My Philosophy


I believe it is important to create a community where all learners feel safe, respected and have a sense of belonging. It is important to focus equally on the social, emotional and academic needs of students. I strive to meet children where they're at by differentiating instruction, choosing developmentally appropriate activities and providing a balance between teacher-directed and self-directed learning. I value play, the arts, movement, creativity and laughter as important and meaningful parts of the learning process for children.



Friday, June 22, 2012

Welcome to Firefly First Grade!


I'd like to welcome all my new students and families to Firefly First Grade!  I am so excited to spend the next two years as your teacher and look forward to all the learning we will do together during that time.  I am busy this summer getting our classroom ready and planning fun and interesting activities for our new school year.  I can't wait to have you join me in first grade! 
Please be sure to sign up for a summer conference on the Firefly web page. This will be a great opportunity for us to meet each other and it will also give you an opportunity to see your new classroom and ask any questions you may have about first grade.
Enjoy your summer!
Mrs. KillKelley

Friday, June 8, 2012

Spirit Week

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Firefly had a fun filled week with Spirit Days and other interesting activities.  Today we had a visit from Corey's Mom  (Mrs. Nakhleh's classroom) and her co-workers from IBM  They talked to us about their jobs and computer chips.  We learned about what engineers do and had a blast building our own structures in teams.  We used spaghetti and marshmallows to see how tall we could build a structure.  I was as amazed as ever with all the creativity and great thinking everyone had when building the structures.  It was so interesting to see the different ideas groups had about the best way to build a tall structure.
Monday will be our Poetry Slam.  Each student from Firefly and Dragonfly will be reading a piece of poetry they have written to both teams in the Kiva.  We will be working on our Memory Books the last three days of school and will watch a movie on Wednesday morning.
It was so wonderful to see everyone at the team picnic Wednesday night!  I cannot thank everyone enough for my beautiful "flower garden", poem and gift card.  The flower garden and poem are so special to me, I will always cherish them.  I have decided to use the gift card to take horseback riding lessons this summer.  It's something I've always wanted to do and this is the perfect opportunity!  Thank you so much for these very meaningful, generous gifts.
As the school year comes to a close I'm finding it is a very bittersweet time for me.  I am excited for summer and so excited for the next chapter in all my students lives.  I am confident they are all well prepared for third grade and look forward to seeing where their journeys through life takes each of them.  Having the opportunity to be their teacher for two or even three years has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know them so well-I have some ideas about what the future will hold and I see so many wonderful things for all of them!
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing children with me and for all your support with everything here at school.  The past two years have been amazing!  The excitement and enthusiasm your children have had toward learning has made every day fun and exciting for me.  I have learned so much from them and with them, and have so many wonderful memories that will continue to bring me smiles for years to come.
Have a wonderful summer!
:)Deb

A Post From Miss Claire

To  all Firefly  families,

Thank you so very much for the generous gift. You  are so thoughtful.
 It has been my pleasure to be with your children, some for three years.
 I truly have the most amazing job. I look forward to each and every day.
 Our kids are the best. Have a wonderful summer!
 Miss Claire

Friday, June 1, 2012

Field Day

Finny did a terrific presentation about his trip to England and France for his Discovery Table this week.  He taught us about the history of both countries and did a slide show about his family's trip.  Great job, Finny!

Today's Field Day was a fun event for everyone.  We had great weather and great parent volunteers who helped make this event a success.  Firefly Second Graders were so tired they requested an afternoon nap time! A big thank you to everyone who helped make this Field Day possible!