This week we had a wonderful time together! We took a lovely walk in the woods and searched for spring ephemerals — those early-blooming flowers. 🎕

In math, students enjoyed playing Teen Bump, counting games, and an “I Am, Who Has?” game using 10 and 20 frames. These frames help students recognize numbers quickly and build strong number sense.

In literacy, we explored the lives of spiders! These eight-legged, eight-eyed creatures are truly fascinating. 🕷

This time of year is always exciting because we have so many special events happening at school! Students sang beautifully at our music evening under a bluebird sky — thank you for coming to support your child! Later in the week, we enjoyed a performance from the chorus and band from Browns River Middle School. Finally, on Friday, students from Mt. Mansfield visited our UCS students and helped around the grounds during their service day. We are so lucky to welcome these visitors each year!

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend with family and friends! 

Tuesday 5/26 Shelburne Farms Field Trip  9am-2pm (Please bring a lunch or order one, sweatshirts, & a water bottle)

Attributes and Social Insects

This week, students were troopers with the rainy and cold weather. I hope they get outside this weekend and soak up the sunshine!!

In Math, we focused on identifying attributes that two or more objects share. We used those attributes to sort sets of objects in different ways and then described and compared the data in each category. We continue to practice place value and focus on teen numbers. Kindergartners had fun playing a game called Guess My Number! Students ran around the numbers until it was time to stop and find a number. They did not want to land on the two numbers I called out! It was all in fun and a great way to practice teen numbers.

In Literacy, we immersed ourselves in the hives and hills of social insects! Our readings taught us how these insects work together and have different roles. Students have done well in retrieving facts from the books we read and expressing those ideas in their writing.

• We will be taking a field trip to Shelburne Farms on Monday, May 26th! Here is the permission form, and we plan to send a paper copy on Monday.  Please sign and send it in as soon as possible.
• Art & Music show will be this Thursday, 5/21!
• Memorial Day 5/25 - No school

                                                                 

 

So proud of our class! On Friday morning, we ran the All-School Meeting. While nerves were high, the students did a beautiful job! It’s not easy standing up in front of the whole school to speak and show off your work.

Thank you to the families who were able to fit this into their day. It was so nice seeing your smiling faces looking back at us. 😍

Wishing all mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers a very happy Mother’s Day this weekend — you deserve some extra hugs! We hope you enjoy the marigold that was shared with you. It can stay in its current pot for another week or two before being planted in a larger pot or in the garden, where it should flourish!

• May 21st: UCS Art & Music Show

• May 25 Memorial Day - No school

  
  

 

                                               Doing some Green Up together on Friday💚

This week in Math, students used scales to explore a new type of measurement—weight! They compared objects to other objects and to cubes, while also practicing counting and writing numbers. They also enjoyed playing games like Sparkle, Snake, and Strike Me Out.

In Literacy, we explored 6-, 8-, and even 100-legged critters, diving into our reading and pulling out fascinating facts along the way.  During our small group work, some are working on silent e/long vowel words while others are practicing digraphs and cvc words. 

In ECO, students listened attentively to a puppet show about an insect's life cycle and then went exploring for them in the forest. 

In Writing, we began a mini poetry unit, experimenting with lyrical, rhyming, and colorful language. As usual, this group amazed me with their imaginative creations!

Lastly, please remember that we have entered tick season. Please check your child daily for ticks, as we will be spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, we are unable to supply or apply tick repellent or sunscreen at school, so we ask that you apply these at home before your child arrives if you wish.  

Important dates

Wednesday, May 6 Early Release

Friday, May 8, our class runs the All-School Meeting

Abenaki Visitors, Ecosystem WeVideo, & Planting

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What a fantastic week we had, filled with so many meaningful opportunities!

This week, we welcomed Abena and Charlie as our Abenaki Artists-in-Residence. It was a wonderful experience learning about the Abenaki language, as well as the animals and plants that are important to their culture. Students created wooden figures that connected to both our garden and the teachings they shared.

Thank you for your patience with the recycled material creations that went home this week. Students were inspired by the book Christina Katerina and the Box, and their creativity truly shone through their projects.

We also created an amazing video to showcase our learning about ecosystems. Students researched facts, practiced their presentations, and performed in front of a green screen. Mr. Weber worked his behind-the-scenes magic to bring everything together! We may share the video at our all-school meeting, but here’s a sneak peek! Here is the link 

Lastly, we had a visit from Kristyn Achilich, a parent and the Director of Environmental Studies/Sciences at St. Mike’s. She taught a lesson about how plants give us gifts when we care for them—and how insects play an important role as well. 

Your child may have brought home a dogwood stick to plant, a gift from Kristyn. If your child did not bring one home, they chose not to take one.

Happy break! I hope you’re able to enjoy some time outdoors despite the changing weather.  And don’t forget—Earth Day is on Wednesday and Arbor Day is on Friday! 🌍🌳🌲

Dear Families,

We had a great week together in Kindergarten!

Students worked diligently in math this week, practicing teen numbers and participating in many fun games. They continued their practice that a teen number is made up of a group of 10 and some ones.

In literacy, we wrapped up our rainforest unit. Kindergartners really enjoyed this topic—though it’s hard to find one they don’t like with such inquisitive little minds! Next week, we will begin preparing for a fun tech project with Mr. Weber, where students will share what they have learned about ecosystems.

A note from Dave Marlow

It's hard to believe, but UCS will soon be starting the process for class placement for the 2026-2027 school year! This is pertaining to any child entering grades 1-4 for next SY. The goal of the placement process is to honor your child's unique strengths and needs as a learner, and to create balanced classrooms in which all students can be successful and learn from one another as dynamic individuals. Your participation in this survey gives us important, key information for determining placement. We appreciate your trust in our educators to provide a supportive and enriching experience for all students and thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation. Please find all the information in the two links below:

• Family Letter

• My Child as a Learner form (for students entering grades 1-4) If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! 

 

Important Dates:

• April 13 - April 15: UCS Abenaki Garden Mural Project - very exciting!!

• April 20-24 Spring Break 🌷🌞

• May 8th @ 8:00 Our class will host the All School Morning Meeting - Parents welcome!!

• May 21 Art & Music Concert from 5-6:30! 

Maple Syrup, Planting, & Rainforests

 

Just like Artemis II, this week has flown by! What a wonderful week together. Students enjoyed watching—or rewatching—the clip of the space launch—what great inspiration! 🚀

This week, we began learning about the lush rainforest ecosystem. Wow, what a difference from the desert! Students are loving the variety of animals and plant life, from the canopy to the forest floor.

During our word work time, we reviewed digraphs th, sh, ch, and ck. Students enjoyed going on a word hunt to search for words with digraphs and did a lot of writing—wow! Students are also continuing to practice long vowel patterns in their small group work.

In math this week, we were immersed in teen numbers—recognizing them in different ways and practicing place value.

During ECO, our focus was on the legends of maple sugaring. I hope your student shared a story with you! We acted out three different versions and had a sweet taste of some syrup.

We ended our week with some seed planting and a garden parade featuring new tools for our garden shed! It felt good to get our hands into some dirt again. Planting season is on its way!  🌻

Important Dates:

Looking for donations of duct tape, please and thank you!!

• April 8th: Student 2-hour Early Release

• April 13 - April 15: UCS Abenaki Garden Mural Project - very exciting!!

• May 8th @ 8:00 Our class will host the All School Morning Meeting !!

• May 21 Art & Music Concert from 5-6:30! 

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the VT Kindergarten Conference in Burlington! The focus was on the importance of learning through play. When we play, we learn—and that learning becomes fun, meaningful, and impactful. Don’t forget to make time to play, everyone! 

In the classroom, we continued exploring the fascinating desert ecosystem. Through our reading, we are learning that this dry environment is home to many different organisms that have adapted to survive in harsh conditions. Books are helping us open our eyes to the world around us and discover new and interesting facts! 

This week, we also began discussing long vowel sounds, especially in words that have a “magic e,” such as take, Pete, kite, cone, and cute. Notice how the “e” makes the vowel say its name!

In math, we had fun playing games like Teen Bump, where students roll a die and add 10 to their number. Playing Bump with partners is always exciting, especially when we get to “bump” each other off a space!

In Social Studies, we focused on our town of Underhill. We brainstormed places that are important in our community, and students illustrated their neighborhoods—thoughtfully including details like neighbors, roads, trees, and other features of their surroundings.

This week felt busy, sorry for not taking as many pics!

Important Dates

Looking for donations of duct tape, please and thank you!!

• April 8th: Student 2-hour Early Release

• April 13 - April 15: UCS Abenaki Garden Mural Project - very exciting!!

• Our class will host All School Morning Meeting on May 8th @ 8:00!!

• May 21 Art & Music Concert from 5-6:30!

Desert, Leprechauns, & Maps!

Spring has certainly made its entrance like a lion; let’s hope the lamb arrives soon! Our sugar shack was busy this weekend, and we’re hoping it will continue for a few more weeks. I’ll be bringing in some freshly made syrup for the children to taste test this week!

You may have heard that a leprechaun visited our classroom and left clues for us to discover. It was very exciting to say the least! We also enjoyed reading several books featuring tricky leprechauns, which was a fun break from our nonfiction reading.

This week, we ventured into the dry desert, learning facts about how plants and animals survive in such harsh conditions. For example, cacti store water for later use, and a camel’s hump contains fat that helps it survive for long periods without water. It’s amazing to learn about the adaptations these organisms have developed.

In math, we played partner games like Race to the Sun and Fill the Treasure Chest, where students practiced solving addition and subtraction problems to move forward in the games.

We also had fun working with maps. We finished creating our classroom maps and then began exploring a map of our school. Students loved connecting what they saw on the map to real places in the building. Next, we’ll continue expanding our thinking as we learn more about mapping our town.

Important Dates

• Conferences begin on Monday. If you have not signed up, I will assume you would prefer to receive a progress report, which will be sent out within the next week or two during the conference window.

• Friday: Trip to Brown’s River Middle School to watch the Vermont Youth Dancers’ performance of Mary Poppins. 💃

Maps 🗺, Ocean 🌊, & Music 🎸

 

This week flew by! Thank you for continuing to send your child to school prepared with clothing for all kinds of weather. I think we experienced just about every type this week! ☔❄️☀️

We began a new social studies unit on Geography. Students have already shown great interest as they explored maps, practiced finding the four cardinal directions, and began learning what it’s like to be a cartographer—a map maker! We even mapped our classroom and talked about which important objects and places in the room should be included on our maps.

We wrapped up our Ocean topic with a deep dive into our ocean book collection. Each student chose an ocean animal to draw and paint. I am always amazed by how beautifully talented everyone is—what wonderful artists!

During math, we played several partner games such as Roll, Add, and Find, and 7 Snakes. When we work with partners, students practice math skills while also learning important social skills like playing fairly, taking turns, being patient, and helping their partner when needed.

Lastly, we were so lucky to have Buddy Dubay join us for a spring sing-along. He always brings so much joy and laughter to our classroom! We were also happy to see that Ms. Neeson has migrated back to Vermont after spending the winter in Florida.

Conference Info here!  

1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/LyYvTaZ

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.