Dear Parents,

Welcome back! I have greatly enjoyed meeting your child and getting to know him/her these past few days. I will continue to learn more about him/her as time goes on. This newsletter outlines some important information about our class and school.

During September and the rest of the year your child will be learning in all subject areas in the curriculum such as reading, phonics, spelling, writing, math, science, health, social studies, physical education, computers and the arts. Most activities and lessons are taught in an interactive and hands-on manner.

Our class will highlight each child during the school year with a week to be “Marvelous Me”. Your child will be randomly chosen and you will receive notification a few days before things are due. During that week your child will complete a poster and may bring in pictures which will be put on their special bulletin board. “Marvelous Me” is a special recognition program that promotes a positive self-image in each child.

Throughout the year I will stress good work habits, neatness, listening and following directions, and responsibility. The children feel comfortable with structure and consistency and they will gain self-confidence which will help them in future schooling.

Lunch and Snack

Lunch is at 10:50 each day. Lunch may be brought to school or hot lunch may be purchased for $2.50. Milk “only” is 40 cents. You may prepay for lunch by going on-line to www.mealpayplus.com or send a check to school for any amount made out to: “Madison Lunch Program.” You will need your child’s I.D. number when going on-line. Please call our school office to get their I.D. number.

We have a daily snack time in the classroom around 2:00 in the afternoon. The children may eat one snack and a drink. Please avoid red or purple drinks. Children may not share their food. Please do not send candy with their snack. During snack time children can show or tell about something special. This is our “Show and Tell” time. Toys are not allowed to be brought into school.

When sending money into school please use an envelope, wallet or money pouch with your child’s name on it.

Labels

Please label all outerwear, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. Also, in cold weather please send your child with a hat, mittens, boots and a warm coat. We do go out on cold days and children are uncomfortable if not properly dressed.

Birthdays

We are promoting that birthday celebrations revolve around non-edible items only. Birthdays continue to be an exciting part of the day and the children look forward to sharing with their classmates. Our class will be making a birthday book for the birthday child to take home. Also, the birthday child will bring home a special “birthday backpack” for a few days.

Parent Volunteers

I am very interested in having parents volunteer their time in or out of the classroom. There are many different tasks that you can do to help us out; such as writers’ workshop, computer lab helper, special project helper, etc.. There are always cutting, sorting, stapling and other busy things that need to be done. The room coordinator will contact you.

Arrival and Dismissal

School begins at 8:50am and dismissal is at 3:25pm. It is important that the driveway in the front of the school “the circle” is clear of any cars while the buses are dropping and /or picking up children. Please park on the north side or in back of the school.

A note is needed if your child is getting picked up. Please indicate on the note whom is to pick your child up. We must have written permission from you for any changes to your child’s regular schedule. In case a written note is forgotten in the morning, please call the school secretary (Mrs. Davis) in the office at 245-6450. If your child is absent, please call the school nurse at 245-6452. You may call any time and leave a message.

When picking up your child at dismissal time near the Library/Media center, you must sign him/her out. Also, if you and any other guest come into the school as a visitor or a volunteer, you must sign in and out in the office.

Physical Education

Your child must wear sneakers and socks on gym days (Wed. and Fri.). It is for the safety of your child. Our P.E. teacher’s name is Mr. Tucker.

Library

Please help your child remember to return library books to school by Thursday of each week in time for Library class. Help your child establish a routine for remembering to return their book on time. Our librarians are Mrs. Bizier and Mrs. Regan.

Homework

Homework will be assigned every Monday and Wednesday. It is due back to class the next day, unless noted otherwise. Homework will be placed in a special red folder. Please try to form a habit with your child and place it in the backpack before he/she goes to bed. Your child will need your guidance when completing homework. Please read any directions for them and get them started. Then, step back and let them give it a try by themselves. As the school year unfolds and your child becomes more capable, you can expect a bit more independence.

Please don’t hesitate to call me at the school or e-mail me at pardor@madison.k12.ct.us or write a note if you have a question or concern. If you have an urgent question or concern, do not e-mail me. Sometimes I don’t get a chance to check my e-mail until after the children have left for the day.

I am looking forward to working with you to help make this school year be successful for your child.

Fondly,

Renee Pardo