Science Lab

We had a wonderful time in the Science Lab today!  Ask your children about the circuits we created using a battery, alligator clips, and stripped Christmas lights!  Some of the groups even added a toggle switch to their circuits!  I think I have some future scientists on my hands :)

Report Card Pick Up

Welcome to Room 324!

Before we meet for our conference, please sign in on the pink sheet near the entrance to the classroom.

While you wait, feel free to find your child's desk.  They have left a letter and their Student Data Binders for you to browse through.  The binders were set up for my students to track their progress through NWEA data (MAPS Testing) and use that information to set goals for the year.  Please leave everything in the binders; I have printed out graphs for you to take home that tracks your child's progress since 2nd grade.  I will go over these with you in detail during our conference time.

Don't forget to stop by the Estimation Station!  You and your child make take a stab at how many popcorn kernels are in the jar.  Make sure to write your child's name on your slip of paper before placing it in the box! (***Hint: The number is between 3,000 and 5,000!!!***)

Important Dates Coming Up!

Is it November already?!?  Wow - the First Quarter has flown by....and it will continue to do so.  It is only November 4th, but we only have 12 days of school left in the month!  It's true!  Please mark the following dates in your calendars:

• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6: Daylight Savings Time Ends (Set your clocks BACK an hour)
• NOVEMBER 7-18: BOOK FAIR (First Floor)
• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10: End of the 1st Quarter - NO SCHOOL
• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11: Veteran's Day - NO SCHOOL
• WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16: REPORT CARD PICK UP
• THURSDAY and FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24-25: THANKSGIVING BREAK - NO SCHOOL

As you can see, our days are limited for November.  I am going to need the help of parents to keep your children healthy and well rested in order to use our time productively.  We will be speeding through the next few chapters - which shouldn't be a problem for my Smarties :)

I hope all is well.  I look forward to meeting and chatting with you all on Wednesday, November 16 at Report Card Pick Up.

Sincerely,

Ms. Kinder

Upcoming Tests

Dear Students and Parents of 324,

We have the Lesson 5 ("It Takes Talent!" Test on Friday as usual.  We will also be taking the Core Curriculum Standards test that is newly required by CPS that afternoon.  Please make sure your child does not miss this day.  A lot of germs have been spreading throughout the school, so it is highly important to make sure your child is taking proper precautions when it comes to staying healthy.

Our class will be taking the Theme 1 Test on Monday, October 24.  I will send home a study guide, and you can also find one in the Reading Lesson section of this web page. 

The last item I would like to address is the Personal Narrative Assignment.  The rough draft was due today, and we will be revising and editing them in class this week.  The final draft will be due this Friday, October 21. 

Email me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!
katie.marie.kinder@gmail.com

Love,
Ms. Kinder

Picture Day

Don't forget it is PICTURE DAY on Monday, October 17!  Bring your biggest, brightest smile to school!  Don't be late :)

First Day of School

Dear Students,

I truly enjoyed meeting each and every one of you today.  My heart tells me that 2011-2012 is going to be a great school year. 

Just a few things to remember

• Get a good night's rest.  No sleepyheads tomorrow!
• Eat a good breakfast for energy.
• Keep the talking in class to a minimum.  I know many of you were excited today, but I hope this will lessen as the week goes on.
• Get ALL forms signed.
• Please bring in all class supplies by the end of the week.  A POD 320 supply list can be found on Disney's website.

I'm looking forward to a productive, enriching year with all of you.

Love,
Miss Kinder

Welcome to Room 324

Dear Parents and/or Guardians of Room 324,

 

Welcome back to Disney!  I am thrilled at the opportunity to get to know you, and I am looking forward to a positive and productive year.  My name is Katie Kinder, and this is my third school year at Disney.  I have my BS in Elementary Education from Indiana University, and previous to teaching in CPS, I taught junior high grammar and writing in Indiana for two years.  I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and dreamed of being a teacher since I could read and write.  I feel truly blessed to be living out my dream every day at Disney.

 

My personal experiences contribute to my philosophy of teaching today in that the most meaningful learning takes place when students are motivated and interested. It is my belief that the way to achieve this is by giving students a voice in the learning process, and by assisting them in finding connections in the curriculum with their own life and interests. By allowing students to bring their own stories, experiences, and ideas into the classroom, this provides the students with opportunities to work together, to learn from each other, and respect each others’ differences.  I would like for my students to think of learning as a “want to” instead of a “have to.” 

 

I am a firm believer that the teaching process involves many elements – YOU being an essential part of this progression.  I believe that the teachers and parents must work hand-in-hand in order for the student to achieve the greatest level of achievement.  I realize that teaching your child is a tremendous responsibility that I take very seriously.  However, I cannot do this without your interaction and follow-up at home.  I hope to maintain open lines of communication to ensure the success of our goal.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time.  The easiest and most efficient mode of communication for me is via email (katie.marie.kinder@gmail.com), but also feel free to send in written notes, schedule a conference, or call me at the school number.

I will be sending home some forms for you to fill out.  Please send them back as soon as possible (the first homeroom to have them all completed and returned gets a prize!).  Some of these forms will be a way for me to understand your child’s strengths and target areas in the first few weeks.

I want to thank you in advance for your participation and commitment to your child’s academic excellence.  I look forward to meeting you in the very near future.

Sincerely,

Ms. Katie Kinder

katie.marie.kinder@gmail.com

A good teacher is like a candle - consuming itself to light the way for others.