Archives

Week 2

Aug27

Morning Work Cycle – This week in class we will begin math, language and writing assessments.  These assessments provide a baseline from where to begin teaching your child.   We strive to administer these assessments in a stress free way, so that your child can do their best work.

Cultural – We will study matter as an extension of our first Great Lesson, The Birth of the Universe, and in preparation for our first home project.  Students will select an element on which they will do an in depth study.  They will create a poster to present to Ms. Marleen’s lower elementary class in September.  Details of the assignment will be provided Thursday, August 31 and is due Monday, September 18.

UC Berkeley time crystalsSpelling – This year we will be using a new spelling program that is differentiated for each child.  A whole group spelling lesson will be given on Thursdays, from which your child will create their own spelling list.  Children will work with a spelling buddy to practice their words in class, take practice tests, and administer final spelling tests Wednesday mornings.

Pre-labeling page numbers will simplify the implementation of our new spelling program. We are beginning this program Thursday, August 31; therefore, I am looking for several parent volunteers to number the pages at home.  We need the journals ready to go Thursday morning.  If you are interested in working off  volunteer hours at home, please send me an email as soon as possible.

 

Snack Sign Up 2017-2018

Aug20

In the spirit of following Dr. Montessori’s recommendations for child nutrition, and in order to align with school policy for snack, our classroom will be participating in child/family provided snack.   This routine will allow children the opportunity to hone practical life skills of food preparation and clean up.  Students will provide and prepare snack for 28 students.  Please adhere to the approved items as it will streamline snack time and eliminate messy spills and stains in our classroom.

In order to ensure that snack does not become a distraction, our class is limiting the approved items to the following list:

  • Mini bagels with cream cheese
  • Fruit (ex. apples, clementines, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, cucumber, melon – cut at home, grapes, cherry tomatoes)
  • Cheese Sticks
  • Veggies (ex. carrots, broccoli, celery)
  • Crackers with cheese (pre-cut)
  • Granola Bars (no chocolate chips please)
  • Fruit Leather (no fruit snacks or fruit roll-ups please)
  • Mini-muffins
  • Whole Grain bread with jam

Please do not send popcorn, cereal, chips and salsa or ranch dressing.  These items will be sent home with your student.

If your child is bringing their own snack, please ensure it is a healthy one.  Chips, Cheetos, cookies, fruit snacks or other items high in sugar are not appropriate and will be saved until lunch.

School Supplies and Preparation 2017-2018

Jul22

It’s every kid’s favorite time of year…School Supply Shopping! If your child’s supplies are in good shape from last year (no broken binders or pencil pouches please), I encourage you to reuse them.  Please do not label each item with your child’s name.  See the school supply preparation instructions for details (below the supply list).

In addition to your child’s individual school supplies, I am requesting that each grade level provide the item listed below. As we run out of these consumable items, I will send out another request.**

If you need assistance supplying your child’s personal school supplies, please let me know prior to the start of school.

  • White 2” 3-ring Binder (Working Binder – can use last year’s binder if it is in good shape)
  • White 1” 3-ring Binder (Portfolio – can use last year’s binder if it is in good shape)
  • 25 page protectors (to be used for student portfolio – can use last year’s)
  • 1 pkg wide ruled notebook paper (placed in the working binder)
  • 2 pkg dividers (5 subject with pockets – can use last year’s)
  • 3 wide-ruled composition notebooks (black)
  • 1 pkg colored pencils
  • 1 highlighter (any color)
  • Pencil Pouch – zippered pouch to keep items from spilling if dropped
  • Slippers – Please see the dress code guidelines for appropriate slippers
  • Water Bottle – Reusable

**4th Grade – 1 roll paper towels

**5th Grade – 2 boxes Kleenex

**6th Grade – 2 pkgs 3×5 ruled index cards (white)

Optional but helpful

  • Comfortable pair of scissors – No safety scissors please, medium or adult scissors are best.
  • Handheld pencil sharpener
  • 1 flash drive
  • Low-profile clip board

School Supply Preparation

Prior to the first day of school, your child will need to prepare his or her school supplies. This is your child’s first homework assignment. Please assist your child in following the directions below.

The only items that should be labeled with your child’s name are listed below, everything else will go into the classroom supply cupboard for later use.

Working Binder

  • Create a spine label with first and last name (we will make covers for the binders during the first week of school)
  • Place 5 dividers in working binder
  • Label a tab for Language, Writing, Math, Cultural, Science
  • Divide package of lined paper evenly between all sections

Portfolio

  • Create spine label with first and last name (we will create a cover as part of an in class activity)
  • Place 5 dividers into portfolio
  • Label a tab for Math, ELA, Cultural, Executive Functions, Report Card Reflections
  • Place 5 sheet protectors behind each divider

Pencil Pouch (with zipper)

  • Label with first and last name
  • Colored Pencils
  • Pencil Sharpener*
  • Flash Drive*
  • Highlighter
  • Scissors*

 

*optional

Thank you for assisting your child in being prepared for the first day of school. Having these items ready to go will help our class get off to a great start!

Back to School 2017-2018

Jul22

With July wrapping up and August on it’s way, it’s time to get ready to come back to school!  In order to start the year off right, please read through this information with your child.

School Supplies

Please be sure to check the specific supplies for our classroom as each teacher requires something different.  You can find the list and guideline for preparation here.   If you choose to deliver supplies (highly recommended) prior to the first day of school, please be sure to put your child’s name and my name (Ms. Amity) on the bag so they make it to the correct classroom.

If you have a sixth grade student, your child will need an additional, white, 2-inch 3-ring binder for their Expert Project. I will address this project in a separate post.

The school dress code can be found here .  Providing your child with appropriate options for school reduces the number of dress code reminders that we need to fill out allowing us to focus on education.  Please help Ms. Kari and I do our job effectively by ensuring your child adheres to the school dress code.  Girls: please remember leggings may only be worn under skirts, skorts or dresses (not alone).  Your child will need a pair of Indoor Shoes to wear while in the classroom and other lessons taking place in the building.

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Pool Party

Join us for our annual pool party Tuesday, August 15 from 7-9pm at North Shore Aquatic Center across the street from the school.  You will have an opportunity to purchase shirts, sign up to volunteer, reconnect with friends and chat with Ms. Kari and myself.

End of Year Schedule

May20

It’s hard to believe that we have nearly completed another school year.  Time flies when we are working hard and learning a lot.

Please be aware of these important end of year activities and celebrations.

May 22-26 – Early release 1:00pm

May 22-24 – Book Fair – Buy one get one free!  Help us grow our classroom library!  Purchase a book for your child and donate one from our basket of options (or your choice)!!

May 22-24 – PTC – Please sign up here!

May 25 – 6th Grade Graduation – 10:30 Gymnasium (Best dress recommended)

May 26- Last day of school!  (School’s out for summer!)

Please be aware, dress code is required for the last week of school.