Good Evening Rock Star Parents!
A couple of things to share and catch up on are below:
Field Day 
It was awesome! Every student at Tropical was a winner, but I can tell you that the Rock Stars won the majority of the events, despite being a smaller class!  Rock Stars tend to be very competitive!  Thank you to the following parents for coming to Field Trip and cheering on all of the Rock Stars and assisting in keeping them hydrated and HAPPY:
Jonathan and Amber, Hayleigh's parents
Arrege, Ibrahim's mom
Trecia, Hayley's mom
Sylvia, Kevin's mom
Nicole, Reid's mom
There are approximately 1,000,000 pictures in the Shutterfly November album from that day!
LEGO Writing
Students finished their first LEGO writing prompt.  This awesome activity was made possible by DonorsChoose.  Thank you to those who donated! They built a setting with 2-3 characters out of Lego, and then planned and wrote a realistic fiction story. They were sooooo good! The stories are proudly displayed on our outside bulletin board and I receive compliments on them every day. They are magnificent. There are pictures of their projects also on Shutterfly, and they came home with a couple copies of them. 😊
Thanksgiving
We had a great Thanksgiving meal before the break, pizza! Thank you Gail and Andy, Keenan's parents for the surprise pizza party!  Thank you Amber for sitting with the students and making the adorable keepsakes!  I hope you will look at that poem, picture and handprint every year and see how much they've grown! You may also want to remember that toothless smile forever. A toothless smile any other time of their life will be an expensive fix. 😉
Testing (BAS and i-Ready)
They are all growing into such great readers! It's that time of year to see how much they have improved so far this year.  The next two weeks I will be administering the one on one BAS reading test, and the second i-Ready Reading and Math diagnostic test.  I am hoping you will receive the results prior to winter break.  I can't wait to share their progress with you. They are all doing so well, please continue nurturing their love of reading at home. First grade is a challenging year, and home support is imperative!  I appreciate you!
Poetry Theater
We will perform in the Winter Poetry Theater show. They are still finalizing dates, as soon as I know, you will know.  We should know by Monday.  I am 90% sure it will be December 19th, from 8:45AM - +/- 10:30AM in the cafeteria.  If you are unable to attend, I will record it on my phone and upload it to a private YouTube link.
Winter Pizza Party
We will have our Winter Pizza party December 20, from 11:00-12:30.  Students will have two pieces of pizza and a juice box for lunch, and then will play at the park and just have FUN. If you would like to join us, please let me know. 
Pajama Party
Friday, December 21 is an early release day. Students can wear their pajamas, and bring pillows and blankets, because it will be a day for watching movies and drinking hot chocolate!
I think that's all for now!  The next two weeks are going to be very busy, but A LOT OF FUN! 
Thanks for your support. 
Take care, 
Mrs. Egan

Good Evening, 
This week was nothing short of amazing.  If your child came home and told you they talked to kids in Africa and learned what they eat and do after school, they weren't lying...we had our first global video conferencing call with a class in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana, Africa!!!  
Global connections are a huge part of my class. These kinds interactions provide my students with the opportunity to learn about different perspectives and practice interpersonal skills.  Your Rock Star will interact with many different types of people when they're older. Interacting, cooperating, and building relationships with people from different backgrounds and cultures will contribute to their success and the success of society as a whole! The kids love learning all about others, and have a greater understanding of similarities and differences.  I find it also makes them more grateful for everything they have.  It really is such a phenomenal experience, and I hope you will ask them all about it!  There are a few pics on Shutterfly, Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for taking those pictures Miss Amber! 
Tomorrow is Art in the Park. I am looking forward to seeing some of you there!  The kids are excited!!  Please feel free to show up if you are able to!
Tuesday I am not going to be at work. I have a Math training, and Mrs. Franny will be there. I forgot to tell my Rock Stars, please tell them and remind them to be on their best behavior.
Wednesday is Field Day.  Please make sure they are wearing sneakers, a shirt and shorts. Sunscreen should be applied before they come to school, and send in a water bottle. We are looking forward to a day of fun!
Thanks for being such awesome parents. I hope you all have a lovely three-day weekend!