I'm so excited to have your student in my class this year! We like to work hard each day and stretch ourselves to try and learn new things. We are not afraid to try, fail, and try again!
I try to supply everything your student will need for school each day. If your student has a pencil box/pouch they want to bring from home, they are welcome to do so; otherwise, I will supply a pouch for them. They may also bring a water bottle to keep on their table--the lid must close tightly so that if it tips over, it won't spill. If they have a book they are reading at home and want to bring it to school to continue reading here, they may also do that. I have many books in my classroom library they are also welcome to use.
If your child has art supplies or headphones they would like to bring from home, they are welcome to, but those items will have to stay in their lockers when not in use.
We love to celebrate your kids' birthdays! This is entirely optional for you, though. If you would like, you can bring a store-bought treat to share with the class, which we will hand out at the end of the school day. It must still be in its original, sealed packaging. Please no nuts or nut products! If your student's birthday falls on a weekend, holiday, or other day we are not in session, we will celebrate it on the last school day before their birthday (or if another day works better for you, just let me know). If your child's birthday is during the summer, we will celebrate their half birthday (Halfy Birthday!).
If you would prefer we do not celebrate your student's birthday for religious purposes, please just let me know.
We will typically have three main class parties during the year: Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. For each of those parties, I usually invite students to bring a treat to share with the whole class if they want to (absolutely not a requirement!). As with birthdays, they must be store bought and in their original, sealed packaging. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of those parties, please let me know! If you would prefer your student not participate in these parties for religious reasons, please let me know, and I will provide an alternative activity for them.
Also, on the last day of each term (1-3), I have a morning read-a-thon where students can wear pajamas and bring a blanket, pillow, and one small, personal snack to eat while they read.
Finally, when we do RISE testing at the end of the school year, I will send out a Sign Up Genius for families to donate healthy snacks to provide for the students before each testing session. Students can focus more easily when they are not hungry! If you are able to sign up for one of those days, that would be fantastic!
There are a few things we do throughout the year that cost money, and I don't want you to be blindsided by them. They are all optional. If there is something I have forgotten or left off this list, I will add it as soon as I remember or find out about it:
Scholastic book orders. We do a book order each month for those who want to order through the catalog or online (see book orders page here).
Tie dye shirts. Please provide a basic t-shirt for your student in their size or one size larger--we will tie-dye them here at school, and your student can wear it throughout the year. It doesn't have to be a new one, but Walmart does have blank white t-shirts in their crafting section for 5 or 6 dollars. We do this at the beginning of the year (I'll let you know when to send it).
Fossil samples. During our science unit about fossils, we invite a fossil and mineral expert to come teach us about fossils. He brings very small samples the students can buy to start a collection of their own at home (he doesn't make a profit from this--he uses the money to buy more samples to bring to schools). Students can buy as little or as much as they want. Samples are as cheap as a quarter, and can be as much as $5, but the average price is 50-75 cents. The same samples at a rock show would easily be several times more expensive. We usually do this in September or October.
Ski trip. Each winter, 4th grade goes on a ski trip, with skilled professional instructors. This is always one of our favorite field trips, and is a great opportunity for students to be introduced to skiing. It is a little more pricey, though--usually around $30--but that includes the ski rental, transportation to and from the ski resort, and a two-hour class on the "bunny" hill. We ask that families pay what they can of that $30; that might mean paying the full price, or it might mean paying a portion of it. It also might mean paying a little more if you are in a situation where you could help pay for another student whose family can't pay the full price. We don't want the price to be what prohibits students from going, so they can go regardless of the amount they pay (we do ask for at least $5, though).
Class book. We work with a company that prints a class book for us, where each student has contributed a page and an illustration. You have the option to buy a copy of that book for your home, but we also get a copy to keep in our classroom library here, so it is completely up to you whether you choose to buy one or not.
Other field trips. We always try to work it out so field trips are free, but every once in a while, there is a small fee associated with a field trip. We always try to let you know as early in advance as possible.
Again, all of these activities are completely optional. If you ever feel like there is something you really want your child to participate in, but you find yourself in a tight spot financially, please get in touch with me to see what we can work out! I will be happy to help you when I can.