Sunday, August 30, 2009

Hi All,

It was great to see all of you on Thursday night. I know my presentation was somewhat breathless, but it seems like there is so much to cover in such a short amount of time! Hopefully, everyone has a clearer picture of the class, its organization, and my expectations. If you volunteered to help in the class, please begin this week. In addition, if you find yourself unable to come, please notify me and/or arrange for a substitute. Danyiel Woodley and Wendy Rice both volunteered to be substitutes, so contact them if you need help.

As for homework, the spelling packet I am sending with 3rd graders this week is typical of what they will be doing for the balance of the year: practice book pages, alphabetizing and writing sentences for the 8 "challenge" words, and studying the list for a Friday test. Second graders should receive their first Red Hot Reader list this week. I am trying for Monday, but as I was gone for most of last week, I'm behind on copying, etc. As I explained at Back-to-School Night, the Red Hot Reader program is self-paced. When your 2nd grader is prepared to put all the words on their list in sentences orally, as well as read and spell them; they are responsible for notifying me that they are ready to be tested. In addition, while I am not yet prepared to send math facts flashcards home with either grade, that doesn't mean they can't be practiced. Encourage your child to test himself, or practice the facts orally in the car.

Finally, you will be receiving a permission slip for the SC County Fair this week. We are going on Wednesday, September 16th and I will need 4-5 drivers for the day. (They are limiting the amount of adults we can get in free to one for every four students.)

Looking forward to seeing many of you this week!
Carroll

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Hi All,

I was very impressed with your children's responsibility this week. Kids came to school with completed homework and "unpacked" carefully. I am only missing one Reading Log and NO MATH HOMEWORK! Impressive. We will continue building routines over the next several weeks. I encourage you to incorporate them into your own at home time, as well. It is always great to see students who take responsibility for their own homework folder. (I should NOT hear, "My mom forgot to put my homework in my folder.") Even if your child occasionally forgets to do it, this is a great job to turn over. When students are in the upper grades, late homework is marked down, so it's great to build habits before that time!

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night at Back-to-School Night. I will be having sign-ups for parent helpers, and the jobs will begin the following Monday. I will also explain what students will be doing this year in Room 24. On a side note, I will not be in class Wednesday- Friday, but will see you Thursday evening. (I will be attending a district training.) Mrs, McCraw will be substituting.

See you soon!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Hi All,
We had a fun first week, getting to know one another and discussing expectations. It was a surprise on Friday to have indoor recess in the afternoon, due to poor air quality. However, it was a fun way for the kids to interact, and an opportunity for them to explore the various Rainy Day games, including Legos and Twister.

This week students will begin to have homework. For 2nd graders, there is a Reading/Learning Log and a daily math page. Parents should fill out one square of the Reading Log each day after students read aloud for at least 15 minutes. The parts of the Reading Log that say Flash Card Practice and Red Hot Readers will be explained at Back-to-School Night. Additionally, students should do the front of the math homework entirely (labeled Homework in the upper right corner.) Your student must also do 2 of the 6 story problems on the other side of the paper (labeled Leveled Problems.) The math homework is due each day; the Reading Log on Friday.

Third graders should follow the same procedure as 2nd in regards to Reading Log and daily Math. In addition, 3rd graders will bring home a Spelling Packet on Monday that is due on Friday. Third graders will not have Red Hot Readers or a place to document Flash Card practice.

Both grades are also bringing home a Mystery Bag assignment. This is a special, fun project. Students are to select 3 items to place in a bag. The items should be clues about their interests, and are a way for the class to get to know each other. Names should not be on the outside of the bag. The bags are due this Wednesday, the 19th.

Thanks you for your timely support with all the supplies listed on the Class Placement letter. I've stored many of the pencils and erasers, as well as the wipes and Kleenex, so that they can be pulled out and used throughout the year as the need arises. I look forward to meeting you all at Back-to-School Night on August 27th, and getting to know you as the year progresses.
Yours,
Carroll

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hi All,
It was an exciting first day. Our class did many getting-to-know-you activities, especially crucial when combining 2 grades. We will continue through this first week with community building. Your children were kind, friendly, and inclusive.

Thanks to all for the prompt response regarding supplies. Most of the students were well prepared with these materials, and the class should have enough Kleenex and wipes for a few months. Our class has also been loaned a digital projector for the year!

Please feel free to keep in touch via e-mail or notes. However I will not usually reply to notes until after school, and I don't check my email until the late afternoon.

Thanks again, you've raised some wonderful kids!
Carroll

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Hello Room 24 Families,
Welcome to a great new year! I am excited to begin the year and get to know you all. I'm sure many of you are familiar with the location of our classroom. (We have a great spot, right by the playground, next door to Speech and Bob!)

During these last few days of summer vacation, as you enjoy yourself, try to get into a bedtime routine so that the adjustment to school is not so tough. I will be in meetings on Monday, and busy in the classroom on Tuesday, planning some interesting activities for the first week.

Have a wonderful few days, and I'll see you on Wednesday at 7:49.

Yours,
Ms.Mayer