Fantastic Falcons

I was worried leaving town 2 weeks before school got out that the kids might not get their Fantastic Falcons. A FF is a list of things each child needs to accomplish throughout the year. I like how the 1st grade teachers put it, "Begin with the end in mind" which is one of the 7 habits the kids were working on. You definitely have to want the FF award at the beginning of the year and work all year long to get it.

I didn't find out til a day or two before, but both Jack and Maddy received their awards. Mike was lucky enough to take the afternoon off and come and see the kids receive their awards.

 1st grade was up first. Out of Jack's class 18/25 received the award. Way to go Jack. Here are some of his accomplishments this year.
Tieing his shoes
Writing full, name, address & phone # (the last day of school he came home with a list of phone numbers including girls from school knowing your phone number can come in handy:)
A book report which we did Memorial Day weekend

Here's a complete list

• Required:
• Memorize & Write First and Last Name & Phone Number
• Return 90% Homework
• Participate in Take Home Reading - 2500 minutes
• Have no more than 10 absences for the year
• Write at Least Three Character Trait Essays **
• have Good Behavior**

• Optional (Must Complete at Least 10)
• Memorize and Write Complete Address
• Successfully Tie Shoes (Parents can Sign Off)
• Earn 90% or Better on 15 Spelling Tests **
• Memorize and Present Five Poems (6 lines or longer) (Pass Off in Class)
• Write and Present a PUBLISHED Original Story **
• Maintain Excellent Punctuality (max 3 tardies) **
• Master Basic Add Facts with Sums to 12 **
• Master Basic Subtraction Facts with Minuends to 12 **
• Count Combinations of Pennies, Nickels and Dimes **
• Pass the Ability to Tell Time to Hour & Half Hour **
• Jump Rope 15 Times Consecutively
• Enter PTA Reflections Contest
• Complete Science Project (Demo in Class or Poster) (Must be Presented in Class)
• Prepare and Present a Book Report (Form Sent Home – Present in Class)
• Participate in an Organized Sport or Physical Activity (Parent Plans, Tracks and Signs)
• NO TV, Video or Computer Games for one week straight (Parent Plans, Tracks and Signs)
• Write and Original Poem (Do at Home, Pass off in Class)
• Write an animal report**
• Pass the doubles test **
• Complete two citizen reports**
• Pass the Continents test**
• Other
• ** = Done at school

 Not sure why I was worried about it, looking at the list now he accomplished most of the items. Way to go Jack.

2nd grade was up next (kindof technically they squooze in kindergarten between the two but it wasn't worth going home to come right back for so we stayed)


Out of 24 students only 12 received the award in Madison's class. Miss Juarez is a good teacher but so I've heard had a lot of trouble students this year including one who decided to go home and was missing in action for 2.5 hours the last week of school. That would not be a fun call to have to receive or make!

And these are the requirements for 2nd grade
Second Grade
Fantastic Falcon Award
2nd Graders must complete these 4 required goals to receive the Fantastic Falcon Award.

1. Demonstrate respect for self, others and school. (No more than 3 white slips and 3 NI on Report Card under social skills)
2. Have Excellent attendance at school. (This means missing only 9 days.)
3. Return 90% of homework over the year.
4. Complete 2,500 independent reading minutes this year.
(This will require reading a minimum of 15 minutes every night for 5 nights per week.)
And Choose at least 8 of the following goals to receive the Fantastic Falcon Award.

1. Earn an average of 90% on spelling tests.
2. Pass Addition Fast Fact Tests.
3. Pass Subtraction Fast Fact Tests.
4. have no more than 3 tardies for the entire year.
5. Publish 6 writing pieces in class this year.
6. Finish the handwriting book using correct and neat penmanship.
7. Memorize and recite 5 poems of your choice in front of the class.
8. Prepare and present a report and project on a topic of your choice.
9. Complete the 1,000 Club.
10. Write and recite your telephone number and complete address from memory. (House number andstreet name, city, state, and zip code)
11. Complete a Christmas Around the World Doll
12. Neatly complete and color the 2nd Grade Atlas.
13. Finish the Tongue Twister book using correct and neat penmanship and coloring.
14. Complete and submit 3 Character Essay to the PTA.
15. Complete and enter a submission in the Reflections Contest  
    
     Last day of school                                   First day of school
    
    
    
     Jack lost 4 teeth, he grew a lot but I can only tell by his pants that are too short and read over 3847 minutes during the year and is reading at level J. His report card was very well lots of 4's and 3's and all E's for excellent work and social skills. I went to school and watched the 1st grade talent show. At the end are some cute videos, Jack did a magic card trick and the whole class danced and sung. I loved his teacher Mrs Larsen. She was an excellent teacher. I hope the little girls get her. She has been teaching 1st grade for 29 years!
    
    
     Maddy lost 2 teeth during this school year. She also has grown up. She is reading on level Q.  Her report card was perfect. All 4's and E's. She is a natural leader and loves to excel academically. I want to set up Brody with her teacher, but Brody said no. She is funny and Maddy loved having her as a teacher. I secretly hope Jack gets her next year. She was an excellent teacher.
17. Jack missed the bus the last day of school but here are several of the kids in the hood that live in the neighborhood. Ally, Macey, Alli, Maddy, Makenna, Evan and Reed
18. Can't believe these guys will be in 3rd grade next year, wasn't it just yesterday they were starting kindergarten!