• Benchmark Literacy (Unit 1): We are continuing our journey into "Plants and Animals Grow and Change." This week, we will focus on identifying main ideas during our read-aloud sessions and growing our stamina during independent reading time.
• Phonics: Our focus word work skill shifts to short i words (practicing how to segment and blend sounds in words like sit, pin, and wig).
• Everyday Mathematics: We are continuing our dive into Unit 1! Our math lessons this week will focus on creating and counting tally marks, using a number line to practice adding and subtracting, and solving our very first math story problems together as a class.
• Science: We will continue exploring how different living things progress through their life cycles, focusing on how animals develop unique traits from their parents as they grow up.
• Social Studies: We are continuing our first unit on how to be good citizens! Students will explore what good citizens do to help out in their school, their local neighborhoods, and across all communities.

• Monday: 👟 Fitness
• Tuesday: 🎵 Music
• Wednesday: 👟 Fitness
• Thursday: 🎨 Art
• Friday: ⭐ No Scheduled Special (Classroom Focus Time)

• Grandparents Breakfast: We are so excited to host our annual Grandparents Breakfast on Friday, October 2nd! Please make sure to sign up ahead of time so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating.
• Daily Folders: Please check and empty your child's take-home folder every evening.
• Sight Word & Math Homework: Keep practicing your sight words nightly, and remember to complete and return the daily math worksheet every single day.
• Snack & Water: Remember to send a healthy snack and a labeled water bottle with your student each day.

Week 2: September 8 – September 11, 2026

Welcome to our second week of first grade! We had an incredible first week getting to know each other, learning our classroom routines, and discovering what it means to be great classmates. This week, we will continue building our classroom community and diving deeper into our daily schedule.

📚 What We Are Learning This Week

• Benchmark Literacy (Unit 1): We are officially kicking off Unit 1 of our Benchmark curriculum, titled "Plants and Animals Grow and Change." Over the next three weeks, we will explore how different living things progress through their life cycles. We are starting this week by practicing our active listening skills during read-alouds and exploring our individual book bags.
• Phonics: We are diving into our word work by practicing short a words (like cat, map, and sat) and learning how to blend those letter sounds together!
• Everyday Mathematics: For math this year, we will be using the Everyday Mathematics curriculum and are starting Unit 1 this week! Our first unit focuses on exploring our essential math tools, practicing counting collections, and learning how to build and use a number line together as a class.
• Science: Tied perfectly into our reading theme, we will explore how plants and animals grow and change over time! Students will begin looking at different life cycles and observing the traits that living things develop as they grow up.

🗓️ Our Weekly Specials Schedule

Please help your child remember to wear the appropriate footwear on fitness days!

• Monday: 👟 Fitness
• Tuesday: 🎵 Music
• Wednesday: 👟 Fitness
• Thursday: 🎨 Art
• Friday: ⭐ No Scheduled Special (Classroom Focus Time)

📝 Tips for School Success

This week, students are working hard to check off their daily success goals:

• 🔲 Be Kind to our classmates.
• 🔲 Be Helpful during cleanup times.
• 🔲 Listen Carefully when someone else is speaking.
• 🔲 Try Our Very Best on every activity!

📢 Important Reminders & Updates

• Daily Folders: Please check and empty your child's take-home folder every evening.
• Sight Word Practice: Students will be coming home with sight words to practice every night. Please leave these lists inside their daily folder so they stay organized and ready for school.
• Math Homework: A daily math worksheet activity will also be sent home. This activity needs to be completed and returned to school every single day.
• Snack & Water: Remember to send a healthy snack and a labeled water bottle with your student each day.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making this a wonderful school year! Please reach out via email if you have any questions.

Have a fantastic week, first-grade families!
— Ms. Kreminski

[email protected]

• 7:30 – 7:45 AM – Breakfast & Morning Work
• 7:45 – 8:15 AM – Morning Meeting
• 8:15 – 9:00 AM – Math
• 9:05 – 9:45 AM – Specials
  • Monday & Wednesday: Fitness
  • Tuesday: Music
  • Thursday: Art
• 9:50 – 10:30 AM – ELA
• 10:30 – 11:05 AM – Social Studies / Science
• 11:10 – 11:35 AM – Large Motor
• 11:40 – 11:55 AM – Transition
• 12:00 – 12:30 PM – Lunch (Drop-off at cafeteria)
• 12:35 – 1:15 PM – Math & Reading Intervention
• 1:15 – 1:45 PM – Phonics
• 1:50 – 2:15 PM – Large Motor
• 2:20 – 2:30 PM – Pack-Up & Closing Circle
• 2:35 PM – Student Dismissal

My name is Ms. Jeleah Kreminski, and I am so excited to be your teacher this year! This is my tenth amazing year teaching at Athlos Leadership Academy. First grade is a truly magical year where you will see your child learn, grow, and blossom so much!

🎒 All About Me
I grew up in Crystal, Minnesota, and went to Metropolitan State University to study elementary education. Over the years, I have worked with lots of wonderful preschool and young learners, and I even served as a helper teacher for other educators. I love teaching first graders how to read, explore, and discover!

🏠 My Family & Fun
I live in Brooklyn Park and have two big boys, Tavis (24) and Masen (19). I am also a proud grandma to a sweet one-year-old granddaughter named Emi! When I am not at school, I love to learn new things, play outdoors, spend time with my family, and dance while teaching Zumba at the gym! 💃

🏅 Our Class Mission
I love being a part of our amazing school. Athlos gives kids the skills they need to succeed all through life! This year, we will work hard on our reading and math, practice being kind and building strong character, and have fun staying active and athletic! 🏃‍♂️📚

I can't wait to work together for a fantastic year!

With love, ❤️
Ms. Jeleah Kreminski
💌 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: Ext. 8812