October 2, 2011

Dear Parents,

     Hello, and Happy Fall!  This week we will begin the NECAP testing.  We have worked hard to prepare for the test and I think the kids are ready!  Due to testing we will not have spelling words this week and we will also have no homework!  We ask for your help at home by:

  • discussing the test with your child each day to help reduce stress and reinforce test taking strategies
  • making sure your child is getting a good nights sleep
  • eating a healthy breakfast and packing a healthy snack

Thank you for your help!  We usually recieve the NECAP scores in February and will be sending a copy home for you to discuss with your child.

     We have completed our first month of school which means we will be having our first HOMEWORK CLUB! Due to testing we will have our first breakfast next Friday at 8am.  If your child made Homework Club they will receive a certificate in their mailbox early this week.  A lot of students came very close but kept forgeting their reading logs.  If more students remember their logs we will see MANY more students at next months Homework Club!

     Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year! If you would like to come in and share your favorite fall craft, story, tradition or food please let me know.  We would love to see you in our classroom.  It would be a great treat for the class during the testing!  Contact me at jbressler@mansd.org.

Have a great week!

    

Remember there is no school Monday, October 10

     

    September 25, 2011

    Dear Parents,

              Hello!  Thank you to all of the parents that were able to make it to Open House on Thursday.  It was a pleasure meeting all of you.  For those of you that were unable to attend I wanted to send home a quick note highlighting some of the topics discussed and some that were forgottenJ. 

    ·         I talked much about our third grade curriculum and some of the changes that we will be making this year.  I would be happy to go into greater detail during parent- teacher conferences in October. 

    ·         We are challenging the students again this year to read a MILLION words.  In third grade this is equivalent to 30 3rd grade level chapter books. There is a sheet that comes home EVERY MONDAY for students to log their weekly reading.  This sheet should be returned EVERY FRIDAY please. (On the back of the reading log is a list of each week’s homework assignments.)

    ·         My homework policy and reward for completed homework were sent home with the Open House information (I believe it was on green paper).

    ·         I discussed my grading system and how you will see a 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the top right corner of all of your children’s graded papers.  This number aligns to the grading system used on our report cards.  If ever you see a paper with a 1 or 2 on it please be aware that I will be working on this skill individually with your child.  I send these papers home because I feel that it is important for you to see what your child is struggling with in class.  Much of our coursework stays in the classroom and will be displayed later in the year at Literacy Night.

    ·         To help with communication and to give you a window into your child’s world, every Friday your child will be writing you a letter about our week.  Writing back is optional.  If you chose not to write back, could you please sign the letter and have your child return the notebook to school on Monday.

    ·         I discussed open lines of communication between you and me.  I had asked parents what mode of communication was preferred and how often.  The consensus was a class letter email once a month was sufficient.  If you have another preference, please let me know.  If you have not yet received an email from me, please send me an email at jbressler@mansd.org and I will add you to my class list.

    ·         I have decided to post the monthly letter on my website at http://jbressler.yolasite.com/.  On this site you will also find much of the informational that I have sent home like my behavior system, homework system, helpful websites, etc.  Please take some time to check this site out with your child.

    ·         If you are not aware we have 2 students in our classroom that have a severe peanut allergy.  Therefore, our space is a peanut free classroom.  Please be aware of this when you are packing your child’s snack.

    ·         Speaking of snacks, please send in a spoon if your child’s snack requires one.  I am happy to provide one in an emergency, but I cannot supply one everyday to the same students.  Thank you for your understanding.

    ·         I welcome all parents to volunteer in our classroom at any time for any reason.  We love parents coming in to do a craft, help with projects, read to us and share traditions or special occasions.  If you’re interested, please give me at least a week’s notice to plan accordingly.

    I think that covers it!  Here are a few tidbits about our week ahead: Wednesday is class picture day and the Family Picnic!  Friday we will have our first Road Runner Rally!  We will be spending some time discussing the NECAPS and reviewing good practices and past questions.  NECAPS start next week!

              Hope you have a great week.  Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

              Thank you,

                                 Jamie Bressler

                                                                                                                                                            

     

     
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