WeLCOME BACK!
Hoover Elementary 2012
Did you read a whimsical book over the summer? Did you adventure across the country with your family? Did you discover something new about yourself? I look forward to hearing all about your summer explorations. We will share these stories on the first few days of school, organize materials, and get to know each others and our schedules a bit better. I believe all students have something very special to share as they come back to Hoover. I aim to celebrate these gifts and maximize our time together to learn great new things about our world.
Ice Cream Social and First Day
The first day of school is just around the corner. We welcome all students and families to the Hoover Ice Cream Social Tuesday, August 14th. Students may bring supplies to the classrooms between 6:00 and 6:30. I'll be in room 12 to welcome and greet all students and families. Then, from 6:30-7:30 we'll enjoy treats on the blacktop/playground.
Our first day of school will be Thursday, August 16th and school will end at 2:00pm.
Your Child's Teachers
Curriculum
The science program this year will encompass a variety of units throughout the year. Our first unit will be Microworlds. There is also a new reading program from Houghton Mifflin that teachers are to use, but I will incorporate several inquiry-based units and novel units with this program, as I have found that these have truly engaged students in the joy of reading with others and for themseleves. Mrs. Whittington will be teaching US History in Social Studies. I will also provide students with the opportunity to learn Spanish. I will introduce conversational Spanish lessons to students and build on the knowledge of those that have varying levels of experience with world languages. My aim is to provide students with the chance to practice conversation, build sentences and extend their vocabulary in another world language. I want to open the door to the many possibilities that learning others languages, offers. This will not interfere with any core subject, as it will often be integrated throughout the day and during transitions. I hope to offer Spanish mini-lessons three times a week. The Everyday Math Program we use uses strategies from years past to expose students to new strategies and review material to "master" more essential concepts. Students will have math independent practice work most days.
Class Schedule
I hope to have a copy of the schedule for you at the Ice Cream Social. If you cannot make the social your child should bring one home for you. Most of our specials are in the early part of the day this year. Most of our specials (music, guidance, media, PE, art) will be first thing in the morning.
School Supplies
On the first two days we will be going through your child's supplies. If there are additional items needed they will note it in their assignment notebooks. Thank you for getting those supplies needed for Monday when they come back to school.
Assignment Notebooks/Book Fees
We've used the same assignment notebook for several years now. The cost for this is $3 and there should be an envelop with your student's name and the amount on your student's desk at the Ice Cream Social. If you have the $3, just put it in the envelop and turn into the bin on my desk.
The district also requests a $20 book fee from families. You can give that to the office.
6th Grade Patrol
If your student is on the Safety Patrol, please be sure you are aware of their schedule. Students assigned for morning patrol should be here at 8:10 in order to be at their post by 8:15. Students assigned for afternoon patrol should be finished with Patrol around 3:15. If you student is responsible for meeting a younger sibling, you and your students need to make clear plans for where that younger student should go after school.
Band and Orchestra
Fifth graders will meet with Mr. Michalski about signing up to take band instrument lessons. These lessons are conducted during class time. In addition there is a once a week after school practice at either City High or SouthEast. Since students are pulled all throughout the day for band it is not possible for teachers to individually note what work the student has missed during the pullout. Part of the responsibility for band is making sure your student knows and follows up on any missed classroom work independently.
Birthdays
If your child would like to bring in treats for his or her birthday, we look forward to celebrating with them. There are 25 fifth graders in my class.
Communications
I try to keep this blog updated regularly. While Lorraine and I will both share similar information on our blogs, she will often post information pertinent to social studies and the 6th grade curriculum. Her blog is: http://hooverroom13.blogspot.com
Please read the newsletter from the front office that comes home with your youngest child here at Hoover. It contains important dates for school wide events that may interest you. You can familiarize yourself with the school calendar so you are aware of upcoming conference dates.
For information about homework and student celebration days, check your student's planner.
If you need to contact me the best way is to send an e-mail at ahlers.lynn@iccsd.k12.ia.us. Please send concerns or questions my way. I am happy to connect with you and work toward providing your child with great learning experiences.
I look forward to a wonderful school year!
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