Revving up Reading

Next week we will be starting reading groups. Look for your child to bring home reading books. Be sure to read the book with your child each night and return the book to school the next day. READ!! READ!! READ!!

Counting Cohorts

We started "math groups" today. Mrs. Evans is teaching two groups and I am teaching two groups. So far, I really like teaching math to small groups. It really gives us a chance to target instruction in a way that is difficult to do with the whole group.

Two Teachers!

Our class is privileged to have Mrs. Evans come to us from UTC. Mrs. Evans joined our class today and will be with us for six weeks! I know we will learn a lot from her.

Words, Water and Wealth

Words
The words of the week were procedure, transition and responsibility. Ask your child what he/she learned.

Water
I encourage students to bring water to school. I allow students to bring water in any plastic container that has a "twist on" top. In my vast experience with water bottles I have found that twist on tops are the only ones that don't leak. I, personally, use polycarbonate containers with twist on tops. You are welcome to send in store bought water as well. We'll talk more about it at our meeting. Which brings me to our next topic. . .

Wealth
Come gain a wealth of knowledge at first grade parent night. At parent night I will explain classroom procedures and school policies and answer questions you may have. Parent night is Monday, August 17 at 6 p.m. in our classroom. I sincerely hope to see you then!

One Day Down

Our first day was a success! We learned a lot of procedures, distributed school supplies and got everyone back home! I tried to familiarize the children with what will be our routine. However, some of our programs (reading groups, SuccessMaker) are not ready for us yet. We have a great class and we're going to have a lot of fun together.

First Things First

Whew!
I have been working long hours to prepare for the beginning of school. I don't want to overwhelm anyone, but I have a few pieces of information that I would like for you to look over.

Heads Up
I will be sending home agendas on the first day of school. Please read the letter that I have taped in the front. Also, your child should bring home a "kidmail" folder and math resource book on the first day of school.

Please. . .
I need "proof of residency" as soon as possible. I don't need to keep it. A phone bill or similar piece of mail will work. Also, please send in the $25 materials fee which is required system wide.

Classroom Organization
My classroom is set up to encourage collaborative learning. During the first week of school we will spend a significant amount of time going over procedures on how to work together. I believe that each student is an expert at something and I hope the children will learn a lot from each other this year.

Home Sweet Home
Please let me know by note about changes to your child's dismissal. If we didn't discuss how your child gets home while you were here for registration, please send a note Wednesday morning. I prefer to know about changes early in the day if possible.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to school.  I hope everyone has had a good summer.

I have been very busy!  I was married in July and became an aunt just a couple of days ago!

Now, I'm creating a blog to prepare for the school year.  We have a lot to do this year.  I'm excited to get started!