First Day!

Wow!  What a great first day!  The children were so excited and eager to be in grade one.  They were delightful! The children tried SOOOOO very hard to listen to me and then listen during Assembly and then listen again in gym!  I really am proud of how hard they tried today! 

We will start very slowly with Kindergarten review and then introduce new Grade One concepts.  For the month of September we will have a center time each afternoon.  As Ainsley said, "I didn't know we had center in Grade One!"  Well, we sure do for a while because they are pretty tired by the end of the day.  Wait until Friday!  They will be worn out from 3 straight days of school.

Unfortunately, some of the School kits did not arrive.  Kali, Levi, Tazan and Brooklyn did not receive their order.  We are working to correct it at this end.  Until the kits arrive, we have extra supplies they can use so don't worry.

There are some supplies that are not on the Kit order forms.  These were on the Hillmond Supply list and some of you probably didn't realize that.  They were listed on the back of the form.

The students need: 

• a small half-lined exercise book (not the 8x10 fully lined ones)  I returned a few of these on backpacks today.
• a box of either small or large Ziplock bags
• a change of clothes (pants, socks, underwear and top) in a plastic bag with name on it.
• paint shirt.  I have most from last year (K) and have extras so I don't think anyone needs to send any.
• small box Kleenex
• zippered pencil case (a few were too small - they need to fit pencils, glue stick, erasers, scissors and box of wax crayons.  I'll send the case home if it's too small)
• an enclosed pencil sharpener (a must have.  Try to purchase the Staedler brand from Walmart etc)

Remember to give me a call or email me ellen.burzynski@nwsd.ca if you have questions!
Ellen Burzynski

Welcome to Grade One!

August 31, 2011

Dear Parents:

Welcome to Grade One!  This will be a very busy but rewarding year as your child learns to read and write and so many more things!  I always consider myself the luckiest teacher at Hillmond because I have Grade One!

1.      Agendas/email/Blog – Please make sure to check your child’s agenda each night.  Please initial to let me know you have read it.  You can write a note in the agenda or put a note in the pocket at the front.  There will be many days without much in the agenda but as the year progresses your child will write more and more in the agenda.  Put any envelopes of money, notes etc in the pouch and note in the agenda that I need to look in the pouch.  Thanks.

We strive to be PAPERLESS at school now.  This helps to avoid wasting paper as well as saves a great deal of school instructional time.  Please get in the habit of checking my Blog each day for information. www.mrsburzynskiclass.blogspot.com/  This address is accessible through the Hillmond School Home page.  Go to Classes and then Burzynski.  If you do not have access to the internet, please let me know ASAP as most information will be sent ONLY through the blog and email.  I check my email each morning and periodically throughout the day as I have time.  This really is the best way to communicate with me as I am often on supervision or teaching throughout the day and coaching Volleyball after school.  I usually am able to respond to emails promptly.  Of course, you can always call me in the morning also or at home in the evening.

2.      Money – please put all money in an envelope and put in the pouch of the agenda.  Label with your child’s name and indicate what the money is for (ie;  Hot Meal, Book Order, etc).  Don’t forget to put your child’s name on the Hot Meal forms. 

3.       Scholastic Book orders – are generally sent once a month and are a great opportunity to build a reading library for your child.  Cheque only please!  Made out to Scholastic Canada.  I am unable to accept cash for Scholastic orders.

4.      Hand washing – we will be emphasizing hand washing and use of Kleenex a lot this year to try and ensure the good health of students and staff.

5.      Sight Words – we will begin learning Sight Words this week.  I will be sending home ‘Apple Words’ shortly. You will need to cut these flashcards out for your child to use.  Please make sure to do this.  These are the first 25 Fry sight words for Grade One.  We will begin with only 10 words initially.  I will indicate in the agenda this week which 10 words we will practice first.  Please keep the ‘Apple words’ in a safe place.

6.      Margarine Tub – if you didn’t send a small, empty margarine etc tub, please send one ASAP.  Make sure it has a lid.  We use these for practicing words at school.

7.      Spare clothes – please send a spare set of clothes if you haven’t already (pants, underwear, socks, top).  Label the bag with your child’s name.

8.      Parent Helpers – The students love to have their parents volunteer in the classroom and it gives you a better sense of what happens in school.  If you would like to volunteer in the classroom we’d love your help with reading and materials preparation.  Just like me know a day in advance so I can have things ready for you.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  I can be reached at the school, at home at 825-3371 or by email at ellen.burzynski@nwsd.ca.

SOOOO, my next information letter will be posted on my blog (this one will be as well) at www.mrsburzynskiclass.blogspot.com/

Looking forward to a great year!

Mrs. Burzynski