We are off to a great start for the new school year! 

The children have settled in nicely and are eager to board our "Learning Train."

Please read the Classpage frequently to learn ways you can help your child succeed.

BREAKFAST

The Houston Independent School District is providing free breakfast for all students.  Research has shown that children who eat breakfast perform better in school.  Our PPCD bus arrives in time for the children to enjoy a delicious breakfast with us and this activity actually supports the children's IEPs for fine motor and social skills.

     We are learning how "to make a selection" from the daily menu items served.  Hats off to Mrs. Yolanda Dockery and her staff - "Ms. Kirian", "Ms. Maria", and "Ms. Faye"- for all of their help! 

FOCUS ON LEARNING

Ashford Primary School is a Professional Learning Community.  This means that as a school, we are committed to the value that all children will learn and we will do whatever is necessary to insure that learning occurs.   In our classroom, we are focusing on following directions, listening skills, and taking turns.  These objectives are accomplished through fun activities that involve all the children.  Speech lessons are done in the classroom which allows the children to use the skills they learn.

     *Our new unit for the second 12 weeks is "My Space - School and Community".  Our Skills Focus continues to be Color Concepts.  Our Character Focus is Responsibility ("Doing the right thing").

    * We will start our "Show and Tell" Activities this month.  These activities encourage use of, reinforce, and enrich the Communication Skills of our children.  "Show and Tell" Days will be every Monday and every Friday.  The topic for Mondays will be "Your Choice" and "Colors" on Fridays.  Please send a favorite toy, book, or object in your child's backpack on these days to share with the class.

     *Election Day is November 7th.  We will have a "Mock Election" in our class.  Our candidates are "Barney" and "Bear"!

     *Clifford, the Big Red Dog, has returned to Ashford at our Pre-K Wednesday Morning Assembly Programs!  He is stressing good citizenship, manners, and conduct.  Clifford and his sidekick, Mrs. Polhemus give out "Good Conduct Crayons" to students who are recognized by their teachers.  Next time you come by the cafeteria look at the "Coloring Good Citizenship" bulletin board.  Congratulations to all of our honorees:   Jose' Garcia (AM Class) - Super Helper, Isaiah Monroe (PM Class) - Super Helper, Greyson House (AM Class) - Great Performance, and Braedon Davis (PM Class) - Great Performance!

     *We care!  We share!  Our class will be participating in our school's Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive this month.  This is a wonderful opportunity to apply two of our classroom rules in "a real life" situation!

      *Our Annual Class Thanksgiving Feast will be Friday, November 17th.  We will dress like "the Pilgrim and Indian Friends on the First Thanksgiving Day" and eat "Thanksgiving goodies"!  Both classes will come together on this day.  Parents, you are invited to join us!  Our class will be participating in our school's "Annual Sailing of the Mayflower Pageant" at 8:30 A.M.  We will be dressed as "the Indian Friends" (Native Americans) and sit in the audience to welcome "the Pilgrim Friends" who arrive on the Mayflower.

  *Many, many thanks to our Special Guest Storyteller, "Little Red Riding Hood" (alias Mrs. Rosemaria Ibarra/my assistant)!  She was the highlight of our "Living Literature Day Activities" last month.  She read fun stories to us and gave us treats!  Our AM Class participated in "The Book Parade".  We were called "Ms. A's We Like Company". 

   *Upcoming Event:  Our Class Winter Holiday Celebration will be Thursday, December 14th.  Both classes will come together on this day.  Parents, you are invited to join us.                                                                   

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are a wonderful way for children to learn about the world around them.  Our next field trip will be in the Spring             Semester:  Our Annual "Children's Museum/Precious Jewels Alpha Learning Center" Field Trip.

    *Many, many thanks to our "Old MacDonald's Farm Field Trip Chaperones":  Ms. Samara Washington (Our Room Mother), Mrs. Jana House, and Ms. Melinda Garrette!  Your assistance made this trip a successful, fun learning experience for our class!

ASHFORD PTO

The Ashford PTO does many nice things for the boys and girls.  Please consider joining this awesome group.  You can learn more about the PTO by contacting our school.