October Important Dates

Hello!

I am thrilled to start this new school year with your kids! I absolutely teaching and love fourth grade! What a great age!
I decided to write some reminders in this letter before the upcoming dates and tests that will follow. The monthly newsletter is usually short, simple and to the point because we are all busy and it is easier to see and add to your calendars.

First, your child CAN, yes can, bring anything home from school. Some examples include books, text books, journals, binders, and all the work we do in class so you can review it at home with them.

Second, I take respect very seriously. We have defined respect as a class and know the requirement. This is my only “rule” of sorts. They need to respect themselves by giving 100% on their studies, respect the teacher as I am doing the best for them on a daily basis, respect each other by treating others the way we would want to be treated, and respect our school by taking care of the materials, our classroom and the physical building. They are all capable, but some have not mastered this…YET.

Third, we are working on a “Growth Mindset” where we are not experts, yet… If we just give 100% we WILL and CAN get there, even if we aren’t there…YET.

Fourth, the iPads are a great tool if used properly and if the technology is reliable. Each month your child will have a paper packet agenda handed out to them. It is their responsibility to show it to you and get it signed, NOT yours. I know it is hard to let your child fail forward, but I have let mine and it teaches them some valuable life lessons.

Finally, I do not assign homework strictly for home. They always have a chance to do it in class as I know time spent as a family is precious and valuable! Please check with your student and in the Communication Notebook for the “missing work” box each night. I will write in the Communication Notebook if they didn’t turn anything in to me that day. This is crucial for communication between us. You can write me notes also, or send me an email.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect.

·       Math is usually given Monday-Thursday. Friday is enrichment day! Yes, they can take notes and pictures from how I taught the lesson in One Note.

·       A “RJ” Reflection Journal is assigned 4 of 5 days a week. These are checked in once a week when I confer with them, so they never know when I am going to check.

·       The same goes for writing. Pop – Checks!

·       Your child SHOULD be reading at least 20 minutes a night. 

·       Book Reports, Stretch and WOW Words are available as enrichment work.

·       With Social Studies, your child should take notes with each lesson. Same for science.

·       I DO NOT assign homework over the weekend, except reading. So, only if your child was absent or didn’t finish their work during “Fun Friday” they should not have anything except reading.

Our Halloween Party is quickly approaching!! Thank you for all the volunteers this year.  We all appreciate you!

The FUN RUN is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It is what pays for the amazing programs and extra things we have at Troy Union. Please consider donating what you can. The kids appreciate it!!!

That is all for now. Please check back on the first of every month AND when I write “check blog” in the Communication Notebook.

The Events for October

October 10 OK 2 SAY assembly – LGI (Mrs. Alexander)
K- 9:00 a.m., 1st-9:40 a.m., 2nd – 10:15 a.m.
PTO Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Dr. Machesky attending

October 11 OK 2 SAY assembly – LGI (Mrs. Alexander)
3rd – 9:00 a.m., 5th – 9:45 a.m., 4th – 10:35 a.m.

October 12 Eagle’s Nest 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. (Lighthouse Facilitates)
Skate Party at Skateworld 6:15 p.m.

October 25 Parent Teacher Conferences
Half-Day for students; dismissal 12:30 p.m.
Conference times: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 -8:00 p.

October 26 Parent Teacher Conferences
Half-Day for students; dismissal 12:30 p.m.
Conference times: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 -8:00 p.m.

October 31 Halloween Parade @1:30 p.m.
Party after parade from 2-3:30

November 1 Early Release Day – dismissal at 12:40 p.m.
Teachers P.M. professional development

November 2 Kaiser Re-take picture day