Hello and welcome!

I'm happy to see that they took down the filter block on my blog so that I can get some info to you before dinner.  We had a bit more productive day today.  That first day is so full of rules and procedures that my throat gets tired from talking.  I tried to move them around enough to make it bearable.  I'm sorry that I couldn't write the blog.  I have a lot of information to get to you at the start of the year.  I hope I didn't lose my audience before we even get rolling.

Thank you to the parents who filled in the emergency cards and other forms and had them brought in this morning.  You had more homework than your child(ren) last night.  I'm asking all of my students to bring their assignment book and homework folder home with them every night.  Many put the two in their binder, which is great.  They should write in their assignment(s) under the correct date, and in enough detail that they can easily accomplish their task(s).  The website homework calendar is more for your benefit, but can be used as a back up. 

We played a turn of the century game this morning called Androscoggin.  In Androscoggin the goal is to make as many words as you can using a given set of letters from a word or phrase.  We used the letters from WELCOME BACK.  Using those letters, try to see if you can come up with more words than the class total of 57.  They did very well.  Words like MEEK count because there are two Es, one M and one K in the phrase.  BELL wouldn't count because there is only one L.  Got it?  Give it a try.  I'm sure your child would like to look over your shoulder while you try.

We had a fire drill today.  Wow, is that loud!  I covered my ears walking down the stairwell along with many of the students.  The class did very well going where they were supposed to and keeping quiet while I was one of the last adults out of the building.

Tonight's homework is a two-sided math sheet and a little reading.  We will be starting reading logs next week.  I require a minimum of five nights of reading per week, twenty minutes a night.  The kids can choose which nights.  This way if they are busy for a night or two they can plan ahead.  I thought I would get them warmed up with a twenty minute session tonight.  The math sheet involves a bit of addition and logic.  We started the sheet in school to make sure they knew what to do.  It shouldn't take too long.

We will be changing classes for our math block starting on Tuesday.  Sorting is being done based on the NECAPs, the NWEA, and teacher's input.  The plan is to put children with like abilities together.  We can always shift high or low performers to a class that will challenge them best.

I have a lot more to say, but I see the time is already nearing six.  I try to get this out before dinner time, so I'm going to stop here.  As long as my access continues, I will usually get this out sooner.  Once I get the software to do this on the school site, it will be easier on all of us.  You won't have to go to www.mrsheasclassblog.blogspot.com, and I won't have to worry about the ever changing blocking schedule of our school filter.

All for now.  Please call me on my cell if you have any questions or concerns about your child or school.  841-2599.

I liked the class yesterday, but I liked them twice as much today.  I'm sure I'll love them by the end of next week.

Thanks for reading,

Mr. Shea