Mrs. Niederstadt's Class

September 27, 2007

Dear Parents,

Next week will be the first week with our classroom volunteers.  I am happy to have so many this year!  Most of the volunteers will be used in the mornings.  They will help monitor the classroom, which will allow me time to work one-on-one or in small groups teaching and assessing reading.  Many of the students are learning the classroom routine and to be more independent workers.  We use inventive spelling; this helps reinforce our knowledge of letters and letter sounds.  Over the last several weeks we’ve focused on getting to know one another, the class routine and completing work with “working whispers.”  Since we have 25 students in our room, it will take a little longer than normal.  Once our routine and working whispers are in place, I’ll start working with students one-on-one to find proper reading placement.  This will take several weeks.  Once my assessment is finished, then I am able to place students into small groups to begin guided reading.  I’ll explain more about guided reading in an upcoming parent letter. 

Also I do need more volunteers, but it doesn’t have to be weekly or bi-weekly.  I need volunteers to assist with math flashcards, listen to readers and help fix any errors on assignments.  If your schedule permits, we would love your help at any time.  If possible, please let me know ahead of time.  If not, then just stop by and I’ll put you to work.  We also accept grandparents!!

At the beginning of the year it was discussed that Mrs. Bromley would teach first and second grade math.  After completing the schedule, it was not possible to have Mrs. Bromley teach both grades.  Mrs. Bromley does teach second grade math daily at 10:00 a.m.  During this time Mrs. Lyman (aka Ms. Schultz), the K/1 teacher and I team teach first grade math daily.  Her kindergarteners are in Mr. Kudlack’s classroom.  We’ve just completed our second week of math.  It seems to be going well.

Next Tuesday will be our first visit to the school store.  Each Tuesday we will visit the school store at 2:00 p.m.  Mrs. Lowe will be the cashier.  It contains pens, pencils, markers, highlighter, note books, folders, etc.  These items are displayed in our showcase by the Media Center.  Items range from $.50 to $2.50. 

Your child will need a coat every day.  The weather has been unpredictable.  If the weather is cool, then your child will be prepared with a warm coat.  We have had a few students with runny noses, sore throats and coughs. 

Book orders are due tomorrow.

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

  • ¨      School Picture Day – October 2

  • ¨      Onekama Public Library field trip – October 10

  • ¨      Schoedel Farm field trip – October 18

  • ¨      Halloween party – October 31

  • ¨      Teacher In-Service (No School) – November 9

  • ¨      Parent-Teacher Conference – November 20 & 21

  • ¨      Christmas Program – December 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Warmly,

Shantel

 

Mrs. N.'s Main Page for 2007-2008

http://www.onekama.k12.mi.us