And We're Off!

Hello Everyone!

The new school year has gotten off to a fabulous start! Students are settling into new classroom routines, making new friends, and are already working hard. I've really enjoyed getting to know my new kids! What a great group! Hopefully I'll meet the rest of the parents soon....

We are busy getting ready for Open House, which is on Thursday, September 16. Please make every effort to attend. Open House will start in the gym at 7:00 with a brief presentation by the fifth-grade teachers, followed by time in the classrooms. Our room moms will have sign up sheets for our class parties, field trips, and general help. We are still finalizing some field trip dates, but things should be set by Open House.

In the mean time, just a couple of quick reminders.....Start saving your Boxtops for Education! Wouldn't it be cool to win this contest? The class with the most boxtops at the end of the year wins a pizza party! Okay folks, my past classes fell slightly short, but the title is now up for grabs - let's make this the year to take home the prize! I REALLY like pizza!

Speaking of food, our lunch time is now at 1:10! That's pretty late! Because lunch is late this year, it's a good idea to bring in a healthy snack everyday. The key word is HEALTHY! A bag of Doritos is not healthy! We don't allow the kids to eat unhealthy snacks in the classroom, so plan accordingly. Also, it's also good idea to keep an extra sweatshirt or sweat jacket at school. Although I'm always complaining I'm warm, the kids do get cold in class.

THANK YOU for all the boxes of Kleenex and hand sanitizer. If you haven't sent yours in yet, that's okay. Send it in whenever you can. History has shown that we can never have enough of either of these items!

Start thinking about musical instruments. Fifth-grade is the first year that students begin playing the instrument of their choice. There is an informational meeting coming up. I HIGHLY encourage ALL students to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity. Full band and orchestra rehearsals will begin in January. It's something no student should miss out on! Please contact to Mrs. Jackie Zielke with any questions.

Progress book is now up and running. Parents and students have separate passwords to access progress book. We will be giving out passwords for anyone that does not have theirs from last year. I suggest checking it about once a week. Not only can you see grades, but soon homework will be posted as well. PLEASE check the homework page NIGHTLY! Also, if students are absent, still check for posted assignments. More information will be given at Open House.

Well, time to call it a night. See you all soon!

Miss D'Amore

The Countdown Begins....AGAIN!!!

If you're like me, feeling that summer flew by is an understatement. I hope everyone had a fun, safe, and enjoyable few months with family and friends. I can't help but think about my former students and how they all are. One thing about teaching fifth-grade is that unless my kids come back to say "hello," I don't see them on a regular basis. They fly off to middle school and somehow turn into young adults! It's bittersweet. You work hard to help prepare them for the next stages of their lives, but miss seeing them. Although they are gone but not far away, I then shift my focus to the new year and wonder what lies ahead for all of us. What will my new kids be like? Who are they? What new adventures will this year bring? It's exciting! I'm sure my upcoming students are feeling a bit nervous to start a new school year. After all, they don't know me. They are used to fourth-grade, their past teachers, and the class they were apart of. BUT, fifth-grade truly ROCKS! Fifth-graders are the leaders; they are the SENIORS and set the example for the other children at Moreland. It's a lot to live up to, but worth the challenge. It's a year of extreme growth, new friendships and adventures, a demanding yet fun curriculum, transition, and endless rewards. Basically, it's FABULOUS! WELCOME TO FIFTH-GRADE EVERYONE! SEE YOU SOON!

Miss D'Amore : )