Walker’s Whales Mrs. Walker & Mrs. Gant 2017-2018 East Side

About the Teachers Mrs. Walker is from Roswell, Georgia. I have been married to my husband, Jeff for 12 years. We have one son, Preston who is in Kindergarten at East Side. I like to plant in my garden and spend time with my family in my spare time. I have taught at East Side for 15 years. I did my undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University. Mrs. Gant is the proud mother of four East Side Eagles including three 2nd graders and a 5th grader. She graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English, and minors in Studio Art and Spanish. Mrs. Gant holds a Masters of Mass Communication from the University of Georgia. She has a passion for writing and is the author of a children's book, The Matter of the Moo Cow, and was recently featured as a contributing author in the book, Multiples Illuminated. Mrs. Gant loves travelling, chasing kids, and fitting in a good workout whenever possible. She is a certified instructor of ballet barre. 

Philosophy All children are individual learners. We all learn differently and at different rates. Students all reach the finish line, just not at the same time. Teach everything!

Classroom Management We create a happy and safe environment. We have high expectations for behavior in our classroom. We have natural consequences for our actions. We communicate daily through our Behavior Sheet which is on the back of our weekly newsletter.

Curriculum & G-KIDS Readiness Check Information about the Kindergarten curriculum, report cards, and rubrics are found on the Cobb County website @ Cobbk12.org. G-KIDS Readiness Check – Measures a child’s knowledge and skills in three areas: Foundations of School Success, English Language Arts, and Math. G-KIDS Readiness Check helps teachers plan instruction as well as help families understand their child’s strengths and areas to grow. The G-KIDS Readiness Check will NOT keep your child from entering Kindergarten. The G-KIDS Readiness Check will NOT identify your child as ready or not ready for Kindergarten. The G-KIDS Readiness Check will NOT determine if your child “passes” Kindergarten. The G-KIDS Readiness Check will take place during the first six weeks of Kindergarten.

Common Core Curriculum State-wide curriculum used by most states. Emphasizes in-depth learning, rigorous content, and application of knowledge. Encourages higher-level thinking skills. Designed to prepare students to succeed in a global economy.

Morning Arrival 7:20-7:50 Here is some advice… ride the bus! School begins at 7:50. Our building opens at 7:20. What to bring: book bag, sport-top water bottle, Whale Folder, change of clothes in a Ziploc baggie, healthy snack, and a smile. Please label everything!

Report Cards Standards-based report card 3 (Meets standards) 2 (Progressing toward meeting standard) 1 (Limited progress toward meeting standard)

Attendance If your child is sick, please send in a written excuse the next day. In your Cobb County packet there was an excuse sheet that you can copy and use. If your child is tardy (after 7:50), he/she must check in at the desk in front of the office. Please do not send your student to school if he/she has had a fever, thrown up, or has had diarrhea within the last 24 hours. 3/5/10 policy for tardies.

Lunch 10:37 – 11:07 Student lunches cost $2.35 Reduced Lunch $0.40 Adult lunches cost $3.50 We encourage you to join your child for lunch starting in mid-August. You can meet us upstairs at the Café door. There is a visitor’s table for you and your child. Please do not bring any fast food for your child to eat. Fridays are our classes Ice Cream Day. Please sign up or send in a note if your child can buy ice cream on Friday. The cost of ice cream is $0.75. You can prepay on line at cobbk12.org or send in a check in a white envelope with your child’s name and classroom teacher. Please practice opening lunch/snack containers.

Recess 11:20 – 11:40 For safety reasons, tennis shoes should be worn every day. We will not go out if it is too hot or too cold. Bring a coat, hat, and mittens when the weather gets cooler. Label, label, label everything!

Birthdays We love to celebrate birthdays! Please let us know a couple days in advance if you would like to send in a special birthday treat. Individual portions are the easiest to pass out. (i.e. cookies, small cupcakes, donuts, etc.) We appreciate that you provide nutritional information so that we can check for any allergies. Please remember that we are not allowed to distribute invitations to parties at school unless the whole class is invited. Please do not bring helium balloons, candles or party favors.

Afternoon Dismissal 2:10-2:20 ALL transportation changes need to be in WRITING on a regular sized piece of paper sent in your child’s Whale Folder. Please sign and date your note. I cannot except any changes of transportation from an e-mail. Bus changes must be on our Cobb County Bus Change form. If you need to check your child out, please do so before 1:45.

Homework Our daily Reading folders will start in September. Please look for our Words of the Week on the bottom of our weekly newsletter. Make sure that you read for pleasure with your child daily.

Each child will have his/her opportunity to shine. Star Whale Each child will have his/her opportunity to shine. Monday – Send in the completed “All About Me “ Poster in your child’s Whale Folder. ( The “All About Me” Poster will come home on Friday) Tuesday – Bring home Pinky the Whale for a visit. Don’t worry, no water needed. Wednesday – Send in your child’s favorite book to share. Thursday – Pinky comes back to school with his book and bring in a healthy snack to share with your class. Friday – Parents come in for lunch and are our Guest Readers.

Communication WHALE folder (Behavior Sheet or notes) Newsletter/Class Blog Phone calls – last resort Emails: lara.walker@cobbk12.org (Cannot promise I will check it during the school day.)

Field Trips Parents will need to purchase our class t-shirts for $12.00. Our t-shirts will stay at school. You will know well in advance of an in-house or out of school field trip. White envelopes…

Volunteer in our Classroom! Volunteers We love our volunteers! Ways to volunteer: STEM Parent Room Representative Field Trips At home opportunities Adventures in Art Volunteer in our Classroom!

Thank You... for taking the time to attend Open House! "Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" Dr. Seuss

Before You Leave Please leave your child a love note (on the heart shape paper) at their seat! If you have it available, please leave a check made payable to East Side Elementary for our class t-shirts.