Weekly Update

Hi Parents!

I cannot believe we are getting ready to begin our 3rd week of school already. We are finally getting into the swing of things. On the whole, I am quite pleased with how quickly they've picked up on classroom routines and procedures.  With those foundations in place, we are ready for a year of great learning!

Please ask your child about our Patriot Day ceremony at the flag pole Friday morning. We honored those who lost their lives on September 11th, and all service members and first responders who keep us safe.  It's never lost on me that for our kids, September 11th is part of history, but for those of us alive on that day...well, our hearts continue to weep at the memories.  Truly, we will never forget.

Here's your update for last week:

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Back to School Night:
Back to School Night will be Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 pm at school.  Please come to ask questions, and to learn important information about our school and classroom procedures.  

Classroom Management:
I will begin implementing my classroom management plan tomorrow. I have already reviewed it with the students and they know it will begin tomorrow. I work on a yellow, red and Blue chip system. If a child is having difficulty following a rule I will quietly give them a reminder as to what they need to be doing. If they have to be reminded a second time to fix that behavior I will very discreetly place a yellow chip on their desk. This serves as a visual reminder for them that they need to make a better choice. If they begin to make a better choice, I will take the chip away. However, if they continue to make a wrong choice, I will flip the chip to red. If they end up with a red chip I will fill out a Think Sheet with the child and we will discuss what they need to do differently tomorrow. I ask that if your child receives a Think Sheet, that you discuss it with your child, sign it and return it to school the next day. 


On the other hand, if the students are doing a great job following the directions and going above and beyond, they can receive a blue chip. This chip means that they will receive a Happy Note home telling you what an outstanding day they had. I love giving out Happy Notes!!! Once again, if your child comes home with a Happy Note, I also ask that you take the time to discuss and praise your child's job well done. 

This system really only works, when both home and school work together.

Believe Kids Fundraiser:
Our PTA has kicked off its biggest fundraiser of the year.  I sent home the Believe Kids fundraising packet in yesterday's Thursday folder.  Please kindly consider participating in this fundraiser to help our PTA reach its financial goals this school year.

Breakfast:
Please be sure your child is eating breakfast each day.  Most of the kids start telling me they're hungry around 9 am, and our lunch isn't until 10:40.  Thank you! 

Class Directory:
I have prepared a class directory.  If you do NOT want your child's information (name, address, phone number, your name, and your email address) published in our class directory, please kindly send me an email today.  I will remove your child's information before I distribute the directory.

Specials Update:
Please remember to send your child with sneakers for P.E. We have P.E. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Library books are due back each Wednesday. 

Lunch:
Our lunch time is from 10:40 - 11:10.  You are welcome to eat lunch with your child any day, and you may bring your child lunch purchased from a restaurant (think places like Subway, Panera, or Chick-fil-A). If you'd like to eat lunch with your child, please sign in at the school office and meet us at the cafeteria at 10:40.  Please plan to say goodbye to your child in the cafeteria at the end of our lunch period as our instructional day resumes right after lunch.

Water Bottles:
First graders are a thirsty bunch.  Please feel free to send a water bottle to school with your child each day.  Please send a reusable bottle.  Please do NOT send water bottles with twist off tops for classroom use...the kids have a very difficult time getting the caps on straight and those bottles typically spill.

Volunteers needed!: 
I am in need of parent volunteers to help me with small groups and prepare materials. I have quite a bit of materials that need to be made both at school (using the copier and laminater) and at home. Please let me know if you are available to come in and help. I'm hoping to get a volunteer sign up out by this week.

Also, I want to send a HUGE thank you out to Mr. Norman who volunteered to be our room dad. He will be in touch throughout the year looking for help planning our class parties. 

Thank you Mr. Norman for stepping up! 

Supplies:

I also want to thank you all again for all of the donations you have sent in for our classroom. We have received so many extra supplies that are being put to good use! I have had several people ask recently if we still needed anything for our treasure box. I am always happy to take any little things you come across. Once we get into the full swing of our classroom management system, we will be having students visit it weekly. So as you can imagine it will need replenished rather frequently. I bought some cute things this weekend at 5 Below. I cannot wait to show the kids. I'm sure they will be a hit!!

Important Dates:
Please check the "Important Dates" section of this blog for upcoming events.  I will highlight some events in my weekly update, but you can find a complete list in the "Important Dates" section.

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will learn about the "5 Finger Rule" for choosing "just right" books.  We will begin Book Shopping, which is the process of choosing just right books for our Independent Reading Bags.
• Writing:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Writer's Workshop.
• Math:  We will begin establishing the routines and procedures of Math Workshop.
• Social Studies:  We will talk about rules necessary to keep our classroom and school community happy, healthy, safe, and productive.

I welcome your feedback!  Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

I hope you had a relaxing weekend! I am looking forward to seeing the kids tomorrow!

Kristen