Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- How do I communicate with Mrs. Batzer?
- What is Mrs. Batzer's classroom management philosophy?
- When is my child's PE pullout? And what should they wear?
- What math program does Double Eagle use?
- What phonics program does my first grader use?
- When can I start volunteering in my child's classroom?
How do I communicate with Mrs. Batzer?
I try to send a newsletter every other week via email to keep you posted.
Email (mrs.batzer@gmail.com) and my website
(http://teacherweb.com/NM/DoubleEagle/ShannonCutts/h3.stm) are the main forms
of communication I use. I check my email throughout the day and update my
website every week. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for on the
website, then email me your questions or concerns and I will get back to you
as soon as I can. If you do not have an internet connection at home or do not
have an email account you check regularly, please notify me so that I can make
other arrangements with you.
Another way to contact me is through a good old fashion note with your
child-have them give it to me at the beginning of the day (they will have to
put it in my hands, if you put it in their folder, I might not look in there
until the afternoon).
The school does have voicemail (857-0187), honestly though, I rarely check it.
What is Mrs. Batzer's classroom management philosophy?
I like to catch the students being good. When I see a child on task, helping
others, being thoughtful, and following directions, they will get a “Thumbs
Up!” When they get 10 “Thumbs Up” marks on our chart, they get to put their
name in a bucket for a weekly drawing. Then, I pull 4 names a week to pick
from our Treasure Box.
If you have any items you would like to donate for this drawing, it would be
greatly appreciated (books, toys, pencils, easers-usually, if I find something
in the dollar section of Target that looks interesting I will grab it). I
have some items left over from last year to help get us started.
We also work as a community to make sure the rules are followed in our
classroom. When I notice the children working together quietly and working
hard, the whole class earns a “Star.” When the class receives 10 stars, we
will have a “10 Star Party”; this could be watching a special movie, having an
ice cream party, adding an extra recess, or game time in the classroom.
Students get to vote on what they want.
When is my child's PE pullout? And what should they wear?
PE is on Tuesdays from 12:20-1:05. Please wear comfortable clothing and
sneakers for running around.
What math program does Double Eagle use?
The math program we use is called Everyday Math, a curriculum developed by the
University of Chicago School of Mathematics Project.. The Everyday Math
program features real life problem solving, balanced instruction, multiple
methods for basic skill practice, and has an emphasis on communication. If
you are interested in knowing more about Everyday Math, I have uploaded an
introductory letter on my website
(http://teacherweb.com/NM/DoubleEagle/ShannonCutts/h3.stm).
At the beginning of the year we will be focusing on number sense and patterned
routines.
What phonics program does my first grader use?
Fundations is a phonics program used in Kindergarten here at Double Eagle. We
will continue to use this program in first grade, building on your child’s
prior knowledge. Included in your packet you receive at “Meet your Teacher”
you will find an Orientation Handout. The first few days of First Grade we
will be reviewing what we learned in Kinder and explaining terminology to our
new friends.
When can I start volunteering in my child's classroom?
That depends on what you're volunteering for;o)For committees, I would like a
chance to get to know the students before having parents in the classroom. I
will be sending more information out to you in the next newsletter. But here
are a few opportunities listed below that I need right away!
Immediate Opportunities
Math Homelinks-I need parent volunteers to help organize Everyday Math
Homelinks. This will include tearing out links from the journal and
organizing them according to unit lessons. This is a project at home or at
school. Please speak with me or send an email if you are interested.
Book Room Volunteer-I need a parent or two to help collect book room books for
guided reading groups and books for our classroom. Or to volunteer in the
teacher’s book room: you will be re-shelving returned books or checking out
books. If you decide to be a volunteer there will be a small meeting to
explain/train in more detail.
Friday Folders-Anytime during the day on Friday. Volunteer will place reading
logs, homework, spelling lists, newsletters, and other fliers into the
folders-approximately 30 minutes or so. Some copying in the DE workroom may
be required.
Literacy-Monday through Friday 9:35-10:35 Volunteers will assist students
with literacy center work while I work with small guided reading groups. I
will need 2 parent volunteers daily. (2 parent volunteers each day)
Computer Lab-Fridays from12:35-1:20 Volunteer will help students log on to
computers and assist me in helping student with questions or issues that may
come up. (1 parent volunteer)
Art-Every other Thursday 2:45-3:45 Volunteer will help art teacher (Ms.
Wing) in the art room during this time. It is every other week. (1-2 parent
volunteers)
Library-Wednesdays 11:50-12:25 Volunteers will help children find books they
are looking for and check in and check out student books. (2+ volunteers)
Thank you so much for your help!