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Communication
Communication
How do I know what is going on at school?
Look for ParentSquare messages about once a week.
Read district and school communication.
Review work sent home with your child.
Look at the information on this site.
How do I know how my child is doing academically?
Review graded and ungraded work sent home with your child. Graded work will have a 1, 2, 3, or 4 on it. Three is a passing score. If your child consistently scores a one, I may write their only points and leave off the grade (for example +5/9 means 5 correct out of 9 possible points.)
Check their progress in i-Ready. You can see their online quiz scores and how many lessons they completed by having your child log into i-Ready through Clever and click the "my progress" tab. Then look at "completed work" for details.
We will go over initial test scores at fall conferences. Other scores and report cards will be sent home.
What if there is a behavior problem?
If something happens, I typically send a quick email. Then we can schedule a phone call or meeting if we want to talk further. For ongoing behaviors (such as talking during quiet times,) students and I fill out a monthly self-evaluation which will be sent home. We will also talk at conferences.
How do I get in touch with you?
Contact information is at the bottom of the page.
I typically respond to emails and ParentSquare messages within one school day. If it has been several days and I have not replied, please contact me again or a different way. I probably didn't get your message or you didn't get my reply. (I had this happen with one student last year due to a technical issue in the parent's account.)
I find it generally easiest to schedule phone calls. Parents often aren't available or don't answer when I call, and I'm often out of the room or teaching when they call back.
If you have an urgent message such as change in after school plans, please call the office to make sure I get it in time.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have concerns. If there is something that may affect your child's mood or learning at home, please let me know - you don't have to share details.
Specialist Schedule
Specialist Schedule
Specialist will be on a three-day rotating schedule. Occasionally, students have "team time" where they review procedures.
Day 1 - PE (make sure to have good running shoes)
Day 2 - Music
Day 3 - Library (books can be returned any day, but only checked out during library)
Birthdays
Birthdays
We will be celebrating students' birthdays - if they celebrate - without food in class. If your child's birthday is in July or August, we will celebrate their half birthday. If you want to send a pre-packaged treat or goodie bag for each child to go home, that's fine, but not expected. Any food must be commercially prepared, not homemade, as per district policy. Food must be packaged to go straight in backpacks at the end of the day. Check with my for current numbers.
If your child has food allergies or restrictions, you are welcome to send a package of non-perishable treats with their name on it to give them anytime they aren't able to have a food item given to the class.
Lunch, Snack, and Water bottles
Lunch, Snack, and Water bottles
Students should bring a water bottle to school each day. It is stored in a holder at their desk and goes home each day to be washed. If they forget their water bottle, they will need to wait until an appropriate time to use the drinking fountain.
If your child brings a lunch to school, they will put it in a cart to bring to the lunchroom. School lunch menus are available online, but do sometimes have last minute changes.
Students can bring a healthy snack to eat at school. It may be during an outside break or a working snack depending on our schedule.
About Mrs. Baltzell
About Mrs. Baltzell
This will be my thirteenth year teaching 2nd or 3rd grade at Gordon. Previously, I worked all over Kitsap County teaching 2nd-5th grade.
I grew up in Gig Harbor and went to school in Bellingham. I've worked with kids in camps, day cares, and other settings. I enjoy being outdoors and reading.
I have two kids. My older child is 8 and a student at Gordon. My younger child is 3 and loves to visit school with her dad. We also have a wild dog named Mia who is not allowed to come to school ever. We live in Poulsbo.
My last name is pronounced "Balt" (rhymes with salt) and "zell" (rhymes with sell.) Adults, you are welcome to call me Melissa.
Contact Info
Contact Info
Classroom phone: 360-396-3836 – Please avoid calling when students are in class. It is disruptive to their learning.
Email: mbaltzell@nkschools.org - Please include your child's name if we don't email regularly.
ParentSquare direct messages
In-person meetings (classroom C-4) or GoogleMeets (I'll send a link) - Email or message me to schedule in advance
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