Welcome+Letter

Welcome to 5th Grade !

Dear Families of Room 134,

Welcome Back! I am looking forward to working with you to ensure your child has a successful and exciting year full of fun and learning. Before going over procedures in the classroom, I would like to introduce myself to you. This is my 6th year teaching 5th grade and 10th year at Foster School. I currently hold my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and my Type 75 Administration Certification. I currently reside in Dyer, Indiana with my husband, Jim, our daughters Katelin (almost 7) and Chloe (10 months), dog Sasha, and cats Vinny and Spaz. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with you and your child. All of the information in this packet can be found on my “Wikipage.” Please be sure to visit weekly to stay current in the classroom. The direct address to my Wiki is http://kellycook.wikispaces.com/. It can also be accessed through the district website under the “Staff Directory” and by clicking on my name.


 * __ Communication __** - You and I are partners in your student’s education! Communication is one important factor in a child’s academic and social success. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your student. I can be reached before or after school at 707-687-4763 ext. 334. You may also make an appointment to come visit in person. My school e-mail is kcook@d142.org ; this is usually the easiest way to reach me.


 * __ After School- __** Please make sure your child knows where to go after school. If your student will be taking a different transportation home than usual, please send a note to me and to the office.


 * __ Behavior Expectations __** – Throughout the year we will spend a lot of time and effort learning, reviewing, and practicing how to follow Foster’s three behavior expectations - ** BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE **. Students will be held accountable for these expectations. Please refer to the parent handbook for more specific guidelines regarding school expectations and routines. A behavior expectation system will also be implemented in class (please review and sign the attached behavior contract).


 * __ Cell Phones __** - I recognize that a cell phone is often a necessary means of communication after school between a parent and a child. If a cell phone is brought to school it must remain turned off and within the student’s backpack until they have exited the building after school. All phone correspondence between students and parents during the school day must be made via the office or classroom phone.


 * __ Birthdays __** - Birthdays are very special for children. I recognize each child’s birthday with a certificate and a small treat. If this is a problem please let me know. Please feel free to send in treats to celebrate your child’s birthday. Summer birthdays will be scheduled and celebrated throughout the year. Please do not send party invitations to school! Feelings get hurt when everyone is not included. Remember no homemade treats at school!


 * __ Snack - __** Our class will have a brief snack time. A healthy snack is highly encouraged. Snacks will not be provided for students.


 * __ Water Bottles - __** Students will be permitted to have a water bottle at their desk. Please remind your child to bring their water bottle home frequently to be washed.


 * __ Scholastic Book Orders __** - I will be sending home a scholastic book club and order form once a month. Please look for the return due date and have them in on time unless arrangements have been made. Orders can also be placed online using our classroom order code. Please do not send in cash. **Checks only.**


 * __ Homework __**** – ** Students will receive homework nightly and will be due the following day unless otherwise noted. I will try not to give homework on Fridays, unless we have a test coming up. During the year students will also be working on some larger projects that may require more time. I will do my best to give students as much class time as possible. However, it may be necessary to put in some extra time at home.


 * __ Spelling __**__ – __ Spelling words will be posted on my Wikipage every Monday. Spelling tests will be given on Friday. We will pretest on Monday. This test is not scored and students will correct their own to see what they need to work on for Friday’s test. Everyone will take the test on Friday.


 * __ Reading Reports __** - Students will be responsible for reading 20-30 minutes at least 5 nights a week as part of their nightly homework. Instead of completing a reading log each month students will be responsible for reading and completing a quarterly book report. Students must read a book of a different genre each quarter to get credit for the report. The book report form will be posted on my Wiki page and a copy will come home at the beginning of each quarter. More information on book reports is included in this folder.


 * First Quarter- ** Fiction/Realistic Fiction
 * Second Quarter- ** Nonfiction/Biography/Science Fiction
 * Third Quarter- ** Mystery/Fantasy
 * Fourth Quarter- ** Your Choice


 * __ Accordion Folders- __** This year students will be using accordion folders to keep track of all of their "important" papers. We will label these folders during the first week of school. This folder needs to go and from school every day. Folders will be checked periodically for organization. Students who fail to bring their folder or file papers accordingly will flip their card.


 * __ Assignment Notebooks- __** Students will also have assignment notebooks that will come to and from school with them daily. Daily assignments that are not finished and need to be completed for homework will be circled. Homework assignments will also be written in this notebook. The assignment notebook is a great place to jot me a note if needed.

I look forward to a fun and exciting year. Enjoy your student’s many accomplishments this year.

Thank you,

Kelly Cook