious!  It was an amazing experience!

As you may have noticed, there is a large blue slide right in the middle of the school.  Ron Clark takes everything to the next level, so why not have a giant slide in the school, right?!  As the finale for the day, everyone slides down to get "Slide Certified".

I didn't come down the slide like this, ha!  This was after all the excitement, everyone had a time for pictures.  :)

Ron Clark wishing us safe travels home.

More photo opps!

If he is ever hiring, I know three teachers that would be interested!

Awards Day

Happy Summer!!

I hope everyone is sleeping late on their first day of summer!  We had a great "Awards Day" yesterday to conclude a fantastic year of Kindergarten.

I have enjoyed teaching all of you and you have all been a blessing to me.  I am thankful I had the opportunity to be your teacher during your first year of school.  I know you will all do awesome in first grade and I look forward to seeing you all soar!

Much love, Ms. Marzoni

Under the Sea

This week our unit was "Ocean".  The students enjoyed learning about sea life in the ocean.  Just in time for summer!

We enjoyed these great books.

One of the favorites of the week, "Gone Fishing" game.

Under the sea dominos

Coral reef puzzle

Octopus handprints

Solving math problems with goldfish crackers

Seahorse art

Yummy beach snacks

Rainbow fish

Coming Up...

Language Arts: Review

Math: Review

Thematic Unit: Summer

Wednesday, May 22 - BEACH DAY- WEAR YOUR CLASS T-SHIRT, SHORTS, TENNIS SHOES

Kindergarten students will enjoy a fun celebration. The students will  be rewarded for a great school year by playing games and activities outdoors and they will be treated to a hamburger "Happy Meal" from McDonald's for lunch.

Friday, May 24 - AWARDS DAY!!  Each Kindergarten class will be having awards day in their classroom on the last day of school.  Awards day will begin promptly at 8:30 AM, students should still arrive at school at the regular time, parents may join us no later than 8:30 AM.  Students will sing a few songs and recite some poems they have learned over the school year.  Also, we will show a class DVD.  Each student will be recognized and all student will receive an award.  Parents and family are strongly encouraged to attend.  This is the last day of school, so when awards day concludes you may check your child out and begin your summer vacation.  Regular school dismissal on this day will be at 11:15 AM.