September 16, 2004

Beginning on Monday your child will have homework from Monday to Thursday.  Each day your child should come to school with their Homework Sheet signed by an adult or an older sibling.  I will give them a stamp for completing their homework.  In order to earn a stamp, they must complete and return homework the next day.   If your child will not do their homework or has difficulties, then there is room for comments on the bottom of the Homework Sheet.  I would like to be aware of any problems or difficulties.  It is important for us to keep in contact to be sure we work together to enrich your child.

As part of your child’s homework, s/he will take home at least two books per week.  These books should be easy for your child to read.  They are confidence builders.  Please use the attached sheet titled "I Like the Way You" and "To Help Myself Read I Can."  This sheet is used in class and would be helpful if you reinforced these strategies at home.  It is important for you to allow your child to use pictures to help him or her read.  It is a reading strategy.  This is a natural progression.

Reading will be an important part of your child’s education this year.  We will practice in a variety of ways at school such as shared reading, guided reading, reading workshop, D.E.A.R, self-selected reading, and super readers.  My classroom books are leveled, because all students read at different levels.  I will continue to assess your child during the next two weeks of school to determine their reading level.  Your child will be required to practice reading at home as part of their weekly homework.  I will provide appropriate reading materials for your child.

Attached is a copy of  "Super Readers." Your child will have the opportunity once a week to read to his/her classmates.  Your child’s day will not change.  The books brought home are books your child could choose to read to the group.  Please take a few minutes and practice with your child.

On Tuesday, September 20th we will walk to the Onekama Public Library.  Please sign the attached permission slip and library card form on both sides.  The library card form enables your child to receive their very own library card.  Throughout the school year, we will visit the library to check out books.  The library card will be kept here at school and your child will be able to take it home at the end of the year.  We will be leaving at 12:20 p.m. and should return about 1:45 p.m.  If your schedule permits, please join us.  Please note that the permission slip is for all of our field trips for this year.

Enclosed is a copy of Holiday Helpers.  If you are interested in volunteering for a class party, then sign your name in an area of interest and return the form to school by September 22nd.  Once I have received the forms, then I will send a finalized copy to those volunteers.  Also enclosed is the new enrichment schedule.

I have had many questions about Show and Tell by students.  Our curriculum is the foundation for reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, listening, speaking and communication.  We have much to cover in 180 days so it is very difficult for me to give up classroom time for Show and Tell, but students love to show and tell.  Students can bring a "special and unique" item to show and tell.  They may not get to show it the day that they bring it but I will do my best to make time in a few day period.  Please limit what your child brings to school, it really should be something "special and unique."  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

If you are interested in receiving this parent letter electronically, then please email me at sneiders@manistee.org    Also if you have any questions or concerns, then you may contact me via email or at 889-9674.

The following are dates that you may want to add to your calendar:

• Onekama Public Library field trip— September 21
• Buddy Reading — September 24
• School Picture Day — October 5
• Onekama Village Fire Department field trip — October 6
• No School — Teacher In-Service — October 11
• Onekama Public Library field trip — October 12
• Halloween party — October 29

Warmly,

Shantel