Welcome! As we prepare for another year teachers, parents and students are doing many things to get ready. These few weeks you can get great deals at Office Depot, Staples and Target. If you see some really great deals and get an extra pack of paper or pencils, please send them in as I try to give supplies to anyone in need year round. Every bit helps. Load up on these kind of deals now and save a lot for later. I always restock my cabinets this time of year for students who don't have the supplies they need to be successful at school.
Beginning of the year: This is a major change for most students. No longer in a single classroom, students will move to as many as six different rooms and teachers. This presents a huge challenge for the students to get organized. A binder with dividers for each class and/or folders for each class would be very helpful. Learning how to use the agenda will aid your student. Please go through backpacks, binders, and agendas often during the first few weeks to help establish these necessary habits. Students who adopt to these changes and new requirements have an advantage beginning the year.
What the first week looks like: Most teachers will be doing some sort of 'getting to know you' activities. We will often give beginning of the year assessments, establish a classroom routine and review classroom and school behavior expectations. Students will receive their textbooks, their first Accelerated Math (or IReady) assignments, and begin our warm-up and homework routines.
Time Flies When You're Doing Math!
This became our closing sentence as we finish class each day last year. When it was time to leave, someone would raise their hand and say "Time flies when you're doing Math!" Then the class would be dismissed. I am hoping to develop that same kind of attitude with this year's students.