Count Down to 5th Grade!!

Hello Families!!

I hope you all have enjoyed an adventurous, yet also relaxing summer.  I know it went by SO quickly!! I was lucky enough to do some fun traveling with my family, but also spent a lot of time moving into our new classroom.  The new space is beautiful and I can't wait for you all to return!  I wanted to write to let you know about a few things before the year begins.

• Our new classroom will be next to Winton in what is called the E wing.  Basically its the new space at the top of the ramp.  Students and families will get a chance to see it before school starts at our Welcome Back visit on Monday at 4 pm.  
• Given our new space, we will get to spend a lot more time as a 5th grade team than last year!  We will take the opportunity to intermingle with the other 3 classes as much as possible.  We'll especially do this at the beginning of the year as we're getting reacquainted and establishing routines, expectations, and procedures.  
• Another change that we have planned for this year is that Vasanthi and I will be specializing in content areas.  I will focus on Literacy and Social Studies, and she will teach Math and Science.  This means I will be teaching all of her students and mine, and that all my students will go to her for Math and Science instruction daily.  This is new for us, so please be patient with us as we roll it out, but also ask questions as they arise.  The change will not be immediate, but we do plan to get to content earlier this year as this is one of the (many) benefits to looping.
• I will keep you informed through regular emails at the beginning of the year, and I plan to continue to use SeeSaw this year.  Please look for posts from your child each weekend.  I can certainly send along parent access instructions again if needed.  
• We have new administration this year as I'm sure you know.  I hope that you get a chance to meet both Alison and Scott sometime early in the school year!
• Additionally (so many big changes!!), there is a new procedure for pickup/drop-off.  The busses will now drop-off and pick up in the circle, and parents must go to School St. and drop students off along the sidewalk beside the school.  There will be signs, clear pavement markings, and we will even have police support early in the year as we all adjust to the change.  Please honor all the requirements as they were put in place for the safety of the students.  

Again, I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again and being together.  I have enjoyed getting to see some of the students around town and at bookclub this summer, but have missed everyone regardless and can't wait to get together again!! 5 more days....

Let me know if you have any questions.  

Cara :)

Here is a link to our Summer letter if you need it.