Happy New Year!

January 3, 2011


Dear Parents,

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am so happy to report that our class is off to a FANTASTIC start already! It’s time to get back into gear and continue to create good work habits to start the year in a positive way. Students should still be using their BOBCAT Organizer every day. PLEASE remember to check and SIGN your child’s agenda each night! An extra special THANK YOU for all those who gave me holiday cards and presents. Your thoughtfulness and generosity made my break start off with a huge smile and a warm heart. This is such a special class, and I’m excited to see what the next chapter of our learning adventure will hold.

REPORT CARDS GO HOME WEDNESDAY!

Please check your child’s backpack for his/her report card on Wednesday. Please sign the envelope where indicated and then return the ENVELOPE ONLY on Thursday. It was a tough quarter for most of the students, with many struggling to stay on top of their work. The great part of the new year, is all the students have a chance for a fresh start. Here’s to a great 3rd quarter!!!

READING OLYMPICS: The “Reading Olympics”continues! The kids are reading like crazy! WHOOO HOOO!!! I’m thrilled to see such enthusiasm. I will be having a first semseter “mini” awards ceremony on Friday. This will hopefully get everyone even more excited and celebrate all the books we’ve read so far.

Please encourage your child to do his/her PERSONAL BEST and strive to earn the award (Bronze, Silver or Gold) they feel is attainable. Students still need to keep an official log of the books read (you can find a copy on my website if you misplaced yours – the original sheet should be in your child’s red reading folder). Please remember, this is NOT an optional activity, as it will be graded. I can’t wait to see how far the students soar with this challenge!

Our TRIP “BACK IN TIME” TO TUBAC/TUMACACORI is coming up on February 17th. More information to come next week. There is very limited space on this trip for parents, so I accept chaperones on a first come, first served basis. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested in going. Remember, parents who act as chaperones must also dress in period costume to participate.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: At the beginning of the year, we asked for $50 from each family to cover field trip costs and supplies. With the trip coming up in February, it is crucial that we get the money by the January 24th at the latest to cover the cost of the busses. Since the trip gets back after normal school hours, we cannot take regular school busses. The fees have gone up this year, so we really need your help to make this trip happen. If you have already paid this fee via tax credit, THANK YOU! Please let me know you paid by tax credit on the homework cover sheet. If you still need to pay, please make your checks payable to “Harelson” and mark “4th grade field trip” on the info line. Thanks again!

As always, you can contact me via email at bkeene@amphi.com or call me at 696-6030 with any questions.

Happy New Year!

Mrs. Keene