Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Welcome Information Letter to Start Our Year!

                                                                                                       Aug. 31, 2016
Dear Parents,


    Welcome back!  We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and eventful summer.  We are looking forward to an exciting and productive school year.  We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information about what your child’s life at school will be like.  


    Our classrooms are based upon a child-centered approach where children learn by direct experience, discovery and hands-on exploration of materials. We expect each child to reach their fullest potential with a positive attitude towards learning and developing healthy relationships with their peers.  It is important for every child to give their best in all areas.  


    Every child is responsible for maintaining appropriate classroom behavior so that the classroom can be an effective and productive place to learn.  This includes respect for peers, adults and materials. To help children meet these goals, we teach a social curriculum, using a Responsive Classroom® approach.


The following is a list of important information to note for this school year.


UPCOMING DATEs TO REMEMBER:
  • Thursday, Sept. 1st        UCS Family Picnic
5-7:00pm
  • Thursday, Oct. 6th     Parent Informational Evening
6:30-7:30 PM


DISMISSAL & PLAY DATE INFO.
    Parents who wish to pick up their children after school should do so at 2:25pm.  Your child will wait in the classroom for you to pick up.  If your child is to go home with a friend please make sure that you send a note with your child that morning.

HOMEWORK
    In accordance with the Chittenden East handbook policy of up to two hours of homework per week, I am asking that each child read at home to a parent or alone for at least 20-30 minutes each night.  Formal assignments will be sent home in a Homework Folder throughout the week to be completed and returned by the due day. This does not include nightly spelling and math fact practice.


SNACK/LUNCH
    We have a snack time each morning.  Students should bring in a healthy snack (fruits and/or vegetables) since they do become hungry during the morning. This year we will be offering a breakfast option for those who need to have a little something to eat when they arrive at school. Your child may also purchase a snack from the snack cart.  Candy, gum and soda are not permitted.  Please make sure to pack a nut free snack, as our classroom is nut free.  
    


CLOTHING
    It would be most helpful if you would label all of your child’s belongings, especially winter boots.  Please send in extra socks in the winter and spring to replace wet ones from recess or skiing.
    Please remember sneakers for PE days (Tuesday and Wednesday).

SUPPLIES
Below is a list of supplies you will find helpful to have at home for use with homework.
  • Pencils coloring tools (markers, crayons,
  • Glue sticks         colored pencils)
  • Ruler simple calculator
  • Construction paper highlighters
  • Post its scissors
  • Books to enjoy reading

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We encourage parent involvement in our rooms and work extremely hard to accommodate all schedules if you are interested in helping out.  We will be sending home a sign-up sheet later this month once we have settled in and have become familiar with our daily routine.


SHARING
      Students are welcome to bring in objects from home to share with the class on their specific sharing day.   We will also have purposeful shares that connect to our daily lessons.  As always please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.

CLASS SCHEDULE FOR UNIFIED ARTS:

Monday        Library/Guidance
Tuesday                   Spanish/PE
Wednesday              PE (Danis)    PE/Art (Porter)
Thursday                  Art/Music (Danis)  Music (Porter)
Friday                     
Recess/Lunch 11:30-12:30  (Recess-11:30 then lunch-12:00)


We are looking forward to an exciting year with your children.  If at any time you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to stop in, call, or email us at patti.danis@cesuvt.org / carolyn.porter@cesuvt.org