Please read the following letter.
Letter to Parents
Dear Parents of Division 5 Students:
We’re
off to a great start! The energy and enthusiasm of the children is
evident! I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to a new
school year and to provide you with some information I hope will be
helpful to you.
Our
schedule looks like this. We have gym time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Mondays and Fridays we have Daily Physical Activity
(DPA). I do not expect the children to change if they are already
wearing clothing that is appropriate for exercise, but they may if they
choose to do so. Running shoes, a light shirt, and shorts or loose
fitting or stretchy pants that do not drag on the floor are required.
Our library time is on Tuesdays, and the library is open for book
exchange other days as well. Music is on Mondays and
Thursdays, Computer time is on Mondays, and Ipad time is on Fridays.
I feel
that your child’s success can best be achieved by effective
communication between parents and myself. If you have any questions or
concerns, please contact me as soon as possible via a note in the
planner, (it is very important that your child then shows me the note),
by telephone or by e-mail (lreichert@sd44.ca).
We can then discuss the problem and solutions or arrange a time when we
can meet to do this. I am also happy to talk with you after school but
please keep in mind that I am often busy with students for at least the
first 10 minutes following dismissal and sometimes there are meetings
scheduled after school.
If you
have information that will help me understand your child, such as health
concerns, difficulties in the family, past problems at school (social
and/or academic) that may affect your child’s ability to learn, please
share this with me. It enables me to understand and help your child.
All information will be kept confidential.
When possible, I would also like to know in advance of upcoming plans for family vacations etc.
Assignments,
due dates, and general reminders are written on the whiteboard.
Students are given class time to carefully copy the information from
this board into their planners. Parents are encouraged to look at the
board as well. Planners are checked from time to time, more regularly
for students needing assistance with this. I recommend parents check
the planner regularly. Students are expected to catch up as soon as
possible after absences. If your child is absent, I encourage a parent
or sibling to come to the classroom following dismissal and I will try
to have missed work ready to go home. After extended absences, I will
help students come up with a plan to catch up.
Homework
will be assigned daily with class time usually given to complete at
least some of it. All students will benefit from reviewing previously
completed work and all should read at least 15 minutes daily.
Occasionally, projects will be assigned that are to be completed over a
period of time. Students will be given an outline of how this can best
be accomplished. From time to time your child may not be able to
complete homework (because he/she is not feeling well, he/she is having
trouble understanding a question, there is no time for homework due to a
special family event etc.) When this happens, please write a short note
in the planner to let me know. If homework is not completed and no
note of explanation is provided, a homework notice may be sent home to
be signed by a parent. If homework is regularly not completed I will
contact the parents, and together with the student we can set up a plan
to solve the problem.
Duo
tangs are expected to be kept neat, complete, and organized. Scribbling
on the covers is not acceptable. However, students have been told they
may decorate their “Doodles and Stuff” duo tang covers with appropriate
drawings, stickers etc. All students’ possessions should be clearly
labelled. Any valuables should be left at home.
Finally
I would like to remind you that your child’s attitude is the most
important determinant of his/her success. You can help foster a
positive attitude by showing that you feel positively about school.
This can be done by discussing your child’s day, showing an interest in
his/her work and pride in the effort, checking the planner and the
assigned homework as needed, discussing your child’s weekly goals,
(often written in their planners) stopping by to look at art work etc.,
coming to me with concerns, volunteering to accompany the class on field
trips, and so on.
If
you are able and willing to volunteer in the classroom or drive for
field trips, please complete the forms ASAP. This will make the
planning process much easier for the office staff and me and ensure
special events can take place. Thank you!
Our
classroom has a website. From time to time I will post photos etc.
Quizzes and tests, special assignments, and reminders will also be
posted. The website can be reached via the school website or directly:
lreichertbrooksbank.blogspot.ca
I hope
this information answers at least some of your questions. Please feel
free to ask any additional questions as they arise.
Let’s work together to make this a great
year!
Sincerely,
L. Reichert
