Kreft Family Newsletter - September 11, 2009

Principal's News

First Grade Parent Breakfast

First grade parents are invited to school to learn about the first grade writing curriculum.  The breakfast will be held on September 18th from 8:45-10:00 a.m.  We will provide several ideas on ways you can work with your child at home to become a better writer.  If you plan to attend please RSVP to the Kreft office at 366-8290 by September 16.

Kindergarten Parent Breakfast

The first kindergarten parent breakfast will be held on September 25th from 8:45-10:00 a.m.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the kindergarten curriculum and gain ideas to support learning at home with your child.  If you plan to attend please RSVP to the Kreft office at 366-8290 by September 23.

Lunchroom Winners

The students are working on doing the right thing in the lunchroom.  Of all the procedures we teach at Kreft, lunchroom seems to be the most difficult for students to catch on to this year.  I have been observing at lunch time watching for kids who are doing the right thing and also helping them learn the procedures.  Two classes that have will receive recognition for their efforts in doing the right thing during lunch and at lunch dismissal are Mr. Friedrichsen's first grade students and Mrs. Letner's kindergarteners.  These two rooms are the winners of our lunchroom contest the last couple weeks.

For Your Information

There are STARS Scholarships funded by Iowa West Foundation available to parents wanting to earn an Associate's Degree, license, or certification.  For information on this program, stop by the Kreft office and pick up a brochure or call 712-322-8800 ext. 15

Enjoy your weekend,

Mrs. Grell

Upcoming Events

Sept 16    Early Dismissal for Professional Development

Sept 17    No Preschool - Professional Learning

Sept 18    1st Grade Parent Breakfast, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Sept 18    PTA Fall Fundraiser Kick-Off

Sept 21-24    CLIMB Theatre at Kreft and Titan Hill

Sept 25    Kindergarten Parent Breakfast, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Sept 28    Student-Led Conferences, 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Enrichment News - Kristi McMullen

Kindergarten has started learning about inventor (divergent/creative) thinking.  After discussing inventors and inventions, kindergarteners try out their brainstorming skills while listening to the book, Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews.  In the story, the author thinks of things that one dot could be, such as the sun, and continues up to ten dots.  Students brainstorm other ideas the dots could be.  At the end of the lesson, students sing "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Dots."  At home, have your child brainstorm different uses for everyday objects, such as hat, mittens, or boxes.

1st grade is learning about deductive/convergent thinking--thinking like a detective.  They're introduced to Dudley the Detective by listening to a story with a mystery that Dudley solves.  Students are given a chance to solve the mystery before the story reveals the answer.  The children are given their own detective book to practice deductive/convergent thinking.  When finished, students should understand that there is only one right answer.

• they may need to put together many pieces of information in order to find the one right answer.
• they may feel like saying "I have it!" or "Aha!" when they find the right answer.
• they may not see the answer right away, so they may need to reflect on the clues.
• patience is important--don't jump to conclusions.

Is your child creative, likes to solve problems, and loves a challenge!  Destination ImagiNation is just for them!  Destination ImagiNation is creative problem solving in action.  Teams of 3-7 primary (kindergarten-2nd grade), elementary (3rd-5th grade), or middle (6th-8th grade) students work to solve complex problems whose solutions are presented in the form of a skit.  Practices and competitions are held outside of school.  Parental leadership is required.  Destination ImagiNation builds skills in teamwork and spontaneous problem solving.  Students who participate fine "DI" a valuable and memorable experience.  Want more information?  Ready to sign up?  Come to the parent informational/team sign-up meeting on October 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the Titan Hill Media.

Nurse News - Deb Blodgett, District R.N.

Lewis Central School District is taking a proactive approach in dealing with the H1N1 virus that has reached the Council Bluffs area.  In order for Lewis Central to remain a healthy environment, we are strongly recommending that if you or your child exhibit respiratory symptoms or GI symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea), accompanied by a fever, please stay home until you or your child is fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.  This means avoiding all normal activities outside of your home.

Good hand washing with soap and water is our greatest defense against the spread of the virus.  The use of an alcohol based hand sanitizer is an option when soap and water are not easily accessible.  Lewis Central Schools are taking proactive measures, following the Department of Public Health protocol, to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our staff, students and their families.  Any questions may be directed to District Nurses, Deb Blodgett (366-8272) and Amy Cook (366-8291).

Lewis Central Schools Partner with VNA for Seasonal Flu Immunizations

The VNA will be sponsoring a seasonal flu immunization clinic on October 19th at the Lewis Central High School Commons Area from 5 pm-7 pm.  Immunizations will be available for persons 6 months of age and older.  Persons under 19 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  The VNA offers:  Flu shots for $25.00 or Flu Mist for $30.00  Both vaccines will be available.  The following insurance is accepted:  Railroad and Traditional Medicare B.  No managed Medicare accepted.