Important Information!! (Again)

Bette’s Class Notes                                                              September 25, 2017

Dear Families, Important Information!! (Again)

Picture Day Tomorrow! The unfortunate turn of events is that we have swimming at 8:30-9:15. I signed us up for 10:10 for pictures so we have time to spruce up before we go to pictures. If the pictures do not turn out well, there will be an opportunity for retakes in a couple of weeks, after you get to see the first set.

Early Release 12:52. We will eat lunch. No child care.

Permission slips home today. We are going to DeBuck’s Corn Maze in Belleville on Friday, September 29, with Tracey’s class. I would like 4 chaperones.

Important Information!!

 

Bette’s Class Notes                                                              September 8, 2017

Dear Families, Important Information!!

There is a small change in our weekly Specials’ Schedule:

We will have Vocal Music on Fridays, 8:30 instead of 9:10. I will send a revised schedule home.  Swimming is on Tuesdays!

!!Curriculum Night Change for Bette’s Class:

Family matters call. My daughter is getting married next Saturday, September 16. The wedding will be in Northern Michigan and I will be leaving Wednesday after school and traveling home Monday, September 18.

I’m happy to announce that in my absence we will have Rick Hal,l who just retired last spring, for our guest teacher!

Rick made special arrangements to cover the class for me during my absence. I am happy to have someone who I know will enjoy the kids and “know the ropes.”

Rick has an idea for the state mandated “Constitution Day” lesson and requests that we collect stuff for game pieces - dice, old game markers, chips, old game boards, spinners etc. If you have any extras lying around, send them in.

In addition, I have received permission to change my Curriculum Night to the following Thursday, September 21, 6-7. This may actually be helpful to parents who have two or more elementary students, as you will not have to decide how to be two places at once. On the regular curriculum night our new principal, Karen Siegel, will be introducing herself and all of the special’s staff in the auditorium 7:00-7:30, so you may still want to attend that meeting. We have a lot of new people starting this year!

I will be updating my curriculum notes over the weekend and making them available to you ahead of time through email and posting on the blog. When we meet on Sept. 22 we will go over it together.

I have enjoyed my first week with the class in the new room. We have started our routines in writing workshop, math, read aloud and going to specials and lunch. We have begun the process getting to know one another and establishing ourselves as a class community. I’m looking forward to a joyous and productive school year!

Bette

First Day Letter

September 5, 2017    

Dear Families,

Welcome to Bette’s class, 17-18! In a new room, 237! It was a lot of work, but it’s nice to have extra room.

It’s been an exciting and happy first day back at school! We’re going to have a great year!

My class notes to parents can be found on a blog at http://bette-notestofamilies.blogspot.com/ You can go there and add your email so that you will know when I add a note. If you prefer paper/”kid” mail, let me know.

I am sending you a copy of the current schedule. This schedule could change in a few weeks, as some adjustments may need to be made. Please note Tuesday is swimming! Be sure to assemble a swimming bag with a suit and towel and set a clear expectation that they come home on Tuesdays to be dried out!

This Thursday the all school welcome picnic is 6-7:30pm at the lower playground. It is pretty informal,  “bring your own” and outdoors, weather permitting. Some people like to bring a blanket and picnic dinner.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other members of the class and the school community.

Bette

diem@aaps.k12.mi.us

Welcome Back to Kids!

Bette’s Class Notes                                                 August 25, 2017

Hi kids!

       I hope you have had a great summer! I am getting ready for a new school year and looking forward to seeing you.

       We’ll start the year with some fun games and good stories as we get to know each other and learn new school day routines.  I hope you are excited about starting a new grade, with new friends and old friends.  This year we are also starting in a NEW ROOM! You will find me in Room 237. More space, more fun!

         We will be using Learning Logs and Writer’s Notebooks. I will give them to you when you come to school. If you like, you could bring your own special journal to use. Bring a book you are reading on the first day of school.

         Enjoy your last days of vacation and start looking forward to an exciting school year!

                  See you soon!

 Bette

Room 237

Welcome Back to Parents!

Bette’s Class

Welcome Back to School!

August 25, 2017

Dear Families,

I hope you have had a great summer! I am looking forward seeing my returning families and getting to know new families and students; sharing our summer stories!

On the first day of school, you’ll find me in a new location! I have moved to Room 237. It’s the one with the outside door that faces the Red Oak entrance. From the inner hall, it’s the one behind the wall for Christine’s story steps.  I’m excited about this opportunity to spread out!

During the first weeks we pay special attention to developing a sense of community as we establish our class routines and get to know one another. The kids and I will work together to settle into the new space!

It can be a positive ritual to prepare for the school year gathering supplies and setting up new routines after the summer. I recommend:

ü  A backpack or bag for carrying notes papers and lunches.

ü  A book of interest for reading time.

As far as other supplies go, we have a classroom supply of writing utensils and paper. Pencils, colored pencils, markers and pens are fine to bring, but not required. A labeled pencil box can help a student keep writing utensils in order. With the free movement in class, pencils can travel a lot!

We provide good quality spiral notebooks as “Learner Logs” for general notes, practice and reflection. In addition, we supply Composition notebooks as “Writer’s Notebooks” for collecting ideas and experimenting with writing prompts. You and your child may choose to pick up a special one to bring in if you wish. Ownership is important for a successful “Writer’s Notebook”.  

Well-rested children who eat a good breakfast and make it to school on time will be their best at school. Rest, nourishment and being on time seem simple, but they really support a child in getting through the school day happily and productively!

You can help the kids keep their motors running during class by providing snacks. One box of crackers a month per family is our basic snack. We will discuss snack more on curriculum night.

I look forward to a wonderful school year!

                                       

Bette Diem

Room 237

PS: Please come to the “Back to School Picnic” Thursday, Sept. 7 6:00-7:30

     Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket for your family

PSS: The school times have changed: the first bell rings at 8:14am (the second at 8:19),

       End of the day bell is now 3:22pm