Everyday we will follow a schedule that includes working on our social skills & self-esteem, language arts, such as reading, writing and listening skills, cognitive and problem solving skills (math & science) and our physical and creative abilities.  Many of these subjects are integrated and interrelated.  So, we may be focusing on a math concept but we are also learning scientific facts, graphing, and developing our fine motor skills.  I also use themes or units to teach concepts and skills, such as, apples and pumpkins, butterflies and insects, seasons and weather.  At the beginning of the year, we focus a lot of time on getting to know each other, know what the boundaries are and exploring new materials.  The goal here is to make sure your child is comfortable so that he/she will have a good attitude about school.

Specials:  Our daily schedule includes “specials”, that is, music, gym, library, and computer lab.  All the students will go to each special at least once a week.  I have included a schedule stapled to the letter.  Please remember to dress appropriately on gym days, that is, wear shoes that your child can run in and clothes to easily move in.  Lastly, we have a school assembly every Monday morning.

 Purple M.O.O.S.E. Folders:  All of the students in the school will receive a purple M.O.O.S.E. folder.  This stands for: Management Of Organizational Skills Everyday.  These folders will also allow you to receive updates on your child’s progress and behavior.  I will also send home frequent newsletters throughout the year in the folders which will keep you informed on the happenings in the class.  Please sign and write any comments in the folder and return it the next class.  These folders are a great way for us to have an open line of communication all year.  The folders will usually be sent home every Friday and should be returned on Monday.

 Snacks:  Our lunch time is early (11:00am) and by the afternoon the students are ready for a snack.  A snack calendar will be sent home each month and all the children will be assigned a day to bring in a snack to share with the entire class. If the day you are assigned is not good for you, please let me know so that we can make other arrangements.  I try to schedule snack dates close to birthdays so children can bring in a special snack.  It usually works out where you only have a snack day once a month.  I ask that you try to bring in healthy snacks.  Also, if you decide to bring a drink along with the snack, I ask that it is not anything RED or PURPLE because when spilled, it stains the carpet.  The snack can be anything easily carried to school and we have approximately 21 children in the class.  If possible, when bringing something that requires plates, cups or spoons, your help would be appreciated if you supply them.  I do not keep these things at school.  I only provide napkins.  Thank you!

 School Supplies:  Your child will not have to bring in basic school supplies to school.  The one item that I suggest you supply your child with is a backpack.  This should be brought to school each day to store their belongings.  That way, children can keep mittens, hats, etc. in a central location.  Please check the contents of the bag each day.  I would also like to request that your child not bring toys or treasures to school.  Aside from being a distraction to your child and others, they could get broken or lost.  I do not allow students to play with toys or treasures brought from home.  If possible, I ask each student to bring a box of Kleenex or Clorox wipes to donate to the class.  This allows be to keep the room sanitary.  Thank you!!!!

 Homework:  Every month I will send home a “Homelinks” calendar.  This calendar is considered math homework to do with your child.  Each day there is a quick and simple assignment to do such as, count all the doors in your house.  Each time you complete an assignment, write the answer in the box or check it off indicating that you did it on the calendar.  I do keep track of completed assignments for the report cards.  Other forms of homework are practicing writing their name or letters, numbers or current subject matter.  In a couple weeks, I will start sending home a small book for homework.  This is to be read with a parent and sent back Monday in the M.O.O.S.E folders.  These are books printed off the computer and I ask that they please not be written or colored in.  If they are damaged I have to throw them away.  With the book will be a feedback form that you fill out and return with the book.  This lets me know how the child did with the book.  Homework is usually sent home on Fridays and need to be returned on Monday.  Homework is not graded but I do keep track of returned homework.

 Writing Journals:  At school, I will be keeping a writing journal.  It is a collection of your child’s writing from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.  Through this journal, you will be amazed at the progress he/she has made throughout the year.  You will see very little writing come home due to the fact that I do place it in their journal.  You are welcome to view your child’s journal throughout the year to see progress.

 Labeling:  Please label all of your child’s belongings that they may bring to school, this includes outer wear, backpacks and lunch boxes.  Many children have the same coat, gloves, etc. and this will help avoid any confusion.

Book Orders:  Every month I will send home a Scholastic book order forms for you to purchase books for your child.  The order forms will have the due date on the back and payment for the books must accompany the order.  All of the books in the club are age appropriate at very reasonable prices.  Any checks should be made out to Scholastic Books.  Please send money/checks in an envelope with their name on it as this will help keep if from getting lost.

Box Tops:  We will be collecting Box Tops, which you will find on General Mills products.  Please cut them out and send them to school.  For each box top the school gets 10 cents so we value everyone that sends them in.  Also make sure to send in Spartan and Campbell’s soup labels. 

Purple Notes:  Any note that comes home which is printed on purple paper means that the note must be sent back to school with a response.  Notes for conferences, homework, and field trips are some examples. 

Child Pick-up or Change in Destination:  If your child is going home from school a different way from their normal routine/plan, you must send a note to school with your child or call the office.  If your child does not have a note/call, I am obligated to send them home according to the original plan.  I cannot accept a child’s word in this situation for safety reasons alone.  If you are going to pick your child up from school, you have to sign your child out in the office.  You can not take your child from school or out of the bus line without signing them out first.  Children being picked up after school will be picked up from the library.

Lunch Money:  Please send all lunch money in an envelope with your child’s name on it.  This will help me a great deal and make it much easier for your child to bring money to school without getting it lost along the way. 

Classroom Parties:  We will be having several classroom parties throughout the year.  I will be asking for parents to sign up if they are interested in planning and supplying the food and activities for these special events. 

Parent Volunteers:  Any and all parents who can volunteer are greatly appreciated.  Please let me know if you would like to help with such things like:  centers, stuffing M.O.O.S.E. books (only on Friday mornings), computer lab, parties, and field trips.  There are lots of ways to help out.

Newsletters:  Every month I will send home a newsletter informing you of what we have been learning, what we will be learning, and upcoming events that you should be aware of.  These letters may also include family homework assignments, requests for special materials, field trip information, and reminders.  Please take a few moments to read the newsletters carefully so that you and your child will be prepared for any special news and events.

I know this seems like a lot of requests and information.  I you have any questions always feel free to contact me throughout the year.  You many contact me via the internet or school phone number.  My e-mail is jebrown1@svsu.edu.  Also, I have created a class web site so feel free to browse that often.  Newsletters, snack schedules, and pictures will be posted on the site.  It will take a few weeks to get it updated with the new arrival of students.  I am looking forward to meeting all of you and get ready for a fun and adventurous year!!!!!