Find the answer to frequently asked questions here!
- What do I do if my child is absent from school?
- What is the best way to contact the teacher?
- What do I do if my child is having a difficult time?
- When can my child return library books?
- How do I send in money for my childs lunch account?
- How can I help out the class?
- Does my child have homework?
- Can my child bring a water bottle or snack to school?
- What do I do if my child needs to be picked up or is riding a different bus?
- What kind of behavior plan is in place within the classroom?
- Can I celebrate my child's birthday with the class?
- Can I send invitations to school for my child to pass out?
- When is the school store open?
What do I do if my child is absent from school?
When your child is going to be absent from school:
1. Notify the school with a phone call
2. Send in a note explaing the absence when your child
returns to school, even if you have already called
** Any missed work will be collected for your child and sent
home to be completed once they return.
What is the best way to contact the teacher?
One of the best ways to contact me is to send a note in with
your child, especially if it pertains to that particular day or a
change in their regular routine (i.e. dismissal). I can also be
reached my email, but this is not always checked at the beginning
of the day- I squeeze this in when I have a free moment. I am
also available via phone, just call the office and leave a
message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
What do I do if my child is having a difficult time?
Children often express concerns to loved ones at the least
expected moments. Be prepared to listen and support them. Please
do not hesitate to touch base with me if you or your child have a
concern. The concern might be an issue with peers, the class, or
of a personal nature; in any case it doesn't hurt to talk about
it and see if we are able to address the issue.
Your child should always be comfortable at school and if
this is not the case their learning could be impacted. Also be
aware that if I have a concern I will be contacting you. I
strongly feel that communictaion between parents and teachers is
important to the success of your child as a student!
When can my child return library books?
As first graders the children are able to exchange their
library book on any day they choose. Wow, what a privelage!
Imagine, enjoying a wonderful book in one day only to get
another fantastic one the following day. On day 1, we
have library so please be sure to return library books on
these days for library exchange. Happy reading!!!
How do I send in money for my childs lunch account?
Checks are preferred and can be sent to school as needed. Please
put checks or cash in a marked envelope with your child's name on
it. All money will be deposited into their lunch account.
How can I help out the class?
On Parent at Partners Night, sign up sheets will be available for
different ways to help out the class. You can also help by
checking out the wish list on the main page.
Does my child have homework?
Yes, please refer to the homework page for more information.
Can my child bring a water bottle or snack to school?
Yes, I encourage you to send your child to school with a
water bottle! When transporting the water bottle please send it
back and forth to school in a large zip lock bag, this will help
elimanate leaky backpacks. Once your child is at school, the
water bottle can sit on their desk throughout the day.
Since we have an early lunch this year (11:15) the students
may need a small snack for the afternoon to keep them energized.
Please send in a SMALL nutritious snack packed separately from
their lunch box.
What do I do if my child needs to be picked up or is riding a different bus?
If you know that your child is going to be picked up in
advance it is very helpful if you send in a note with your child
and I will forward it to the office. If you are picking up your
child prior to regular dismissal go to the main office and they
will call down for your child. If pick up is going to be at the
regular dismissal time then upon your arrival you will enter the
cafeteria and wait for your child there once "pick up studnets"
are called. You will need to sign them out in the cafeteria
prior to leaving.
If your child needs a bus pass for a different established
stop (i.e. they are going home with a friend) then send in a note
with your child and I will forward it the main office, which will
in turn issue the bus pass.
What kind of behavior plan is in place within the classroom?
I believe in a positive approach to discipline and I am a
very patient person. Positive and gentle reminders will be given
if needed regarding appropriate and respectful behavior. I
always find it amazing how children respond to me noticing and
commenting on the actions of others, so I use this as a tool
which allows me to reinforce a desired behavior without acually
addressing the negative behavior. For example, if I am waiting
for the class to get quiet I might say "I love the way so and so
is sitting so quietly". Within seconds this spurs others to
quiet down.
If a child is not responding to this kind of encouragement
or a direct request they will be asked to move their "apple" down
on the apple chart. The apple chart consists of three apples,
green being where everyone's apple hangs out unless they are
asked to move it to the yellow apple, which is their very serious
warning and warrants them a "time out" to think about their
actions. After a few minutes away from the group either in the
classroom or during a playtime I will confer with the child about
their behavior. If the negative behavior continues they will
then be asked to move it to the red apple which means that they
are no longer a contender in this months LUNCH BUNCH. Each
month, those students whose apple never reached the red apple
will be invited to eat lunch with me in the classroom! Of course
if the behavior is consistent or so severe that it is neccessary
for me to contact you, I will not hesitate to do so.
Can I celebrate my child's birthday with the class?
This year in room 6 your child has a choice regarding how
they would like to celebrate their birthday at school. They can
either share a snack like cupcakes, cookies, or brownies with
their friends or choose a game to play with the class such as
Heads Up Seven Up or Kickball. Your child may only select one of
the choices above.
As your child's birthday is approaching, please discuss
their options with them and let me know what they would like to
do a few days in advance. If they would like to celebrate with a
treat please send in the treat and napkins to the main office by
10:30 in the morning. We have 23 students in our class this
year. If your child would like to play a game with the class
please let me know as far in advance as possible so that I am
able to plan our day accordingly. Thank you!
Can I send invitations to school for my child to pass out?
Invitations to parties may only be passed in class if they
include all the students, ALL the girls or ALL the boys. This
policy is in place to avoid hurt feelings. Thank you in advance
for your understanding. I know this can get expensive so if you
would like to just invite a few friends please use the US postal
service to do so.
When is the school store open?
The school store is open on Monday's and Thursday's.
Students are able to shop during their lunch time and it is their
responsibility to remember their money as they head to lunch. If
possible please send it to school in their lunch box so it does
not get lost. Thanks!
