Monica Ros School

Dear Parents,
I thought that it might be wise to alert you again to three busy – happy days this week. On Wednesday, May 13th, we will have our class picnic at Soule Park. The children should bring a sack lunch and an old beach towel or blanket. (There are no tables close to the place structure so we sit on the grass.) We will leave school at 11:30 and return in the early afternoon. On Friday night, plan an evening of enjoyment when the children entertain you with our annual Spring Production. The musical begins at 6:30 and all participants should be in the classroom by 6 p.m. On Sunday, May 17th, our class will meet in front of the Ojai Arts Center at 1:45 p.m. for the play “Peter Pan”. They can be picked up around 3:45. Have a happy week and know that we will be working our brains out academically in between all the fun.
Fondly—Gratefully,
Mrs.K and Mrs. S.

Dear Parents,
The weeks ahead will fly by. The days are filled with extra activities. Grab a pencil. Mark your calendars for May 1st. The children will go to Libbey Bowl to enjoy the Story Telling Festival. When they return to school, the Mad Hatters Tea Party will be awaiting them. In our class, Stacy_Davis, Curtis and Wanda_Sakai and Steve_Wood have signed up to design, decorate and provide refreshments for tables. Thank you.
The children love this tradition.
On May 8th the children will honor our dear Mothers at a tea which will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13th, the class will go to Soule Park for our class picnic. It is a simple affair—but lots of fun! The children bring a sack lunch and we bring Popsicles. They play and we return to school after an extended lunch hour.
Friday, May 15, you will enjoy our all-school Spring Production at 6:30p.m. Details will be sent home as that date approaches.
Please don’t worry about our academic program during these fun filled days. “School Work” is carefully monitored every day. The children have worked diligently all year and have earned these special pleasures.
Thank you for all that you do to help us make the days at school rich and wonderful.
Gratefully and fondly, Mrs. K. and Mrs. S.

Dear Parents,
     This is a bit early for our April note but I thought that you might like a “heads-up” for the activities of next week.  You have received the permission slip for the skating party so you are aware of that day.
     The children and I have discussed the Science Fair on Wednesday, April  1st. However, I am not certain if that communication has correctly reached you. We are now studying weather in class and that will be the primary focus in the First Grade. I have told the class that each child is welcome to bring an individual experiment or project that night. All projects should have at least a vague connection to science. Some children want to bring a small pet in a cage. Fine! It should be accompanied with a simple “How I Care For My Pet” chart. Simple experiments are fine too ( i.e. daffodils or celery in colored water —that vinegar and baking soda thing). Experiments should be backed up with the reason for the result. The Fair will be held from 5:30-6:30p.m.
     We have welcomed a lovely little girl to our class. Lilianna has recently moved to Ojai and we are delighted to have her in class.  Her parents are Bill and April and her brother Henry is enjoying the Blue Room.
     It was wonderful to meet with every family during conferences. Remember you are always welcome to schedule meetings at any time if you have concerns.
     Enjoy the days of Spring Vacation. If you are traveling, Bon Voyage! If you are staying in town enjoy those days of relaxation!
     Thank you always for helping all of us at our little school. Greatfully—Fondly—Mrs. K and Mrs. S.

March News

Dear Parents,
     March begins in Monica Ros fashion—with celebration! Throughout the day we be remember the 100th birthday of Dr.Seuss with activities that are fun and suitable for every age group in our school.
     Thank you so much to Megan_Carney, Shea_Davis, and Donna_Pope who planned and implemented a wonderful Valentine’s Day party for the class. It was a happy afternoon for the children.
     Academically this month we will continue to build on our reading and writing skills, learn basic money skills and learn to tell time to the half hour. Our study of American heroes will be an important focus that will culminate with our play on March 13th. In science we will study the season of spring and delve into the fascinating lifestyles of reptiles!
     Thank you all for coaching your children with their challenging lines. They are all coming along beautifully. Costumes are not required for our show …..but ……the children do enjoy this aspect in a production. I encourage simple costumes. Dig around in drawers and closets or beg and borrow from friends. Simple adornments will do—-an apron, a shawl, a tie, old glasses will be a nice compliment for a character. If you have any problems—talk to me. I have a trunk full of costumes and old things that could be useful. Stacy_Davis, Kena_Efraim, Curtis and Wanda_Sakai, Cullen_Robertson, Karen_Schmid and Andrea_Roe signed up to help for a short time on the morning of the play. Could we meet this Wednesday morning at 8:15 for a quick review of what will need to be done that day?
      Last, but certainly not least, you are all encouraged to buy raffle tickets, contribute to our toy box and plan a wonderful evening on Saturday at the Art Auction. So many of you have donated hours and hours of time to make this a successful event. The money raised helps all of the students at Monica Ros enjoy an enriched academic program. I do hope to see you Saturday night.
      Have a nice day and if you have time, whip up some Green Eggs and Ham. Gratefully, Mrs.K.

Dear Parents,
      Welcome back to the busy days at Monica Ros!  The children will begin this morning to prepare for the first grade play which will be held on Friday, March 13 at 11a.m. Save this special morning!.
During these weeks prior to the play we will not have spelling words for homework so the children can spend time learning their lines. Actually, our production is not a play per se but a salute to American heroes. Each child will represent an American hero. We have studied about contemporary black American heroes and in these coming weeks we will focus on other magnificent individuals who have contributed to an  American legacy of courage and strength. The children will bring home their lines each night in a plastic bag. That bag and the lines should return each morning in the home folder for we will work on our production every day. After the play a luncheon will be served and you are welcome to invite guests. A slip concerning the lunch will come home this week.
     Thanks for helping with the lines. Do not panic when you see the lines!  Just begin with one –review the next night –add another etc. Your child will surprise and delight you with mastery of somewhat sophisticated material. If you find a word that your child is not comfortable with—just change it to an easier word. Again, thank you. Have a nice week. Mrs.K.

     Dear Parents,
     Poetry Night will be held the evening of February 10th. It will begin at 7p.m. That night each child in the school shares a piece of poetry with the audience . I mention it now so that you and your child have ample time to make a selection together. The poem can be brief. Four to six lines are fine. It cannot be longer than one page. This is never a problem with the first grade! The faculty requests that the works of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky not be choices to share. You are welcome to use the school library to select a poem. When you and your child have made a choice I ask that you send a copy of the poem to school. This is a lovely night for students and their families. Kung fei fat choi! Mrs. K.

Click on the following link to hear our gradeschoolers sing the German version of Ode To Joy from this year’s Holiday Program.

Ode An Der Freude