Peterson Oct 2

Growing as Writers at Every Grade Level

At BFA, writing is an important skill that grows with our students each year. From the very first days of kindergarten through the upper grades, students are learning new strategies to become confident and effective writers.

Our kindergarteners begin by exploring letters in fun and hands-on ways, like tracing them in sand. These activities make early literacy engaging and give students a strong foundation for future writing. In first grade, students build on those skills by learning how to use their finger as a guide to add spaces between words, an important step in helping their writing become more clear and easy to read. By third grade, students are ready to take on bigger challenges, such as following step-by-step instructions to write strong paragraphs. They learn to craft a clear topic sentence, add supporting details, and wrap up their thoughts with a concluding sentence.

At each grade level, our students continue to grow as writers, gaining new tools and confidence to express their ideas. We’re proud of the progress they make each year as they develop into thoughtful and capable communicators.

Mr. Peterson

Book Fair is coming...

Save the Date

October 6 - 9

Click here to read all about the upcoming Book Fair.

Throughout the year, we use this section to celebrate classroom or grade achievements, post a snapshot of what each grade level is doing and post important information to help each parent.

You can use the Table of Contents on the left side of your screen to quickly navigate to information that is important to you (on desktop version only).

Kindergarteners are practicing their letters by tracing them in sand, making learning fun.

Our Kindergarteners will go on a field trip on October 24. See teachers’ emails for details and visit MySchoolBucks to register.

There is no cost for this field trip but parents must register in MSB by October 23, as this is the parent’s permission for the field trip.

Please remember that students will wear Formal Uniform. They need disposable water bottles, sack lunches, and don’t forget to put on sunscreen.

First graders are learning to use their finger as a guide to add spaces between words, helping them become stronger writers.

Second graders are learning about Asia and can now write their names in Chinese. Practicing writing in a different language helps broaden their perspective and deepens their understanding of other cultures.

Third graders are following step-by-step instructions to write strong paragraphs—starting with a clear topic sentence, adding ordered supporting details, and finishing with a concluding sentence.

Since our 3rd Grade students will be in Formal Uniform on September 26, our students can participate in Dress of Choice on October 3.

Ready for Battle of the Books 25/26? This year, we have two coaches to help lead the charge!

Mrs. Van Wyk will be coaching the 3rd/4th-grade team.

What is it?

Battle of the Books is an extracurricular reading competition sponsored by Douglas County Libraries. Each participating school is assigned the same 10 books to read and master to the smallest detail. In January, February and a little of March, schools compete against each other by answering questions that test their knowledge.

When does it start?

Students will need to finish reading all 10 books by the end of December (more exact date to come) and battles start in January.

What is the commitment?

• One practice per week (before or after school) starting in December
• One battle per week from Jan- March (after school)

Please fill out the BOTB Interest Form.

In fourth grade, students participate in DEAR Time (Drop Everything and Read), a daily opportunity for silent reading that helps strengthen their reading skills and foster a love of books.

Ready for Battle of the Books 25/26? This year, we have two coaches to help lead the charge!

Mrs. Van Wyk will be coaching the 3rd/4th-grade team.

What is it?

Battle of the Books is an extracurricular reading competition sponsored by Douglas County Libraries. Each participating school is assigned the same 10 books to read and master to the smallest detail. In January, February and a little of March, schools compete against each other by answering questions that test their knowledge.

When does it start?

Students will need to finish reading all 10 books by the end of December (more exact date to come) and battles start in January.

What is the commitment?

• One practice per week (before or after school) starting in December
• One battle per week from Jan- March (after school)

Please fill out the BOTB Interest Form.

Our 4th and 5th grade students are working hard on their fitness this month by running the mile and practicing pull-ups and sit-ups. These activities not only build strength and endurance but also teach students the importance of setting goals and striving to improve a little more each time.

Mrs. Bond welcomes all students into her classroom throughout the month, where they learn through engaging activities such as games. These games are designed to enhance learning while making it fun. In the first Mr. Peterson newsletter each month, we will spotlight one of the games our students are enjoying. We encourage families to consider adding these games at home as well, since playing together is a great way to support learning.

Each month, Mrs. Bond will highlight a game that provides both fun and meaningful learning opportunities. This month’s spotlight is on the classic board game Sorry!

Playing games at home does more than bring families together, it also helps children develop important life skills. Through Sorry! students practice strategy as they decide which pawn to move, strengthen executive functioning skills such as planning ahead and managing impulses, and build communication skills while interacting with other players.

This game also connects directly to the BFA virtue of Justice: Be respectful. Give everyone a chance to work or play. Children learn to wait their turn, celebrate others’ successes, and even handle the disappointment of being sent back to Start with grace. During a recent Bond Games session, one group referred to the paper rules to help settle disagreements in the group! This is a great example of fairness and respectful problem-solving in action!

When families make space for games like Sorry!, children gain much more than entertainment. They practice fairness, strengthen their thinking skills, and experience the joy of connecting with loved ones.

Happy Gaming!

Our students were excited to meet Cara and hear her talk about her books, including her latest release. She shared insights into her writing process, answered questions, and even gave tips on how students can develop their own stories. It was inspiring to see our students so engaged and excited about reading and writing. We hope our BFA community will support Cara by ordering her books and continuing the love of reading she sparked during her visit!

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Email teacher or info@bfacademy.org