Today we got a chance to spend some time outside and work as a class to finish 9 different activities! The class did great and Mrs. Starkey took a lot of pictures!
Welcome Back!
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the things that happened today on the first day of school. We spent most of the day getting to know one another and learning the routines of our classroom.
Today at school, your child received an Assignment Notebook. This is where all homework assignments and long term assignments will be written. It should go home each night with your child and return to school with them each day. I have also given them a green homework folder. During the school day assignments, handouts and flyers from the office will go into this folder. Please check this folder often for important things from school.
I look forward to meeting you at our Marshwood Great Works Grade 5 Open House on September 24, 2008 at 6:30pm. During that time I will explain in more detail my expectations, but until then here is a brief explanation of some of the things you can expect.
We will continue to use Everyday Math in our classroom. I believe this is an excellent math program and have seen many students accomplish great things while using it. Everyday Math has worksheets called Study Links which will most likely be assigned as homework each night. At the beginning of each new unit I will send home a Family Letter. This letter will be helpful when helping with homework or with new algorithms that may be unfamiliar to you. I have included the Family Letter for Unit One with today’s papers.
We will have weekly spelling units. Lists will be given on Monday along with a packet of practice worksheets. Completed packets are due on Friday. Spelling assessments will also be given on Fridays. We will not have spelling units if we have a shortened week (i.e. Columbus Day, Thanksgiving).
We will have a weekly Reading Log. Reading Logs are a place to document outside reading and to share opinions about what was read. Your child should be reading at least 20 minutes per night, Monday through Thursday. Reading Logs will be due on Friday of each week.
I will not assign more than 50 minutes of homework each day. If your child is experiencing difficulties and cannot complete their homework in the given time please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate them.
Our Specials schedule is as follows, Day One: Music, Day Two: Phys Ed (sneakers should be worn!), Day Three: Art and Day Four: Guidance and Library. Our lunch is scheduled for 11:45 with recess immediately following.
Our class has a blog! To visit our class blog, go to the following website address: http://mgws5st.edublogs.org/. Our class will be using this website to communicate with you, other students and people around the world! Please feel free to leave a comment or just take a look/listen! Other information, like my homework policy and newsletters will also be posted on our blog.
The best way to reach me is by email, pstarkey@msad35.net. I will respond as quickly as I can! I am very happy to have your child in my class this year. We have a wonderful group of kids and I am sure we will have a great year!
See you soon,
Mrs. Starkey
Click here to hear a welcome message from Mrs. Starkey!
Open House at Marshwood Great Works School is September 2, 2008 from 1:00-2:30. I look forward to meeting you!