Ms. Taylor

News From First Grade - Jan. 2009

Download Jan. 8 News From First Grade

First Grade News

November 3, 2008

Wow!  This year is really flying by!  I can't believe we have been in school for 60 days!  I was testing some students on their sight words list today and I could barely hold back a huge smile as they continue to grow and demonstrate such wonderful progress!  Keep practicing those sight words!  Let me know if you need a new list.  :-)

I am pleased to say that 3 children met the challenge to get their Book It paper in for the month of October!  They are the proud winners of a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.  20 books is the requirement for each month starting in November.  It's not hard to do.  List all baggy books, AR library books and any other things you and your child may be reading at home.  It is amazing how well the children do in school when they spend time reading at home!  I can always tell who reads at home!  Thanks for all your extra effort to help your child become a better reader..... and that means a better writer, better speller, and better student!!  :-)

We will be having our In School Field Trip soon.  The High Touch High Tech scientist will teach us an awesome lesson on SOUND.   Please remember to get the permission slips in by Nov. 7th.

We only have three weeks before the Thanksgiving holidays.  Remember that we will have the entire week of Thanksgiving off  from school.   

We have many children forgetting snack each day.  We don't eat lunch until 12:47.  We are all very hungry by then!  Everyone needs a good snack at 9:45 each morning so we  can make it through the day!  Please remember to send healthy snacks each day.

The weather is changing.  We will continue our outside time as long as it doesn't get too cold.  Please dress your child appropriately for the weather.  They can always layer up and remove sweaters,  sweatshirts, etc. while in the classroom.

I appreciate all your hard work at home!  Many thanks for signing and checking your child's folder each night.  I know that it is sometimes hard to do, but it let's your child know that we are in touch with each other and that you are checking their papers.

I love to see the beautiful, smiling faces come through my door each morning!  It reminds me of the reason  I love this job!  There are not many places to work where you can have that pleasure each day!

Welcome To First Grade!

August 10, 2008

Dear Families,

     I am looking forward to a wonderful start to a new year!  I am very excited about the smiling faces that will be walking through my door each morning.

     Please remember to check your child's folder each night for important information.  Sign and return their folder each day in their bookbag.  All materials sent home should remain in the bookbag...this way nothing will accidently get left at home.  As your child starts to bring home homework and reading materials, I encourage them to only take out their books when reading and to always keep them in their bookbag for safe keeping.  Reading is part of our daily homework.  Please spend about 15-20 minutes each night reading to or with your child.  Any work brought home should also be reviewed.  This is a great way to give extra practice to any skills introduced at school.

     Remember those healthy snacks each day.... lunch isn't until 12:17.... so we will all be very hungry!  It is fine to send large snacks.  The kids can grab a bite when they get hungry.  I do allow large snacks such as sandwiches, leftover pizza, etc.   I do always have extra snacks on hand.... just in case someone forgets.  I will ask parents to send in extra snacks when possible.... just so we never run out.

     Tennis shoes are very important for PE days.  I will always send home a specials schedule for you to know when we have PE.... but it will always be "every other day".  Look for lunch menu each month also.

     We always need treasure box items.  The kids earn "green lights" each day if they remain on green for good behavior.  When they receive 5 green lights, they make a trip to the treasure box.  Any donations will be greatly appreciated.  Any dollar store items, candy, party favor items, etc. are okay for the treasure box.  Somehow we always end up losing our playground toys!  Any soft balls, jump ropes, frisbees, etc. are also things that you may donate to our classroom.  THANK YOU!!!

     I am excited about getting to know you and your child as this year starts!  If you have any questions, please feel free to write me a note or contact me through my email - simone.taylor@cobbk12.org

     We will have an Open House for PARENTS only on August 28th.  Look for more information soon.

All About Me - updated on 8/10/08

Get ready.... here we go.....My name is Simone Taylor.  I was born in Hawkinsville, GA and lived there until I was 10.  My mom and I moved to Warner Robins and that is where I finished high school.  I still have family in Hawkinsville and I consider that my hometown.  I recently moved my mom to an assisted living facility near me.  She has alzheimers and is deteriorating quickly.  This has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with and accept.  She is now under the care of Hospice.  I guess you know where I go each day when I leave school.  On a lighter note...this is my last full year of teaching school!! My husband says....no way.... and I say.... we'll wait and see! I also turn 50 this year.... oh my.  I taught Kindergarten one year and the rest of my 30 years has been in first grade.   Do you get the idea that I love teaching first grade??!!  I received my undergraduate degree and my master's degree from West Georgia College.  I met my husband, Lenny Taylor, in college and we have been married for 26 years.  I can truly say that I am married to my best friend!  We have two beautiful daughters, Brittany and Erica.  Brittany is 24 and is a third grade teacher (and she loves it just like her mom) and Erica is 17 and a senior in high school.  She is a excellent student! We are very proud of both of our girls... can you tell?  At our house we also have a black dachshund named Maggie.  Maggie loves my husband the most!  He lets her do all the things that I won't!  She is very spoiled.... by him!  At the present time, Erica is learning to drive!  Boy... I'm getting too old for this kind of thing!  Erica is doing very well, but she just scares me to death! I do absolutely love teaching first grade!  I love to see smiling faces come through my door each morning.  I also love blowing the children kisses to take home in their pockets!  I try to make each day a meaningful one!  I always tell each student how smart they are and I give them lots of hugs!!  My favorite saying is- "Let me see your smiles!"  Nothing makes you feel better than a smiling face!