Happy Easter!

This week was short and sweet, but we packed in a lot of fun and learning. We wrapped up our measurement unit, as well as our opinion writing unit with some fun projects. We delved deeper into our social studies unit about communities long ago and began learning about what different parts of the community used to be like long ago. We also explored a new way of completing our independent reading rotations which are more aligned to our individual goals we set for ourselves before conferences. Keep reading for our upcoming events and reminders. Have a safe and happy long Easter weekend!

First Grade Need to Knows

Upcoming Events/Reminders No School – Friday, March 30th No School – Monday, April 2nd

March Reading Log Lunch- April 3rd Spring Pictures – Friday, April 6th

Cedar Valley Humane Society Fundraiser

Prairie Crest Elementary students and staff are dedicated to serving our community in various ways. We will be having a coin drive for the Cedar Valley Humane Society beginning April 3rd through April 12th. The Cedar Valley Humane Society is dedicated to building healthy relationships between people and animals, and eliminating cruelty, abuse and overpopulation of animals. Students may bring in coin donations or additional items needed such as Clorox Wipes, HE Laundry Detergent and old blankets or towels. Thanks for your support!

Junior Achievement

On April 5th, our class will begin participating in the Junior Achievement program, JA Our Families! Students are choosing between needs and wants, creating a map of their town, role-playing a job and getting paid for it! All of this is happening as part of the JA Our Families® program. One of the unique aspects of Junior Achievement is that all programs are taught by community volunteers. The volunteers make the concepts learned in the classroom relevant by applying them to current practices in the workforce.

JA Our Families® emphasizes the roles people play in the local economy and engages students with activities about needs, wants, jobs, tools and skills, and interdependence. Following participation in the program, students will be able to:

Identify how jobs provide for a family’s needs and wants.

Explain how each person contributes to the well-being of the family.

Recognize the types of jobs family members perform.

Students are learning concepts in employments, family, interdependence, wants, and work, all while focusing on the skills of differentiating, interpreting symbols, making observations and matching. These critical skills help prepare students for the 21st century and to be more productive and involved citizens.

The JA Our Families® program materials are provided by Junior Achievement, a global non-profit organization that develops economic education programming for kindergarten through twelfth grade students. The local Junior Achievement office, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, will teach more than 43,000 students in Eastern Iowa this school year. Working with more than 30 local school districts, they focus on educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

More information on Junior Achievement can be found at www.JAEasternIowa.org.