September 9, 2015

                            Here's what's happening...

Progress Reports and Newsletters:    
           Your child should have handed you a progress report today.  This report will show all recorded assignments up to this date.  If your child is missing any assignments, you will see a "Missing Assignment" sheet attached.  All missing work must be turned in right away.  
       We are trying to use less paper, so this turquoise colored newsletter will be the last one we will send home for you to read. You can find all newsletters on this blog.  When you receive them, please let me know, so that I know you are up to date on what's going on in our classroom.  
       Also, in the future, we would like you to check your child's progress by going to PowerSchool.  If you don't have your PowerSchool login information, you will need to get that from Mrs. Griffith in the front office.  If you have a problem checking your child's progress report online, please let me know and I can make a hard copy for you. 

Electronic Forms: 
       If you have not yet signed the electronic forms for Safe Schools, Acceptable Use Policy, and the Media Release, please do that asap. I have been waiting until all parents have signed the AUP so that I can begin an Internet project with your students. 

Reading:  
       Do you know how your child is doing?  If your child's goal is to earn one of the higher awards (Presidential or Freedom), s/he should have read two or three books by now.  This week, the Response Journals are due tomorrow (Thursday) instead of Wednesday. 
       Our first book project is due on Wednesday, September 23.  I will send home a list of options your child may choose from to present his/her book to the class.  The book project needs to be about a BIOGRAPHY book. 
       

Cedar Mountain Field Trip, Monday, September 21: 
       We will be stopping at an extinct volcano, exploring Mammoth Caves, and hiking the Alpine Loop Trail at Cedar Breaks.  This field trip is in conjunction with our science unit on Earth Science.  
       Your child will need to bring a flashlight, long pants, sturdy shoes, a jacket, and water.  We will leave at 9:00 AM and return at 3:20 PM.  We will need parents to chaperone, so if you'd like to accompany us, let me know.

PTA Bash 'n Splash and other info:  
       Aquatic Center on Saturday, September 12 6:00-8:00 PM.  Swimming is free, but you may purchase tickets for the other activities.  Tickets will be sold in advance after school on Thursday and before school on Friday.  
       School shirt orders need to be in by September 14.  
       You can still sign up for PTA alerts by text or email.  
       Please link your Smith's shopping reward's card to South Elementary.  This is a good fundraiser for our school.  
       School Pictures will be on Friday, September 25.   

Parent Conferences (SEPs) will be the week of September 28-October 2. Please let me know right away if a certain day not good for you (or if one is best for you), or if you would like to meet me in the morning before school (7:45, 8:00, or 8:15).  

       As I get to know your students, I am impressed with you as parents and how you have taught them at home.  They are great kids with high standards.  Thank you for sharing them with me this year!
                                        
                                                -Jeanne Payne

P.S. Please sign the bottom section of the turquoise colored newsletter your child brought home today.  Send it back by Friday.