Each week, I will update this page to include my weekly newsletter. Check here for information about what is happening in the classroom, upcoming events on the calendar, and homework.
Welcome back to school! I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Melissa Brown and I have been teaching here at John L. Edwards Primary School for 15 years. I look forward to getting to know all of you this school year. In this newsletter you will find some important information about our class. I will tell you more about our educational program at Meet The Teacher night on - Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6:00 pm.
We are in our third year using the comprehensive reading program called Journeys. I am excited about using this new program. It is a balanced literacy approach, which includes instruction in reading strategies, vocabulary development, phonics instruction, comprehension strategies, as well as writing. This program should fit in well with the ‘workshop’ format that I have always used in my classroom. In a workshop format, students work in small groups reading, writing and working with words while I take small groups for guided reading and writing instruction. While I am working with small groups, support staff and paraprofessionals help the students in their centers.
One of my favorite things to do in the classroom is read aloud to the students. I have found, through research and experience, that reading aloud to children is one of THE BEST WAYS TO HELP A CHILD LEARN TO READ. This year I will emphasize parents’ reading aloud at home through homework and other incentives. In fact, the most important part of the homework will be reading to, with and by your children.
I don’t just focus on reading... This year we will use the Envisions program for math. This is our school’s program for hands-on, critical thinking and reasoning in math. I use a variety of resources for writing, including Writer’s Workshop for independent writing, journal and letter writing, and also making class books. I also integrate science and social studies into the literacy curriculum.
A great resource for finding out more about myself, JLE school and the district is our district website - www.hudsoncityschooldistrict.comYou can click on curriculum and benchmarks to find out more about first grade benchmarks. I also have my own website, which you can link to from the HCSD website. The best way to reach me is to write a note in your child’s agenda book, which I read every day. You can also call school at 828-9493 x 4300 or x4317 and leave me a message. You can also email me anytime at [email protected]Also, I will send home a newsletter about once a week to keep you informed.
If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact me, either by phone, note or email, and I will respond right away. I look at the education of your child as a partnership between you, the school and your child. Let’s work together to be successful! Once again, I look forward to getting to know you and your child, and having a great year!
Sincerely, Ms. Melissa Brown
Calendar of Events
Meet The Teacher Night - September 11 at 6:00 pm
This is a very important opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and find out about what will be happening in our class this year.
Parent Help
I always welcome offers of help and visits from family members! If you would like to help, let me know.
Agenda Books and Home Folders
I will send home agenda books and home folders every day. I will use these tools as a way to communicate with parents, let you know about upcoming events, and help organize your child’s paperwork. Please send in the agenda book and home folder on a daily basis.
Supplies
Thank you in advance for any and all supplies. The supply list that was sent home is appropriate. Some items are optional. The most important items for your child are:
pencils (24)
two folders (plain are fine)
a pencil box
Snack
We will be eating snack around 10:00 a.m. as our lunch is scheduled for 11:40 a.m. I will talk more about this at Meet The Teacher night. You may either 1) send in snack for your child each day, 2) send in a box of healthy, non-perishable crackers or other snack to share, or 3) send in $2.00 a week and I will purchase snack for students. I prefer for students to take advantage of drinking water with snack, so save the juices for lunch. Students can bring in a water bottle to keep at their desk or make use of the water fountain.
Schedule
I will send home a more detailed schedule at Meet the Teacher Night, outlining reading, writing, math and theme work schedules. I will also go over the weekly routine.
Our specials classes are as follows:
TBD
It is a good idea to send your child in with sneakers every day, both for P.E. and for playing outside at recess.