September 25, 2010

Good Morning,

We have had an interesting week. I know that the review period has been very frustrating for some of our students, but I appreciate the patience that both you and your students have demonstrated. There have been some serious changes in our classroom, the computer lab has been disassembled. As of right now we do not have the space for both the computer lab and our new smart board. There will be no more individual bathroom breaks. While I was gone and upon my return to school several students have had issues maintaining proper behavior in the bathrooms and the halls unsupervised. As a result to this development all bathroom breaks will be supervised my next post will be our daily schedule including bathroom breaks. As you will see there are adequate opportunities for all students throughout the day. This has been an unfortunate development, but as some students continue to abuse their privileges restrictions are required. On a related note, correctly following detailed directions is an important skill for the first grade. Yesterday both our math and Spalding assessments were completed on wide rule lined paper, many students were unable to follow the verbal directions or copy the example from the board. I have given students a pass on those two grades as the majority of my class was unable to complete the assignments with a 70% passing grade for both following directions and correctly writing their numbers and phonograms. As we progress into the more challenging aspects of first grade it is imperative that all students learn the skill of following directions and rules daily.

I have only had three students bring a note or their Spalding cards to class. If you do not have the Spalding phonogram cards and CD they are a required supply as we move forward and students learn phonograms 28-72 studying at home will be the only way students will be able to master their phonograms. I am asking once again that every student bring in their Spalding cards or a note from home. Cards can be purchased from the Spalding website.

Dollar for Duds is every Friday, if students do not have their dollars they are required to sit out during our first recess. In an effort to be fair to all students everyone is required to have their dollar or forfeit their recess. Students are also required to forfeit their recess if they do not return their homework. Many assignments require a parent's signature so I have reminded my students to be respectfully diligent about ensuring you sign and return notes and homework.

I appreciate everyone who generously donated supplies to our classroom many students have already started to see their crayons begin to dwindle. Abuse of classroom supplies is an issue, students will no longer have access to baby wipes for their desks following breakfast. Many students use two and three even though they have been repeatedly reminded that only one is required to adequately clean their work areas. Money is tight for many of us and instead of making requests for additional luxury items I will be limiting requests to only items that are required for students to complete their assignments. Some supplies are for our entire class such as pencils, crayons, glue sticks and paper, other supplies such as scissors and rulers are collected for student safety. I appreciate your continued understanding and support regarding ensuring that our students have the materials required to have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

I am confident that as we move towards the end of the first quarter all students who are having issues will be able to improve their skills in following directions, listening and working independently. I am in the process of refining our reporting process for both weekly and daily homework expectations and behavior. As always it is my goal to recognize and award positive behavior and teach students who are struggling skills to improve.