August 19, 2010

Dear Families:

I just wanted to take this time to welcome you to a new school year at Prairie Grove and to your child’s 2nd grade year. I am very excited about all we have to learn in our classroom this year. We are going to have a fun time. I just wanted to give you some important information about our class and what to expect this year.

Classroom Management:

In order for each child to get the best from our class time this year, I wanted to let you know a little bit about how we will manage our classroom this year. I don’t expect to have any problems but wanted to let you know how things would be handled if the need arises.

First of all, I don’t like to take recess away from children as a punishment. I feel if they are having difficulties in the classroom then they need that time to run off extra energy built up during the day. There will be times students choose to have recess during our class time and as a consequence will have to complete their work during the time the rest of the class is having recess.

I don’t keep a long list of rules that the kids have to memorize and follow. We run our classroom with love and respect of each child as an individual. We make a lot of decisions together as a class and lots of choices are provided during the day. I want the class to feel like they have ownership in our classroom community. We try to live by the following….

Doing the right thing

Being self controlled

Using good manners

Treating others like you want to be treated

If you have any questions, and/or concerns about our behavior policy, please feel free to call me. I would be glad to tell you more about it.

Other Classroom Information:

On a lighter note, I usually keep it pretty cold in my classroom and in years past my kids say it is cold in my room. If you would send a long sleeve shirt or a light jacket with them to keep at school, this would help them be more comfortable.

In order to alleviate any disputes and/or problems, students are not allowed to bring toys to school (this includes trading cards) and/or any type of electronic devices. We have had trouble in the past so make sure your child understands this policy.

Volunteering:

I would also like to invite you to come visit our classroom and help us out in any way you feel comfortable. There is always something you can do. You can come read to our class, sort and label library books, etc. If you are willing to cut things out at home, I always have something to be cut out that I can send home with your child and you can send it back to school. Please let me know if you are interested.

Contacting Me:

I have an open door policy in my classroom. If you ever have any questions, and/or concerns, please contact me at home or at school. You may also send notes to me in the Parent/Teacher Communication notebook located in your child’s Tiger Folder. (If you use texting on your cell phone, that is the best way to reach me) I like to hear your feedback and/or suggestions on how to make your child’s learning experience the best ever. I would rather hear from you on any matter, good or bad, and get it taken care of quickly. My contact numbers are located below.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kim McGuire

Prairie Grove Primary

300 Ed Staggs Drive

Prairie Grove, AR 72730

479-846-4210 (School)

479-267-1628 (Home)

479-409-7866 (Cell)