Dear Parents and Guardians:
The start of a new year holds the promise of new discovery and learning as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. This year we will embark upon new adventures in the world of learning.
So much happens in school. Because of this, parents as well as children may have some apprehensions about what to expect. It is extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on small successes. Each child will progress at their own rate, acquiring skills as he/she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority. Here are some ways you can help:
1. Celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem. This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work.
2. Keep updated with your child’s folder. This folder will have important information for the week along with news of exciting events, as well as helpful reminders.
3. Read to and with your child everyday to help expand and enrich their vocabularies, and broaden their experiences.
4. Create an environment in your home that encourages learning. Provide them with many different opportunities to become excited about learning.
5. Please do not hesitate to contact us with ANY questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Ms. Paino and Mrs. Montero
Parent/Teacher Relationship:
The mission of PS 85 is for the parents and the teacher to work together to create a positive learning environment for the students. We need your help to insure that your child grows and learns the most that he/she can within this year. Throughout the year, we will communicate with you through notes, telephone calls, our class blog, report cards and parent-teacher conferences. We are not permitted to speak to you about your child during arrival and dismissal times as it takes our attention away from the rest of the students. If you would like to meet to discuss your child’s progress, any questions or concerns you may have, please request a meeting time with us via note or telephone call.
Some tips for encouraging learning:
- Discuss the importance of school with your child.
- Always ask your child “How was your day today?” and “What did you learn?” Your child should be able to name at least one thing.
- Establish a regular bed time. They have a long day of fun learning ahead of them and should go to bed at a reasonable time. They need to be fresh and ready to learn in the morning.
In school, children follow routines and rules in order to create the best learning environment. A student’s success is greatly affected by attendance. It is very important that your child comes to school everyday. It is EXTREMELY important that your child arrives on time every morning. Constant tardiness disrupts daily morning activities and procedures as well as the learning environment.
School Procedures:
Arrival – School begins promptly at 8:00 am. Instruction begins as soon as the students enter the classroom. It is important that you, as a parent, stress the importance of getting to school on time.
Dismissal – The students will be dismissed outside the mini-school at 2:50 daily. Please be prompt when picking up your child.
Changes in Pick-Up:
If you plan to have someone other than the people listed on the Emergency Contact Form pick up your child, you MUST send in a written note. Please include a phone number at which you can be reached immediately in the note. School policy does not allow us to send a child home with another adult without written authorization. This policy is for the safety of your child.
Homework:
It is important to set routines in your child's life. Try to set aside time each day to discuss what your child did in school and for their homework. Homework will be given daily to reinforce skills and concepts that are taught in the classroom. Please assist your child with homework and help your child excel by creating an environment where your child can do homework with minimal distractions. Please make sure your child completes and returns it to school the next day.
Communication:
To facilitate communication between school and home your child will need to have a folder. It is for communication between school and family. This folder will contain important information for you to look at. Many of the items in this folder will need to be looked over, so please check this folder every night. You may also use this folder to send in notes to the school. Please remember to empty the contents of the folder every few days. The papers begin to pile up and it gets more difficult to put new ones in.
Backpack and Labels:
Each child should have a backpack with his or her name on it. Your child should bring a backpack to school every day. Please help your child to remember to bring a backpack to school EVERY DAY! Please check his/her backpack each day for work or notes. Also, please put your CHILD'S NAME on his/her coat, backpack, sweater, gloves, hat, boots, etc.
Field Trips:
We will go on a number of trips this year. We will send home permission slips and information about each trip as they come up. In addition, we will be sending home a general permission slip for unannounced neighborhood walks and trips. When you receive it, please sign it and return it promptly. This general permission slip allows us to broaden our classroom studies of our neighborhood.
Being the BEST
At PS 85, everyone is expected to do his/her BEST.
BEST stands for....
Behavior
Effort
Scholarship
Teamwork
Each day your child should be striving to do his/her BEST!
Digital Cameras: Students and teachers take pictures of our projects and classroom activities. These images are often displayed on our classroom bulletin board, used for publication on our website, and once in a while are included in presentations we conduct to teach other educators.
Skype: Skype is used to connect with others on a global scale. We use this video phone call service to speak to other classrooms from around the world.
KidBlog: This student blogging website is an integrated part of our learning. The blog’s main function will be to promote a continual writing process, featuring book reviews, poetry, journal reflections as well as a chance for students to develop critical thinking skills as they comment and guide each other. KidBlog provides us with an incredible chance to develop our writing in multiple formats.
EduGlogster: This online poster creation site allows students to create unique posters with video, sound, pictures, and clip art. We use this for presentations and to showcase learning throughout the year.
These tools are the ones most frequently used in our classroom. Others may be introduced throughout the year with proper guidance.
Any student and/or their school work will be identified by first name only. No last names will be mentioned.
In an effort to respect parent and guardian wishes regarding the use of your child’s image or work, I ask that you read the consent form that will be sent home in a few days, indicate your preference, and sign and return.
Technology:
Technology serves a major function in this classroom to collaborate and connect with students across the globe. Safety and proper usage of the chosen technology is therefore vital for this classroom to be successful in its implementation. This explanation is intended to inform and expand on the most common types of technology that will be integrated throughout the year.
Flip Video Cameras: Students use video cameras throughout the year to capture their learning and for presentations. We also use the cameras to capture specific student work to be published on our classroom website.
Flip Video Cameras: Students use video cameras throughout the year to capture their learning and for presentations. We also use the cameras to capture specific student work to be published on our classroom website.
Digital Cameras: Students and teachers take pictures of our projects and classroom activities. These images are often displayed on our classroom bulletin board, used for publication on our website, and once in a while are included in presentations we conduct to teach other educators.
Skype: Skype is used to connect with others on a global scale. We use this video phone call service to speak to other classrooms from around the world.
KidBlog: This student blogging website is an integrated part of our learning. The blog’s main function will be to promote a continual writing process, featuring book reviews, poetry, journal reflections as well as a chance for students to develop critical thinking skills as they comment and guide each other. KidBlog provides us with an incredible chance to develop our writing in multiple formats.
EduGlogster: This online poster creation site allows students to create unique posters with video, sound, pictures, and clip art. We use this for presentations and to showcase learning throughout the year.
These tools are the ones most frequently used in our classroom. Others may be introduced throughout the year with proper guidance.
Any student and/or their school work will be identified by first name only. No last names will be mentioned.
In an effort to respect parent and guardian wishes regarding the use of your child’s image or work, I ask that you read the consent form that will be sent home in a few days, indicate your preference, and sign and return.
