A Note From Your First Grade Teachers
First Grade Connections
January 12th, 2017
Dear First Grade Families,

Welcome to 2017! It has been wonderful being back in the classroom with the students the past two weeks. Winter break was fantastic; however, it has been really nice getting back into a regular routine. The students seem a little older and a little wiser lately. They are ready for this trimester's fast paced speed of our Neighborhood Study.

For the next 6 weeks, we will be studying the inner and outer workings of the neighborhood we all share, Half Moon Bay. Our purpose is to explore how a neighborhood works interdependently to provide goods and services that meet the constituents' wants and needs. The culminaton of this study will have the students build a 3D model of a neighborhood modelled after downtown HMB.  We look forward to presenting it to you on Friday February 17th.

Sincerely, 

Your First Grade Team
Stephanie Hanepen, Lesley Stevens and Vienna Klingele 
What We Have Been Learning
Writing 
First Graders have begun to learn how to write a friendly letter. This week we read books about letter writing and learned about the different parts of a letter. We can't wait to send them out!

Note: We are accepting envelope and stationary donations. If you have extras lying around at home, please send them in with your child!

Social Studies
On Wednesday Half Moon Bay expert, Marina Fraser, came in to speak with us about the history of Half Moon Bay and how the town has transformed over time. Marina gifted each of us a book about Half Moon Bay and a walking tour guide that we will reference on our walking field trip on Main Street. Happy reading! 
Math
Students have been playing math games to reinforce their addition and subtraction skills. This game is called "I Hope I Get...". Partners are trying to make groups of 10.
Technology and iLab 
The students were excited about building a very long domino train and then putting it to work.
Ask Your Child About

Talking with your child is the best way to support classroom learning. The following questions can help you get started.

  • What shapes do you see in the world around you? Are they plane or solid shapes? How many sides do they have? How many corners do they have?
  • What is a decoding strategy? What strategies do you know? Which ones are you using?
  • What is a digraph? Give me an example? Let's brainstorm some words!
  • What are some properties of: glass, metal, wood, plastic, fabric and paper?
  • What do you know about your neighborhood? What do you want to know about your neighborhood?
Homework

Optional Homework Package links are listed below. The most current link is listed first. The links from trimester 1 can be found below. Please note:  we will remove the links from trimester 1 at the end of January. Please print them or save them for your own reference.
Upcoming Events
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)
Monday, January 16th

Science Festival
Thursday, January 19th, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Kohrs Family Center
All-School  Parent Education
Managing Screen Time 
Guest Speaker:
Family Therapist Donna Blethen, MFT
Friday, January 20th, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Think Tank

Learn about the latest research on digital media and our children, how/why we use digital media (information, education, connection, distraction, entertainment) and strategies for well-managed screen time. 
K-1 Parent Education
Healthy Self-Esteem 
Guest Speaker: 
Licensed Clinical Psychologist  Keely Sikes  Rollings,  a Sea Crest parent for 13 years!
Monday, January 23rd, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Think Tank

A workshop series for Kindergarten and First Grade parents as an opportunity
to help their young children develop healthy self-esteem, resilience and school relationships.
Lost & Found 
Friday, January 20th.
Items will be put out to claim. Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the day. 

Neighborhood Build
Monday, February 13th - Friday, February 17th

Valentine's Day Celebration
Wednesday, February 14th, Time TBD

Academic Celebration
Friday, February 17th, 8:30 a.m.
Field Trips

Half Moon Bay Fire Station, Tuesday, January 17th

Nunes Water Treatment Plant, Thursday, January 19th

Main Street Walk, Tuesday, January 24th

Beach Walk/Trail Hike, Tuesday January 31st 
Mystery Reader
Thanks to our Mystery Readers
Joan Scout
Parent of Willa
Corey Geisler
Parent of Claire
Rainy Day Recess
Got games?  We are looking for any games or blocks to actively engage the children during rainy day recess.
Thank You
Thank you to the parent community for your generous gifts to each of us during the holiday season as well as the winter birthday treats  on Thursday January, 5th.  We are so grateful for your thoughtful recognition of our work and for the strong support you provide throughout the school year!

~ Sea Crest Faculty and Staff
Additional Photos & Videos

Do you have photos or videos you'd be willing to share with the school? 

Please click here to upload them to SmugMug, or email us at [email protected].
How to Reach Us
If questions ever arise, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are available by email at:  [email protected] ,  [email protected]  and  [email protected] . Email is our preferred method of communication. We will check our email after school daily. If there is an emergency, please call Cathy at the front desk, at  650.712.9892 .
SEA CREST SCHOOL  |  seacrestschool.org  |  650.712.9892