August 25, 2013

Weekly Greetings!

We had a very full and productive first week of school! The students are quickly settling into our classroom routines, even with a larger class count this year. There are four Kindergarteners, four 1st graders, and five 2nd graders together this year. An additional member of our class is a new pet. We now have a hamster named Frodo!  During our end of the day center time, he can run around the room in a clear plastic ball and the students giggle while they crawl around after him.

As we get to know each other as a classroom group, we have done some "All About Me!" activities. In the photos to follow, the students were making a paper doll representation of themselves to be on one of our display boards. Each one turned out lovely, and should be up for all to see this week.

 On Thursday, I shared a little about my family and past with the students to model for our Show and Tell on Friday. Each student was given a colorful bag with their name on it to keep for Show and Tell days. Unfortunately, only two students remembered to bring something the next day. Our next Show and Tell day will be Sept. 6. Please help your child find their bag before that time and help them be prepared to share with the class on that day. The two students are pictured below as they pulled items out of the "All About Me!" bag.

In addition to the regular math and reading curriculum, last week we also discussed three of the "Six Keys" we need in our classroom for a successful year. Those keys are "Safety", "Love and Belonging", and "Freedom and Independence". This week we will focus on "Fun and Enjoyment", "Valued Purpose" and "Success". When each key is introduced, there is a story and a response activity to help the students remember that key. After the last key is completed, each student will make a "School Promise" as a goal for the school year.

There will not be any homework this week, but I will start sending home a folder nightly starting in September. On Friday, please look for your child's weekly work to review with them. I apologize for forgetting to give the work to the 1st and 2nd graders last Friday. It was already to go in the bin by the door, but I was busy giving out the "Go for the Good" cards and just forgot...Their work will go home on Monday.

Have a wonderful week!

August 19, 2013

Greetings as we begin our 2013-2014 school year! 

I am very excited about the opportunity to be the Kindergarten through 2nd grade teacher at the Tetlin School this year for my second year. I have a genuine passion to teach children of any age, and I honestly do, "whatever it takes" to see children succeed. 

For the first couple of weeks, we will be working on classroom routines and discussing 6 key things needed in our classroom environment to have the most successful year possible.  Please also watch for a “Go for the Good card” that I will be sending home daily with your child. This will help you to see how well your child is adjusting to our school routine.

Starting in September, I will be sending homework home four nights a week.  Until then, I just want the students to settle back into being at school.

Please know that I will be consistently sending a letter home on the first day of the school week. If your child misplaces before you see it, I have a blogspot that will also have the information posted. It is at: browntetlin.blogspot.com or there is also a link through the Alaska Gateway School District website if you go to the Tetlin School link.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at the school.

I am looking forward to a great year!