Schedule
We spend our classroom time reading, writing, and calculating but in between we take breaks for lunch, recess, and specials. The specials schedule will be based on what letter day it is: A, B, C, or D. Please refer to the calendar for letter day information. That information can also be found on the VPS website. Library is not considered a special, but is accessible daily during free time. W usually visit as a class once a week for book browsing as well.
Art on A days w/ Mrs. Murphy Music on C days w/ Mrs. Lewis PE on B/D days w/ Mr. Geno Library on ??? Specials: 11:45-12:25 Lunch: 12:30-1:00 Recess 2:30-3:00 |
Expectations
VPS CARES expectations are that students are caring towards themselves, others, and the school! Our classroom rules/expectations are created by the students and mirror that of VPS, so that they can reach their goals. We really focus on how the kids can be role models and leaders within the classroom and school community.
Flexible Seating
You will notice the physical layout of our room looks somewhat different from a traditional classroom. I use a research-based concept for classroom design called flexible seating. With adult guidance, flex seating encourages students to consider their learning preferences when choosing a seat. This ownership supports an increase in communication, engagement, responsibility, independence, collaboration, and learning. Because of this unique seating situation, students will not have an individual desk to store their school supplies. Students will use a plastic bin and their individual cubby as a home base and seek supply refills when needed.
Birthdays
Birthdays are so important in students lives. Birthdays are often known for their food treats, but with so many students having allergies, inside our classroom we celebrate without the element of food. However you can order birthday treats directly from the cafeteria staff for your child to distribute during lunch. Use this form if you are interested in ordering. Birthday students also get to have a special morning meeting in their honor and lead our line for the day. They also receive a birthday goodie bag from me. If the student happens to have a summer birthday we will pick another day to celebrate instead! I also ask that you do not hand out birthday invites or thank you’s in class unless it is for ALL students to avoid any hurt feelings (trust me it happens)! I try to get a classroom phone book created to help with playdate and birthday facilitation.
Snack/Water
The students will get a chance to have a healthy snack in class every day, if they choose to bring one. The purpose of snack time in school is to help keep their body fueled and energized so that you they can be productive throughout the afternoon. So I ask that healthy choices are made (like fruit, veggies, raisons, pretzels, granola bars, etc) and things like chips and candy are avoided. Please keep in mind that we also want to have minimal cleanup in the classroom afterward. Also be aware that many students have food allergies as you choose snacks. We are currently a nut free classroom, so snacks cannot contain nuts of any sort. I also encourage them to drink water from their leakproof water bottles during the day, just as I do, but no other liquids are allowed in the classroom to avoid spilling/stains.
Supplies
We use a combination of community and individual supplies along with our flex seating choices. A supply list should have come with your welcome letter, but if you missed it, here you go!
Play
The students are given many opportunities for play at school. They get morning choice time when they first come in to school, they have brain breaks throughout the day, and recess too. Play is a great way for kids to learn how to problem solve and interact using social/emotional skills.
A general rule in my classroom is that toys, electronics, and stuffed animals (etc) stay at home. When brought to school they run the risk of getting lost, broken, stolen, or becoming a distraction. The students are already provided with many toys that they can use while at school.
We go outside for recess as much as possible, so it is always important to have appropriate clothing and footwear. In winter they will be required to have coats, gloves, hats, snow pants, and boots in order to play outside. Please make sure to label anything the students bring in from home because they are easily misplaced and this allows me to find the rightful owner!
A general rule in my classroom is that toys, electronics, and stuffed animals (etc) stay at home. When brought to school they run the risk of getting lost, broken, stolen, or becoming a distraction. The students are already provided with many toys that they can use while at school.
We go outside for recess as much as possible, so it is always important to have appropriate clothing and footwear. In winter they will be required to have coats, gloves, hats, snow pants, and boots in order to play outside. Please make sure to label anything the students bring in from home because they are easily misplaced and this allows me to find the rightful owner!
Scholastic Books
Reading is one of the best things you can do at home with your child and is also the students main homework assignment. Every book you buy to enjoy with your child at home helps me purchase more books for the classroom library! Visit the website to make your orders and use our class code (HHCZQ) to help rack up the points.
www.clubs.scholastic.com
www.clubs.scholastic.com
PArent Involvement
Having families involved in our learning experiences is a big part of multiage learning. We try to connect much of what we do to the real world and our community. Families can support student's goals and cultivate their interests by extending their learning beyond the classroom. When your child comes home with questions or idea that go along with what they have learned, see it through to where they take you!
Since family involvement is such a crucial part of our learning environment and the students positive school experience, I also try to make opportunities for volunteers to help out in my classroom. During certain themes, we may need some parent experts to share their knowledge with the class. At times we have specific projects or for classroom parties I will be looking for volunteers to bring in treats or help out. I will also be asking for field trip volunteers at some point. If you are interested please reply and then names will be drawn at random to fulfill the quota of volunteers allowed.
We also try to plan 1-2 parent nights throughout the year, where students can share what they have been learning. These usually take place after school and around a certain topic we are studying. More information will come home as these are planned.
Since family involvement is such a crucial part of our learning environment and the students positive school experience, I also try to make opportunities for volunteers to help out in my classroom. During certain themes, we may need some parent experts to share their knowledge with the class. At times we have specific projects or for classroom parties I will be looking for volunteers to bring in treats or help out. I will also be asking for field trip volunteers at some point. If you are interested please reply and then names will be drawn at random to fulfill the quota of volunteers allowed.
We also try to plan 1-2 parent nights throughout the year, where students can share what they have been learning. These usually take place after school and around a certain topic we are studying. More information will come home as these are planned.
Communication
I almost exclusively send reminders, important updates, quick questions, and information for our classroom on ParentSquare. It is a two way communication tool that works just like texting and I love to send pictures of what we are up to, so you can stay connected and share in your child's day. It is also what I use when a student says "can you ask if mom will bring..." or "I forgot..." so please have some sort of instant access to it, not just a daily digest email. You can choose to receive notifications by text, email, or the app (I recommend something that you will use everyday, the app works best). You will also receive all communication from the school and district through this tool, so it is very important that you sign up. You can click on the link below to learn more and sign up or use the QR codes to download the app if you dont have it already.