1. Introduction My e-mail jodi.kosten@cherokee.k12.ga.us Also, please check my website for updates. I also communicate by e-mail. Room Mother: Ann Findlay She will be in charge of scheduling our volunteers, based on our classroom needs. Classroom Expectations: Behavior-A discipline policy was sent home at Meet and Greet. Homework-due on Friday. Homework is a review of classroom skills

2. COMMUNICATION Agendas and orange folders back and forth daily Friday packets-save for school wide information and graded work. Newsletters on Monday-website on Friday Notes-place in folder or write in their agendas on the corresponding date on the opposite side of the student page. All Money-Please always use an envelope-Please do not send money unlabeled.

3. Report Cards and Grading O= Outstanding S= Satisfactory N= Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory The students will receive a report card every 9 weeks and they will receive a progress report in between the 9 weeks.

4. Class Dojo This is used to record behavior for the week. Automatically sends emails to parents on Friday. Forgive me for any confusion on missing days. I have realized I have to enter them every evening! If not, it shows up as 2 entries for one day. Sorry! I do have parent codes printed out and those will go home with you this evening.

5. Success Maker Success Maker is another computer program your children have access to during the school day. This program concentrates on math and reading concepts. Each student has their own Success Maker account. Each time they log in, the computer starts the review by asking questions that the student previously missed. This program is also an analysis tool for teachers. Teachers can print out reports on each student that details the students approximate math and reading level, problem hot spots, and length of time needed to answer each question.

6. Miscellaneous PTA- Please join the Parent Teacher Association. Transportation - If your child is going home in a manner other than their normal route, you must notify us in writing. We must have a note from both families in order for a transportation change to take place. There are several buses that are at max load and cannot take on extra riders. Those buses are listed in your packet this evening. A DAILY SCHEDULE is included in your packet. Also refer to my website for schedules.

7. CONFERENCES I will offer conferences in the fall. A sign up sheet will come home soon for September and October conferences. I can also do a phone conference for my working parents but I do prefer a face to face meeting. I will offer conferences at 8:15 a.m., and between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. * All conf. are to be scheduled in advance, please. *I try to meet with all of my parents at least 2 times a year. Of course, if we need to meet more, we can.

8. READING CURRICULUM Scott Foresman Reading Series Cover one story per week. Take a test on Thursday for comprehension. Guided Reading Groups T-TH Star Reader to assess Success Maker Reading Reading Eggs

9. Math Curriculum Based on Common Core Standards 1.Hands on series 2.Games, songs, activities 3.Unfortunately we must make copies for our math program 4.Word problem journal 5.Timed math tests starting in October. 6.Daily Calendar time to review many skills 7.Grades will be made up of quizzes and end of chapter tests. 8.I do have the old series if anyone would like to take one home, please do so! It is great for extra practice!

10. Language Arts-Written Expression Curriculum Writing Process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing Write paragraphs: narrative/tell a story, descriptive/describe, expository/explain, and persuasive/opinion Use graphic organizers Sentences structure Punctuation Capitalization Rules of spelling Parts of speech

11. Social Studies /Science and Health Please see the newsletter for weekly themes. These 3 curriculum areas will be rotated. We will also be doing class rotations for many of our units. Students will rotate from room to room to learn something new about the topic of the week!

12. Spelling That Makes Sense Every Monday, the spelling list will come home with the words. Differentiation will be met by allowing students to create sentences or stories with the words. Current test has 15 words each week. Eventually, there will be 18 words to review the no excuse words. What are Think and Apply Words? Dictation sentences each week.

13. Stability Balls Research shows these are great for students because it makes both sides of the brain work at the same. Why is this important??? It ensures that your child is retaining more information throughout the learning day. Please feel free to send one in for your child. The 55 cm size is best. Walmart has them for around $9.00 Kids love them!

14. How can I help my child? Make sure he/she gets enough sleep Eat a good breakfast. They get hungry! Read to and listen to your child read. Check homework. Study spelling.

15. Bullying School What is bullying? A person is being bullied when he/she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons. Plan of action: -Committee formed -County provided materials -Educate students, parents and faculty-Mrs. Morales, our counselor conducts lessons with the students on Bullying. -Class meetings/lessons -Implement No Bullying rules Goal: to create a safe and nurturing environment in which students can learn

16. I will be allowing the children to pick the work they would like to display in the hallway.

17. Talk to your child about their day.

18. Questions? -Check out procedures -Tardies/Early Checkouts -Nurse!!!!!!!! I will do my best! -Visitors for lunch-Only 2 per day, must ask in advance and get confirmation from me. Please meet your child in the café and give them a huge hug and kiss to say goodbye at the café doors. Thank you! *You are a vital part of your childs education and success! I welcome and love all of my volunteers!

19. My Favorite Quote If you dont believe everything your child tells you about school, we wont believe everything your child tells us about home.

20. Thank you for coming! Teaching your children and watching them grow is a pleasure!