August 8, 2012...The First Day!

Hello Students and Parents!

This was a GREAT first day of school!  Each of my students showed an eagerness to get to know each other and get started on the right foot.  I was especially impressed with how many students did summer reading and brought in summaries about their favorite books.  We are going to read a lot this year and this got the ball rolling!

Homework:  Read!  That's all.  I'm not saying how long to read...just read!  We've got to read at least 25 books this year and don't have any time to lose!

Here is some other information you will want to know about this school year. 
Instead of sending a paper copy of this information, I'm going to post it on the blog...to save a tree!
Changing Classes:  Your child’s day will be broken into two blocks of time.  I will be your child’s Block 1 teacher for Language Arts and Social Studies.  Your child will have another teacher for Block 2, where they will have Math and Science.  Students will eat lunch with their Block 2 classes.  Your child has an individual schedule found inside the front cover of his/her agenda. 

Attendance:  Students may enter the classroom at 7:30.  They are considered tardy after 7:45.  It is very important for the students to be on time so that they can take care of morning responsibilities and be well-prepared for class.  Please read page 3 of the Student Handbook (found in the front of the agendas) for a detailed explanation of the Oconee County School System policy on tardiness and absences.

Homework:  All 5^th grade students will have nightly homework.  We are not interested in keeping your child “busy.”  Any assignments we give are for practice of skills taught during the school day.  Anyone who has ever played sports or an instrument understands the value and necessity of practice!  The students will use their agendas to write down any homework.  Nightly homework can also be found on my blog. 

Transportation Changes: If your child has a transportation change on a given day, please send in a note to me.  Children will not be permitted to go home a different way unless the school receives a note.  PLEASE remember to call in any necessary transportation changes prior to 12:00.  We have Extension and Activity beginning at 12:45 and it will be more difficult to get changes to your child if calls are received after this time.  Please try to reserve transportation changes for emergencies.  It can be difficult for a child to remember any changes due to our busy days in 5th grade.  This is for the safety of all students. 

Lunch Money:  Please send in any lunch money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, my name and grade, and “lunch money” written on the front.  Any other money that is sent in to the classroom for various reasons (Relay for Life, PTO) must be clearly marked to ensure that it goes to the correct place! This is 5^th grade…have your child take on this responsibility!

Snacks:  5^th graders may bring a snack to eat at their recess time {9:55-10:10}.  In accordance with the state and federal wellness policies, we ask that all snacks be nutritious (no candy bars, chips, or other junk food).  Students may also bring bottles with water.  No other drinks are permitted.

Birthday Parties:  We would love to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, but we are asking you all to be receptive to a new change.  Because state and federal policies are focused on health and wellness, we are planning to celebrate all birthdays in each month on the last Friday of the month during recess. 

5th Grade Jobs:  5th graders have several opportunities to take leadership roles at RBES.  Shortly, we will be asking students if they are interested in taking on some additional responsibilities:  Safety patrols, School Store, Media Center help, Morning Broadcast, and helping tutor much younger students.  Once these duties have been assigned, you will be given more detailed information about what is involved.

Have a nice evening and get some rest!

Mrs. Y