Phew! 1 week down and I must say, the kiddos did great!
I will try to keep this short and sweet....
Library books
Your child will be bringing home a library book they checked out from the library this week (they are soo excited!) This is a perfect opportunity to read with your child and sneak in some of the reading skills mentioned in the previous blog post.
Daily Folders
Please check your child's green daily folder each day. In addition to this blog, it is the main way I communicate with you. There is an 'All About Me' assignment that is due next Friday in your child's folder today.
Rest Towels
Rest towels were sent home to be washed. Please send it in again on Monday:-)
Thank you
A big thank you to Meg Yancey and Ms.Kozlowski for sending in notebooks and playdoh for our classroom.
And last but not least, thank you Ms. Melton for volunteering to be our PTA liaison.
Have a wonderful weekend:-)
Friday, August 9, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Halfway There....
I don't know about you, but this week has flown by! The kiddos are really getting the hang of our procedures and routines. Not too shabby for the third day:-)
Want to find out more??? Ask your child about the first 3 rules in our class (and the gestures to go with them). You will see that gestures that go along with our objectives this year will be very big in our classroom. Ask about our 'truck driver' cheer or how many 'Blazer Bucks' your child has earned and why.
Ident a Kid This Friday
Please make sure to check your child's backpack after school today. There is some important information about Ident -a-kid. Ident-a-kid is an opportunity for your child to get a safety ID car made. If you are interested, please return the completed form with your payment. Please see your child's daily folder for more information.
Open House/Thursday, August 15th
I can't wait to share with you our kindergarten curriculum and our classroom norms. There will be a 'Princpal's Presentation' in the multi-purpose room at 6pm. Following that, there will be two, 25 minute Open House sessions in our classroom. This way, if you have more than one child at Banks Road, you will be able to go to their classroom, as well.
Wish List Items- thank you
A BIG thank you to the fabulous parents who sent in paper bags, ear phones for our I-touch center, and glue sticks for our classroom. I usually like to thank you all by name, but I am not sure who took what wish list items.
Things you can work on at home...
A lot of parents have asked me about homework. Although we are not sending it home yet (that's usually around the (5th week or so of school) there are a few things you can do at home to help your child.
-Read daily to your child
It's first because it really is so important. YOU are your child's first teacher. Show/ask your child to point out
*the title
*front cover
*identify capital letters/lowercase letters
*ask your child to match a lowercase letter to an uppercase letter
*point out the first/last letter of a word
*point out a word vs a letter
*help them work on one-to one correspondence (that is pointing to each word as you say it)
*If he/she can, have your child read an easy-reader book to you
Volunteers
Many of you have been kind enough to inquire about volunteering opportunities this year. I will have my classroom computers available for you to register as a volunteer during Open House. All volunteers must register with Wake County before helping out in our classroom. Can't make it to our Open House??? You can come into the school computer lab and register anytime during school hours (and yes, you must register at school, through our intranet...sorry!)
Snack
Thank you to everyone who has helped to make sure that snack is in a separate bag.
Just one quick request to add onto that...
Please pack your child's snack in a Ziploc bag (or something like it) and not a lunch bag. When Ms. Cassidy or I see a lunch bag in your child's cubby, we generally assume that is their lunch. And with 20 students in our class, it is difficult to go through each child's lunch bag to make sure it is indeed lunch and not a snack. I would feel terrible sending your child to lunch with only a 'snack portion' of food:-/
PTA Liaison
If anyone is interested in being our PTA liaison for our classroom, please email me. This position would include keeping parents informed of upcoming PTA events at our school.
Thank you so much for your emails and questions this week. Please keep them coming:-)
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Want to find out more??? Ask your child about the first 3 rules in our class (and the gestures to go with them). You will see that gestures that go along with our objectives this year will be very big in our classroom. Ask about our 'truck driver' cheer or how many 'Blazer Bucks' your child has earned and why.
Ident a Kid This Friday
Please make sure to check your child's backpack after school today. There is some important information about Ident -a-kid. Ident-a-kid is an opportunity for your child to get a safety ID car made. If you are interested, please return the completed form with your payment. Please see your child's daily folder for more information.
Open House/Thursday, August 15th
I can't wait to share with you our kindergarten curriculum and our classroom norms. There will be a 'Princpal's Presentation' in the multi-purpose room at 6pm. Following that, there will be two, 25 minute Open House sessions in our classroom. This way, if you have more than one child at Banks Road, you will be able to go to their classroom, as well.
Wish List Items- thank you
A BIG thank you to the fabulous parents who sent in paper bags, ear phones for our I-touch center, and glue sticks for our classroom. I usually like to thank you all by name, but I am not sure who took what wish list items.
Things you can work on at home...
A lot of parents have asked me about homework. Although we are not sending it home yet (that's usually around the (5th week or so of school) there are a few things you can do at home to help your child.
-Read daily to your child
It's first because it really is so important. YOU are your child's first teacher. Show/ask your child to point out
*the title
*front cover
*identify capital letters/lowercase letters
*ask your child to match a lowercase letter to an uppercase letter
*point out the first/last letter of a word
*point out a word vs a letter
*help them work on one-to one correspondence (that is pointing to each word as you say it)
*If he/she can, have your child read an easy-reader book to you
Volunteers
Many of you have been kind enough to inquire about volunteering opportunities this year. I will have my classroom computers available for you to register as a volunteer during Open House. All volunteers must register with Wake County before helping out in our classroom. Can't make it to our Open House??? You can come into the school computer lab and register anytime during school hours (and yes, you must register at school, through our intranet...sorry!)
Snack
Thank you to everyone who has helped to make sure that snack is in a separate bag.
Just one quick request to add onto that...
Please pack your child's snack in a Ziploc bag (or something like it) and not a lunch bag. When Ms. Cassidy or I see a lunch bag in your child's cubby, we generally assume that is their lunch. And with 20 students in our class, it is difficult to go through each child's lunch bag to make sure it is indeed lunch and not a snack. I would feel terrible sending your child to lunch with only a 'snack portion' of food:-/
PTA Liaison
If anyone is interested in being our PTA liaison for our classroom, please email me. This position would include keeping parents informed of upcoming PTA events at our school.
Thank you so much for your emails and questions this week. Please keep them coming:-)
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Monday, August 5, 2013
The First Day of Kindergarten Has Come and Gone!
I don't know about you, but I could use a nap! Lol. We had a whirlwind day today. Between touring our school, learning our classroom procedures, and just learning how to 'be' in school, it was quite a day. Do you want your child to share more with you about school, other than is it was 'good'? Ask your child to tell you about smilies/frownies, class/yes, rule #1, or the ten finger wooooo!
For the rest of the week, we will continue to work on our classroom procedures and expectations. We will focus on creating a classroom community by getting to know each other through fun games and activities.
Afternoon Transportation
You may have noticed your child go home with a tag on their backpack. This tag is to let our staff know how your child gets home in the afternoon, so please keep it on for at least the next few weeks. If your kiddo needs a new one, please do not hesitate to email me.
Specials
if you have a chance, take a gander over to the right hand side and look at our specials schedule. please note that on PE days, students should come to school with shoes they can run in, no flip flops or sandals.
Don't see what you are looking for?
Please let me know how I can make this blog better. If there is something you would like me to mention and/or add, please feel free to email me and let me know. I am always looking for ways to make our blog more parent friendly:-)
Last, but not least....
A BIG thank you to you, the parents for entrusting me with your kids. Being a parent myself, I know how hard it can be to leave your baby with someone you don't know very well, in a place that your child doesn't know at all. I know it was a big day (and not just for the kiddos) and I want thank you for trusting me to take care of them. I am looking forward to a year of excitement and growth together.
For the rest of the week, we will continue to work on our classroom procedures and expectations. We will focus on creating a classroom community by getting to know each other through fun games and activities.
Afternoon Transportation
You may have noticed your child go home with a tag on their backpack. This tag is to let our staff know how your child gets home in the afternoon, so please keep it on for at least the next few weeks. If your kiddo needs a new one, please do not hesitate to email me.
Specials
if you have a chance, take a gander over to the right hand side and look at our specials schedule. please note that on PE days, students should come to school with shoes they can run in, no flip flops or sandals.
Don't see what you are looking for?
Please let me know how I can make this blog better. If there is something you would like me to mention and/or add, please feel free to email me and let me know. I am always looking for ways to make our blog more parent friendly:-)
Last, but not least....
A BIG thank you to you, the parents for entrusting me with your kids. Being a parent myself, I know how hard it can be to leave your baby with someone you don't know very well, in a place that your child doesn't know at all. I know it was a big day (and not just for the kiddos) and I want thank you for trusting me to take care of them. I am looking forward to a year of excitement and growth together.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Meet The Teacher
WOW! What a turn out. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their Friday night to come meet me and see our classroom. It was nice to see the all the kids' smiling, excited faces. I am so excited to start the new year together and I hope you are, too!
Some things to remember for Monday...
The first day
I had a few parents ask tonight, so I want to make sure to address the 'Can I walk my child to the room on the first day' question. The answer is of course, YES!! It is expected that you, as a parent will want to walk your child to class the first day (even the first week). I have found that after the first week, most kiddos are feeling pretty good and can get to class on their own, however, if they are still a bit hesitant after the first week, please let me know, so we (parent and teacher) can talk about how to make your child feel more comfortable.
Confirming transportation
When you came in for staggered entry, you signed a form stating how your child would get home on the first day and the rest of the year. On Monday, please make sure you confirm/initial how your child will be getting home (on Monday and the rest of the year) on the transportation form in Mrs.McGarry's room.
Meet the Teacher Envelope
When you came in our classroom, you were given an envelope with various forms (our schedule, classroom behavior information, volunteer forms, "All About Your Kindergartner", etc...). Please make sure to review the forms and return on Monday. Please do not hesitate to email me should you have any questions/concerns about ANYTHING :-)
Snack
Although this hasn't come up yet, I want to make sure to address snack. Right now, we are scheduled to have snack at 3:00pm. In order to make sure your child does not accidentally eat their snack during lunch time, please make sure it is in a separate bag (not in your child's lunch bag)with your child's name on it. You may even want to talk with your child, so they are aware of what is snack and what is lunch.
Kid Connection Daily Folder
Each afternoon, your child will be go home with a a metallic green folder. Please check it each night. In it, you will find your child's behavior form, as well as any pertinent information that you need to know. All other work will go home on Friday.
Wish List
Thank you to everyone who took a wish list item this evening from our board. One item I forgot to add was a box of extra snacks for students who have forgotten a snack.
Again, thank you for taking the time to meet me tonight. I am looking forward to a fantastic year with you and your child.
Some things to remember for Monday...
The first day
I had a few parents ask tonight, so I want to make sure to address the 'Can I walk my child to the room on the first day' question. The answer is of course, YES!! It is expected that you, as a parent will want to walk your child to class the first day (even the first week). I have found that after the first week, most kiddos are feeling pretty good and can get to class on their own, however, if they are still a bit hesitant after the first week, please let me know, so we (parent and teacher) can talk about how to make your child feel more comfortable.
Confirming transportation
When you came in for staggered entry, you signed a form stating how your child would get home on the first day and the rest of the year. On Monday, please make sure you confirm/initial how your child will be getting home (on Monday and the rest of the year) on the transportation form in Mrs.McGarry's room.
Meet the Teacher Envelope
When you came in our classroom, you were given an envelope with various forms (our schedule, classroom behavior information, volunteer forms, "All About Your Kindergartner", etc...). Please make sure to review the forms and return on Monday. Please do not hesitate to email me should you have any questions/concerns about ANYTHING :-)
Snack
Although this hasn't come up yet, I want to make sure to address snack. Right now, we are scheduled to have snack at 3:00pm. In order to make sure your child does not accidentally eat their snack during lunch time, please make sure it is in a separate bag (not in your child's lunch bag)with your child's name on it. You may even want to talk with your child, so they are aware of what is snack and what is lunch.
Kid Connection Daily Folder
Each afternoon, your child will be go home with a a metallic green folder. Please check it each night. In it, you will find your child's behavior form, as well as any pertinent information that you need to know. All other work will go home on Friday.
Wish List
Thank you to everyone who took a wish list item this evening from our board. One item I forgot to add was a box of extra snacks for students who have forgotten a snack.
Again, thank you for taking the time to meet me tonight. I am looking forward to a fantastic year with you and your child.
Friday, June 28, 2013
The last day!
So, the day is here. The last day of Kindergarten....I thought the the best way to end this year's blog was to hear from the kids what they liked the BEST about the year.
-Hannah: "When I got to spend time with you"
-Kaylee: "Spending time with you"
-Tayla: "Spending time with everybody"
-Graham: "Spending ttime with you"
-Hutton: "Reading books"
-Kara: "Everything! Even the teachers"
-Ava: "You"
-Austin: "Playing blocks"
-Max: "Spending time with you"
-Madison: "Spending time with you and Ms. Gradner"
-Will: "Everything!"
-Mark: "Lunch"
-Caleb: "Playing at recess"
-Reid: "Playing games with you"
-Georgia: "Going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch"
-Eve: "Everything!"
-Ada: "Recess"
-Isabelle: "Recess"
Thank you for letting me apart of your child's life this year. I hope you will still stop by and let me know how your child is doing (even though they are not 'mine' anymore). Have a wonderful year in First Grade :-)
-Hannah: "When I got to spend time with you"
-Kaylee: "Spending time with you"
-Tayla: "Spending time with everybody"
-Graham: "Spending ttime with you"
-Hutton: "Reading books"
-Kara: "Everything! Even the teachers"
-Ava: "You"
-Austin: "Playing blocks"
-Max: "Spending time with you"
-Madison: "Spending time with you and Ms. Gradner"
-Will: "Everything!"
-Mark: "Lunch"
-Caleb: "Playing at recess"
-Reid: "Playing games with you"
-Georgia: "Going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch"
-Eve: "Everything!"
-Ada: "Recess"
-Isabelle: "Recess"
Thank you for letting me apart of your child's life this year. I hope you will still stop by and let me know how your child is doing (even though they are not 'mine' anymore). Have a wonderful year in First Grade :-)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Field Day and Last Week of School Activities...
Field Day tomorrow!
Just a friendly reminder....
Field day is tomorrow. Here are a few reminders...
-send your child to school with sun screen already applied to their body
-send your child to school with a bathing suit already on (there will be water activities during field day)
-send your child to school with shoes they can run in AND that you won't mind getting wet
-bring a change of clothes (including underwear) and a towel (please write your child's name on it)
-you are more than welcome to send in a water bottle with your child, however water will be provided at the water station during field day. If you choose to send your child with water, please write your child's name on the water bottle.
Last Week of School Activities
Monday- Favorite Book Day & Wear Black and White to school
On Monday we will allow our students to share their favorite book with their classmates. Please have your child bring in their favorite book from home. Make sure that your child’s name is somewhere on the book in case we have duplicates. J
Tuesday- Bubble Day & Backwards Day (wear your clothes backwards)
We will rotate through the different bubble activities with our friends.
Wednesday- Game Day & Wacky Tacky Day
Your child is allowed to bring in one family friendly board game or card game to play with other students. We will rotate through the different games while we play with our friends. Please check to make sure that all necessary pieces are included with the game and your child’s name is on it before sending it to school. Electronic (battery or plug-in) games need to stay at home
Thursday- Hawaiian Day & Kindergarten Celebration
Have your child dress up in some Hawaiian inspired clothes. We will see you at @2:00 in the cafeteria for our end of the year celebration .
Friday: School Spirit (wear your Banks Road shirt or Green and Blue)
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to bring in items on www.signupgenius.com I am continually amazed at how fast you all respond!!
I feel very lucky to have such a supportive group of parents.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Important Updates...
Some some quick updates for everyone....
Kindergarten Celebration
On Thursday June 27th @ 2:00 (note the time has changed from last week's post), track 4 kindergarten will be having an ice cream social. It will be 'icecream truck' style with the teachers handing out ice cream cones, push up pops, ice cream sandwiches, etc...
Our intention is for everyone who is attending to enjoy some ice cream, so a form will be going home in your child's Friday folder to determine how many people will be attending. Please return them ASAP.
Field Day
Field day is next Friday, June 14th. There WILL be WATER ACTIVITIES during field day. Please send your child dressed in their bathing suit and sneakers to school that day. They will also need a towel and a change of clothes to change into after field day.
Last week of school activities
6/24 Black and White Day
6/25 Backwards Day
6/26 Wacky Tacky Day
6/27 Hawaiian Day
6/28 School Spirit Day
I am also thinking of doing some fun activities (watermelon in the afternoon, bubble day) during that week, just our class. Please email me and let me know if you are interesting in helping/donating, or have a fun activity we can do that week:-)
Kindergarten Celebration
On Thursday June 27th @ 2:00 (note the time has changed from last week's post), track 4 kindergarten will be having an ice cream social. It will be 'icecream truck' style with the teachers handing out ice cream cones, push up pops, ice cream sandwiches, etc...
Our intention is for everyone who is attending to enjoy some ice cream, so a form will be going home in your child's Friday folder to determine how many people will be attending. Please return them ASAP.
Field Day
Field day is next Friday, June 14th. There WILL be WATER ACTIVITIES during field day. Please send your child dressed in their bathing suit and sneakers to school that day. They will also need a towel and a change of clothes to change into after field day.
Last week of school activities
6/24 Black and White Day
6/25 Backwards Day
6/26 Wacky Tacky Day
6/27 Hawaiian Day
6/28 School Spirit Day
I am also thinking of doing some fun activities (watermelon in the afternoon, bubble day) during that week, just our class. Please email me and let me know if you are interesting in helping/donating, or have a fun activity we can do that week:-)
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