KINDERGARTEN TIMES FINAL EDITION 6/6/11

I knew this day would come eventually, but it has snuck up on me too soon as always. As I write this final edition of the Times it is bitter sweet.

I'm so grateful that our paths have crossed. I am blessed to have shared this special year with you, your beautiful children, Mrs. Vierra & Mrs. Volta & Mr. Fried. We have learned so much from one another. Our children are ready to move on to first grade, having met all the objectives and so much more.

I'm not certain that we are ready to let them go. This is an exceptional group of children. They will never be forgotten and they will be right next store in most cases. As the years pass by you'd think I would get better at this, but there may be a tear or two. It's sad saying goodbye and to let that little hand go for the last time. We have grown very close. I will miss you all and the SLEMS community.

Also, you are very good parents who only want what is best for your children. You have been open, supportive, trusting and caring. I appreciate all you have done to help our program be the best it can be. I especially appreciate our room parents, Mrs. Guadarrama & Mrs. Richardson. Thank you to all our classroom tutors and Friday cooking moms & dads. We could not do it without YOU!!

As I reflect over the year, I ask, "did we do a good job"? I ask this every year. I always think I could have done this differently or changed this. The following thoughts come to mind and perhaps you can help by answering these questions:

Will my child have a fond memory of Kindergarten and the teachers?

Did my child feel safe, comfortable, nurtured and happy?

Did he or she laugh and smile most days?

Does he/she love school and enjoy learning?

Did he/she make new friends?

Did he/she learn something new daily?

Did he/she learn to read or improve their reading and comprehension?

Did he/she grow spiritually, academically & emotionally?

If you can answer "yes" to most of these questions, then I feel we did our jobs. I hope that you are pleased with what we have accomplished together. Your children have worked hard to believe, achieve & succeed and they have! I am very proud of them all.

REMINDERS:

Our end of the year performance is on Wed. 6/8 at 10:00am in the Community Center. Please try to be on time. Siblings & family members are invited to attend. Our park picnic will take place right afterwards at Raynor Park in Sunnyvale (Sorry no siblings). Please let me know if your child will need a ride there or back to school for dismissal. Please return all permission slips ASAP. IT IS A FREE DRESS DAY.

Our last day of school is Friday 6/10 at 10:00am after Mass. All are invited to attend this special Mass. Report cards will go home that day. If you have any questions or concerns, please schedule an appointment with me ASAP. I will be here the week after school gets out.

PLEASE return all library books ASAP.

There is no homework this week. We will do some basic reviews, have a spelling bee, do M&M math and Smart Board activities. On Thursday we will clean our desks and also visit first grade. We will get our yearbooks and have them signed.

PLEASE bring in a brown bag to help with taking home books.

We are in full production for our play which will knock your socks off! We will have a dress rehearsal on Tuesday and invite our 5th grade buddies. We will also continue to write our three sentences on the same topic. The first is a "go", green = topic sentence, the second is yellow = slow down with facts and the third is red = stop, give an example or ending sentence. Please practice this over the summer.

Our theme this week is 'Under the sea'. Your child may bring in something to share this week related to the theme or not.

Thank you for trusting us with your precious child this year. And a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful memories. Feel free to stop by and say hello. The countdown is on for summer fun.

Treasure life! May God bless you and keep you!

Fondly, Mrs. Stein

P.S. A special hello to some of our 1st grade parents who still read my K Times. I hope we will stay in touch.

50 YEARS OF ST. LAWRENCE THE MARTYR SCHOOL

Our 50TH Anniversary Celebration is one year away. Mark your calendars now and plan to be part of our Jubilee celebration. September 8-14, 2011