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.