First Week!

We had such a successful first week.  We spent a lot of time discussing and practicing school expectations and classroom procedures.  We will continue to review these expectations daily for the first few weeks of school.  Our school has agreed to focus on three major expectations:

Make responsible choices.

Maintain the right to learn.

Show respect to others.

All of my class procedures and expectations will adhere to these three choices.  If a child is having difficulty with these, we will have a "teach to" moment.  If the problem persists, we will have a private conversation.  Unfortunately, sometimes this does not resolve the problem, in which case a consequence will follow with documentation.  If it is a serious infraction or a repetitive problem, parents will be notified.  I look forward to a positive classroom environment and great school year.  Please encourage your child to practice these positive behaviors throughout their day.

This week we will begin our district curriculum in both math and reading.  I encourage you to read and listen to your child read nightly.  Talk with them about the story and discuss vocabulary.  Encourage discussion around the dinner table about their day in school!  Take time to let them explore math concepts at home, in the store and throughout the evenings and weekends.  Math is all around us.  SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD!  Play games, go on nature walks and TALK!  You really are your child's primary teacher.

I look forward to having parents/grandparents in the classroom.  Please take time to fill out the volunteer form in your child's folder and return to school so that I can create a schedule that would most benefit you and the students.  I have many opportunities for you to work with individuals and small groups, as well as preparing activities and taking home projects.  As a team we can accomplish much this year!!!

I encourage you to send in a water bottle for your child.  We are still having temperatures in the 90's and they need to have plenty of liquids.  Do not fill it with anything but WATER.  Please label it with their name. They can keep it here all week and bring it home on Friday to wash if they choose.  Try to send one in with a "pop up" top vs. a "screw-off" lid.  We will have fewer spills this way.

If your child has any allergies of any kind, please let me know.  Sometimes those are overlooked when I get a new "crop" of students.  We often use food in lessons, as rewards, and for parties and it is important for me to be aware of any restrictions.  If a parent does not send in a personal note, I expect children to at least try the item. 

Be sure to mark the "follow by email" button to the right of my blog so that you will get an email reminder when I post new things.  I try to update my blog on Sundays for the coming week.

Wow!  I need to go to bed we have a full week ahead of us.  I am so excited for this year and look forward to working with each of you and your child.

Welcome!

I am so excited for this new year!  I have an amazing group of students.  We are off to a great start with positive behavior and attitudes.  I appreciate meeting all the parents at Open House and look forward to working closely with you this year as we strive to challenge your child.  I post my news, updates, events, etc. on my blog on Sunday evenings for the week.  Please check it weekly to keep you informed of what we are doing in class.
All the supplies brought in will be put in a community supply box for all to share.  I do not send home any supplies at the end of the year.  If you have not purchased and brought in your supplies, please DON"T .  We have plenty to get us through the year.  We may run low on glue in the spring so you may want to pick up some extra bottles (runny glue) while it is cheap to have on hand.
We celebrate birthdays!  Let me know if you plan on bringing in refreshments for your child's birthday.  We have some food allergies and diet limitations, so I would like to be sensitive to those students.  If your student is one of them, please send me a list of foods that I can recommend to parents and/or an alternative snack to have on hand for those moments.
Homework will look a little different this year as our school is making some changes so that families will be having more opportunities to focus on "family time".  This may take me some time to process, so be patient with changes, explanations and new ideas.
It is very warm outside!  Your child is encouraged to bring a water bottle to school.  It takes way too long for 22 students to get drinks after recess.  Please label the water bottle with their name and only fill it with water.  NO juice, power aid or any colored liquids.
I love volunteers!  I will begin calling those who signed up and would like to help out in the classroom.  Please email me a preferred day and time. kplatt@msd134.org
We welcome Ms. Yurek in our school.  She comes to us from BSU and will be working closely with me for the first few weeks and then transition into full time teaching as she is persuing her teaching degree.  I had the privilege of working with her last spring, and she is awesome!  I am so excited to have her.
Please know that I am always available!  I believe in the importance of communication for your child's success.  You can reach me through the school during school hours, email me or call me at home.   I look forward to a great year!