FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
  1. Will my first grader have homework?
  2. When will my child begin reading instruction?
  3. Will he/she always be in the same reading group?
  4. Will my child have other teachers in addition to their homeroom teacher?
  5. Am I welcome to visit the classroom?
  6. How can I help in the classroom?
  7. What is the best way to contact you if I have questions?



Will my first grader have homework?

Yes.  Students are asked to read 15 minutes each night.  We will send home an
agenda with a reading calendar attached for you to record the minutes read and
initial who listened. This is not optional. Be creative or as tough as you
need to be but get the job done.
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When will my child begin reading instruction?

Instruction begins on the first day of school.  We will be doing many 
activities that will help us assess your child's strengths/weaknesses. Based
on our findings, we will assign your child to a "reading group" with other
children who are working on similiar goals. This portion of our day is
called GUIDED READING.
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Will he/she always be in the same reading group?

No.  Reading groups are based on the needs of the student.  Students are 
formally and informally evaluated several times a year. The results of these
evaluations determine the level and group where he/she works.
Groups are always 6 or less students so each child gets some individual
attention.

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Will my child have other teachers in addition to their homeroom teacher?

It is entirely possible that your child may see other teachers for specialized
instruction. You will be notified.
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Am I welcome to visit the classroom?

Yes.  If you would like to visit or help in the classroom you are certainly 
welcome. Please let me know when you would like to come and I will make sure
arrangements are made.
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How can I help in the classroom?

During Open House, I will have a sign-up for parent volunteers.  If you are
anxious to get started before then just send me a note or an email and I will
get back to you. Parent Readers (parents who come and listen to students
read) are priceless!!
We will have
a Halloween Class Party and Valentine's Day Class Party. There will be other
opportunities to help and I will announce those on the weekly newsletter.
I understand some parents are not able to help because they work or care for
small children at home. I'm a working parent too! You help me by working
each evening with your own child at home!
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What is the best way to contact you if I have questions?

You may call the school office with any emergency and they will contact me 
immediately.
Email is a great way to communicate. I usually can respond before or after
school but rarely during the school day.
Students will be given an agenda. Sending a note in
the agenda is an additional way to contact me. I check the reading calendar
every morning so if you have a message for me just write "See note" on the
reading calendar and I will make sure to read and respond to it that day. I
will do the same for you. Notes sent in bookbags often do
not make it to my desk. I do not check student bookbags.
I do have voice mail at the school and you can also leave a message. Our
phones do not signal in any way that we have a message however.
The best chance to talk with me at school is 8-8:25 am and 3:35-4
pm. The remainder of the school day I am with students and find it difficult
to give you both the attention you deserve.
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