Happenings Worth Hollering About
8/23/13
Off to a Great Start!
It is hard to believe that we have just completed our second week of school! Time sure does fly when your having fun and learning! :)
There is a lot of information in this newsletter that pertains to the logistics of my class. Please read over them and feel free to email me with any questions.
- The Wiki: I was going to try to switch over to Edmodo, but I have realized that I like the format of my wiki better. Your child will be coming home on Monday with a sticker in their agenda that has the wiki website, their username, and their password. The wiki is for both students and parents. If you do not want to use your child's login information, you can request access, and I can add you on as a user.
The wiki is an online place where I can upload resources for whatever we are learning. It is constantly being updated and edited to better suit our needs as a class. It takes time to learn how to navigate the resources on the wiki, but I'm sure that your child will get to used to logging in and finding what they need.
- The Website: This is the place for parents to get information about what is going on in my class. I call this my "Logistics Site" because the information doesn't change too much. I do post the Smore that I send out weekly, and I update the curriculum that we are learning at the time. Please also be sure to check out the Google calendar at the bottom of the page.
- The Blog: I was hoping to get their usernames to my homeroom writing class this week, but I did not. I will be giving them their username and password on Monday, and we will take some time next week to get accustomed to using the site.
Each week, students in my writing class will need to respond to a particular post. I will show them how to respond in the comment box, so they will know what to do. Blog posts will be due by Sunday evening.
- Volunteering: I will get an email out to parents after Labor Day that will include various opportunities to volunteer. I LOVE VOLUNTEERS, so if there is something that you would like to do that I don't have on the list, please feel free to email me or call me and we can discuss it.
Also, if you wish to volunteer but have not watched the Mandated Reporter Training, please be sure to do so. After completing, please email me.
- Class Dojo: I sent home parent access codes today, so please look in your child's agenda. There should be a piece of paper taped in there that has your parent access code. Click on the Class Dojo link above, and it will take you to the site automatically. Enter your code, and you can begin tracking your student's behavior!
Students will also have access to the Dojo, but we made that as one of their Point Exchange Menu items. They must trade in 10 points in order to receive their access code and change their avatar!
This site is amazing, and I have seen an incredibly positive response from both classes. Keep up the awesome work Wildcats!
- Math: We do not have a textbook that directly aligns with the new Common Core standards, so I do my best to provide students with "textbook-like" summaries of what we do in class. Each day, students receive a summary of the previous day and glue it into their math journals. Their math journals are like their very own textbook. I have stressed to them that it is VERY important that they go home and come back EVERYDAY.
If your child is every struggling with their math homework, please encourage them to look back in their math journal. If they are still stumped or cannot find something that will help, they are more than welcome to see me in the morning. I will NEVER count off a homework question because a student did not understand it.
As for the curriculum in math, I post the Fulton units on the Google Site. This includes the 3.1 semester units and the 3.2 semester units.
- Conferences: I will be calling within the week to check-in and set up a time for conferences. I like to meet in September to go over any of your questions or concerns and again in October when I have more data on how your child is progressing, so expect to hear from me soon.
- Communication: I try my best to respond to emails within a 24 hour period. If you have not heard from me within 24 hours, please resend your email because I might not have received it. There were many instances last year where the server went down, and I did not get my emails for those days.
If your email is about a concern that includes Ms. Lofe and/or Ms. Paduano, the two or three of us will be emailing a single response after we have discussed the matter. It is key that we are all on the same page, so we can ensure the absolute best learning environment for your child.
You are always welcome to call Woodland at 770 - 551 - 5890 and leave a message with Barb Meredith or Karen Davenport. I will return your call as soon as I get the chance.
WHEW! I think that's plenty of information for now. THANK YOU for taking the time read over the newsletter. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Ms. Garris, Nerfy, and Harry