Dear Parents,

          Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year.  If you’re like me, you’re wondering where the years have gone.  Wasn’t it just yesterday that you were bringing your new bundle of joy home from the hospital?  Now already it’s time for first grade.

          I’m looking forward to a super year.  Your child will grow so much this year.   Thank you for sharing them with me for awhile.

          Here are a few things I’d like you to know about my classroom.

 

 

   Notes from me will come home on purple paper whenever possible.  If it’s on purple paper, you need to read it.

   Your child may bring a water bottle with water ONLY.  Our fountain works fine but if your child drinks a lot of water, the water bottle will be more convenient and cause less interruption in the classroom.

   Soon, I will send more information about the specific instructional strategies that I use in my classroom.  We will not do many papers.  I am concerned with teaching your child using appropriate methods.  While those methods include some pencil/paper tasks, you will not see a lot of traditional worksheets coming home.

   School begins at 8am with morning assembly in the gym.  This is an important time.  The kids learn citizenship by reciting the pledges to the American Flag and the Texas Flag as well as singing our National Anthem.  Mr. Fanning also recognizes birthdays and recites poetry for the kids.  The tardy bell rings at 8:15.  The 1^st tardy is excused. After the 3^rd unexcused tardy, our school files with the Justice of the Peace.

   School ends at 3:10pm.  We exit the building from the southwest doors (by the red playground) unless the weather is bad and we need shelter in which case we exit from the front doors.  If your child is to go home a different way than usual, you must call the office or send a note letting me know of the change.  If I don’t have a message from the office or a note, your child will be sent home the usual way.  This is for your child’s safety.  I will not be able to act on a message your child has told me verbally.  Thank you for understanding.

   Our lunch time varies from 11:30 to 11:45.  If you are going to each lunch with your child, come at 11:30and I will dismiss your child to eat with you regardless of our actual lunch time that week.  Please send a note letting me know you are coming so I can turn in an accurate lunch count.  Adult lunches are $2.00.

   Once a month I send home book orders.  I usually send 1 or 2 order forms that have books on different levels.  This is one of the very best ways I know of to expand your child’s personal library.  I usually send the order forms home at the beginning of the week.  If you wish to order books, the order form and the money are due to me on Friday of that week.  The books will arrive about 2 weeks later.

   Our class does have a website.  The address is http://staff.herefordisd.net/ShariLake2/index.htm. I try to have all the notes I send home posted on the site to help with communication.  I also post pictures and some student work.  Check it out when you have a chance.

   My conference time is 10:30-11:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  I have a standing meeting on Wednesdays and cannot meet with you on that day.  If at any time you have questions or concerns, please call me.  The school’s phone number is 363-7660.  You may also e-mail me at sharilake@herefordisd.net.

 

 

Here’s to a year filled with laughter and learning!

 

 

                                                          Yours very truly,