Pajama Drive 2009 Nov. 16-Dec. 9... Dear Parents, Our first grade classes have the opportunity to participate in a nationwide program called, “The Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive,” which aims to help children in need by providing them with brand-new pajamas and books. The program is sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs and will benefit the Pajama Program, a nonprofit organization that provides pajamas to children in need every year. Scholastic Book Clubs will donate books to the Pajama Program, but it’s up to us, to donate the pajamas! Here are the guidelines for the pajamas: • Pajama must be new and unused with original store tags. • Pajamas must be donated in complete sets or nightgowns. • Pajamas are needed in every size, from newborn and up. • Children’s sizes must have been manufactured as pajamas so we know for certain they are flame-retardant and safe. If your family is able to participate, please have your child bring a new pair of pajamas to school by December 9, 2009. All students will be able to wear their pajamas to school on December 18. If you would like more information about the programs you may go to the following websites: www.pajamaprogram.org, or www.scholastic.com/pjdrive. Thank you, First Grade Teachers *Collection boxes will be outside Mrs. Bostic’s room 403 in the first grade building. ***************************************************************************** Dear Parents, Welcome to First Grade! My name is Staci Kelley, and I will be your child’s teacher this year. I’m excited to have your child in my class. I have the personal belief that children can have fun while learning. It is my sincere desire to accomplish this by using several teaching methods such as whole group instruction, independent work and centers. I know that by working together we can make this year an enjoyable and rewarding one for all. Changes in Transportation- If you plan to pick up your child that normally rides the bus or if you wish for your child to ride a different rout that usual, you MUST send a written note on the specified day. If there is no written note received, or the office has not been notified, your child will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation. If changes occur during the school day, please call the office by 1:30. This allows ample time to get the message to the child. Lunch and Money- Please send all money in a labeled envelope. It should have your child’s name, my name and the purpose written on it. When sending lunch money, it should be sent for the week or month in an envelope with your child’s name, the amount, as well as the teacher’s name and your child’s lunch number on the front. School Attendance- Regular attendance and promptness is expected. When your child is absent for any reason, please send a written note or your child will have an unexcused absence. Clothing- Please label everything that your child brings to school, especially coats and backpacks. It is strongly recommended to have your child wear tennis shoes on the days that they will be participating in PE. Report cards-Report cards are sent home approximately every nine weeks. The following grading scale will be used: 1st nine weeks---attendance and conduct grades only. 2nd, 3rd and 4th nine weeks-E-excellent, S-satisfactory and N-needs improvement, given for all subjects. Please note that the grade N is not a passing grade. Parent/Teacher Communication- Throughout the year I will communicate with you through notes, telephone calls, and conferences. We will use the orange folder in the FISH Binder for written communication. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You may call me at school at 845-3671, or email me at staci.kelley@stpsb.org. I check email throughout the day and at night at home. Email will be the fastest way to reach me. If you need homework or other classroom information you might find what you are looking for on our class website at http://teacherweb.com/LA/MadisonvilleElementaryschool/stacikelley/h0.stm. If you have trouble with this address just go to techerweb.com and look up your child’s teacher. Our school has a website with a lot of important information. Our school website is: http://madisonvilleelementaryschool.stpsb.org.