1st week update

Welcome to Mark Twain!

We had a wonderful 1st week of school. It was nice to see familiar faces as well as our 2 new friends to Mark Twain! We spent last week adjusting to new routines/rules/schedules while getting to know each other. The kids have done well while settling in and learning new procedures/expectations. After much discussion we wrote and signed our “Essential Agreements.” We will keep these displayed throughout the year. We expect to have a fantastic year!

Or 1st PYP planner begins next week. It’s called “What the World Needs Now.” The central idea is…positive attitudes make the world a better place to live in. We will focus on manners and our PYP attitudes/profiles. More to come later. We will also start going to library with our librarian, Mr. Deering next week. We will keep school library books in the classroom to read during class. Gifted and Talented will also start next week. We are scheduled to go every Monday 12:20-2:15. Mrs. Norris is very excited and eagerly waiting to meet her new GT kids!

Our homework routine will also start next week. I will send home a homework packet at the start of each week in their yellow homework folders. Homework is due Friday and will be checked for completion and neatness. Red information folders with work from the previous week and papers from the office. PTO is working hard to send much of their information electronically...expect less paperwork. All my updates, daily photos and newsletters will be online on the classroom blog.

Spelling starts next week. A pretest will be given every Monday so I can see what spelling list to assign each child. Both list follow the same basic spelling rule that is focused on for the week. The list goes home stapled onto the homework packet…with the list circled indicating which one is assigned to your child. Regardless of what list your child is given, bonus words are the same and will be optional. The choice is yours. We will have daily spelling lessons as well as daily homework (in the packet). Keep the spelling homework (and all homework) at home until Friday as I know they will be needed to study for Friday’s spelling test.

Reading logs will also go out next week...stapled to the homework packet. I will explain in great detail to the children…they are the ones reading…not parents. All I ask is that they read aloud to you for a minimum of 15 minutes M-Th. You may use books from home or public library books. They have an excellent selection of beginning readers and chapter books. Parents may also come by my class before or after class to borrow some of mine…I have a bunch! Please fill out the reading log with completed book titles and your signature acknowledging the reading has been done. These will also be checked for completion each Friday.

Thank you for quickly returning all the paperwork from the office. I still need a few more to complete our class. FYI…the “code of conduct” sheet is found in the middle of the Code of Student Conduct book handed out on the first day of school. I'm missing many of these! In addition to the papers, there are 2 things that need to be filled out online on the Mark Twain PTO website: http://www.marktwainpto.org/ 1. PTO membership form – this is free AND you get a student directory…VERY handy to have! 2. directory form – update all information you want available for the directory…also VERY handy for everyone else! There is a sign-up sheet outside my door for volunteer opportunities...there’s still some openings! If your child read at least 5 books this summer, please fill out the “Millionaire” form in your Tuesday folder next week. Last year the kids were awarded t-shirts for those that turn their completed form! http://www.parentonline.net/ to activate/purchase lunches for your child's lunch card!

Concerning the blog…I update it almost daily. I’m crazy that way! Most importantly, I post necessary information, dates, what’s coming up, etc. but also enjoy posting fun moments from our day. If you are not an “every day checker” then I suggest checking it once a week. I will not send home a hard copy (only this time) unless you do not have online access. If this is the case, PLEASE let me know!

Sometimes I have questions for parents and will post surveys on the left side bar of the blog. Please consider participating. Your vote is anonymous to myself and others and will help me better serve the needs of our class!

Thanks again for a great 1st week. Your kids are GREAT!