The Bissinger Beacon
September 7th, 2018
Welcome to 4B!
Thanks for a terrific first week back! Periodically you will be e-blasted a copy of The Bissinger Beacon, our class newsletter to keep you informed about what is occurring in our classroom. Each Thursday, “Thursday Folders” containing all the week’s work will also be sent home. Please review your child’s work, then sign and send back on Friday. Information can also be found on my e-board site on the Tatem School Website. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at dbissinger@haddonfield.k12.nj.us. Communication is key to a successful year!
This past week...
THIS PAST WEEK...
This week we spent a lot of time getting to know one another, set goals, and became comfortable with classroom procedures.
· During Morning Meeting we learned how to properly greet one another through the handshake, ball toss and butterfly greeting. We strengthened our team building skills by playing Ten, Co-Seeki, going on a Human Scavenger Hunt and even used team-work to build a cup tower using only rubber bands and string! Some students had the opportunity to share and take questions or comments. Ask your child to show you these activities!
· 4B reviewed and practiced important classroom routines such as walking in the hall, and our quiet signals.
· We discussed our three school rules (Take Care Of Yourself, Each Other, and Our School) and brainstormed individual and class expectations as well as hopes and dreams for the year.
Homework
Your child will receive approximately 50 minutes of homework Monday-Thursday. This includes 20 minutes of independent reading at home (RAH). Students will be required to record daily homework in their assignment pads. Assignment pads do not need to be signed, unless homework becomes an issue. Daily homework is also posted on my e-board. If your child misses a homework assignment, you will be notified with a quick reminder note sent home with your child that afternoon. The purpose of homework is to reinforce concepts learned in school and promote responsibility. If a homework assignment is taking too long, or your child is becoming frustrated please take a break for the night and send me a note. :)
Working Snack
Students will be allowed a “working snack” throughout the day. Please keep snacks simple and healthy. Candy/soda is not allowed in school. I will allow students a small water bottle to be kept on their desks throughout the day to keep them hydrated and refreshed. A water fountain is also right outside our door.
Birthdays
On your child's birthday please feel free to send them in with a blank T-Shirt of any color. Throughout the day the entire class will have a chance to sign your child's T-Shirt using fabric markers. We will also sing "Happy Birthday" and give your child the famous "4B Birthday Wish Spinoff." :)
Star Student
Beginning next week, a Star Student will be designated by the teacher. Star Student represents a student who exhibited model behavior and went above and beyond expectations the previous school week. This includes academic, social, and emotional strengths. I typically select a star during the month of his/her birthday. The Star Student will be able to fill out and decorate an “All About Me” poster and help design a bulletin board featuring them! Parents will be notified and welcomed into the classroom for 15-20 minutes to read their child’s favorite story and listen as their child presents his/her Star Student bulletin board. Typically, I will try to schedule Star Student presentations Friday afternoons; however times can be flexible depending on your schedule.
Homeroom
This year our class will be sharing photos, videos, and the occasional note on a new app called "Homeroom". It works across all devices and is totally free. The best part is, our albums are completely private. Only people I invite can see them. It's a great way to get a glimpse into our classroom and see what daily life is like in 4B!
Click the link below to join, create a free account, and connect to our class album. After doing that, you can download the free app (for iOS and android) or use your computer to get updates from our class.
https://gethomeroom.com/i/3ULFQWC3
Ours will be run by the students. Each day, a class photographer or myself will be taking and posting at least 4 photos. Photos will be mix of work and play - just like our day is! Parents may comment; however please be advised that this is shared with students and other parents so any questions or personal comments - please email me privately.
I am excited for students to show a tiny slice of their day to you each day!
Math
Next week we will begin mathematics instruction and students will learn how to efficiently use their Student Reference Book (SRB). Next week students will receive their Everyday Math website login information, which will be taped on the inside cover of their assignment pad. Very shortly I will send home your child’s Everyday Math Home Links Book. This book contains all of the homework pages for the year. It is also contains the Family Letters with information on each unit. The family letter explains new concepts, has answer keys and offers ideas for enrichment. Typically your child will have one math assignment per night which will be ripped out and sent back to school in his/herTake Home folder after it is completed. Sending the book home means your child does not have to carry it back and forth or remember to rip pages out each day. It also means if your child is absent it is easy for them to complete work at home if they feel well enough to do so. It is very important that this book is not misplaced and that your child does not work ahead. This book is an important tool.
Meet Mrs. Gasparro!
I am Sandy Gasparro (Mrs. G). This is my twelfth year at Tatem. I am a certified teacher working as an Educational Assistant in your child's classroom. I live in Haddon Township and grew up in Haddon Heights. Both of my parents attended Haddonfield High School, many years ago. I am married to Frank Gasparro. We have 2 children, Ryan and Courtney and a puppy named Scout.
Scholastic Book Club Orders
Support Your Child’s Reading Success!
Dear Families,
Did you know? Kids who read for just 20 minutes a day are more successful in school and life. Ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs is an easy way to find the best books that are just right for your child’s grade and interests.
Here’s how:
Choose books with your child from the paper flyers or online at: scholastic.com/bookclubs
To order online, connect to our class using our Class Code (or look me up by our school name):
T9WWW
Bonus: This month, you can pick a FREE Book (up to $5) when you place an online order of $25 or more!
As soon as your order is delivered to our classroom, I will send it home with your child.
Plus every order you place earns FREE Books for our class to share.
Thank you for your support and happy reading,
Mrs. Bissinger
Special Schedule
Day One
Chorus
Physical Education
(don't forget your sneakers)
Day Two
Spanish
Day Three
Music
Day Four
Physical Education
(don't forget your sneakers)
Day Five
Art
Health
Library (remember your books!)
Day Six
Spanish
Up & Coming
9/11 Dine out for Tatem
9/14 Movie Night, 7pm
9/19 Yom Kippur, Off
9/25 Back to School Night, 6:45