Dear Parents,

Our first 2 partial weeks of school were exciting as we got to know each other and the other portable pals in Ms. Swanks class. With so many students in the class this year, I have had to change some of the ways we line up, etc. I am trying new things to eliminate the number of interruptions in the day. Hopefully, we will get a smooth routine going this week.

The Reading teachers have come into our classrooms to show the children how to do their best on the NECAP testing. Last year we found that teaching test taking strategies really improved the scores. There will be six whole class lesson and six small group lessons before the test. Our testing dates have been set and they are October 5,6,7 and 13,14,and 15. I will re-post those dates as we get closer.

This week I will be going to a workshop on the new Literacy program while the children are enjoying a day off. There will be a electronic component to the program which will be helpful to keep track of the students progress, and we might learn about some way that the children can practice their reading at home.

In our math program, this chapter is dedicated to geometry. We will be talking about shapes and angles and the vocabulary that goes with it. Please remember to read the Parent letter that went home last week. It would be helpful if you would keep a folder for the math information that I will send home periodically.

I hope that you will be able to come to the parent information night on Thurs at 7:00.
At that time I will be able to show you some of our materials and explain some of the curriculum. Plus I would like to talk to you and get to know you better. Thank you so much for writing to me about your adorable children. It really helps me to know what makes them tick.

Sincerely,
Ms. Hamilton