Welcome to Kindergarten! Ms. Exley Tiffany Park Elementary 2016-2017

Meet the Teacher Born in England Grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho Went to the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID Taught Pre-K in Seattle Third year at Tiffany Park!

What We’ll be Learning READING: Curriculum Reader’s Workshop Zoo Phonics Comprehension Toolkit Skills Letters and sounds Recognizing and writing our names Story details like characters, settings and sequence Blending sounds together in words we hear to read Learning about good reading habits

What We’ll be Learning MATH: Curriculum Math Investigations, Scott Foresman Counting Collections Skills Number names and counting sequence Counting to tell the number of objects Comparing numbers 2 and 3 dimensional shapes Basic understanding of place value Measurement Simple addition and subtraction within 10

Counting Collections We use real objects to practice counting in a program called Counting Collections We would love counting collections donations! Some helpful items are: Plastic bread ties Plastic bottle caps Old keys Beans or pasta Puzzle pieces

What We’ll Be Learning Writing: Lucy Calkins’ Writer’s Workshop Students move from learning the uses for writing to producing their own written stories about real moments in their lives. Handwriting without Tears Focus on correct letter formation and spatial awareness Science: FOSS Science Kits used for 3 units of study Animals, Wood and Paper, and Trees Social Studies: Second Step Used to help students learn about how to listen and to understand feelings and problem solving Art: Integrated in the curriculum and unit themes

Assessments BAS Testing Benchmark Assessment System Winter and Spring A series of texts that can be used to identify a student's current reading level and progress along a gradient of text levels over time DIBELS Reading test that measures letter naming and first sound fluency, nonsense word reading and sound segmentation. Unit Tests At the end of each unit of study in science, reading, writing and math Skills Checks and Informal Assessments Data collected daily and weekly to help inform me of where they need extra help or might need to go beyond.

Daily Schedule Monday –Thursday 8:30- First bell 8:35-Tardy bell—work begins 8:35-9:00- Morning work, check-in, and morning meeting 9:00-9:10- Phonics and read-aloud 9:15-10:00 – Literacy Centers 10:05-10:50- Specialist (Music, PE, Library) 10:50-11:25- Writer’s Workshop 11:25-12:05 – Reader’s Workshop 12:05-12:20 –Recess 12:20- 12:40 – Lunch 12:40-1:40- Math routines, whole group instruction and math work stations (hands-on practice) Science 1:40-2:05- Choice Time 2:05-2:15- Story and Snack 2:30-2:55- Pack up and Clean-up 3:10- Dismissal

Daily Schedule Friday (Late Start) 10:00-First bell 10:05-Tardy bell—work begins 10:05-10:40- Specialist (Music, PE, Library) 10:40 – 11:20 – Morning work, check-in, and morning meeting 11:20-12:15- Centers and Reading Groups 12:15-12:30- Recess 12:30-12:50- Lunch 12:50– 1:30 Math routines, whole group instruction and math work stations (hands-on practice)science 1:45-2:00- Choice Time 2:00 -2:15 – Recess 2:15 –2:30 Pack-up/ snack 2:30-2:55- Read-aloud and Social Studies 3:10- Dismissal

School Wide Expectations Tiffany Park Tigers… Participate respectfully Act responsibly Will follow directions Will be safe Tiger Paws School-wide reward for following expectations

Classroom Expectations Linked to Tiger PAWS Follow directions quickly Raise your hand to speak Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat Make smart choices Follow the “Five Bees Promise” Be respectful, be kind, be a good listener, be a hard worker and believe in yourself!

Classroom Management Scoreboard Oh Yeah’s and Oh No’s Practicing and re-learning expectations when necessary Two or more warnings – time at recess

Homework Reading Log (recommended not required) Sent home on Friday—return following Friday Check the weekly news for information about what we’re studying each week I will sometimes send home practice packets that target specific skills that are optional Unfinished work

Star Students One student each week “All About Me” Bring an item to share: Something they made Something from nature Something that is special to your family

Birthdays Your child may bring a small treat to share with the class on his or her birthday and the students will sing and make a card. Please let me know if this conflicts with your beliefs Please keep it simple! No balloons  Please ask me first about classroom allergies. All food must be store bought. If your child’s birthday falls on a weekend we will celebrate the week before Summer birthdays will also be celebrated during the school year.

Parent Volunteers Please be sure to fill out the WA State Patrol Form and have it on file in case you’d like to come help in the classroom. Contact me if you have time available and interest in helping with some or all of the following: Field Trip (late May or early June) Regular classroom volunteering Materials preparation at home

School-Home Communication Please be sure and check and send back your child’s “take home folder” each day Read the school newsletter (monthly) and classroom newsletter (weekly) for information about events, announcements, and what we’re learning Feel free to call or email me any time with questions or concerns

Extra Supplies If you are interested in donating extra supplies to our classroom, please take and apple or leaf from our “giving tree” on the counter at the back of the classroom. Thank you for your support! 

Questions?