8.1.14 Information about Next Week

Hello families!

I have several things to share with you before we meet on Monday & Tuesday for listening conferences. All of this is also posted on our crew news on the website: http://mrslaurens14-15crewblog.blogspot.com/. I encourage you to spend a few minutes this weekend/next week exploring our crew site. I have updated the FAQ section that has information about the communication, schedule, birthdays, classroom norms, and more.

ROOM LOCATION CHANGE: My room has moved. I am now at the end of the hall where Ms. Amanda’s class was last year. It is room C102. :)

First Day of School: Drop-Off

This year, we have decided to try to streamline the "drop-off" on the first day of school. In the past, teachers have stood outside with signs and students have attempted to find their teacher - however, we have found that having 400+ students, teachers, and parents out front makes for a crazy start to the school day. This year, drop-off on Wednesday will be the same as it would be for any other day. At 8:30, the front doors will open and students should make their way to our classroom.

Pick-Up

Our crew dismisses from outside near the small trees in front of the school. Students must say goodbye and high-five me before they are allowed to leave school - to ensure that I have seen the adult who will be taking them home. You may park and come pick up your child or wait in the pick-up car line; if you are in the car line, we will only load the first two vehicles in line at a time to maintain order. Wednesday, our first day, is an early release day as usual - pick-up will be at 1 pm.

Lunch Time/Snacks

Our crew's lunch time this year will be at 11:45. I encourage students to bring a healthy snack on Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday. I also encourage all students to bring a water bottle to school.

Something Special in the Mail for Students

Have you gotten my card in the mail? Your child should be receiving a card in the mail in the next day or two. In this letter, I introduce myself and welcome students to my crew. At the end, I request that students write a letter back to me which they can give me on the first day of school. :)

Classroom Set-up

Your child’s education ->

What does 21st the 21st century classroom look like? Let’s have the learners decide. :)

Under construction

Students will be collaborating in setting up their learning space.

Minds Under Construction

Working together to learn together.

Unstacked desks? Piles of supplies? Blank walls? --What is this all about?

When you visit the classroom on Monday or Tuesday, you will notice that tables are pushed against the walls, chairs are still in stacks, and the classroom doesn't look as you might picture it the days before students arrive. Many teachers at Renaissance are asking for students to help us design and set up the classrooms in the first days of school again this year. We had great success with this endeavor last year. Students will become the classroom designers and engineers. They, perhaps better than anyone, know what spaces are necessary in a classroom, as well as how those spaces might be used. Allowing students to take control of the classroom environment really gets at the heart of Expeditionary learning. It provides opportunities for creativity, leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and stewardship. It also gives me an opportunity to find out what students value about school, as well as how they think and work together. This will be a great way to begin the year: working together to learn together. 

Asking students to shape the space they spend so much time in increases student ownership and makes the space ours, not just a classroom where students learn in for the year. I look forward to seeing what students want to do with our space; I am sure they will come up with ideas I would never have thought of.

Here are a few reminders/updates for next week:

-Listening Conferences are Monday and Tuesday (8/4-8/5). I can't wait to meet you and hear all about your child!

-Wednesday (8/6) is the first day of school. 

       *Students will come directly to the classroom instead of meeting outside (such as in years past)

       *Don't forget that Wednesday is an early dismissal day, and school ends at 1:00.

-Friday (8/8) Picture Day 

-Friday (8/8) Back to School Carnival 4-7: You can splash this teacher at 4:30.

       Hope to see you all there! :)

Have a fabulous weekend, and I will see you next week!