Back To School
Who is Mrs. Atkinson/Contact info A Day in the Life a Kindergartner Playdates and Change in Dismissal Plans Homework/Grading Volunteering Field Trips/Kindergarten Highlights Methods of Communication School Supply Donations Parent/Teacher Conferences Housekeeping Homework for You Questions
I am from Maryland. I live in Bethesda with my husband Jess. I have 3 children who are all recent college graduates. (2 boys and a girl) This will be my 15 th year teaching I love to travel, cook, and enjoy my new life as an empty nester.
Natalie_P_Atkinson@mcpsmd.org School phone number 301-320-6506
Time Subject 8:50 AM Arrival/Unpack 9:00 AM Morning Meeting 9:10-10:50 Reading 10:50-11:30 Specials (Art, Music, and PE) 11:30-12:10 Recess 12:10-12:40 Lunch 12:40-1:45 Math 1:45-2:30 Writing 2:30-2:50 Snack 2:50-3:25 Science/Social Studies 3:25 Dismissal
Arrival Outdoor Line Up May arrive as early as 8:40 Line up near the classroom door at 8:45 Students need to be supervised and can use the playground to play. 5th patrol outside that will bring students in after two weeks. K teachers greet for the first two weeks. Students should be in classrooms by 8:50. After 8:45, students must enter through front entrance Indoor Line Up 8:40 Gym Seated and Lined up by homerooms Supervised by staff and patrols K teachers pick up and take to class. Tardy After 9:00 Students are considered late and need to be signed in by a parent or guardian in the office. We are not allowed to open our doors once the class has entered the building.
Students gather in a circle first thing on the carpet. Components Greeting Students greet each other by name, often including handshaking, singing, movement, and other activities. Sharing Students share some news or information about themselves and respond to each other, articulating their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a positive way. Group Activity The whole class does a short inclusive activity. Morning Message Students practice academic skills and warm up for the day ahead by reading and discussing a daily note to the class posted by the teacher
Whole Group Lesson (10-15min) o As needed o Read aloud based on an objective or skill for the day. o Phonics game based on a objective or skill for the day Small Group Instruction (15-20 min per group) Literacy Stations Areas within the classroom where children work with others using instructional materials to explore and expand their literacy while teacher meets with students in reading groups. Closure - A whole class discussion where students share what they learned during reading that day.
(Music, Art, and PE) Our Schedule Monday TBD Tuesday - PE Thursday TBD Media Mrs. Stoll our librarian reads a curriculum related text followed by book check out. Library books are due back two weeks after the checkout date. Computer Lab
Structure of Math Workshop. Classroom routines (Calendar, Attendance, Question of the Day, Counting Jar) Whole Group Lesson (10 min) - A time where the teacher models or introduces a new activity or concept, leads a class discussion, or clarifies how Math Workshop will proceed. Math Workshop/Stations (40 min) - A structure of meaningful activities that address the curriculum indicators. The activities repeat throughout the year to help students build deeper understanding and make connections. Activities are differentiated to meet the needs of students, and approach learning as problem solving. Closure (10min) - A whole class discussion where students share patterns or notices from the math lesson.
Types of Writing o Personal Narratives o Pattern Books o How to Books o Information Books o Fictional Stories Structure o Mini lesson based on concept or skill o Discussion with talking partner o Independent writing while teacher conferences with students o Author Share
Lunch They eat in the cafeteria daily. They use a personal pin number to buy lunch. Practice helping opening up containers and lids. Snack Please send in a nutritional snack with your child EVERYDAY. Clearly label your child s snack to ensure that they do not eat their snack during lunch. Pack it separately from their lunch. Some quick and easy snack ideas include apples, bananas, trail mix, and cheese.
Science units include: Engineering, Design, and Process Life sciences (life cycles of plants and animals) Social Studies units include: Civics Culture Geography History Economics Integrated sometimes in the language arts block.
Dismissal 3:25 Crab bus riders and Whale bus riders Patrols pick up all students and take students to their bus. After Hours Staff will come and get students. Walkers and Car Riders Parents/Designated Pick Up Persons will meet students at the Kindergarten doors. Please keep office/teachers updated on any pick up person changes. After School Activities Patrols will take participants to a classroom where they will then be picked up by after school activity teacher. Tardy - (After 3:30) Please pick your child in the office.
Change in Dismissal Plans If there is a change in dismissal plans before the day begins, please send a hand written note and paperclip it to the front of their folder. If there is a change in dismissal information after the school day has begin, please contact your child s teacher and the office by 12:00PM via e-mail. Playdates Your child needs a handwritten note for playdates. ** We cannot always check email during the school day. Please be mindful in making any changes to dismissal and after school plans. It is important to let the office know as well as your child s teacher.
Homework Optional o Monthly o Electronic o Due at the end of the month o Begins MP2 Projects - Mandatory
Students will get a report card 4 times a year and at the end of each marking period. Please see the attached copy of the Report Card and grading criteria found on the back. We will go over in more detail at parent teacher conferences in November.
In the Classroom Reading Stations Mystery Reader Artist In Residence Special Celebration Speaker Field Trip Chaperone Parents will need to attend volunteer meeting run by the PTA and complete Child Abuse and Neglect training. PTA Various opportunities during the school year Carnival Book Fair Classrooms Parties Halloween Valentine s Day Kindergarten Celebration
Kindergarten Field Trips Artist in Residence Lunch Bunch Class Parties
Take Home Folder Please return each day to school. Hand written notes playdates Students need a note when riding the bus with another student. E-mail Change of dismissal plans for the day to teacher and THE OFFICE. (Always copy the office please) Classroom Newsletter/Email Blast twice a month regarding important dates and curriculum updates. Believe 50 percent of what is said about school and we will believe 50 percent of what is said about home.
School supply list is on the Westbrook Website under Westbrook PTA. Copy is in your folder. There might be additions as the school year progresses based on projects and needs. It is recommended that each child bring - Headphones labeled in a plastic bag - School box for Writers Workshop labeled with their name - Change of clothes labeled in a plastic bag
Sign up Genius this will be sent out in the next few weeks. They are scheduled in November with each conference being 20 minutes. Conferences are held once a year formally, but I am always able to meet again if needed. Please understand time limits and be respectful of the person who is next.
Forgotten Snack or other items Drop them off at the drop off table outside the Media Center across from the office. Let me know that they are there. Take Home Folder Check your child s folder daily and bring back the next day. Toys from home Students should only bring school supplies to school unless asked otherwise Coming to the classroom. Please check in with the office before coming to the classroom for any reason. We need to see a visitor badge. Birthday party policy We don t have parties. All food for classroom parties much be store bought. Afterschool Activities: Fall, Winter, Spring
Email Mrs. Atkinson-by first day - Parent names - Child s name in subject line Green Dismissal form-bring to Open House
Please write any questions on the index cards located in the bins at your table.