Hi Parents!

It is hard to believe Kindergarten has come and gone! I have really enjoyed working with all of you this year! It has been a blessing watching your children grow and mature into 1^st graders. Thank you so much for all your support and kindness. I will miss you all!

Here is what we did today!

We cleaned up the classroom because it is the last day of school! (Livi)

We did a rotation. At the rotation we rotated to all the Kindergarten classes. We did fun summer stuff! (Aidin)

With Mrs. Flanagin’s class we got popsicles and we got to watch a video. It was called Peep and Quack. (Zain and Emily)

With Mrs. Dixon’s class we did a parachute. We got to do a mushroom game where we all went under the parachute and sit on it to make it look like a mushroom. (Adeline)

With Mrs. Winn we played with ribbons and Frisbees. We got 10 minutes to play with them. (Kate)

We did bubbles with Miss Reinkenmeyer. We got to use pipe cleaners to make bubble wands. We used a hula hoop and a plastic pool to make a big bubble. (Kamri and Crimson)

The class also did sidewalk chalk and water painting!

Have a wonderful summer! Thanks for everything!!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

This was our last time at P.E. It was fun! We went outside. (Blair)

We had a Mercy Watson party! We got to have toast with butter or jam. (Adeline)

We each got our own Mercy Watson book to take home! (Aidin and Emily)

We had an assembly and it was outside. We had people come and drum. Kate and Cordae got to drum! It was fun! (Livi and Kate) Pictures and video on https://twitter.com/hotchkissmce

We made a line for the 5th graders to give them high fives because it is their last year at Mill Creek. (Adeline)

We saw Cody the Cougar! (Cordae)

It is Mill Creek’s 25th birthday. We got ice cream at recess to celebrate. (Brooke)

We did writing and for writing we wrote a persuasive letter to someone. (Kamri)

Mrs. Hotchkiss got to drum with the band! She stayed up there almost the whole time! (Lexie T.)

Mrs. Hotchkiss dressed up like Mercy Watson from the book Princess in Disguise! She looked cute and silly! We laughed! (Kate, Anna, and Adeline)

We did Daily 5. It might be our last time doing Daily 5. (Riley)

Lots of important things coming home today! You will find your child’s portfolio of Monday News! It is a great collection of writing growth from this year! You will also find assessments from the course of the year and some ideas for summer learning! Grade cards will be sent home on the last day in the folders!

Tuesday will be our Kindergarten Program! Please join us at 2:20 pm in the cafeteria for some farewell songs! After the program we will pack up in our classroom and watch a memory video from the year! You are welcome to come and watch the video in our classroom with us!

Have a great weekend!!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We had field day. We did a car wash game and a game where we put a bottle on our heads. Someone held a sponge and squeezed it into the bottle. (Pritish and Emily)

We had a movie with Mrs. Reinkenmeyer’s class. It was Charlotte’s Web. It was fun and kind of funny. (Livi and Blair)

We had Lexie T.’s birthday. The cookies said Teen Titans Go. She got to pass the extras around to teachers. (Tristan, Adeline, and Brooke)

We had program practice. We practiced standing up. It was at 11:30 am. We sang all the songs. We pretended the parents were watching. (Kate and Livi)

Our 3rd grade buddies came because we filled up our cougar compliment cougar paw. We got to pick our partners. They went on a reading road trip! (Adeline and Kate)

We did writing and for writing we wrote a story about our favorite stations from Field Day. We did writing before Charlotte’s Web. (Kamri and Aidin)

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did art. It was our last art class. We traced our hands. We colored some shapes that we saw. We colored it with sharpies and markers and crayons and colored pencils. (Emily and Blair)

We did writing. For writing we tried to convince someone to do something. (Aidin)

We did Daily 5. After Daily 5 we packed up some of our book box stuff to take home because it is the end of the school year. We packed up paper books, flashcards, Fundations notebook, poetry folder, and our books from home. (Adeline and Emily)

We read Mercy Watson Something Wonky This Way Comes. We finished the book! It was funny! We are having our Mercy Watson party on Friday. (Kate)

We had counselor. We played a fishing game where we read the question on the back of the fish. The questions were about our year and what we are going to do this summer. Pepper came too! Pepper is so cute! (Crimson, Kate, and Adeline)

Tomorrow is Field Day! We might need a towel and extra clothes (there will be water games). We will do lots of games. (Livi and Emily)

Tomorrow is my birthday! (Lexie T.)

She is bringing cookies. (Blair)

We did Fundations. We tapped to read and spell words. Before we did that stuff, we read a story on StarFall. (Kate and Kamri)

We did math and for math we did math workstations. We did subtraction problems. (Riley)

Have a great night!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did writing and for writing we turned opinions into persuasive writing. We were trying to convince people to eat fruits or vegetables. (Aidin)

We had my birthday! (Brooke)

We are going to go to Mrs. Russo’s room at the end of the day and go outside and play. Mrs. Hotchkiss is leaving early. (Livi and Cordae)

We had cupcakes for Brooke’s birthday snack. (Adeline)

We are going to library. (Emily)

We read the 6th book of Mercy Watson. It is called Something Wonky This Way Comes. Mercy was eating all of the popcorn! We stopped at chapter 12. (Kate)

For math we played 5 in a row subtraction. (Zain)

Have a great night!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did P.E. We talked about Field Day. We walked around the school. We played line soccer. (Emily, Aidin, and Adeline)

After P.E. we had Anna’s birthday snack. It was rice crispy treats with a little bit of sprinkles! It was awesome! It had cereal in it. (Anna and Livi)

We did program practice and it was at 11:30. We sang 4 songs and 2 poems. We practiced our songs. It was fun! (Kate and Blair)

We did math. We did math workstations. We learned 5 in a row subtraction. We will play it tomorrow. (Lexi B.)

We did read aloud. We read our last book Mercy Watson Something Wonky This Way Comes. (Adeline and Kate)

We did Fundations. We did big cards and little cards. We spelled Anna’s last name with cards! We did magnet boards. We spelled “rack” “rich” and “neck”. (Kamri)

We did Daily 5. We made our choices. (Zain)

This Thursday is Field Day. (Tristan)

THIS IS A CHANGE! Field Day will now be on Thursday because of the rainy forecast!

Please make sure your student has tennis shoes on and has applied sunscreen before coming to school. Students are welcome to wear hats or sunglasses outside. You may also pack a small towel since there will be water games (no swimsuits please).

I would love a couple more Field Day volunteers if anyone is willing to help!

Kindergarten Program: Farewell, Kindergarten!   

A special presentation by Kindergarten Students

Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

2:20 p.m. in the Cafeteria.

We will have seating in the Cafeteria for 250 people. Please be aware that there will be standing room in the back of the cafeteria after all seats are filled. When filling in seats please use EVERY seat available so that all chairs are used. Thanks so much!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We had a science rotation. We went to all the Kindergarten classes! (Livi) Each classroom did a lesson on forces and motion. We talked about push, pull, gravity, etc.

In Mrs. Flanagin’s we got to shoot little items with a shooter. We were testing motion. (Adeline)

In Mrs. Dixon’s room we tested pushing with dominos. (Anna)

We did music. (Zain)

In Mrs. Russo’s room we got to roll balls and try to get them in a box. We practiced force. (Kate)

We got a new book called Force and Motion for science. We got to color it and bring it home. (Kate)

We did morning meeting and morning buzz. (Emily)

No weekly updates this week because grade cards will be coming home next week! No reading group books because we are trying to get books organized back into the book room! If you have any reading group books at home please return them ASAP!

Field Day next Wednesday!

Kindergarten Program…

Farewell, Kindergarten!   

A special presentation by Kindergarten Students

Tuesday, May 26^th, 2015

2:20 p.m. in the Cafeteria.

We will have seating in the Cafeteria for 250 people. Please be aware that there will be standing room in the back of the cafeteria after all seats are filled. When filling in seats please use EVERY seat available so that all chairs are used. Thanks so much!

Vesta Hotchkiss

Kindergarten Teacher - Mill Creek Elementary

http://mrshotchkisskindergarten.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/hotchkissmce

417-818-9848

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did art. In art we splattered paint around paper. It’s called action painting. We watched a video about painting. The painter was a 7 year old girl! (Adeline, Kate, Emily, and Blair)

We finished the 5th Mercy Watson book. (Pritish and Anna)

We did writing. In writing we wrote about if we would rather swing or slide. (Zain)

We went to program practice. (Aidin)

We did Fundations. For Fundations we did the vowel chart and we spelled “toast” with the big cards. (Anna)

We got 100 Cougar Compliments! We are going to have a Mercy Watson toast party! We will play a Mercy Watson game on the SmartBoard. (Tristan)

We did Daily 5. We got to pick our 2nd choice. Mrs. Hotchkiss picked our first choice. Some kids finished letters to Miss Paula from Hy-Vee. (Aidin)

We did math. We did word problems. We used pictures to help us. (Lexi B.)

We did science. In science, we read a science magazine about plants. (Zain)

We did math workstations. (Adeline)

Have a great night!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We read a book called Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig. We got to my favorite part! Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet jumps out of the tree! (Anna)

We did writing. For writing we told people our opinions. (Aidin) We used “Would you rather..” scenarios to practice giving opinions. The students used a survey form to find out if our class would rather swing or slide on the playground.

We went to our program practice at 11:30. (Kate) This will be May 26^th at 2:20 pm in the cafeteria! We hope you can attend our end of the year singing program! It’s a real tear jerker!

We did library. We checked out books early. We got to go in the art room downstairs because some of the grownups were having a meeting. We played on Destiny on laptops and played a little bit of Fast Math. We watched 2 little videos. (Adeline, Kate, Aidin, and Emily) This will be their last time checking out books this year.

We did math workstations and Daily 5. (Emily and Lexi B)

We saw Miss Glenn and Miss S. We got to give them a hug, high five, handshake or smile. (Brooke)

We did science. We are going to take home a book about living  and non-living things. We did a living things sort. We sorted living things by habitats. (Tristan and Adeline)

Have a great night!!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We went on our field trip. Some moms, dads, and grandmas got to come with us. We went to Tiger Bounce and Hy-Vee. Miss Miller came!! We all had a good time! It was fun! (Livi, Lexie T., Emily, and Anna)

At Hy-Vee we went to the bakery and saw a lady make a rose out of icing! She was REALLY good at it! We also saw an oven with muffins. (Kamri and Emily)

At Hy-Vee we touched a real live lobster! It was huge! It couldn’t pinch us. (Adeline and Lexi B.)

We saw the dairy fridge. We went inside and then said “moo” like a cow so parents could hear us. Lots of dairy foods come from cows. (Adeline)

Hy-Vee gave us free stuff for our lunch. We had pizza for lunch outside and we got to play with sidewalk chalk. We could draw whatever we wanted and it was so much fun. (Kate and Lexie T)

We went to P.E. and for P.E. we played castle ball. Whenever the ball hits the castle we have to pick the pins up and bring them to our side. (Aidin and Blair)

We took pictures at our field trip. (Anna) Thanks Melinda Jenne for snapping some great pictures! Here is a collection of all the pics! https://youtu.be/p5PKjK09s54

They should be VERY tired tonight!!

Hi Parents!

We did music. In music we drew pictures and we got to watch a little video. Mrs. Haley gave us suckers because we followed directions. (Emily and Aidin)

After lunch we went to a different music room and practiced songs for our moms and dads with all the Kindergarten classes. (Livi, Lexi B., and Emily)

We had writing. For writing, we were challenged to make detailed pictures for our Monday News! (Anna)

In Daily 5 we picked 2 choices. You could pick from Read to Someone, Read to Self, Listening, Writing, or Word Work. (Blair)

We did read aloud. We read Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig. We read 5 chapters. Mercy ate Eugenia’s flowers! Mr. and Mrs. Watson couldn’t find Mercy. (Kate and Adeline)

We did math. We solved addition and subtraction story problems on the SmartBoard. (Brock and Emily)

We did Fundations. We did the vowel chart and tapping. We learned about the bossy r! The bossy r makes vowels change the vowel sound. (-ar, ir, or, er, ur). (Cordae)

We played outside. (Adeline)

We did morning meeting and morning buzz. (Kate)

A few notes about our Field Trip tomorrow:

Please have your child wear socks tomorrow to school. They MUST be wearing socks in order to play at Tiger Bounce.

Hy-Vee will be supplying our lunch tomorrow. The kids will be having a picnic lunch at school eating pizza, fruit, cheese stick, yogurt pretzels, fortune cookie, and a cookie. I will supply the water! If your child would like to bring a towel to sit on that would be fine!

We will load buses at 8:30 am so please make sure your child is on time!!!

Please remind your child to be a respectful responsible learner and most of all to have FUN tomorrow! Thanks!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did art. We painted stars. (Zain and Blair)

Our 3rd grade buddies came to read to us. They came during Daily 5. (Aidin)

We read Mercy Watson and we finished our 4th book. (Emily)

For math we went to the outside edge of the carpet and counted in different ways as we passed around Mercy. (Livi and Adeline)

We did Fundations. Mrs. Hotchkiss told us a word and we had to tap it out quietly to figure it out. We built it. It had digraphs. (Kate)

We did writing. We did a Fact or Opinion sort. We also played an Opinion game. We answered people’s questions. (Lexi B.)

We celebrated Randy’s birthday today. He is turning 7. (Adeline)

We will be doing the Color Run after school. (Brock)

Thank you again for making this Teacher Appreciation week so special!! It means more than you know! I am so blessed to have such wonderful Kindergarten families!!

Upcoming Events:

Field Trip: Tuesday, May 12^th

Field Day: Wednesday, May 20th

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today:

We read Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise.  There are only two more chapters left.  (Kate)

We did writing.  For writing we did fact vs. opinion sort.  (Aidin)

We said goodbye to Miss Miller.  It is her last day.  We had a special snack.  (Brock and Emily)

At Daily 5 Mercy Watson books got put into listening to reading.  (Adeline)

We did morning meeting.  We did morning buzz.  (Kate and Zain)

We played how many more to make 10 using subtraction in math.  (Pritish)

We had library.  In library we played a game called Fast Math on the computer.  (Kamri)

The Color Run is this Friday!  See attached document for all of the needed information. 

Mrs. Hotchkiss and the kids made a going away video for me if you would like to watch here is the link: http://youtu.be/Ctol9VXxWC4

So today was my last day and I just wanted to tell you all how thankful I am for allowing me to work with your children over this semester.  It has been a joy to get to know them and see them grow as learners.  I love them all and will miss them like crazy.  Thank you for all of your support and the AMAZING basket of supplies for next year.  You have no idea how much that meant to me!  I want you all to know what wonderful kids you have and I can only hope that my kindergarteners next year at Battle Elementary will be just as great! 

Thank you for all you do it helped make my student teaching experience great!

Have an awesome summer,

Chelsea Miller

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did math. In math we did math workstations. We played a game where we had to find the sum of 2 numbers. (Zain and Kamri)

We did writing. For writing we made paper flowers and wrote something special on them. (Emily)

We saw baby chicks from Mrs. Dixon’s class. They are living things. We got to pet them. It was so fun! They are so furry. We put on Germ-X after we touched them. Mrs. Dixon’s class saw them hatch. (Anna and Adeline)

We had counselor. We talked about safety rules. We talked about street rules and strangers. We talked about personal safety. (Kamri)

We did Daily 5. We picked 2 choices. A LOT of people did Read to Someone for their 2nd choice. (Kate)

We read Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise. It is the 4th book. It was very funny. (Blair)

We did P.E. and played Pin Blast Soccer with soccer balls. (Lexi B., Adeline, Anna, and Kate)

Have a great night!! 

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did music.  In music we did songs.  (Zain)

We read Mercy Watson Fights Crime.  Now we will be starting a new Mercy Watson book.  (Adeline)

Miss Miller and Mrs. Hotchkiss took us to Mrs. Flanagin’ s class to have the Partners In Education speak to us.  It was fun.  (Lexie T)

We did math.  For math we played counters in a cup.  (Aidin) We are working on subtraction!

We did science.  For science what plants need, dogs need, and humans need.  Then we counted to see which had most.  The dogs and humans had a tie.  (Kate)

For Fundations we tapped out letters and vowels.  (Pritish)

We did a poem in writing.  (Randy)

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the wonderful teacher appreciation gifts! You all are so sweet to think of us this week! We have been posting pictures on Twitter for you to see! We are so fortunate to work with such wonderful MCE families!

I am still looking for field day volunteers if you are interested!!

Thank you!

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today:

We did writing.  For writing we wrote about our weekend.  We were quiet.  (Kate)

We went to art.  For art we made we made a paper sculpture with paper strips.  We got to take home our clay cups.  (Aidin and Tristan)

On our door we put some decorations for teacher appreciation week.  (Livi)

We did Daily 5.  During Daily 5 Mrs. Hotchkiss and Miss Miller have been reading with friends.  (Lexi B)

We did math.  For math we started learning about subtraction.  (Zain)

We got to water our flowers.  Some of them are growing.  (Emily)

It was Blair’s birthday.  We got to have a fruit pizza for a special snack.  (Blair)

We did fundations.  For fundations we did blends.  (Adeline)

We did read aloud.  For read aloud we read Mercy Watson Fights Crime.  (Pritish).

Hope you had a great weekend!

Chelsea Miller

Hi Parents!

Here is what we did today!

We did writing.  For writing we wrote a letter.  (Aidin)

We saw some pictures of Miss Miller on her first day of kindergarten.  (Adeline)

We read the third book of Mercy Watson.  It was Mercy Watson Fights Crime.  (Kate)

We did science outside and we planted a seed.  (Lexie T.)

We did Daily 5.  We had to do our last two choices.  (Emily)

For Fundations we played hang mouse, the vowel chart, tapping, and echoing with Mercy.  (Lexi B)

We went to library.  We did coding and a game called flappy bird.  (Livi)

We did math.  For math we played a game on the smart board with story problems.  (Kamri)

Updates and yearbooks are coming home today!

I have also attached the May specials calendar! This will come home next week!

Volunteers Needed for Field Day!

Wednesday, May 20th from 8:30-9:50 a.m.

I will need 4 parent volunteers to help out at Field Day. The students will move from station to station with the assistance of 2 parent helpers and 2 parent helpers will stay at the original station (Chalk Mural).  Volunteers will meet us in the classroom around 8:20 a.m. The games will be going on from 8:30-9:50 a.m.

Each station will last about 7 minutes and a horn will start each session and will blow to signal the changing of stations.  All the materials will be ready for you at the station.  Please reply to this email if you would like to help out!

Have a great weekend!