Thursday, August 25, 2016

Here is a copy of my introduction letter (sent out this week).

                                                                                                            August 2016

Dear First Grade Families,
           
            I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Mary Harris and I am honored to be your child’s First Grade teacher for the 2016-2017 school year at Candor Elementary. Just a few tidbits of information about myself to help you get to know me better:  This is my 11th year teaching First Grade and I LOVE working with this age group! “Firsties” grow so much throughout the school year! I have been married to my husband, Chad, for 11 years. He is a software engineer. We have two sons. Elijah is 9 years old and entering 4th grade. Levi is 5 years old and will be attending Kindergarten in the Fall. I enjoy spending time with my family, singing, reading, playing tennis, and I LOVE frogs! I am looking forward to working with you and your child in reaching his or her full potential. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in Room 8!
           
A Few of My Favorite Things:
Color: Purple
Season: Fall
Food: Spaghetti
Drink(s):  Peach & Raspberry Ice Tea/Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Song: Happiness by Pharrell Williams
Children’s Book: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Author: Julie Klassen
Sports Team: Tennessee Volunteers football

            I believe that communication is the key to a great parent-teacher relationship. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. Email is my preferred method of contact (mharris@candorcs.org). You can also send me a note or call me at the school (659-3935). I also have a blog that I’m super excited about. You can find my blog on the school’s website, under Teacher Websites. You can also go to 1stgraderoom8.blogspot.com. You will be able to find important notices and information there. I will also send out a weekly newsletter to inform you of what is going on in the classroom, reminders, important dates, etc. For individual concerns, I will contact you by note, phone, or email. Please feel free to participate in your child’s First Grade year as much as possible. Parent volunteers are always welcome. I will be sending home more information about volunteering in November.
           
            Each day, your child will bring home a G.O. Book (Getting Organized binder). Included in the binder will be two folders with two pockets.  It is imperative that you check these folders EVERY day! The first pocket will be labeled Parent/Teacher Communication. In this folder will be any correspondence directly from me. You can also put any notes to me in there. The second pocket will be labeled Important Papers. This might include letters and forms from the office
and community happenings. The third pocket will be labeled Return to School. Items in this folder might include homework that needs completion or forms I might want returned. The fourth folder will be labeled Keep at Home. Please keep these items at home. Also in the G.O. Book will be a zipper pouch where money can be placed for safe keeping (lunch money, book order money, picture money, etc.). The G.O. Book will also contain a lunch menu and snack calendar.

            Just like in Kindergarten, your child will have a designated snack day. Please make sure you bring in enough HEALTHY snack for the class (19 students-subject to change). Please do not send in sweet treats unless it is your child’s birthday. I also discourage you from bringing in fruit snacks, as they do not give the children enough energy. You do not need to include drinks with snack. We have a drinking fountain in the classroom. We are always in need of extra snacks, small plates, napkins and spoons in case a child forgets. If you are willing to help us out at any time, please let me know.

            On the first day of school, I will be sending home information on behavior,  specials schedule, homework policy and other information. Please make sure you look in your child’s G.O. Book! Included in this letter, you will also find a copy of our first snack calendar. Be aware that there might be a month when your child doesn’t have a snack day. Lastly, I have included a homework assignment for both you and your child. Please help him or her complete it, and return both assignments the first day of school. Thank you! Again, I am looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year with you and your child!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary Harris






Welcome to Room 8! I am so excited for school to start soon! Please visit my blog to receive important updates and information.