Greateful

Families of Room 31 ~


On this glorious day, I am taking a few moments to to reflect on how grateful I am that I have such a wonderful group of students to work with each day.  I’m enormously grateful for my students, as well as their family.   My students laugh at my horrible jokes or my singing.  They put their faith in my instruction and requirements.
Yet truly, I’m grateful for the way students inspire me to be a better teacher each and every day.   I’m grateful for the relationship we've built and for the memories we share, and for those moments when they finally “get it” – whatever “it” is – and allow me a front row seat to their joy.  I must say, I have a job I look forward to going to each and every day.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Kelly Finneran

WATER/ SHAMPOO / PARENT -STUDENT CONFERENCES

Families of Room 31 ~
It's hard to believe it is already November.  I wish I had a magic wand and could slow down this school year!  There are a few important reminders to share:

1.  WATER - Please make sure to send your child to school with water early this week.  The town is flushing the water lines and the water may be discolored with sediment. 

2.  PARENT / STUDENT CONFERENCES -  Many of our parent / student conferences have begun.  Your child is going to be actively involved in our discussions.  Each conferences will be approximately 40 minutes in length.  If you and your child are meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9th, it will be important that we stick to our time-lines as the day is full with back to back conferences.  I look forward to meeting with everyone. 

3.  NO SCHOOL - There is NO SCHOOL on Thursday, November 9th due to Parent / Student Conferences.  Also, there is NO SCHOOL on Friday, November 10th in honor of Veteran's Day.

4.  THANKSGIVING COLLECTION -   Our homeroom has been charged with bring in SHAMPOO and $1.00 for the Student Council Annual Thanksgiving collection.  We've set a goal of reaching a minimum of 25 bottles of shampoo as well as $25.00.  We know if we all work together, we can reach our goal!  Thanks in advance for your support.  All items and money are due by November 14th.  Thanks to those who have already sent it in!  We are on our way!

5.  HALLOWEEN CANDY - Halloween Candy will be collected in the front lobby until November 13th!

As always, thanks for your continued support.  Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Parent / Student Conference

Good Evening  -

On Monday, I will be sending home reminders for the upcoming parent / student conferences.  Due to the length of each conference (40 minutes), I am not able to accommodate everyone on parent conference day.  This means that many of our student / parent conferences start this week.  Attached to your personal reminder will be a parent reflection forms.  I would appreciate you taking the time and filling the reflection form out out.  This will help our conference run much smoother and keep us focused on topics you want to see addressed.

For those of you whom may want to type your responses, I am attaching the form to this email.  For most of you, it is due by this Friday, November 3rd.

Preconference Form

Looking forward to talking to everyone.

Kelly Finneran

STUDENT COUNCIL

Families of Room 31 ~

Friday was an AMAZING day in Room 31.  Fifteen students demonstrated poise and leadership when they took the risk of sharing their desire to run for student council.  The speeches were OUTSTANDING which resulted in a very close election.  In the end, the class did elect Natalie, Haylee and Drew to be our class representatives.  What struck me the most was the "sportsmanship" I listened to unfold before my eyes and ears.  Words such as "Good Luck", "You've got this!", "You can do it!"  "Way to go!" and "Congratulations" where shared within these walls.  There is no greater feelings a teacher can have than to witness this for themselves.    Although it was bittersweet for many, we did talk about the risk taking, the desire for leadership opportunities and the experience they all gained from this experience.      There are MANY future leaders in this classroom  ready to take action!

I want to thank all the students for being brave and writing such thoughtful speeches.  I look forward to finding leadership opportunities for all the students this year.  I send my heartfelt congratulations to Natalie, Haylee and Drew.

School Photos / Student Council

Families of Room 31~

~ Just a quick reminder that THURSDAY (today), September 28th is School Picture Day! 

~  Student Council Elections - As long as every student is in class on Friday, we will hold our student council elections.  Many students brought home a copy of the speech they wrote in class on Wednesday.  Although every student needed to write the written piece, only those who choose to read the speech aloud will do so on Friday.   Each homeroom will select 3 members to represent their class.   

~ NO SCHOOL - There will be no school for students on Friday, October 6th as it is a Professional Development Day for staff.  Also, Monday October 9th is Columbus Day.  There will be no school.

~Lastly, I am reaching out to families who were unable to attend Curriculum Night and sign up for a parent conference.  As a reminder, conferences will be 40 minutes and your child is asked to attend.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns / questions.

Thanks for your continued support.

Curriculum Night / Media

Families of Room 31~

Just a few reminders:

1.  Media is on Tuesday.  Each media session the children may check out TWO books.  One book must be appropriate to the student's reading level and I usually approve the choice.  The second book is a book of choice.  We have had many discussion about "quality literature" recently.  Our goal is that hte students throughout the year try various genres and authors.

2.  CURRICULUM NIGHT - Tuesday, September 19th at 6:30.  I hope to see everyone Tuesday night.  I will be reviewing the 4th grade curriculum and expectations as well as some of the routines of our classroom.  There will also be a sign up for parent conferences.  Although we have ONE parent conference day on Thursday, Nov. 9th, I will be holding conferences on alternative dates also.  I want the students to join us for the conference so, it takes longer than the standard 15 minutes speed version.  Many of the alternative dates will be before school / after school.  Fee free to sign up at one of the few slots on conference day or choose an alternative date / time.  Just make sure if is a time / day that both you and your child is able to attend.

3.  THANK YOU - I'd like to reach out and think our families for their generous contribution of hand sanitizer / cash for the Hurricane Harvy victims.  The school in general boxed up six full boxes of supplies and raised close to $400.  What a great reinforcer for the students to actively live - "Helping Others!" 

Looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow night!

Kelly Finneran

Reminders

Families of Room 31~

A few important reminders:

1.  Decorated WRITER'S NOTEBOOKS are due tomorrow - Friday, September 12th.  We need to use them in class so please make sure your child has turned their in tomorrow.

2.  HURRICANE HARVEY - Thanks to those families that have helped with the community donations.  We have had a few bottle of hand sanitizer sent in as well as a few donations.  We have been spending some time talking about acts of kindness and I can think of no better than helping out our fellow Americans.  Any donations are due by the end of the day Tuesday, September 12th. 

3.  PE (Gym) is on Monday.  It will be our first PE class of the year.  It will be important for students to remember that they should wear their sneakers EVERY MONDAY!

Please be in touch if you have any questions -
Kelly Finneran