Hi Everyone! Welcome to 5A's Blog! What an exciting start to our year! The kids (and the staff) look refreshed, eager and anxious to get started! Our classroom looks fantastic due to several 'upgrades' that were implemented over the past few months. Our new Smartboard can manage up to four users at a time, we have six new computers as part of our new computer bank, the old desks are gone and our new tables looks awesome! The room was also re-painted over the summer which has added to its new, crisp look! We are also expecting new chairs for each of the students at some point in next month or so. Designed for comfort and functionality, they will be a welcomed addition to our room! Special thanks to Mr. Scott who helped spear-head all the upgrades and changes (from early planning to implementation). Not an easy task, but we are truly grateful to put all these great tools to work!
Our "Meet the Teacher" Open House will be on Wednesday, Sept. 11th from 5:30-6:30pm. Please come out and introduce yourselves! I will be handing out some useful information regarding daily routines and expectations for the year - as well as answering any questions you may have! I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Those of you unable to attend, I will forward this information home via your child's agenda. Please take time to read carefully. Most parents questions regarding homework, time away from school, etc., are addressed in detail here.
Teacher-Parent Communciation
Our main 'vehicle' for parents to stay abreast of activities going on in 5A is the student agenda. Each day, students will write an agenda message about their day. Parents/Guardians are asked to sign their childs agenda EACH night to let me know you've seen each message. Often there are important reminders or hand-outs that are sent home via the agendas so please check daily!
Secondly, parents who want a more detailed explanation of what is going on in 5A can check here, our classroom blog. While I provide 5A news updates every couple of weeks, the blog also contains useful links for additional math practice, student timetables, homework and assignment deadline, and so much more! So make sure to check often!
Curricular Outcomes and Learning Targets
We have already started working towards this term's learning goals! While much of the first few weeks are focused on building relationships and routines, we are also starting key units in all areas of learning. Our term's learning goals are posted in our room for all students (and parents) to see. A more formal breakdown of specific learning goals for math, ELA, science and social studies will be posted soon.
Contacting the Teacher
The best way to reach me is by email (I receive instantly on my desktop and smart phone). If urgent, please call the office (204-489-0799) and they will direct you accordingly. I can be reached at maalcock@pembinatrails.ca (please note the 'extra' 'a' in the address). I will respond to each email asap. If you prefer to speak directly to me, email me, and we can set up a time that works for both of us to connect. As well, all parents are always welcome to come see me (and your child) at any time in the classroom!
We are a busy, busy classroom....
As the year begins to rev up, you will notice that 5A (and LM) is an extremely active hub of activity! We highly encourage all students (and parents) to contribute the best that they can to ensure all our learners find excellent learning rewards! I am very excited for it all, and I hope that you are too!
SO HERE WE GO!!!!
