Math- We have been building numbers using base ten blocks. We will use these manipulatives to add numbers together.  Stations include work with measurement, addition and subtraction, place value, and making twenty.

Literacy-  Literacy groups are reading books about ocean life. We are also reading books about oceans and ocean animals with our Book Buddies on Friday mornings. In Word Study, students are building words using foam or magnetic letters, hunting for words with the same patterns in books and poems, writing their words on whiteboards, and playing Concentration.

Bible- February's Bible verse is Psalm 24:1-2, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." Next week we will learn about Isaiah. Ezra and Daniel.

Writing-We have begun making booklets! Students are writing about their snow days, sledding, turtles, and basketball games.  We are discussing different ways to begin a story, such as a "question" lead. For example, a question lead about turtles might say "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to carry your home on your back?" 

Passing these words of wisdom on

A friend and former Lower School teacher shared a conversation about competitiveness that she and her first grade daughter had on the way to school one morning.  Mrs. Marks and I thought it was beautiful and wanted to share it with you.

"As I drove her to school yesterday she started to cry and tell me that 'she's not the best and she never wins.' She then went on to tell me about so and so who is faster, and so and so who has more friends, and so on she went with the so and so's. It struck me that the competition has begun already, and how the idea of winning has already taken hold in my little first grader's heart. Often overcome with the same feelings, together we pondered 
what if today we just try to win at being kind. How about we try to be the best at loving people.' You don't need to be the strongest or fastest, smartest or prettiest to win at love. What if we existed in a world where we competed to be the kindest and most loving. What if the prize was not to the swift and strong but to those who put others first, who forgave without qualification, and who loved without condition. How different would things be?"

Important information from the P.E. teachers

Clothing

     1. We will be going outside during the winter for recess and P.E., therefore students need to be dressed appropriately. Pants, long sleeve shirts, and jackets are highly recommended. Winter hats and gloves are extremely important.

     2. As stated in the handbook, children are required to be properly dressed for P.E. This is especially important regarding footwear. It is paramount to your child's safety and their performance that tennis shoes are worn to class.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Chapel- every Wednesday at 8:30. Please join us!

Wednesday, February 10th --Jump Rope for Heart Day is just around the corner! Students can turn in their form anytime and the final date to turn in the forms will be the day of the event. Kindergarten through third grade will jump beginning at 10:00. Students may wear red!

Valentine's Day cards and mailboxes- due on or before Thursday, February 11

100 items- due on or before Friday, February 12

Monday, Feb. 15- School closed, President's Day

The Covenant School Drama Department proudly presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man,February 25 - 27. Performances are a 7:00 p.m. nightly and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets will be sold online beginning Wednesday, February 10. Reserved tickets for front sections in the front of the house must be purchased by calling or going to The Perch, Covenant's campus store 434.951.9376. ALL tickets will go on sale on February 10 and are $8 for students, $10 for adults, and $12 for reserved seating.

This entertaining musical tells the story of Harold Hill, a traveling con-man. When Harold arrives in River City, he convinces the locals to start a band by purchasing the uniforms and instruments from him. His intention is to flee as soon as he receives the money. Librarian Marian Paroo suspects Harold is a fraud, but holds her tongue since her moody brother, Winthrop, is excited about the band. As Harold begins to develop feelings for Marian, he faces a difficult decision about skipping town.

Thursday, March 10- Noon dismissal for afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences

Friday, March 11- School closed for Parent-Teacher Conferences

Friday, March 25-Monday, March 28- Easter break, school closed