Day 1 -- check (and a few notes on "homework")

Dear Salamander Parents;

We did it, we got through day 1, one of the most  b   o   r   i   n   g   days of the year because we have to recommit ourselves to school-wide and classroom expectations.

The class did well as a whole.  We didn't really jump into academics, but we practiced cafeteria behavior, tried a Kaboom subtraction game, talked a little about growth mind set, wrote a short readers' response and started to set up our science notebook.  Recess & specials went off without a hitch.

The only thing we will have to work on a class goal is listening.  I have kids talking while I am talking (big NO NO), then asking questions when they should have heard the answers.  This for me led to a less than orderly dismissal.

My first goal is safety.  We will practice our dismissal behavior again tomorrow before the actual event.

Please join class Dojo so that you can see the areas where your child excels in terms of behavior and where he or she needs work. All of our rules are rooted in safety and respect at school.

The kids had "homework".  They will have a blue homework folder and their agenda will live in it, traveling back and forth to school daily.  We were fortunate to get the funds for this "big kid" agenda and I am committed to helping the kids become more organized -- it's actually a totally different area of the brain!  Feel free to add in personal events like soccer games or birthdays.
Today's homework was to put in their name and address in the front - spelled and capitalized correctly.  Tomorrow they will be bringing home a safety contract for a signature as homework.  The real homework packet will be distributed on Friday and due the following Friday.  I encourage your kids to read daily.  They will be stronger and more confident students if they do.  The packet will have reading and math worksheets.  Spelling will also be part of homework, but it is self-paced based on a students' needs.

If you have any questions before we have time to discuss details at Back to School night, please email me and I will clarify.

Send 'em back tomorrow!