Jack London Elementary School

Birthdays: Birthdays are a special occasion for children. If you and your child would like, you may bring treats for the class to celebrate his/her birthday. Anything is fine with me as long as you "keep it simple." Healthy treats are preferred. Please talk to me or send a note a day or two in advance.

When sending out invitations for a party, it is best to be discreet, so that nobody’s feelings get hurt. You may choose to hand them out discreetly after school, mail them, or give them to me and I will put them in the children’s backpacks.

Parent- Teacher Communication: Communication with you is a priority with me. Several systems I have in place are:

Homework: PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK EACH DAY FOR NOTES! Homework will be sent home each Monday in a Homework folder. One side of the folder contains papers for you to read and keep at home. The other side has the homework activities that need to be returned by Friday.

Your child's homework is very important as it reviews the skills we learn in class. It is essential that you sit with your child to supervise and help as needed. Make note of areas where your child needs more practice. Handwriting is an area that is especially important to supervise closely.

Book Orders/ Reading: Monthly book orders will be sent off to allow parents to buy quality educationally appropriate books. There is a wide price range for the books (.95+). If you wish to order, fill out the form and send the correct amount of money or a check in an envelope. I encourage parents to read to their children. Expose your child to many different educational books to expand their imagination and creativity. Reading is essential and fun!!

Additionally, I will send home "book bags" each week for your child to read at home. These should be returned on Friday, with the homework folder. If a book is lost or misplaced, simply replace it with one from your own library.

SCRIP: Buying SCRIP directly supports classroom projects and activities. Order forms will be picked up in the classroom Tuesday mornings and filled on Thursdays.

Materials Wish List: From time to time, I will ask for donations of materials for use in the classroom. I will usually include this in the newsletter or send a separate letter. My current wish list includes:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Stickers
• "Smelly" markers (Mr. Sketch)
• Colored Xerox paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Prizes for the treasure box
• Plastic baggies, all sizes
• Printer cartridges (see me)
• Band-Aids
• Rubber gloves (disposable)
• Kleenex
• Mailing labels
• Cardstock paper