Thank you for subscribing to Bertrand Firsties. I'm still waiting on a few parents to subscribe but once they do, ALL communication from me will come to you via the blog. Once we get more into things, kids will also need to access the blog for links to classwork and homework. Until then, the "Classroom Links" section is going to look pretty bare.
We had a great 1st week back. Kids are getting to know me and each other and we've created quite the community already. I bought some extra blue and yellow folders for kiddos who didn't have any or had the wrong colors, but several kiddos are still missing a primary writing journal, a composition notebook, or both. I emailed all parents of kiddos missing notebooks. If you could send those in soon with your 1st grader, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Something that wasn't on the school supply list but that would be awesome for kids to use in class is an old sock (to be used as a whiteboard eraser). So, if you were wondering what to do with those socks at home who have lost their partner, this is your lucky day. ;)
Has your kiddo mentioned Spark time to you? It's something new Brantner is doing this year. Research shows that getting your heart rate up helps you to be a better learner, so we're starting each day with a bit of movement. Stations are being led by Brantner staff - some are inside, some are outside, but kids will love them ALL! I'm so excited to see how this affects the kids' focus and attitude towards learning.
It seems the red "Back & Forth" folders have been useful for me and for parents. If you have a note for me or a form, etc. that I need to see, please put it in the right-hand side of your kiddo's folder labeled "Right back to school". I will stick all papers from me that are to be left at home in the left-hand side of the folder labeled "Left at home". I understand you may not be able to check your kiddo's folder nightly, but I suggest you check it at least once a week.
We will be doing some beginning of year testing this week using Chromebooks and kids will be needing headphones for the assessments. We have earbuds at the school but if your 1st grader has some over-the-ear headphones at home that he/she prefers, please send them in and I'll send them back home with your kiddo when we're done with the testing.
I hope you're hearing from your 1st grader that he/she is loving school. I sure am loving being their teacher. Thanks for entrusting me with your kiddo.
Amy Bertrand
