Although the beginning of the school year was a bit on the warm side, we are off to a great start.  The kindergartners of room 22 are energized and excited about learning!  During the first month of school, the focus has been on learning daily routines as well as getting to know each other. Once again, I want to communicate to all parents that I have high expectations for all students concerning both behavior and academics.  My desire is for each student to excel and be successful.  Please note the Helping at Home! recommendation later  in this newsletter that will assist in your child’s success.  We have a lot going on in October, so please mark your calendars!

The Dial -3 Kindergarten Screening Tool will be administered to all kindergarten students across the school district in October.  These sets of tasks screen your child’s ability in motor (physical), conceptual, and language development.  Results will provide a snap-shot of your child’s developmental progress. None of Mr. Herbert’s students will attend school Wednesday, October 1 due to screening of other kindergartners.  All of Professor’s students attend school for only ½ day on Thursday, October 2.  I am sending home the Thursday schedule for our class today.

October is the month we begin an additional opportunity for your child to establish a love of reading!  Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! program allows students to earn pizza certificates each month through March by completing the optional reading activity stapled to this newsletter.  There is no cost for the BOOK IT! program.  I encourage you and your child to participate in this additional reading opportunity if possible!

If you and your child would like to provide birthday treats for the class, please let me know a couple days in advance so we can schedule a time.  Also, if you desire to pass out party invitations at school, I would request that all students in our class receive an invitation in order to be fair and sensitive to all students.  If you wish to invite selected students, please use the U.S. mail or other method outside of school.  Thank you for your understanding.

Our scheduled library day for book check in/check out this year is each Wednesday afternoon.  Please make sure your child returns his/her library book each week!

 

Working with your child at home to reinforce what we are learning at school is important to your child’s success.  You can assist your child by working on:
· Letter Recognition (identifying the letters of the alphabet) and

· Sound Recognition (identifying the sound of each letter)   Resource: starfall.com

· Number recognition & counting to 20.

· Practice Sight Words - So far, all students should know these sight words: I, can, we, the, like, green, black.  Please contact me if you need Alphabet Cards!

 

The SUNRISE Team Camp Day is scheduled for Friday, October 17.  During this all-day learning event, our focus will be on camp activities, as well as special science and  environmental lessons.  All activities will be held outdoors on the Earhart grounds.  We will need parent volunteers to help make this an exceptional day.  A Volunteer Sign-up Sheet for Camp Day will be sent home later this month.  Please complete it if you are able to help, and return it to school as soon as possible.  Additional information on this event will be sent home in the near future.  Come join us for this fun and educational day!

Our first student/parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 22, 23, & 24.  School will dismiss at 12:30 PM on these days.  Please let me know if your child will have special transportation arrangements; otherwise, students will be transported home via their normal method.  Conference schedule forms will be sent home within the next two weeks for you to select your desired conference day and time.  Please return this form as soon as possible.  Students are expected to attend the conference with their parents.  We will discuss your child’s academic progress and school behavior as well as your child’s progress report form.  Progress Reports will be held until your scheduled conference time.  It will be a time to celebrate successes, as well as an opportunity to discuss any areas where your child needs improvement, and establish strategies to address his/her needs.  I look forward to meeting with each of you.

 

	Important Reminders!

 

Friday, October 10 - No School, Non-teaching Duty Day

Monday, October 13 - No School, Teacher In-service Day

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - October 22, 23, & 24 - Fall Conferences - School Dismisses at 12:30 PM