School's Out!

The school year has finally wrapped up!

Monday was Reba's last day of PreK

She started the year at 40.5 inches, and she is now 42 inches.  She also gained 4 lbs (she is currently 38 lbs)

Once Dallas got home from school, I caught the two of them getting along while watching one of their favorite shows.  I have a feeling I'll need to look back at this picture from time to time this summer when they are on each other's nerve...

Yesterday, while on our way to school, Dallas asked if we could have lunch with him one more time before school was out.  They were having a field day and a special sack lunch, so we agreed.

And today was Dallas' last day of 1st grade!

He once again grew 2 inches this school year!  He started at 51 inches, and he is now 53 inches.

To look back on the first day pictures from this year, go to this post.

Until next time...

Dallas' Last Reader Theater

Today was another Reader Theater day for Dallas' class.  Reba happily stayed for extended care after PreK, so Julianne and I were able to attend and watch the class perform.  It's always fun to see them.

The first group to go performed a story about an unruly class and the changes that happen when they got a substitute teacher for a few days.  It was super cute!

The second group read the "true" story of the three little pigs.

Dallas and Dylan were the third group, and their story was about two dinosaurs - a meat eater and a plant eater.

After the class was done with the Reader Theater portion, each student read a story that they had wrote and illustrated.  Dallas was the first to go...

Until next time...

Zoo Field Trip

Yesterday was Dallas' spring field trip to the zoo, and I was lucky enough to go along.  Because there were enough chaperones, and Dallas' class is small enough, it was just Dallas in my "group".  In the morning, we walked around with another mom/friend and her "group" of 2 boys.

The boys allowed my to get a quick photo - Dallas, Elliot, and Dylan

Dallas loved this bright orange bird in the Amazonia

The boys caught in the Jag cage

We've been to the zoo numerous times since moving to the area, and the groundhog exhibit has been under construction each time.  But this time, it was open and they were out!

I also love the giraffe exhibit, you can get so close that you could almost touch them!

Dallas loved climbing on the giant spider web

and playing in the jungle playhouse

We were able to get a class photo before loading the bus to go home.  What a great group!

Until next time...

Reader's Theater

This week has been Catholic Schools Week, and the students have had a very fun filled week.  It started with a surprise field trip on Monday to a local movie theater.  Even the PreK was able to attend, so Dallas and Reba were able to watch Homeward Bound with all of their classmates/friends.  They loved the movie!  They have also had dress-up days, one of which was pajama day.  I happened to be working the Book Fair that day, so Julianne helped and came in her jammies!

Today was Grandparent's Day, and Pa and Gram were able to make it down for the day. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture...but I was able to attend Dallas' Reader's Theater program.  All the kiddos did an amazing job reading their lines.

The first group was all girls.  It was about Sue losing a tooth and what the tooth fairy might bring.

Dallas' group was second.  He played the role of the dad in "Hugo's Unicorn" (and by the way...today was crazy sock day!)

I'm sad to admit, I forgot what the 3rd group's story was about, but they did a great job as well.

I always enjoy seeing what thinks are posted outside of Dallas' classroom...and there was quite of bit of his work on display today!  Here are a few of the many things...

"Snowflakes are unique and some am I.  I'm unique because I'm good at wrestling.  And I'm good at football.  I'm good at basketball.  And I'm good at baseball.  And I'm good at drawing.  And I'm good at coloring.  Dallas Bergman"

Writing words with the long o sound: "chose, cone, alone, home, drove, rose, Moses, rope, tone, phone, doe, rose, nose, close, clothes"

"Things I love: I love doing stuff at school.  I love playing Candyland.  I love making airplanes.  I love reading sports.  I love Dad and Mom.  I love eating strawberries and cherries."

Until next time...

1st Grade Party

Since school was closed one day in November because of snow, the students had to go today to make it up.  Their classroom parties were also postponed from Friday to today.  As one of the room parents for Dallas' class, I was in charge of planning the party.  After searching Pinterest, I came up with a few ideas, sent out a couple emails to gather supplies, and held a spectacular party (if I say so myself)!

The first activity was an obstacle course called, "Don't Ring the Bells".  The kiddos had to crawl under a limbo bar, walk across a balance beam, and step through the hula hoop, all while not making a bell ring.

The class then made snowmen ornaments out of pipe cleaners

had a relay race (where they had to find matching bows in the kettle before returning to their line)

We then had a snow"bow" fight - which they LOVED!

We ended with a relaxing game of Christmas Bingo

Until next time...

Christmas Program

Tonight was Dallas' Christmas Program at school.  He was pretty excited about it this year, and had actually practiced the songs around the house a time or two!

I was able to get a picture of the kiddos in front of the tree before we left (you might be seeing this on a Christmas card in the near future!)

Each grade performed two songs, but I only videoed the 1st grade...I apologize for the shaky camera work, I had Reba on my lap.

Doug and I were very proud of Dallas for singing along and doing a few of the hand motions.
Dallas' class getting a group picture after the program ended

I didn't think I had got the above photo, so I tried to get one of him walking out.  He just happened to look over at the right moment!

Until next time...

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Tonight was Dallas' parent/teacher conference.  Unfortunately, Doug wasn't able to attend, so I had all three kiddos in tow.  Dallas and Reba sat nicely outside the classroom, while Julianne and I chatted with Mrs. Schuler.  Overall it was a great conference, and I couldn't be more proud of all the accomplishments Dallas is making in school.

Before heading to the conference, Reba had to catch a little nap.  She made the bed herself!

Outside of Dallas' class, there were multiple projects the class had completed.  Here are a few of the things Dallas has done thus far...

Portraits created to go with the story, "Arlo Needs Glasses"

Repetitive shapes (circles)

My Scarecrow...

The scarecrow described in the above picture

The students also made Jack-o-lantern faces according to how they answered the following questions.

Apparently, Dallas has never had pumpkin seeds, doesn't know if he likes pumpkin pie, likes happy jack-o-lanterns, and caramel apples are his favorite fall treat!

Until next time...

Fun Friday Fotos - Field Trips

On Tuesday, Dallas' 1st grade class (along with the kindergarten and 2nd grade classes) had their fall field trip.  Daddy was lucky enough to take the day off work and join Dallas!  They started with a trip to a local pumpkin patch - Goebel Farms.  They also went to the 4-H Fairgrounds for lunch and time to play.  Then, they finished up at Oaklyn Library.

These were the boys in Doug's group - Kaleb, Dylan and Dallas {Daddy was a little bit worn out when he got home :) }

Dallas trying to decide what to pick out in the patch

The three amigos and their treasures!

On Wednesday, Reba's PreK class had their fall field trip.  I was able to join her while Carla watched Julianne.  Reba's class went to Goebel Farms, too!  The kiddos were soooo excited to ride a school bus!

Reba taking her turn on the rope swing

Little Miss and the pumpkin she picked from the patch

At the end of the trip, Mrs. Gries asked each child what their favorite part of the field trip was.  This wheat table was Reba's favorite.

Until next time...

Proud Parent Moment

Doug and I are busting at the seams today with pride.

Dallas' class was in charge of Mass this morning (students are chosen to do the readings, petitions, and bring up the gifts), and Dallas was chosen to read the petitions!  Thankfully, Daddy was able to go into work a little late, so we were all able to attend church together.  Enjoy, and share in this joyful experience with us!

Until next time...

School Pictures 2014

Dallas Matthew - 1st Grade

Reba Elizabeth - PreK

I will be honest, these aren't my favorite pictures of them, but everyone has a school picture they don't like...right?

Until next time...

Reader's Theater

Dallas' class put on their first "Reader's Theater" this afternoon, and Julianne and I were able to attend.  Mrs. Schuler, his teacher, said they will do one of these at the end of each reading unit.  As the year progresses, the skits will get longer and more involved.  All of the students did an excellent job, but I especially proud of Dallas.  He paid attention to the other students as they read, and he always knew when it was his turn.  He also spoke in such a clear and loud voice.  I can't wait to see more of these "theater" productions!

The first group to do their skit.  It was about a little girl learning not to be afraid of spiders.

The second skit was about two frogs having a hopping contest.  It was super cute!

Dallas' group was the last one to go.  That's Dallas' best friend, Ryan, waving to me!  Their skit was about a dragon that was causing trouble for a town.  Dallas played the role of Sir Drake who changed the dragon's behavior :)

Here is the video I took of Dallas' performance.  Unfortunately, there is a terrible "buzz" throughout the clip, and you will also hear Julianne heckling the actors...

Until next time...