Welcome to the combined Grade One and Two class!
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 teach Grade One and this year I also am delighted to continue to teach my favorite grade one’s in grade two! I am very excited to help the Grade 2’s read chapter books, write long stories and grow as learners.
This is my 18th year at Hillmond School! I came to teach here in 1996 for a ‘few years’ but loved it so much I have stayed. In fact, my youngest daughter was just a year old and she is heading off TODAY……Sob ….. with her older sister, to attend the University of Alberta! Today I feel a bit like the ‘emotional’ Walmart mom from the commercials!! So if you are feeling a bit sad, I understand! Time flies, as you are realizing!!
The Grade one’s and Two will actually have many teachers this year! They are going to be delighted to have the crazy Mr. Feil for PE! Also, they will be taught by Ms April for Science, Mrs. Hunter for Health etc, and Ms Hermanson will teach the Grade 2’s math.
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 place 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 write 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 Parents and My classes and shortcuts.. 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. 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; Book Order, etc). Don’t forget to put your child’s name on/in the bag.
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 – Grade One – 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. Note: These first 25 words take about a month to learn so be patient! Then rest of the words will be learned more quickly, I promise!
Grade Two – we will continue to practice sight words from where your child left off last year. For those finished there will be no further sight words.
6. 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.
7. 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/. Remember, check the blog!!!!!!!!
Looking forward to a great year!
Mrs. Burzynski
