Thursday, September 13

Welcome Back, 2018


Bette’s Class
Welcome Back to School!
August 24, 2018


Dear Families,

   I hope you have had a great summer! I am so excited about seeing my returning families and getting to know new families and students; sharing our summer stories!
   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. Reggie Hartman will join us as a student teacher for the first semester. He has worked in the district as a Teacher’s Aide, and he is earning his teacher’s certification. Watch for his upcoming letter of introduction.
   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. However, our lunchtime is tends to be late, roughly 5 hours since breakfast!! You may want to pack extra snack for your child. We will discuss snack more on curriculum night.
   I like to collect the blue transportation cards. They help me to know where each child is going after school. You can email the info to me if you want. It’s also a great idea to keep a copy of your child’s after school schedule in his or her backpack.    
    
                                Bette Diem
                                Room 237
PS. Please share my letter to kids with your child! Thanks
PPS. Here are the answers to the riddles in the kids’ letter:
A: A towel A: Your age A: Your name  A: A Secret.