Welcome to our classroom!

I am very excited to be working with your children and I hope that this will be a wonderful year for all of us.

Language Arts-

Although reading and writing will occur throughout the day, these subject areas will be formally visited during specific times of the day.  The children will be engaging in a Writer's Workshop, where they will be keeping a portfolio and writing original stories.  All English skills will be taught during this time.  The children will be reading chosen books and quality children's literature individually and in small and large groups and discussing them in meaningful ways.

Spelling-

Weekly spelling lists will be based on patterns of letters and sounds in the English Language.  We will focus on one spelling pattern per week.  Each list will consist of 20 words. For the week of 9/29 the list words will focus on the long and short u vowel sounds.

Mathematics-

We will learning about various topics in math this year including geometry, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, time, money and the list goes on!  Real world experiences involving math will be used as much as possible and we will be using games to make learning basic facts fun! Please involve your child in the use of time and money in everyday experiences.  These are difficult concepts and the more they are exposed to them, the better!

Homework-

There is homework every night. A typical night's homework will involve math, a spelling activity, and reading from a chosen book.  Students are required to read at least 15 minutes a night.  Each child is responsible for recording his/her homework and reminders in their assignment pad.  If a child does not complete his/her homework, or it is late, the assignment needs to be completed at recess and will lose credit.  Also, a homework alert will be sent home.  If the assignment is not handed in the following day it will not be accepted and no credit will be given.

Friday Folders-

Every Friday your child will take home notices, spelling tests, and class work in a "Friday Folder".  Please read all notices and keep them at home unless a reply is requested.  Please sign the folder each week and return it on Monday.

Parties-

throughout the school year we will be enjoying holiday parties and celebrations. If you choose your child may celebrate his or her birthday in class.  A special treat is usually what most parents send in.

Test Alerts-

At least 3 days prior to a test a notice will be sent home. The notice will state the exam date and content.  There will not be re-tests.  If absent, a student will take the exam upon their return.

Behavior Chart-

Everyday each student starts out with a green card. For disruptive, rude, or inappropriate behavior the card becomes yellow which is a warning.  If poor behavior continues the card is turned to red.  If a child earns a red card, he or she will write a letter to their parents to read, sign and return.  Fighting or any harmful behavior is an immediate red card.

Fire Safety Week October October 5-11