welcome parents! ms. morris kindergarten 2013-2014
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome Parents!
Ms. MorrisKindergarten2013-2014
First, a few words from our Principal, Laurie
O’Neill…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqgfBKcveB4
IntroductionsThe Awesome Austin Kinder Team!
Kristy Kaprelian, Christene McNeme, Madeleine Morris, Ally Cooper
All About Ms. Morris…
• Grew up in Cypress, Tx • Graduated from Texas A&M University (Whoop! )
• Oldest child of four:1 sister and 2 brothers
• Like to exercise, read, play with my dog and be outside in my free time
Experience• 2nd year at Austin
Elementary• 2nd year teaching
Kindergarten!• Student taught a
Kinder. class in CSISD
• Worked for several years with Pre-K and Kinder. students at BGCC
• Students should enjoy learning through a variety of activities
• High expectations for achievement and behavior
• Students must feel safe and know that I care about them
• Partnership and communication with parents is crucial!
& Philosophy
School Procedures
Arrival and Dismissal- Doors are unlocked at 7:30 and students are let into the gym. - At 7:40 the students can walk to class.
- If students arrive at 7:50 or later, they must go to the office to get a tardy slip.
- For daily changes in dismissal plans, please call the office or e-mail Ms. Morris before 2:00 if possible!
- If your child is absent, please send a written and signed note stating why your child was absent. This note must be turned in within 2 days.
School Code of Conduct
We are respectfulWe are responsible
We are safeWe are prepared
Because we are Austin Mustangs On a mission to EXCELLENCE!
Great Expectations
- No behavior clip chart
- Logical consequences
- Intrinsic motivation
- Voice levels
- Parent contact (email or call if
needed instead of a daily behavior
chart)
*The 8 expectations of living that our
class will be following are posted on my
webpage.
Kindergarten: Learning Responsibility
• Bring backpack, lunch, snack (healthy/in separate container) and water bottle daily
• Maroon Austin take home folders• Lunch: payments in the morning, Family
Fridays, music• Homework-reading and occasional home
projects• Clothes in the back of cubby• Tennis shoes for P.E.
Language Arts• Mini Lessons• Guided Reading Groups• Daily 5 Stations– Read to Self– Work on Words– Work on Writing– Listen to Reading– Read to someone (Starting in the spring)
Writing• Daily Composition
Journals
• Stages of Writing
• Handwriting Without Tears
Math
• Math Stations– Counting– Patterning– Graphing– Number Sense– Addition/Subtraction
• Hands on math:Not as many worksheets!
Technology
Kindergarten Expectations for technology…
•Working on Introducing rather than Mastering- Logging onto computers, proper
keyboard usage, etc.
Science
•FOSS kits:Animals, Fabric, Wood/Paper, Trees
•Science Journals
•Thinking Maps
Daily Schedule
A normal day in K1 looks like…7:50-8:30 Attendance/Call to Excellence/
Calendar8:30-10:20 Language Arts
Daily 5 Rotations Guided Reading Groups
10:05-10:20 Snack/Read Aloud10:20-11:05 Specials11:05-11:35 Writer’s Workshop11:35-12:35 Lunch/Recess12:35-12:50 Handwriting12:50-1:50 Math1:50-2:20 Science (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
Social Studies (Tuesday/Thursday)2:20-2:50 WIBA2:50-3:05 Pack up/Dismissal
Grading System & Progress Reports
• Each 9 weeks
• Standards Based
• District assessments/benchmarks
•Teacher observation
•Conferences: Beginning of October
*Sign-ups will be emailed out soon!
MS meets standards
AS approachingstandards
IPS insufficient progress
Special Information1. Parents entering the building
2. All volunteers MUST complete a criminal background check
3. Yellow pick-up cards
4. Birthday celebrations
5. Scholastic Book Orders
6. Box Tops
7. Nurse (Fever, Vomiting)
Special Days• College Days
- Every Wednesday- Everyone encouraged to wear a college t-shirt
• Rise and Shine Assemblies- 1st Friday of the month- Student led- Cheers/Birthdays/Celebrations- Great Expectations
• Spirit Days- 3 times a year- Wear Austin or Coppell t-shirt
- Character Trait winners recognized
Odds and Ends• Upcoming events in K1 will be posted on my
webpage in the section “Monthly Calendars”.
• My website is up, but more information will be added throughout the year. Keep checking back!
• Weekly newsletters will be emailed out (no paper copies) and posted on my webpage.
• Please contact me if you ever have any questions through…
Email: [email protected]: 214-496-7326MaroonTake Home Folders
Thank youfor coming!
I look forward to a wonderful year!
Please write a note to leave on your child’s desk before you go