1. Mrs. Jimenez’s Class 2015-16

2. Education: I attended college at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. I graduated with my B.S. Elementary Education with a specialization in Reading. Contact Info: Email abby.jimenez@midlandisd.net School Phone (432) 240-8500 Class Dojo Experience: I have been teaching for 26 years at MISD. I have taught Kinder all the way up to 8 th grade. I am very excited to be here at Yarbrough and plan to make this year the best year yet!

3. The binders will go home Monday-Thursday. This will be our main source of communication, so please check binders daily. Please help your child take good care of the binders and remind them to bring it to school every day. The green folder inside is the “keep” and “return” folder. I will put homework on a newsletter/calendar, usually monthly from now on. There may be extra work to do, and that will be inserted in the green folder. Please initial the calendar on appropriate date so I know you are looking at it with your child. I want all homework turned in on Fridays, please. You can keep it in the green folder until then, if you like. BINDERS & HOMEWORK

4. Welcome to our learning space. I have worked hard to make this an inviting place for students to learn. You will notice quite a few blank spaces on the walls. That is because we will fill the boards with our learning so that the information on the walls is meaningful to the children.

5. In our class we sit at tables and we work in groups frequently. In order to facilitate this style of learning, some of our supplies will be shared. We are needing some items not listed on the supply list. We would really appreciate if you could donate the following items. Construction paper-all colors

6. Be Safe Be Respectful Be Responsible

7. I believe that all students have the capability to succeed in school. I clearly teach my expectations of how the students will work together and learn in this classroom. We practice, practice, practice. If a student forgets or chooses not to follow those rules, they will receive a 1, 2, 3 timeout. If the behavior continues, they would lose privileges. If your child has problems following our school expectations, I will let you know so that you can be a support as well. Class Dojo will help!

8. Class Dojo!

9. Classroom Expectations This year we will be focusing on building important life skills such as working hard and participating. I’ll be using ClassDojo to give students feedback on these skills :)

10. Why use ClassDojo? ClassDojo is the easiest way to see your child’s progress on these skills. I’ll be sending classroom updates and photos with you through ClassDojo, too!

11. How else can we work together? Check ClassDojo regularly. Keep me updated on how your child is doing at home. Encourage the life skills we are working on in class outside of school. Celebrate wonderful classroom moments at home :) Let me know how I can be most helpful!

12. I’m always here to help if you need anything, as well as the ClassDojo team who can be reached at parents@classdojo.com :) parents@classdojo.com

13. Wednesday- Library Children will not be taking books home unless parents request. Tuesday-Fine Arts

14. 7:50-8:00 Breakfast Express 8:00-11:00 Whole Group Reading, Phonics, Writing, Guided Reading, Literacy Work Stations, Literacy Leveled Intervention & Handwriting 11:00-11:30 Lunch 11:30-11:45 Recess 11:45-1:45 Whole Group Math, Math Centers, Math Intervention 1:45-2:30-PE/Fine Arts 2:30-3:20 Science 3:20-3:30 Dismissal

15. Reading at home is very important for helping your child become a reader. Please refer to the handout for activities to help your child become a fluent reader.

16. I will be teaching reading strategies to your child throughout the year. I will be sending information home as we learn the different strategies so that you can help your child. Covering the pictures is not encouraged, as we will be learning about using the picture clues, stretching out the word, flipping vowel sounds, etc.

17. Lunch is at 11:00. Students will be required to use the restroom and then wash their hands before lining up for the cafeteria/retrieving their lunch box. Students are supervised by Kindergarten teachers. You are always welcomed to come have lunch with your child. Please check in at the office, first.

18. Throughout the year we will celebrate some of the major holidays with a classroom party. We will do themed activities and/or crafts, sing songs, and enjoy some food. Christmas Party Valentine’s Day Party

19. If you would like to bring in a treat for your child’s birthday, please let me know a few days before. It is easiest if the snack is handed out at the end of the day, right before dismissal (2:30). There are currently 21 students in the class. You do not need to send in a treat, it is up to you. Every child will be sung to for their birthday, unless we are notified not to do so!

20. If your child has any medical conditions, please ensure that you have filled out the appropriate paperwork so the school is fully aware of the situation. If your child has any food allergies, please note it on the student info form. We can discuss how your child might be affected by class celebrations when there are treats.

21. It is vital that we know your plans for transportation. Bus students will be dismissed directly to the bus line. Car-riders and walkers will be dismissed at the Kindergarten door. Please ensure that you have spoken with your child about your plans. If there will be a change in your routine, please phone the school or send a note in their folder to let me know. We will not rely on your child’s word if there is a change. Kinder Circle Drive Rules 1.Only get out of your car to help your child unbuckle their carseat. 2.Please pull up to the first cone so that you don’t hold up the line.

22. If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom, please let me know via email or Dojo message. Our room mom is Mrs. Spears and she is spectacular! She will need help with parties and other classroom needs, so if you have some time, let me know and we will get you those volunteer hours!

23. Keeping open communication between teacher and parents/guardians is very important. If you need to get in contact with me, please phone the school or email me at (432) 240-8500 abby.jimenez@midlandisd.net In addition, I will be sending home newsletters and Dojo notices to keep you informed.

24. Please refer to the Student/Parent Handbook for more detailed information. The following are what pertains to Kindergarten the most. Girls need to wear shorts under their skirts or dresses. Students are not to wear any dress, skirt, or shorts when measured with the student standing is more than three inches from the top of the kneecap. Students are allowed to bring tennis shoes to change in for PE Dress Code

25. Tie their own shoes Say their first and last name Know their teachers name Take care of their own restroom *needs Use scissors and glue Color and learn their colors, too Count Please work with your child to…

26. Questions?