October Happenings

Field Trip To the Farm
Our field trip to the farm was enjoyed by all and thanks to Caterina Bouras you can view photos from the trip!  Just click on field trip photos listed on the right hand side.  Thanks to the help of all the chaperones who were there and to those who volunteered to go (sorry we could only have 4!).  It was a great day and the students returned back to school excited, exhausted and filled with farm facts and memories.

Scholastic Online Ordering
Click on the Scholastic Book Club title on the right to open to the latest books being offered by Scholastic.  I have recently sent home a letter describing how you can do this online, but if you rather select books from the flyer I sent home and send in money, you can do that as well.  One advantage of ordering online, however, is that we earn a free book for the classroom every time a parent places an order online.  It's also quicker, offers a larger selection of books and nothing needs to be sent to school in your child's backpack with the possibility of being accidentally lost or misplaced  So click on the Book Ordering link on the right and check it out.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at farmer@bpsk12.org  Happy Ordering!

Halloween Parade
Francis Wyman will hold its annual Halloween Parade on Monday, October 31st at 1:30.  All parents are invited to view the parade in the gym.  Please send your child to school with their costume on Halloween to be changed into later that day.  If part of your child's costume is something that can be worn comfortably all day then feel free to have him/her wear it.  The parade is purely voluntary so if you do not want your child to participate, they can go to the library during the parade.

Snickers the Classroom Pet
Hopefully you all received my e-mail announcing the addition of Snickers the Hamster to Room 111. In that e-mail I attached a Google Document for you to fill out if you want to take Snickers home for a weekend, Holiday break, Winter or Spring break, etc.  If you did not receive the e-mail or would rather just send in a note, that's absolutely fine.  Also, this is completely voluntary and there is no duty or obligation to house Snickers in your home.  However, if you do choose to do so, I will provide you with all the necessary shavings, toys, food etc.

Here's the link to the Google Document: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEp0RVZCUkdHdFI4eU1rRHhmNnI3VlE6MQ

A Big Hello!

Our Gang -- First Week of School

About This Blog
This blog will replace any paper newsletter from my room.  Be sure to put your e-mail in the "Follow by e-mail" section of this blog so that you can be made aware of all new classroom events, photos of your child, news, information, websites, resources, etc. that I will be posting.  You are also welcome to comment right on the blog and receive a response from me that may help not only you, but other parents with similar questions.

New E-mail address:
My new e-mail address is farmer@bpsk12.org  Please feel free to contact me whenever you have a question or concern and I will do my best to get back to the same day.  Please call the office with any emergencies.  You may also call the room at extension 6817, but the ringer is off during the day and I often don't realize that there is a message until the students leave -- so please call the office with emergencies.

Helpful Links
Please notice the various links on the right hand side of this page.  There are links for photos, free websites, resources, etc.  I will update them regularly and try to alert you to any new additions and/or changes.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
October 6:      Field Trip to Farm
Sept. 30th       Deadline for Field Trip Permission Forms/Payment: Sept. 30th (thanks to all who have
                        already submitted permission forms and payment).
December 7:   Progress Reports Go home
December 9:   Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference with your child's reading teacher.
                       No school for students

HELP! I Still Need Field Trip Chaperones:  I still need 2 more chaperones for the upcoming field trip to the farm.  If you are available and able to come, please let me know!

CORI Reports and Confidentiality:
Please know that chaperones and any classroom helper must have a CORI report filled out with Central Office and attend a Confidentiality meeting with Susan Astone.  (Those who have not been able to attend a confidentiality meeting may do so by coming into school 10 minutes prior to field trip departure on the morning of a field trip for a quick meeting with the principal or assistant principal.)

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES:
Please remember that Parent Teacher conferences this year are being held with your child's reading teacher.  However, if I see any concerns in math, social studies, science or social skills, I will contact you for an additional conference with me.  Also, please know that I am always available to meet with you before or after school on any day (except Thursday afternoons) if you have a pressing concern that you need to discuss.  And please always feel free to e-mail, send in a note or call if you need to touch base at any time.

Kids At Work In September

Using the Interactive Whiteboard during math

Counting the objects in our Mystery Boxes

Graphing Answers to the Question, "Do you Have the First Day Jitters?"

End of the Year Photos of Field Day

Field Day Fun

Here are some great pictures from field day!  Be sure to watch the tug of war video at the end for some good laughs!  Thanks for the great year with your children!  I will miss the families I worked with this year.  Have a great summer and be sure to drop by for a future visit!