4H INFO

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR 4H FAMILIES

It is helpful to become familiar with our school’s guidelines and policies.  It is also helpful to know about some of our classroom routines.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parent volunteers are definitely welcome inside our classroom!  If there are any parents that would like to volunteer and help us out, feel free to email me or call me so that we can schedule appropriate times.  If you would like to volunteer on a regular basis, again, contact me so we can arrange for that.  If you become an “on a regular basis” volunteer, you will need to get a background check.  That is something that can be taken care of at the district office building.  When and if you do come to volunteer, please remember to always sign in/out with the office. 

Also, lets remember that the classroom is a CONFIDENTIAL environment.  It is vital that specific events or interactions that identify a specific student should not be discussed outside of the classroom setting.  Privacy matters. 

CLASS BLOG/ WEBSITE

Fourth grade families will receive biweekly updates on classroom events and happenings (as well as reminders, notification of special events, and much more!) on our class blog/ website: he4h.blogspot.com.  It might be helpful to bookmark our site on your computer and enter your email address to become a follower of our page.  I will be updating the blog at least once every two weeks, most likely on Fridays.  

THURSDAY FOLDERS
I want you to know that it is very important to me that our classroom is an environment where all children feel safe and have the opportunity to grow and succeed.  I will do everything in my power to help students become independent, caring learners in our community.  I have developed a system of student accountability to keep you up-to-date on your son or daughter's behavior and work habits.  I will be placing a goal sheet to be kept in the child's take home folder for you to view throughout the week.  I am asking you that each Thursday you review and sign the sheet so we know that you have been made aware of your student's progress.  Please take the time to congratulate your child on a job well done or to discuss areas that need improvement and ways that this improvement might be achieved.  Your interest and support make the difference!

FRIDAY FOLDERS

On Friday, your child should bring home a folder containing examples of their work from the week.  Please take the time to go over the papers with your child, assisting them with corrections if needed.  I would like you to sign the form stapled to the folder and return it (empty) to school the following Monday.  There is also a place to write comments on the form if you would like to add anything or comment on something.

School information may also be sent home in the Friday Folders.  If there is something that needs an immediate response, it will be sent home earlier in the week.  Please look through the folders for school announcements and information.

FLEXIBLE SEATING
I am so excited to share that flexible seating will be happening in our classroom this year.  The idea is that every student has a different learning style, and as their teacher, I want to empower each student to choose which seat in our classroom best meets their needs.  Students now have a variety of seating options throughout the day.  They are no longer tied to sitting on a chair at a desk while they learn.  Desks are still an option for those who prefer them, but they are unassigned.  Out seating options include stools, floor cushions, cushioned chairs, crate seats, exercise balls, a couch, and students may even work at a tall standing table.  I am looking forward to tailoring our classroom learning environment to meet your child's needs.

HOW WILL YOUR CHILD BE GETTING HOME FROM SCHOOL?

It will be very helpful if I know which students are bus riders, walkers, or car riders.  I would like it if you could send me an email or send a note to school that explains how your child will be getting home from school everyday.  I will display a chart in our classroom that has whether they are a bus rider, walker, or car rider.  If there is a change of plans for how your child will be getting home, please send a signed and dated note with your child and contact the Harlan Elementary office to better ensure that your child reaches his/her destination. 

In addition, if you are aware in advance that your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early, please send a signed and dated note and contact the Harlan Elementary office.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays are celebrated after our last recess.  If your child would like to bring treats to share with the class, please be sure to provide treats that will serve at least 20 students.  Students will summer birthdays are welcome to celebrate their "1/2 birthday."

If your child is having a birthday party and wants to put the invitations in the student’s mailboxes here at school that is OK.  The only request that I do make is to please have an invitation for every student in the class.  Otherwise, I ask that you do not bring the invitations to school.  I am unable to give out student names or addresses for party invitations, as well as for Valentines. 

RECESS

Every child is encouraged to participate in outdoor recess.  Please be aware of your child’s attire, making sure they are properly dressed.  If there is snow on the ground, snow pants are recommended but not required.  Snow boots are required to be worn if there is snow on the ground.  Please check that your child also brings shoes to wear inside the building.